Religion as a Cause of War & Violence | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Examples of Religious Conflicts

• Religious wars are documented in both sacred texts and historical records.
  • In the Old Testament, numerous accounts describe God aiding the Israelites in securing the Promised Land through violent battles.
  • The Crusades (11th–14th centuries), a series of conflicts between Christians and Muslims, saw both sides believing divine support ensured their victories.
• Historically, the drive to forcibly convert others to specific faiths has sparked wars, with some scriptural passages appearing to justify such actions.  
• The concept of holy war has been cited by some to rationalize violent acts, including terrorism.
• Groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, associating themselves with Islam, have fueled civil wars and committed terrorist acts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
• These groups, adhering to an extreme interpretation of Islam, are widely condemned by the majority of Muslims, who reject their threats against innocent civilians.
• In the UK, tensions between Christian denominations, particularly Protestants and Catholics, have historically led to conflict. 
• This was notably seen in Northern Ireland during “the Troubles” (1968–1998).
  • While often viewed as a political struggle, this period involved discrimination and violence targeting both Protestants and Catholics.

Contrast Between Promotion of Peace & Causing War

Religion and the Promotion of Peace

• Many religious individuals are committed to fostering peace, either through direct or indirect efforts.
• Some engage directly by working with organizations that assist war victims.
• Others contribute indirectly by donating to peace-promoting causes or participating in protests against war.
• Christians and Muslims often pray, individually or communally, for war victims or for an end to conflict and its associated suffering.
• Both Christians and Muslims promote peace in personal relationships by practicing forgiveness and seeking reconciliation rather than confrontation.
• Certain Christian and Muslim organizations actively work to foster peace and aid war victims.
  • Pax Christi, a Catholic group, focuses on resolving conflicts peacefully.
  • The Muslim Peace Fellowship advocates for peace, justice, and non-violence.

Religion as the Cause of War

• Conversely, religion has historically triggered wars and continues to do so in some cases.
• Wars have erupted when one religious group attempts to forcibly convert another nation’s people to their faith.
  • For Example, medieval Europe saw forced conversions of pagan communities to Christianity.
• Conflicts have also arisen over disputed religious sites significant to multiple faiths.
• In Jerusalem, holy sites sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians have sparked disputes.
• When religion fuels war, it can intensify resolve to defeat adversaries, as individuals feel they are defending their faith and values.
• Most wars, however, stem from non-religious causes, such as political, economic, ideological, or cultural factors.
• In some instances, religion is used as a pretext for war when other motives are the true drivers of aggression.