A religious war or holy war (Latin: bellum sacrum) is a war primarily caused or justified by differences in religion. My prayer is that, far from contributing to the rather erroneous view that religion causes all wars, Christians would witness to the world that Christ our saviour has broken every wall. Lots of wars certainly look as if they are motivated by religion. Most religions specify that violence is not allowed and yet extremists will cause major destruction in the name of their God. Religion, Hitchens claimed, causes sectarianism, division, strife, disagreement, war, poverty and a host of societal evils. Religion can get caught up in war. Let's first address the claim that religion causes most wars and look at the actual statistics throughout history to refute this nonsense. Cause Effect Essay - Religion Causes War Religion makes enemies instead of friends. This is a matter of historical fact. With what seems like disturbing regularity, the media reports horrendous acts of violence. This comes from our innate tendency to want other people to … However, to say religion is the cause of war is perhaps mistaken. Religion causes war. Religion causes war. . Religion Causes War. Religion Causes War. Religion and ideology are both secondary causes for war. The prayers were held in a Mosque, and leaders of the three great monotheistic faiths were present: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Causes of the Wars of Religion. Since time immemorial, men have fought each other in wars caused by religion. our world. There are at least three instances by which religion causes war. The first is when people try to compel other people to adopt their religion or religious perspectives. Religion, Hitchens claimed, causes sectarianism, division, strife, disagreement, war, poverty and a host of societal evils. Jews have committed genocide over nations for the sole reason to fulfill their cause. Wars fought for culture often wrongly appear to be fought for religion. Let's first address the claim that religion causes most wars and look at the actual statistics throughout history to refute this nonsense. "Religion causes wars" The British zoologist Richard Dawkins says that "religion causes wars by generating certainty". False assumption 2: Religion causes people to hate each other. Religion being a matter of dogma and in most cases a blind following of doctrines puts the various religions in a collision path due to the differences … Longman’s research confirms these conclusions. Germans living in New Zealand during World War I and II experienced this. Heck, religion has caused conflict even in my diverse and tolerant family. The first is when people try to compel other people to adopt their religion or religious perspectives. There are at least three instances by which religion causes war. Religion uses rites and ceremonies, such as circumcision and baptism, and "[p]olitics also depends on rites and ceremonies," even in avowedly secular nations. Many critics argue that throughout history, religion has been the single greatest source of human-caused wars, suffering, and misery. Wouldn’t it have been interesting to hear Simon and Matthew talk about their view of the Kingdom they were hoping Jesus would initiate? The first is when people try to compel other people to adopt their religion or religious perspectives. A World Council of Churches team that visited Rwanda in August 1994 reported: ‘In every conversation we had with the government and church people alike, the point was brought home to us that the church itself stands tainted, not by passive indifference, but by errors of commission as well.’. Religion appeals to myth and symbol, and politics "mimics" this appeal in devotion to the flag, war memorials, and so on. Fought after the Protestant Reformation began in 1517, the wars disrupted the religious and political order in the Catholic countries of Europe. And so we stand in a place in time where must we consider our response to the fears of Through much of my life I was forced to sit through a history class. An essentially peaceful religion can become more violent and aggressive in its thinking when it is imbedded in a people who live in a climate of fear, violence and humiliation. Does religion cause most wars? All rights reserved. You can read 'War Cry' at your nearest Salvation Army church or centre, or subscribe through Salvationist Resources. ‘Irreligion’ is a greater cause of war than religion. Religion has sometimes helped reduce or even stop war—such as here in New Zealand when one common inspirational response made by Maori to the gospel was to cease applying the rule of utu and to apply the rule of forgiveness instead, setting the captive slaves free in the process! Mao Tse-Tung in China and Pol Pot and Cambodia also disregarded their culture’s traditional faiths. Its partisans massacred a Huguenot congregation at Vassy (1562), causing an uprising in the provinces. Since time immemorial, men have fought each other in wars caused by religion. www.confidentchristians.org 14. Our view of Christianity and its relation to war and violence is a subject worthy of thought, as we seek to shape our faith in a way that reflects the love we have for God and as we seek to honour him. Many wars have led to large numbers of people leaving their countries yearning for a better life. Atheists often claim that religion fuels aggressive wars, both because it exacerbates antagonisms between opponents and also because it gives aggressors confidence by making them feel as if they have God on their side. That one word, "religion," covers all the horizon of memory with visions of war, of outrage, of persecution, of tyranny, and death. In that context it can be hard to determine whether the religion was intrinsically evil and violent, or was ‘turned’ that way by the extreme context it existed within. The racism and ghettoization of Islamic people in France has been identified by many as a likely contextual factor that could lead disaffected young people toward the kind of violence that is now emerging there. However, to say religion is the cause of war is perhaps mistaken. In these classes I learned about many cultures, religious, and Wars. There are at least three instances by which religion causes war. religion is just the fuel they use to get people to fight for them, as it is easier to get some to fight for something they belief in than getting them to fight on your side. Email: General Enquiries, Divisional Enquiry Details Our view of Christianity and its relation to war and violence is a subject worthy of thought, as we seek to shape our faith in a way that reflects the love we have for God and as we seek to honour him. Some have found what they were looking for, but others have found isolation and marginalisation in their adopted countries. Through much of my life I was forced to sit through a history class. Fax: +64 4 802 6259 Examples include the crusades, sectarian Catholic and Protestant violence in Europe, and support for the Apartheid system in South Africa. It turns out that in recent times atheistic political regimes have started more wars than has religion. Since time immemorial, men have fought each other in wars caused by religion. There are numerous examples of religious wars. There are at least three instances by which religion causes war. Atheists and secular humanists consistently make the claim that religion is the #1 cause of violence and war throughout the history of mankind. Thought needs to be given on how to respond to this. A common claim made by many atheists is that religion causes evil, suffering, division and war. But the War Audit set out to identify conflicts that were more closely linked to religious belief than to political causes - that could most properly be called religious wars. No wonder, then, that a violent and reactive kind of religion has appealed to some. Religion is powerfully motivating and belligerent humans fight over it. of The Salvation Army. I would argue that a major cause of most (but not all) wars is religion. We can easily remember the Crusades, which were nothing but a war between Christians and Muslims, civil conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in England and Northern Ireland, wars between the Sunnis and the Shiites in Muslim countries. What can we, as Christians, bring to the conflict that seems to be affecting many around the world? Religion has often acted as a corrective to state violence, with variations of the ‘do unto others what you would like others to do unto you’ golden rule, which is not only found in Christianity. www.confidentchristians.org 14. And John Lennon encouraged us to: Registered charity number CC37312. 15.19). Since time immemorial, men have fought each other in wars caused by religion. That one word brings to the mind every instrument with which man has tortured man. The causes of a war are usually numerous, and several reasons for a conflict can be intertwined in a complicated way. Will we greet the refugee fleeing from desperate situations of poverty and violence? This is a matter of historical fact. In reality, people groups, states and empires resorted to war for multiple reasons, including economic and social concerns. Although religion is often cited anecdotally as a root of conflict, little empirical research has been done on the link. The alarming conclusion I’ve come to is that religion is the primary cause of war. They were highly critical of the Islamic State group, and they asked about whether religion causes war. Religion is a unique force in society. In these classes I learned about many cultures, religious, and Wars. To demonstrate this point, let’s look at the 20th century. A striking example of this is the genocide in Rwanda. Does Religion Cause War Argumentative Essay. It could be tempting to score points on Islam in making the most of the obvious evil carried out in its name by some. And that we, as his followers, are prepared by word and in deed to be a light to the world in a time of darkness. All repudiated this kind of violence and referred to the teachings of love and acceptance inherent in their respective faiths. Religion Causes War. RELIGION CAUSES WAR: PROS AND CONS There are many arguments and counter-arguments when discussing the topic of religion causing war. All were concerned that the fear and hate building in much of the world should not spill into New Zealand. The first is when people try to compel other people to adopt their religion or religious perspectives. A religion can also be greatly affected by the context that it exists within, so that we sometimes see religions respond to and reflect the anguish and fears of the culture and people it exists within. The question we have probably all faced on occasions is whether religion is the main cause of war, with the suggestion being made that the world would be a much more peaceful place if only there was no religion. In the modern period, debates are common over the extent to which religious, economic, or ethnic aspects of a conflict predominate in a given war. We hear reports from various commentators attributing this increase in violence around the world to religion. Religion appeals to myth and symbol, and politics "mimics" this appeal in devotion to the flag, war memorials, and so on. Even if there were a world with no religion, there would still be war. He had as a disciple Simon the Zealot, who belonged to a group that worked to incite violence and rebellion against the Roman Empire (a terrorist). Richard Dawkins has put it this way: “Religion causes war by generating certainty”. There are at least three instances by which religion causes war. Although in recent years there has been a lot of finger pointing at Islamic extremists, Christians can’t dodge the blame either. 125 likes. Ian Hutson explores the Christian response to ‘religious wars’ and to the violence we are witnessing around the world in the name of religion. This is a matter of historical fact. My favourite children’s Christmas story is Jesus’ Christmas Party, by Nicholas Allan, written from the perspective of the innkeeper. The same thing that triggers all crime,cruelty, loss of life, and other such things… www.confidentchristians.org 15. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. Religion causes war. Children gunned down, innocent civilians killed by bombs or bullets, and hostages executed publically when demands aren’t met. We are called to follow Jesus, who has broken down every wall. Religion causes war. Take away a humans natural capacity for aggression, greed and self-preservation and what you have left are his positive traits and his values which generally serve as the basis of our religions. Anonymous June 14, 2013. The war in 1991 in Yugoslavia pitted Catholic, Orthodox Christians, and Muslims against each other in a very bloody war. argues that: The two principal causes of war are culture and greed for territory, resources or power. In his research on Christian churches and genocide in that country, Timothy Longman notes the extensive criticism faced by that country’s Christian churches, not only for failing to oppose the genocide, but for complicity in the violence. RELIGION CAUSES WAR: PROS AND CONS There are many arguments and counter-arguments when discussing the topic of religion causing war. Religion Causes War." However, the primary cause for all war is sin. Many theories have been put forth over the years as to why wars happen, and some of the greatest minds have offered their take on the subject. The accusation that religion causes war is especially simplistic when applied to … What causes war are the traits of human beings in general. This argument has the advantage of having some validity. Religion puts a check on political power, and tyrannical regimes suppress it. He spoke to and about Samaritans in a positive way, despite the prevailing view of disdain and even hatred for Samaritans at that time. Although it is widely thought that religion causes war, it is clear that it does not and there are many other causes to wars around the world. © Copyright 2021, The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. The spread of French Calvinism persuaded the French ruler Catherine de Médicis to show more tolerance for the Huguenot s, which angered the powerful Roman Catholic Guise family. For example, at the Munk Debate in Toronto last November, Christopher Hitchens argued this very point against Tony Blair. That one word, "religion," covers all the horizon of memory with visions of war, of outrage, of persecution, of tyranny, and death. Lieut-Colonel Ian Hutson is the Divisional Commander of the Central Division in New Zealand. The historical evidence is quite clear: Religion is not the #1 cause of war. Islamic religious leaders that appear to articulate the reasons for their plight, a way of striking back, a cause to die for, a reason to live, and a people to belong to can be persuasive to young people, who have a palpable sense of being discriminated against. Instead, war is caused by clashes between different groups, bad government, high levels of corruption and poor relations with neighbouring countries. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. The European wars of religion were a series of Christian religious wars which were waged in Europe during the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries. Religion is caught up with terrorism and has played a part in many conflicts throughout history such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland or the conflict between Jews and Muslims in Palestine/Israel. The spread of French Calvinism persuaded the French ruler Catherine de Médicis to show more tolerance for the Huguenots, which angered the powerful Roman Catholic Guise family. Religion uses rites and ceremonies, such as circumcision and baptism, and "[p]olitics also depends on rites and ceremonies," even in avowedly secular nations. Bible scriptures say, “war is the cause of sin in the world not god” (King James Version, Matt. When the roots of our faith do not reach down fully into the depths of God’s love, fear and terror can follow. However a through examination of history reveals that that most of causes of wars and suffering are in fact secular, even the so-called "religious wars" that were The Crusades. Is indeed the cause of violence, but not ours; we are for peace, they are for war. That one word brings to the mind every instrument with which man has tortured man. Is indeed the cause of violence, but not ours; we are for peace, they are for war. Violence in religion even exceeds conflicts between different ethnic groups; it also happens within the same ethnic groups. Religion can get caught up in war. This comes from our innate tendency to … With the regularity that we hear the mantra ‘religion is the cause of all wars’, it would be easy to become disenchanted in our faith. The main Christian view of war ethics is contained in the doctrine of the Just War.. New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga & Samoa Territory. The question as to whether religion causes war is as controversial as the comparison of religions themselves. These wars were for territorial conquest, to control borders, secure trade routes, or respond to an internal challenge to political authority. The sinful human condition is the number-one cause of war and violence, not religion, and certainly not Christianity. We must admit that our own history is a mixed bag, and that violence has been perpetrated in the name of Christianity. Religion is irrational, archaic and dangerous—or so they say. The Jewish Rabbi prayed that violence would not define us and our religion. And the news that constantly beams into our homes and cars reminds us that the most violent and seemingly intractable contemporary conflicts (9/11, Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Bosnia, Sri Lanka) have taken place across lines of religious difference. False assumption 2: Religion causes people to hate each other. The alarming conclusion I’ve come to is that religion is the primary cause of war. War and religion: I don't think religion can be looked at as a "cause" for war. In addition, the media’s focus on the most sensational and negative aspects of any issue can raise emotions and lead to the demonising of a whole people. But, like so much else about the issue of religion’s relationship with war and violence, such generalisations are incredibly simplistic and misleading. Religion puts a check on political power, and tyrannical regimes suppress it. The European wars of religion were a series of Christian religious wars which were waged in Europe during the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries. 1517, the aim is to prove that religion is irrational, archaic and so! Cited anecdotally as a `` cause '' for war banner higher people terrorists! Tse-Tung in China and Pol Pot and Cambodia also disregarded their culture ’ s traditional faiths atheistic! Huguenot congregation at Vassy ( 1562 ), causing an uprising in the Catholic of! By which religion causes war history is a mixed bag, and for! 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