Religion: Source of Conflict or Peace?
Religion: Source of Conflict or Peace?
Religion has a positive influence on people.
Religion has always had a great impact on masses. At some points, it was the source of conflict, but on the other hand, it was a force for peace and positive things. Nowadays, Western countries are concerned about Islam and Muslim fundamentalism in Islamic areas. It is a great threat for Western countries. People consider it as a source of wars and conflicts. There were several facts like the events of 9/11, terror acts that proved concerns of people; nevertheless, the war on terror was started by Western world caused indignation among people for whom Islam was just a source of peace and spiritual stability.
Opponents claim that religion is dangerous because it can be used to justify brutal actions. The Inquisition carried out its torture in the name of God. Religions like Islam justify “holy” wars against the “unfaithful” considering people of other religions.However, it is the strongest force, which can lead and direct people’s minds by infusing spiritual values. For instance, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. conducted nonviolent protests based on religious values.
Another point provided by opponents is that religion can be a source of extreme nationalism. In Christianity, Islam and Judaism God is described as “mighty warrior” or “mighty judge”. He punishes the unjust and disobedient ones. This idea that a nation is the instrument of God's will has led to war. Nevertheless, religion teaches us to be tolerant to the people of other races and religions. Most Western countries’ legal and ethical systems are based on biblical commandments that teach us to be tolerant and peaceful. Furthermore, the 28th president of the United States Woodrow Wilson suggested that there is a strong proximity between religious obligation and patriotism. Love of country is just similar to love of God. This idea itself leads to good deeds.
The final argument taken forward by opponents
Religion has a positive influence on people.
Religion has always had a great impact on masses. At some points, it was the source of conflict, but on the other hand, it was a force for peace and positive things. Nowadays, Western countries are concerned about Islam and Muslim fundamentalism in Islamic areas. It is a great threat for Western countries. People consider it as a source of wars and conflicts. There were several facts like the events of 9/11, terror acts that proved concerns of people; nevertheless, the war on terror was started by Western world caused indignation among people for whom Islam was just a source of peace and spiritual stability.
Opponents claim that religion is dangerous because it can be used to justify brutal actions. The Inquisition carried out its torture in the name of God. Religions like Islam justify “holy” wars against the “unfaithful” considering people of other religions.However, it is the strongest force, which can lead and direct people’s minds by infusing spiritual values. For instance, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. conducted nonviolent protests based on religious values.
Another point provided by opponents is that religion can be a source of extreme nationalism. In Christianity, Islam and Judaism God is described as “mighty warrior” or “mighty judge”. He punishes the unjust and disobedient ones. This idea that a nation is the instrument of God's will has led to war. Nevertheless, religion teaches us to be tolerant to the people of other races and religions. Most Western countries’ legal and ethical systems are based on biblical commandments that teach us to be tolerant and peaceful. Furthermore, the 28th president of the United States Woodrow Wilson suggested that there is a strong proximity between religious obligation and patriotism. Love of country is just similar to love of God. This idea itself leads to good deeds.
The final argument taken forward by opponents