Religious extremists often describe their actions as saving the world from evil out-groups. ... People who use religion to create conflict simply multiply this belief in their own superiority tenfold. The reason religious superiority leads to conflict is because it provides extremists a motivation for it .
Does religion cause conflict?
The Golden Rule. It is often claimed that religion causes conflict and war . It is true that sometimes deeply held beliefs can lead to clashes, and there have been many wars that were caused by disputes over religion and beliefs. However, for many people religion can be a power for peace.
How religious conflict affects society?
During violent religious conflicts, many people have been killed, maimed and wounded . There have also been wide spread disruption of economic activities with negative effects on productivity. Hundreds of churches and mosques, hotels and other related business as well as vehicles, private homes etc, have been destroyed.
What are the conflicts of religion?
Religious conflicts
What problems can religion bring to society?
Religious discrimination and persecution can also have harmful effects on a person’s well-being. Not only might some individuals experience anxiety, depression, or stress, some may be victimized by acts of physical violence, which can lead to posttraumatic stress as well as personal harm.
What is the root cause of religious conflict?
Religious conflicts arise as followers of one religion take to the extreme and impose their religious beliefs on others with different religions .
What is an example of religious conflict?
Crusades : A notable example of religious conflict; took place between Christian Europe and the Muslim-controlled Middle East region between the 11th and 15th centuries. Thirty Years War: Another example of religious conflict; took place between Catholic and Protestant Christians in Europe between 1618 and 1648.
What role does religion play in this conflict?
Religious communities also directly oppose repression and promote peace and reconciliation . Religious leaders and institutions can mediate in conflict situations, serve as a communication link between opposing sides, and provide training in peacemaking methodologies.
What are some conflicts in Christianity?
Christians have held diverse views towards violence and non-violence through time. Currently and historically there have been four views and practices within Christianity toward violence and war: non-resistance, Christian pacifism, just war, and preventive war (Holy war, e.g., the Crusades).
How many conflicts are caused by religion?
According to the Encyclopedia of Wars, out of all 1,763 known/recorded historical conflicts, 123, or 6.98% , had religion as their primary cause. Matthew White’s The Great Big Book of Horrible Things gives religion as the primary cause of 11 of the world’s 100 deadliest atrocities.
How does religion help society?
Given this approach, Durkheim proposed that religion has three major functions in society: it provides social cohesion to help maintain social solidarity through shared rituals and beliefs , social control to enforce religious-based morals and norms to help maintain conformity and control in society, and it offers ...
How has religion benefited society?
The practice of Religion also leads to a reduction in the incidence of domestic abuse, crime, substance abuse, and addiction. In addition, religious practice leads to an increase in physical and mental health, longevity, and education attainment .
Why is religion important to society?
Given this approach, Durkheim proposed that religion has three major functions in society: it provides social cohesion to help maintain social solidarity through shared rituals and beliefs , social control to enforce religious-based morals and norms to help maintain conformity and control in society, and it offers ...
What are the bad effects of religion?
Although lot of literature has been produced highlighting the strengths and benefits of religion, many have associated the following problems with religion: conflict with science, curtailing freedoms, delusion, claims of having the exclusive truth, fear of punishment, feeling guilt, immutability, instilling fear, ...
What are the causes of conflict?
There are five main causes of conflict: information conflicts, values conflicts, interest conflicts, relationship conflicts, and structural conflicts . Information conflicts arise when people have different or insufficient information, or disagree over what data is relevant.
What are positive effects of religion?
Religion gives people something to believe in, provides a sense of structure and typically offers a group of people to connect with over similar beliefs. These facets can have a large positive impact on mental health—research suggests that religiosity reduces suicide rates, alcoholism and drug use .
