Religion + War

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You know it really annoys me when people say, that Religion causes War. I don't think it does.

I think the misunderstanding of Religion causes War. Discuss.

When a group of people are under a certain situation (being oppressed, for example), they will wage war on others no matter what belief or religion the group of people are. Athiests wage war too, like the communists in China fought a bloody war before defeating the KMT. The state religion in China is atheism.

Religious groups may use religious references in their war but without the religion, its not like there would've been peace. For example, if the Palestinians were athiests, they would've still waged war against Israel. I don't think athiests would like to be displaced and become refugees either. Of course, they use religious references like "a suicide bomber is guaranteed paradise" but there would be conflict either way.

Otherness causes war. Religion is such an important part of many cultures that it inevitably acts as the catalyst. The religion need not be misunderstood at all to be used as an excuse for war, it merely needs to be different.

Of course it does.

^^ Greetings Alternative.

I believe that I have happily voted "yes" to your poll. However, this is because you written "play a part in war". I believe that in many wars this is the case, but not all.

I do not believe however, that religion causes war. I believe that individuals cause wars. I agree very much with KaiG in that religion may act as a catalyst. Wars appear to be caused by humans disagreeing with one another. Of course, then, the humans may disagree concerning their religions.

Although, we must perhaps consider why disagreements over religion in particular create wars. As for instance, it is very unlikely that two nations would war over a grapefruit I feel.

Religion is a type of very strong belief in many cases. Also, leaders may manipulate their followers by using religion as a reason to carry out war.

I feel that if there was no religion, there would be some other great beliefs that would cause war. These have already taken place: for instance, the American phobia of communism caused the Vietnam war.

Sorry if I am incorrect.

Like others have said, religion has often been a catalyst for war but there is usually a different, underlying cause.

Holy wars are always the bloodiest of conflicts, but religion is always just a pretext for it.

-Bill, otherwise known as Kraichgauer

Of course religion plays a part in war.

But more to your point, religion doesn't cause wars, people cause wars for their own greedy purposes. Religion is the moral justification that the greedy people use to justify their immoral behaviors.

Religion has been the driving force behind plenty of wars, and individual Religions (Catholicism, Islam etc) have caused plenty of wars directly. (Several crusades.) Having said that, wars have broken out over different interpretations of the same religion as well, (The Albigensian crusade against Catharism, or the Almoravids fighting the Almorads) and sometimes secular authorities have used religion as a reason for personal gain. (The sack of Constantinople, or the conquest of Prussia by the Swordbrothers/Teutonic Knights) to cherry-pick a few medieval examples.

Oda Nobanaga: Unification of significant territories, under Nobunaga. While Nobunaga had no particular worship to any particular deity, he was very tolerant of religions. He even fought Buddhists cults (on the grounds that they were sowing disunity). His motives for war was to unite a Japan, suffering as a Failed State as the Muromachi shogunate, imploded after Ōnin War. He didn't realize that many peasants banded together as militias to defends themselves against raiders, gangs, psychopaths, especially the religious. Personally Nobunaga wasn't fond of religion, but this was the least of his concerns as Provincial governor of Iwari, he ultimately began his crusade as a self defense against the Saitos of Gifu. He was able to create a very powerful mini state (which was loyal to the shogunate government, ruling on behalf of the Emperor). But he tolerated religion for others in his "country". Everyone misunderstood him, because war is the greatest example of the depths of savage wild animalism that the Homo Sapien
(Mutated, cavemen) can engage in, Nobunaga was a warlord who killed many people again religious movements (such as Buddhists). that didn't accept the reintegration of a fallen state example.

-American revolution. Although many American Freedom fighters were religious and perhaps joined for religious motives, the leaders were religious BUT, they preferred a secular government. George Washington, (1st President), John Adams (2nd President), Thomas Jefferson a prominent Atheist, was President (3rd President), Abraham Lincoln (Sweet 16th President), James Monroe (5th President Defiantly an Athiest), Andrew Jackson.

-The Chinese communist revolution.
- The Vietnam war
-The Cuban revolution (Fidel Castro although a Roman Catholic, was excommunicated and he's fine with that).
-Naxalite revolution in India (They control 40% of India, and are growing. They're communists).
-The Maoist revolution in Nepal deposed an Avatar of Vishnu.
-

-Napoelon's wars, installed as the head of a Trimaulive

I say "no" for the following reason.

"Religion" does not equate to spiritual beliefs.

There is an ongoing agenda (likely for as long as man's been around) to manipulate anything to control the masses. The Crusades were done by the Roman Catholic Church, but you can't defend what they did based on what the Bible actually teaches.

Likewise, Islam was drafted by a man who wanted destruction of anyone he didn't like. Based on some decent moral principles but easily crafted into a religion that preaches zero tolerance for anyone who does not submit to it.

When people want to say "religions start war," I say nonsense. Men who want war find a way to twist anything at hand, including religious institutions to get what they want. Usually, the men who want war are not the least bit spiritual or interested in enlightenment, but they need a tool to compel the masses to submit to their wishes. Every leader has claimed (in one form or another) to rule on the authority of God.

As I like to say, that God doesn't instantly smite the unjust ruler doesn't mean God has personally endorsed him. I consider myself spiritual, but what I know about politics, human nature, and the inclination of those in power to manipulate the masses through any means necessary makes be very careful about anything I hear preached from the pulpit. There's a lot of junk I've heard come down the pike that cannot be defended from what's written in the Bible, and it bothers me how easily so-called learned men and women get swept along with the propaganda.

Religion is not the cause of all war, but it certainly does help start wars whenever possible.

Or be used as justification to go to wars, when leaders need to manipulate the masses to go fight for them.

False religion (the big phonies) are just the ponds for war lords.

Faithful Christians (only living by bible morals- Greek scriptures) will not bless the guns, or worship the flag, nor pledge to do good or bad for their country. In war time all are asked to pick up the gun and shoot your countries enemies. Only true Christian would die first then kill for country.
It is not if you’re religious or not. It is about doing what you’re told to keep your life or not.
Do you have morals higher then true Christians to choose death then kill on the orders of another man.
95% would fail this test.
So are you that highly moral and mighty then "religion" that such bad things could never befall you.
If most of the religions could be crushed to obey the kings command. How could you take a stand alone, just you, even without God's help?
Every war is the same.
Those that live are sent into battle to die; only the already killed ones have no blood on their hands (but not all die - by God's help)

What? We can't choose "Yes, but Don't Care"?

Yes, and in modern times if we were able to take Islam out of the picture we would be pretty close to world peace.