Why do religious leaders want wars with other religions?

Answer 1

It's the classic nature of religion. The best way to keep follower, and add new followers, is to either make sure you have no rivals for their loyalty, or at least convince them that any other religion is inherantly wrong and must be removed.

This attitude has definately changed over the years, because religion itself changes along with mankind. It has to or else no one would buy it. But the main change is that the "war" is just fought differently. It's called evangalism and is waged by missionaries and preachers. The goals are still the same though, increase your numbers by whatever means are socially acceptable at the time. Why do you think Christians call themselves "soldiers of God?"

Answer 2

In the book Preachers Present Arms, the author said: “In the history of civilizations, . . . two forces have ever been joined together in a dual alliance. They are war and religion. And, of all the great world religions, . . . none has been more devoted to [war] than has [Christendom].” Some years ago, The Sun newspaper of Vancouver, Canada, stated: “It is a weakness of perhaps all organized religion that the church follows the flag . . . What war was ever fought in which God wasn’t claimed to be on each side?” You may have seen the proof of this in some local church. All too often, national flags adorn the altar. Under which flag do you think Jesus would march? His words have echoed down through the centuries: “My kingdom is no part of this world”!—John 18:36.

13 Christendom’s religions have not taught their flocks the truth of genuine brotherly love. Instead, national, tribal, and ethnic differences are allowed to divide their ranks. Reports indicate that Catholic and Anglican clergy played a role in the divisions resulting in the tribal genocide in Rwanda. The New York Times reported: “The massacres in Rwanda have caused many Roman Catholics there to feel betrayed by the church hierarchy. The church was often divided along ethnic lines, between Hutu and Tutsi.” The same newspaper quoted a Maryknoll priest as saying: “The church failed so miserably in Rwanda in 1994. Many Rwandans have in a sense written off the church. It no longer has any credibility.” What a contrast to Jesus’ words: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.”—John 13:35.

The other major religions of Babylon the Great have not set a better example. The terrible massacres of 1947, when India was partitioned, show that the major religions there have not produced tolerance. Continued communal violence in India bears out that most people have not changed. Little wonder that the magazine India Today concluded: “Religion has been the banner under which the most hideous crimes have been perpetrated. . . . It unleashes tremendous violence and is a very destructive force.”

The fruitage of false religion condemns it. The rule given by Jesus is so applicable: “Every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men.” —Matthew 7:17-20.

Jesus’ denunciation of religious hypocrisy holds true today as it did in his time: “You hypocrites, Isaiah aptly prophesied about you, when he said, ‘This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.’ ” (Matthew 15:7-9) Paul’s words to Titus also describe our modern situation: “They publicly declare they know God, but they disown him by their works, because they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort.”—Titus 1:16.

Protestant clergyman Harry Emerson Fosdick admitted: “Even in our churches we have put the battle flags . . . With one corner of our mouth we have praised the Prince of Peace and with the other we have glorified war.” And columnist Mike Royko said that Christians have never “been squeamish about waging wars on other Christians.” He explained: “If they had been, most of the liveliest wars in Europe would never have occurred.” Notable among these was the Thirty Years’ War in Germany between Protestants and Catholics.

Martin Niemöller, a Protestant leader in Germany, noted that “throughout the ages, the churches have always consented to bless war, troops and arms and that they prayed in a very un-Christian way for the annihilation of their enemy.”

Surely, the facts are all too evident. Religion has been a supporter and, at times, even a promoter of wars. Thus, many have pondered the questions: Does God actually favor one nation over another in time of war? Does he take sides when nations fight? Will there ever be a time when war will be no more?

If you would like further information, please contact Jehovah's Witnesses at the local Kingdom Hall. Or visit http://www.watchtower.org

Answer 3

No religious leaders are calling for a war? Unless you count someone from a religion a religious leader

Answer 4

What makes you think they do?

The earthly leader of my religion, Pope Benedict XVI, doesn't want war with other religions. He's never said anything of the sort -- in fact, he's stated quite the opposite.

So did his predecessor, John Paul II -- who actually did things to prevent wars, unlike the "peace protesters" with their symbolic-but-lacking-in-substance "die-ins" and whatnot.

Answer 5

I dont think its who wants what,i think the main focus is what the bible says and that Gods plan is unfolding and thats why we are having wars of all kinds.Where will you be spending eternity.

Answer 6

I'LL SUM IT UP IN THREE WORDS, DIVIDE AND CONQUER!!!