Why does Religion cause so much War?

Eliminating religion might eliminate one cause for wars, but it would also eliminate morality and the idea of right and wrong. Man's selfish nature would, then, cause more wars. Many wars were supposed to be fought in the name of religion but were actually for selfish reasons, like the procurement of land.

Religion does not cause wars though often men use it as an excuse to start a war all the best urban

In fact no true religion cause wars rather some people and their evils cause wars in the world.We know Jesus(pbuh)is coming to establish the first IDEAL WORLD STATE on this earth.For this purpose,he will lead all believers in a war against the last Antichrist and his followers.Even the stones and trees will indicate the presence of those evil followers,to be killed by the Believers......

It's not religion that causes wars, but wrong-headed thinking. It's people wanting to force their will on others. Religion is an excuse, but I believe it's a desire for power and control that causes wars.

There are some religions that are special, but most, if not the vast majority, are simply reflections of what the people already thing. When you boil down most religions, what are they? They are simply a large group of ideas that make up a world view. That's all. Take a look at Arab culture prior to Islam. They hated Jews. So when Muhammad created Islam, it included hatred of Jews. The religious views, mirrored the what the people already thought. Why do Muslims have to wash themselves before they eat? Because Islam teaches that. Why? Because Islam was created in the deserts of Arabia where people were in dusty dirty desert country, and everyone washed before they ate as a cultural practice. The Religion mirrors what the people already believed. The same is true with nearly every religion in existence. My point is that likely most war and violence is caused by human beings wanting to commit war and violence. Religion typically, just a convenient excuse to do what they already want to do. There are exceptions, but generally that's how it goes.

because theres no unity, everyone want to be at the top, no one want to follow one another thinking that their religion is more better than the others instead of being united, it doesnt matter of how many religion we belong but since we just talk about 1 single god then i guess its better if we can just respect each others belief than fight thinking that what they believe is the truth and the others is not.

Beause God is a warring being who tells His followers to destroy the enemies or we have some lying leaders who claims God told them what to do.

Religion is mankind's attempt to understand God. It does act like a catalyst that brings out the problems people already have. Once out then they can be dealt with. Man's greatest problem is that everybody wants to rule the world. We are all God's children. Everyone is special in their own way. How can mankind discover the true picture if everyone isn't free to express that which is special about them???? Think about this the next time you want to rule or control the world or others. There might just be something the other guy might see that you never could. I'm afraid religion will be around until it becomes obsolete.

Simply because religion has different views about many things written in every scriptures. At the same time, people put different interpretations and ideas because it is written indirectly and does not really says exactly the meaning of text. Some were clear enough but some were really vague and hard to explain. Religion is also believed that it has divided the people. Religion is so much powerpul that it can cause war and it can also solve wars and issues between people.

it depends on which religion u r talking about but i am assuming u r talking about Christainity. Nowhere in the bible does God say "kill those who dont believe in me" and it is not religion that causes war,its the person's own personal viewpoint,u can b athiest and hate that u cant get sumone else to realize the benefits of ur viewpoints,and u can b christain and hate that u cant get sumone else to realize the benefits of ur viewpoints assuming that all christains r violent is prejudice i dont kno anything about muslims and hindus and buddhits tho

I think there are some conflicts but I dont think that these people are fighting about God. I dont think God would ever want His children to have a war. I think He wanted to have peace but people are the ones making war. Its not because of the religion, its about people and how they think about things.

IMO if religion were eliminated there would be many less wars. Good people do good things. Bad people do bad things. For a good person to do a bad thing he has to be religious.

I totally agree with you eddy, that people are willing to kill and die in the name of religion. I don't know why maybe of their "belief" on something or only they knew what. Religion as a teaching is a normal thing, but what I am trying to say here is, religion is one of the major factor why people around the world are divided. it separates people from doing this or doing that, for what? in the name of god? I am a believer myself before, but now, all i can see is how they control and manipulate us and took away our humanity.. as i also believe, religion is the opium of the society that when you try to embrace it, you will have difficulty in escaping its "toxins".

Honestly religion is another institution made up by mankind. In the West it served its purpose at one time but it seems to be growing obsolete. Many people say that the Middle East is stuck in time and that they are not as advanced as us and this is slightly true. But the real reason that Muslims are waging war in the name of God is because of some Muslim's hatred of the West. Especially ever since the Western countries gave part of Palestine to the post WW2 country of Israel has this hate grown and seaped into some Muslims actual beliefs, it is sad but true. It is also very similar to The Crusades. Many people such as the Pope and some kings used the Crusades as a political tool, but some people also took the Crusades literally and believed that what they were doing was truly sent by God. Ahh history got to love it Cheers!

Hey, I think Religion sells and thats y people use it in their own favor. U can hurt some one's soft corner or sentiments and it creates popularity and fame and money and thus its used so frequently. U mentioned about Muslims terrorists and i dont agree with u at all. People who take the terrorist path and kill other innocent people cannot be of any religion. They dont even think how much trouble they cause to innocent Muslims who dont have any connection with terrorism. Cheers, Tutul

because people dont want to except the fact that everyone is different and have different way in worshipping God. they all think how they do it is better.

Religion is made by man for the well being of society.But it is now the dangerous weapon of many antisocial peoples.It is like fire,you know that most of the people are willing to die for the religion.I think their is no need to believe blindly in any religion.Me myself was a Hindu,i don't believe in idols or like anything ,but i think that the real god lies with in our soul and the biggest temple is our body.Hinduism is not a religion and it is a way of living,but most people misunderstood it.But if their is no religion then also the wars will be there.Wars and being fought over power,land and wealth, and some old saint of India said that "permanent peace is not possible" regards,harips

I never thought nothing holy in war, its always cruel because there are so many innocent people die in process. I never thing religion cause war but they use religion to make religion difference as a reason to make war. I think they not even understand their religion is clearly stated not to kill, if they kill in the name religion, what ever the reason they have broke the law in religion. I believe judgement is God right, if someone do a blasphemy is God right to make judgement not ours.

This is a good and valid question, my take on the whole thing is as follows. Those that use religion to wage war on "non-believers" are not religious people but are using religion to justify their actions and gather support. We are free to worship as we wish, we might not agree with others and their choices but that is no reason for us to wage war and kill innocent people in the name of religion. Whatever happened to the good old days of debate in a friendly manner and no violence. Those who promote violence and acts of terrorism are not religious or acting in the name of G-d but rather themselves and their greedy power hungry desires.

Religion is not the cause of war... it is the principles of territorial claim. During the time of moses they did not make war because of their religion, they make just to get freedom, and to claim their promised land... all wars that is written in the Bible is not because of religion, but it is just to claim their territory and to protect their people...