Letter: Dueling belief systems dangerous

I just have to get this off of my chest:

After the massacre in Orlando, people inevitably ask why. The answers are full of speculation and confusion, but really miss the mark by a wide margin.

Recently, most of these violent attacks are the result of one common human trait: faith.

Almost all civilized societies subscribe to a belief system based on ancient myths that are lacking in one thing: evidence. Truth absolutely requires evidence to support it. Man-made myths require no evidence; only strong salesmanship and overwhelming propaganda. All powerful myths require faith first, thus abandoning reason. If you have faith you can believe in anything because you need no supporting evidence.

Those followers and supporters of ISIS have bought into a belief system that makes violence ethically and morally appropriate with after-life rewards.

So, what can be done to eliminate the danger of more attacks? I don’t have the answer, but I do believe that a panic reaction could be counterproductive. It is extremely difficult to alter opposing ideas. Where the confusion comes in, we, ourselves, use our faith as an offense and a defense, so it’s belief system vs. belief system. Frankly, I don’t see a winner.

We have been expending resources in a struggle against our enemies for a long time, but I don’t see evidence of much success. I, for one, am still looking for the truth with supporting evidence.

This story was originally published June 24, 2016 at 3:55 PM with the headline "Letter: Dueling belief systems dangerous."