Why is there enough religion to incite war, yet never enough to instill tolerance?

Question

I am just looking for a realistic opinion on the subject.

Answer 1

Personally I think that is becuase people don't truely understand tolerance or if they do, they are not willing to take tolerance to it's logical conculsion. For if they were really tolerant it means they will have to put the needs/desires/wants of other before thier own needs/desires/wants. And while we would all agree that sounds nice and should be the norm. Not many people are will to truely do so.

As for war, if it wasn't religion inciting war, man will find something else to fight about. It all boils down to simple selfishiness on the part of humanity.

Answer 2

I think the answer depends on the object on which you're trying to "instill tolerance" for.

If you're trying to "instill tolerance" for something that's clearly wrong - like stealing from someone - then I'd say that's a true and justifiable reason to go to "war".

On the other hand, if you're trying to "instill tolerance" for something in which people (and religions) have differing opinions - like tolerating homosexuality - then that's a reason for religion to work for "change" but not to advocate "war".

Look at it from the point of view of the first example. If I were to justify to you why stealing is "right", then I'd definitely be in for a battle. Religious people look at the society's "gray" problems - like homosexuality, abortion, and universalism - in the same way you would look at stealing. These are "wrongs" that must be "righted".

Do these struggles cause wars? Yes, they do. But that's not saying God "causes" the wars. People cause wars. Just try to keep that clear.

Answer 3

The only thing I will agree with in religion is world peace is accepted in unity. Tolerance might as well have “*tolerance only good for what we believe in and accept …. Oh and teach! All other tolerance has to be approved and is subject to scrutiny and laughter if we don’t like!”
I believe that religion has become so commercialized that in order to keep its entire congregation happy, they always go with the greater opinion.
Maybe if there was “real” tolerance in religion now days, there wouldn’t be war!

Answer 4

I think to get a true answer, you are going to need to be more specific in your context. Which war?

Many people believe that religion is the basis for war, when in fact it was other factors that were the root cause.

There are factors much more basic than religion in this life. Such as survival, procreation, and base emotions.

If you have a specific conflict, I could probably give you an answer.

Answer 5

I think this sums it up....



Upon my podium, as the
Know it all scholar
Down in my seat of judgement
Gavel's bang, uphold the law
Up on my soapbox, a leader
Out to change the world
Down in my pulpit as the holier
Than-thou-could-be-messenger of God


That whole song ( Holy Wars) is about that very topic.

Answer 6

Amen! Very good question! Unfortunately, too many times, wars are begun, hatred is enacted upon and actual evil is spread by so-called "religious" people! God teaches us to cultivate peace, to restore one another and lift one another up in prayer. We are supposed to love, help and guide those who are hurting, who are treated as less simply because they are "different". If more people would follow God's rules of love, there would be fewer crimes, wars, less hatred and more helping to restore one another! Very good question! God bless you, man!

Answer 7

Because everyone thinks they are right and are willing to die for that belief. It's easy to make a martyr and next to impossible to make a peacemaker.

Bomb them all, let Darwin sort them out!