Religion is often closely tied to ethnic identity , economic standing and self image . Should a group of Christians feel threatened , religion is a verifiable , culturally important label to use in creating a " them-and-us " mentality . This is particularly the case where both groups are from a broadly similar cultural group , for example the break up of Yugoslavia and the Lords Resistance Army in Uganda . In situations where the opposing ethnicities are more diverse , skin color or cultural practices are also sometimes used as identifiers of the other . In these cases terrorists may identify themselves as Christian , but not be motivated by any particular interpretation of Christian belief . For example Anders Behring Breivik , who considers himself to be ' culturally Christian ' , claims no strong religious beliefs , but cited saving Christian Europe as motive for his attacks . The use of Christianity in this way serves as a legitimating device for violence and claims solidarity with a wider social group . In such cases Christianity is a label and does not necessarily have connection to any Christian texts , beliefs or practices
his attacks
2011 Norway attacks
Christian terrorism