There have been heated debates concerning contribution of religion in advancing peace and causing conflict. Proponents of religion argue that it is a source of peace and tranquility in the world.
They further argue that religion is the main source of hope for people because it promotes peace thus enabling people live harmonious and happy lives. On the other hand, opponents argue that religion is one of the main reasons for conflict in the world. Careful study and analysis of the contributions of religion in world’s civilization reveal that it contributes to both peace and conflict.
Religion creates and fosters hope by empowering people through teachings that encourage peace. This is achieved by establishing cooperation between members of different religions. In the 21st century, religion has been a great force in advocating for justice in many regions of the world, especially underdeveloped and developing countries. Religion also rallies people against social injustices such as wars.
For example, in the 1980s, Eastern and Western churches came together to promote peace in the world by participating in the peace movement. Many religions are involved in charity work and humanitarian aid activities. In many third world countries, the largest proportion of the population is poor. This means that they barely afford basic human needs. Churches create organizations to help poor people improve their lives by feeding, housing, and educating them.
Before the world attained civilization, religion played a great role in causing conflicts. Religion was then a political institution that sought to amass wealth and power by conquering the world. Different religions fought wars in the name of their God, gods, and goddesses.
Today, violent conflicts are linked to religious affiliations based on race, culture, economic and territorial factors, and ethnicity. Most religious conflicts are based on differences in beliefs, teachings, and ideologies. Religion-based conflicts usually result in bloody wars because each religion considers itself superior to other religions.
One of the religious groups that promote hate thus causing conflict is the Islamic extremists. Their beliefs promote hate and violence among people based on their religious affiliation. In ancient days, radical Christian groups exist that believed in violence as a problem resolution strategy.
However, Christianity has evolved significantly and eradicated extremism in most of its sects. Difference in ideologies ad beliefs is observed in the main religions of the world. These include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. They all believe in one God but their beliefs and teachings are different.
Some religions advocate for structural violence by establishing authoritarian decision-making structures that suppress efforts to promote egalitarianism. In many countries, churches have supported and promoted policies of dictatorial regimes. Recently, the Vatican supported the eminence of military rule in Haiti by rejecting the candidature of Aristide. This is clear evidence of religion’s involvement in promoting conflict either directly or indirectly.
Islam has been accused many times of promoting hate and violence in the world. Its Jihad teaching has been a major cause of conflict and war especially in the Middle East and other parts of the world. Extremist groups such as Al Qaeda and Al Shabab use this teaching to launch attacks on members of different religions. The Middle East has undermined the eminence of religious tolerance as an avenue for peace and tranquility in the region.
Historically, religion has been the cause of some of the bloodiest wars in the civilization of the world. This is because religion was a political entity that sought wealth and power. Religious leaders were powerful people who controlled larger regions and multitudes of people. Different religions fought wars in the name of their God, gods, and goddesses. Today, violent conflicts are linked to religious affiliations based on race, culture, economic and territorial factors, and ethnicity.