Isn’t religion the cause of all the wars?


Think it through
The cause of war is basically the sinfulness, greed and weakness of humanity. Some wars were started to bring about peace, others to gain, keep or regain territory, still more to merely advance ego.

Sadly, there have been religious wars. Some religions even believe that it is legitimate to fight if it spreads their cause. That is not so with true Christianity. Jesus said to His followers, ‘Turn the other cheek’. He told Peter to put away his sword. Jesus is even called the Prince of peace. Jesus said the staggering words, “Love your enemies.”

Therefore, if a person fights ‘in the name of Jesus’, it is like somebody else carrying out a crime in your name when you specifically told that person not to commit it. It would not be fair to blame you, nor is it right to blame Christ for wars. Politics and religion can stir strong feelings, but somebody trusting and obeying Christ will find that He calms aggression and gives a genuine concern and compassion towards all. Jesus commanded Christians to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. He also gives the ability to obey His commands.

The question we need to ask is whether it is possible to do as Jesus said and love our enemies. It is only when He forgives our sins of hating others, and comes to control our hearts that it becomes a way of life. Some are willing to die for their religion and to kill for their religion. That is true. We are willing to die for Christ, but we are not willing to kill for Christ. Why not? Because He taught us to love our enemies.

Just in case you think atheism is the answer, never forget that when communism ruled from Germany to the USSR atheistic communism killed more people in 50 years than all the wars involving religious conflict for the past 2000 years.

Grill a Christian by Roger Carswell - request your free copy!

Wouldn't you just love to grab a Christian, sit them down in the hot seat and grill them mercilessly on the tough questions about God, the Bible and the world? If you have ever wished you could have your question about God answered, then this book is for you!

request now
More questions about God More questions about Life & suffering

What’s new

We have some brand new resources that we're excited to share with you. Browse the latest ones below, or click 'See all resources' to see everything in one place.

See all resources →
  • The 5 pillars of the Christian Faith

    What do Christians believe? There are 5 foundational teachings based on the letters of the word F A I T H.

    Read it here
  • Can the Old Testament be trusted historically

    Dr Pete Williams gives evidence for the reliability of the Old Testament account of history

    Watch it here
  • A skeptical look at Atheism

    Professor McIntosh

    Watch it here
  • Science and Christianity

    3 video presentation from Professor Steve Taylor: Science and Christianity: (1) Friends or Foes? (2) Accident or design? (3) Can science lead away from atheism?

    Watch the first video here
  • Things God wants us to know

    Are there things God wants us to know? This book leads to some definite conclusions.

    Read it here
  • “The Atheist Delusion” video…

    Did nothing really create everything? Watch these interviews with atheists, and where those interviews lead?

    Watch it here
  • Has the Bible been changed?

    Who changed it? When? How? What was changed? and Why? These questions need answering if this allegation is to be proven true.

    Read it here
  • What does the Word of God (Injil) say about Jesus the Messiah?

    The former prophets spoke of one Messiah who was to come. Jesus was the Messiah. Do the former prophets and the Injil agree about who Jesus was and is? Do they agree about why he came and what he would do?

    Read it here
  • Is Muhhamed mentioned in the Bible?

    This booklet examines three main passages that are referred to as supposed predictions of the coming of Muhammad.

    Read it here
  • Grill a Christian

    Answers to tough questions about Christianity, God and the Bible

    Read it here
  • Is Biblical Creation good science (Professor Stuart Burgess)

    Many have argued that science not only disproves the Bible, but that Biblical Creation is bad science. Think it through with Professor Stuart Burgess

    Watch it here
  • Before you say, “I don’t believe”

    an earnest plea to consider a little of the evidence for Christian belief

    Take a look
  • The Atheist Delusion

    Interviews with atheists... where do they lead?

    Watch it here
  • What’s your problem?

    What's the problem? Religion? War? Famine? Me? Is there a solution? Watch the video for a serious answer to a sincere question.

    Watch it here

Do you want to chat?

If you are thinking seriously about the Christian faith, please send us a message. David Harding or his wife Colette will reply depending on whether you are male or female. David has been a pastor for over 25 years, and is at a church where people attend from 10 different countries. They can provide advice in your search to know Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Please tick to confirm that you are over 18 or have parent/guardian consent to contact us if younger

© 2024 the Christian Answer

Website by Cloud 10