RELIGION A SOURCE OF CONFLICT OR PEACE?

All this steam vented at the "white man and his classification" and that too in the English language makes no sense! It is generally accepted that there are a number of established 'religions' in the world, each with its own 'sacred text', its 'prophet(s)' and an 'organization' to propagate its 'belief system'. It may be true that 'Hinduism' is the 'amorphous religion' with several schools of thought, several gurus, several texts, several creeds within its fold and so does not lend itself to the western classification of a 'religion' in strict terms. 

While agreeing for the most part with Tina,the journalist, may I add that if one were to be objective, historically all major religions have evolved over a period of time from primitive times to medieval times to modern times, adapting themselves to the times concerned to bring people under one umbrella of belief as to the true nature of the world that we live in and how best to live out our lives while living with others and all forms of life on this earth. Almost all of them have spread beliefs in a 'Creator' and also, a 'Soul' dwelling within this body of ours, that will reach a 'heaven' for acts of kindness and compassion and a 'hell' for evil deeds. Some spread a belief in a cycle of births and deaths on this earth where one could find a heaven or hell according to one's 'karma' before the 'Soul' attains 'salvation' or gets 'identified with the 'Creator' either after death or even while living, through one of the recognized pathways of attaining salvation. While there must have been a plethora of religions in the world to start with,as there were languages, many have become defunct over the times, just as many languages have become extinct over a period. It is just people seeking to acquire or gain dominance over a territory and over a group of other people who have created conflict situations over religious beliefs, and in their wake, much bloodshed and senseless destruction, and these people have voiced messages of intolerance and even hatred towards those others who did not conform or differed from their religious belief systems. Therefore, all considered, any internet page opening up arguments on sensitive issues like religion, is bound to create conflict only, but hopefully there will be no bloodshed or destruction over this, and the people concerned here will only agree to differ from others and put an end to this long exercise in futility to arrive at a consensus or even to gain a larger voting strength! 

I do agree, but some pessimistic people are spreading misinformation and destroying this beautiful world by manipulating the Religion which is meant for Peace.

Being an Educated fellow you should first go through the sacred scripture after that you can come to the conclusion. Be optimistic because most of the people are pessimistic and destroying this beautiful world by spreading false rumors.

I have reflected that you believe in Tom, Dick & Harry. But as an Educated human being you should go through the Sacred Scriptures and after that you can come to the conclusion. We must be optimistic because most of the people are pessimistic so they are fellows spreading misinformation and confusion.

Obviously, Religion spreads Peace.

I do agree Religion is manipulated by some people, otherwise, Religion is always the source of Peace.

One should be optimistic, if one goes through the sacred scriptures particularly Holy Quran, One can realize that the Religion spreads peace always. Islam (the word comes from Arabic word silm means peace), Religion of peace.

One should be optimistic, if one goes through the sacred scriptures particularly Holy Quran, One can realize that the Religion spreads peace always. Islam (the word comes from Arabic word silm means peace), Religion of peace.

I would like to support Mr. Muralidaran view. Every religion teaches us peace only but the conflict arises because of the humans evil heart.

What do you mean by "Mahadharma"? Something like "Mahabharata" or "Maharashtra"? By adding the prefix "Maha" to "dharma" are all the issues concerning what constitutes "dharma" in the present day modern world taken care of? When the term "dharma" was conceived by the ancients, there was no "democracy", no legislature elected on the basis of adult franchise", no "permanent bureaucracy", no "independent judiciary", no "fundamental rights" or "freedoms" of the citizens, no "directive principles of State policy", etc.! 

Historically,one's nation,race,religion, caste, sect, language, gender, etc., have been considered as 'divisive' factors that more often promote 'conflict' among people than lead to 'peace and harmony! However, the real 'divisive' factors are to be found in one's own ignorance, intolerance, aggression, and the desire for territory and dominance, and the like, for which any of the so-called 'divisive factors' mentioned above, come in handy for the creation of conflict situations and as a consequence, much bloodshed and wanton destruction!

Religion is only for peace. Some people are misusing the religion for their personal interest which triggers conflict.For example take a fire which can be used for both cooking food as wells destroying the properties also. Hence it depends upon the persons on how he applies for the purposes/motives. All religions are good but the people who are preaching religion only matters which may create good and bad.

Yeah, there won't be conflict when everyone who follows religion knows it is personal and not o be imposed on another..

Religion is one methodical way to attain spiritual elevation. The goals of Spirituality are peace and happiness. When religion is evoked to serve some self-serving ends or social manipulation it ceases to be the source of peace that it is. Since misguided peoples twisted use of an idea cannot be considered to be natural to that pursuit religion is for peace. The conflict in religion is due to intolerance for a different point of view.

In the states where religion develops freely and people have free access to places of worship, churches, mosques, temples and synagogues have always served as a shelter for the poor. Some of the greatest works of art were created in the name of God. Furthermore, Woodrow Wilson suggested that a strong affinity exists between religious commitment and patriotism. Love of country, just like love of God, certainly inspires good deeds