The role of religion in conflict and peace-making

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article seeks to describe the role of religion in society both in terms of cohesion, where it can provide a spiritual and moral ‘glue’ for a particular society and in terms of its ‘prophetic’ aspect, where it can challenge the state or society and the direction it, or some elements in it, may be taking. It will then consider how religion can go wrong and fuel conflict between ethnic groups within nations or between nations. Examples will be given from the Middle Ages, early modern Europe and contemporary nationalisms in Asia and Europe. Religion can also, the article argues, be a powerful force for making and maintaining peace between groups and nations. This can arise directly from religious conviction or it can be the result of patient dialogue between representatives of religious traditions about how each tradition encourages, or even requires, them to work for peace whether locally, nationally or internationally. Particular attention will be given to the ‘Abrahamic’ faiths because of their global reach and because they are a factor in conflict, as well as in peace-making, in so many parts of the world. There will also be discussion of the accountability of religious traditions in the context of inter-religious dialogue, in the media and in the public square, regarding their role in promoting fundamental freedoms, good stewardship of the natural world, bringing conflict to an end and promoting peace and collaboration among diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic groups.