In spite of the above, we must not forget the immense positive role religion has played in our society, past and present. Religion has given people in this world hope and a future where there was aversion. It is worthwhile to notice that people are much more “into religion” in developing and underdeveloped countries than in advanced nations. These people, often in the throes of financial troubles, turn to religion as a source of fulfillment and sustenance. Also, the basic ideals of

So what indeed accounts for the religious violence that has so characterized our dispensation? What aspect of religion could make a Palestinian youth jubilate holding high hands covered with the blood of an Israeli soldier? Put simply, its religion plus politics. Religion has the potential to do a world of good, but when it gets tangled in politics it becomes another matter. In the past, there was often no real clear distinction between religion and government, and this accounts for the numerous religious wars and religious repression that was rampant at the time. These also set the groundwork for most of the religious conflicts we have today, in that it caused imbalances of religious groups everywhere. During the Middle Ages, religion was often an inherent part of government. This is reflected in the Four Crusades, the Holy Roman Empire (headed by the Pope who wielded enormous power) the primary waves of Islamic Jihad, and the growth of the Ottoman Empire, which caused serious religious imbalances especially in the Balkans which consequences erupted in the last decay. At birth, the United States, most of whose citizens were from Europe, took note of these and made a clear separation between church and state. Today, most states have declared themselves as secular, yet there are still many instances for clashes to occur.

Take any politician, who is running for executive office, say president. He knows that there is a majority Christian population in the country. He also realizes that he can win the election if he appeals to this majority. Thus he pledges allegiance to them and swears to support their cause. This angers the minority Buddhists, who begin to protest and stage demonstrations. Soon demonstrations turn into riots as disastrous confrontations between Hindus and Buddhists take place. This is exactly what happened in Nigeria, where, during the state elections of 1999, a politician running for governor of Zamfara, a northern state, appealed to the majority Moslems in the state by pledging to implement Sharia (Islamic law) if elected, thereby angering the minority Christians. Even though his pledge was in violation of the law, as Nigeria is secular, he was elected, and he kept his promise. Ever since, fighting between Christians and Moslems has spread throughout the co

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