[Assuming his conversation with Buffy has already happened...] This is analogous at best, but are you familiar with the idea of a holy war? The aggressors fight for a lofty goal, oftentimes the appeasement of a high god, and will kill any who do not agree with their terms. There is sometimes an ideal that seeking an enemy's understanding before killing them will 'save' them.

But I digress. This is about what you have heard -- not my analysis.