In polytheistic religious tales, we often see “the enemy” in a particular light. In the Illiad, the Trojans are portrayed with honor, dignity, and intelligence. The fall of Hector is a tragedy, and the when the Greeks do pillage Troy, they are punished for their hubris (Odysseus in particular). This is because polytheistic traditions understand the whole “multiple viewpoint” theory of reality. Nobody is right, everybody’s got their own perspective, and your God of Thunder is actually my god of thunder with a different name. Polytheistic tradtions tend to absorb other cultures rather than destroy them.
In monotheistic traditions, “the enemy” is not painted so sympathetically. All those who stand against the Chosen People are brutes, dullards, and simpletons who just don’t get that I AM is the One True God… and must be destroyed for their ignorance. They can’t be shown the truth – they just ignore it, even when it hits them in the face. The only solution is murder.
Even when Jesus comes along, with his preaching of forgiveness, pacifism, and unconditional love… all those who don’t agree that he’s Da Boss will be sent down to EVERLASTING, EVERBURNING, EVERSUFFERING PUNISHMENT FOR THEIR LACK OF FAITH!!!
That’s your Friday thought. Now, go have a hotdog.