"Men never
do
evil so completely as when they do it from religious convictions"
Blaise Pascal Religion has the potential both as a soothing balm and as an explosive fuel in situations of conflict.
In the last decade the world has seen a dramatic rise in religious violence, genocide and terrorism. The cost of this violence is counted in human misery, dislocation, and the tragic loss of innocent lives.
Some say the cause is not religion but the political manipulation of religion. Others lay the blame directly on religious exclusivist and intolerant claims to truth. Religion itself stands on trial in the minds of believers around the world. Can the universal wisdom in the various teachings of love and compassion, of justice and peace prevail? If so, how can those who follow these teachings end the violence and begin to construct a new relationship?
The World Council of Churches in co-operation with consultants from many religions and regions offer this thirteen-minute video discussion aid with printed study guide as an approach to finding solutions.
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Regions where religion fuels conflict:
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