Does religion make armies stronger?

[TubbyTubby]

Depends on the type of warfare I would think. There are so many types of conflict now that it's difficult to make a blanket statement and both sides now play a different game. A radical suicider can cause mayhem but if the enemy are known and localised then airstrike technology will win the battle.

For now, our favorite extremists are limited in their firepower but it would be difficult to argue that, given access to modern warfare tech, they would be any less of a force than an 'atheist army'.

[Shuffle]

It sure did make the Nazi Army stronger!

[ReptilianPeon]

Maybe they get marginally stronger because of the Placebo Effect? Religious people tend to live a little longer, if I remember rightly. I suppose this is because they worry less because they can just pray.

[Anomalocaris]

In the modern world, small margin of technological superiority strengthens an army much more than large margins In religious fervor. Large margins in religious fervor, on the other hand , do tend to make it less likely for an army to possess superior technology.

So you be the judge, does religion make an army stronger?

[vorlon13]

Didn't Iran try 'human wave' attacks against Iraq back in the 80s?

I think that tactic cost them millions of lives.

(NEBAS)

[Minimalist]

The Iraqi army had every technological advantage needed over ISIS.  In the end, the only thing they used were good running shoes.

[Athene]

Would you want to meet this on the battlefield?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3mDLsyn6ns

Sure.  I think I could shoot it with a clear conscience.

That would be uncalled for. And so very darx-cytid!

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Yes, all armies require canon fodder. Religion can supply an army with it in droves.

[rado84]

Does religion make armies stronger?

No. It makes them weaker. Religious soldiers don't think, they just do things. Religious soldiers will die to impress a non-existing creature thus weakening the strength of the entire army.

[Dystopia]

Does religion make armies stronger?

No. It makes them weaker. Religious soldiers don't think, they just do things. Religious soldiers will die to impress a non-existing creature thus weakening the strength of the entire army.

This is precisely why it gets stronger - They don't think and just obey, live slaves. There's no difficulty in sacrificing lives for the cause.

In my opinion, any greater cause people believe in, whether it's a religion or a noble or evil ideology, can work as a motivating factor for armies. Anything can, really. If my soldiers feel horny and I tell them they can rape everyone after winning the war (and they are evil or indifferent enough to rape a bunch of people) they'll get motivated.

[abaris]

In my opinion, any greater cause people believe in, whether it's a religion or a noble or evil ideology, can work as a motivating factor for armies.

Reflecting soldiers aren't desirable for any brass. On the other hand, sacrificing soldiers isn't exactly desirable either, since it weakens the army.