25.07.2021

Is religion the cause of most wars?

Bible passages: 
James 4:1-3

Discussion:
We based our discussion on wars in general. Dictionary definition of war:  a conflict carried on by force of arms, as between nations or between parties within a nation; warfare, as by land, sea, or air.
God created the universe and gave dominion to human beings to rule over the creation - land and animals. The right to control and have power over all other living beings. Genesis 1:26-31.
The Bible also reveals that God gave sets of instruction to obey in the Ten Commandments Exodus 20.
Leviticus 20, Leviticus 26:14-46 tells us that there is punishment for disobedient.
Leviticus 26:14 The Lord said, “If you will not obey my commands, you will be punished.”
Examples of nations that turned away from God:
The flood Genesis 6:5 - The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
Sodom and Gomorrah Genesis 13:13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.
God judged Israel’s enemies Exodus 34:13 Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.
Nowadays, wars caused by religion can be grouped into two parts:
- By people who are evil, ignorant and those that forced religion on others;
- By people that uses religion as an excuse to wage war / instigate riot in a country to gain instability.

Key points:
1. God did not invent religion, human being did. And some people are hiding under religion, using people ignorance to achieve their own goal.
2. Under the umbrella of religion people that causes war or riot could justify their actions in many ways.
3. War makers needs supporters and the most dangerous thing is that some people are ready to do anything for money.

Religion is being used as an excuse. History told us about 30 years war in the 17th century the fight between Catholic and Protestant Christians.
Muslim countries wage war against each other. The Islamic war still exist till today. And most wars in the world are caused by Islamic extremist.

In conclusion:
Greed has a part to play in war. And war needs financial support to progress. There are silent war or democracy war which benefits some people/group. As a Christian we need to read our Bible and apply the wisdom of God so that we are not gullible.

Praise God