See Also: holy(dictionary)
holy war(encyclopedia)
Holy See(dictionary)
holy(dictionary)
holy war(dictionary)
holy day(dictionary)
Holy(medicine)
holy water(dictionary)
Trinity, Holy(encyclopedia)
Holy Synod(encyclopedia)

holy war (sh)




Any war fought by divine command or for a primarily religious purpose.

The concept is found in the Bible (e.g., the Book of Joshua) and has played a role in many religions. The Crusades are Europe's best-known example. In Islam, the concept is called jihad. Wars in which religion plays a secondary or exacerbating role are not generally called holy wars.