There appear to be trends in the recent wave of religious terrorism. Groups that engage in religious terrorism have typically formed in response to an economic, political, or social crisis coming from either within or outside the group or country. They attempt to further their cause by resorting to well-orchestrated violence. These religious groups rationalize their behavior by claiming divine authority. They target their violence towards specific symbols of their enemies on historically significant dates. Terrorist groups active since the 1970’s have also formed politically active grassroots organizations.
