Abstract
In this chapter we discuss the ways in which religion might promote or facilitate prejudice, inter-group conflict, and war. We suggest that the evolved characteristics of religion can contribute in both direct and indirect ways to out-group prejudice, and various forms of inter-group conflict. In particular, drawing on the devoted actor model of Atran and colleagues, we argue that religion can promote ‘identity fusion’ with co-religionists and the defence of ‘sacred values’ which—in some circumstances—can contribute to negative relationships between in-groups and out-groups. However, the relationship between religion, prejudice and inter-group conflict is complex and multifaceted and we need to recognise that religion is neither a necessary nor a sufficient cause of inter-group violence.
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