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.