Religion has been found historically to be both a cause of conflict and a source of peace. It is both a major contributor to some of the world’s most destructive wars and a vehicle for healing broken communities. Religion’s power to unite, mobilize, divide, and inspire is undeniable. This discussion will explore the role of religion in relation to the three major stages of conflict: the onset of the conflict, escalation, and reconciliation. We will also explore the roles and approaches faith-based communities have taken to encourage peacebuilding in conflict zones.
The Role of Religion in Onset of Conflict
Religion has both historically been viewed as a source of conflict and identified as one of the most powerful sources of identity and social cohesion. This can be seen all around the world, from the long history of religious crusades and wars that have happened since ancient times to more contemporary conflicts such as the ongoing conflicts related to religious differences in the Middle East. However, the role of religion in conflict onset is complex, and it is often the case that the underlying motivating factors for violence and conflict are not entirely faith-based or religious.
One of the main ways in which religion contributes to the onset of conflict is through the way in which it can serve as an identity-forming tool. This means it can be used as a way of creating distinct in-groups and out-groups. This in-group identification and loyalty can motivate people to fight for a shared cause and win at any cost, creating an environment ripe for conflict.
The Role of Religion in Escalation of Conflict
Once a conflict has begun, religious rhetoric is often invested in providing direction and justification for the motives behind it. Leaders from both sides of the conflict often make use of religious rhetoric to motivate people to continue fighting and to make their causes more attractive to potential recruits. The use of religious language and symbolism can be particularly powerful and can provide justification to those within the group involved in the conflict. This can be seen in the use of religious terms such as “holy war” as well as in the use of religious symbols as rallying cries.
Finally, religious divisions can also serve to prevent or slow down peace negotiations and to encourage perpetuation of a conflict by cementing divides and boundaries between different religious groups. This prevents potential mediators and actors from finding common ground and making real progress in resolving the conflict.
The Role at Religion in Reconciliation and Peacebuilding
In contrast to its role in onset and escalation of conflicts, religion can play a powerful role in reconciliation and peacebuilding in times of conflict. This can take on many forms, for example, faith-based mediation, interfaith dialogue, and leadership from religious leaders in establishing a framework for peacebuilding projects.
Faith-Based Mediation
Faith-based mediation is an approach to attempting to resolve a conflict that draws heavily upon religions and its founding values, as well as drawing upon core social and cultural conceptions of faith. This can include religious leaders and stakeholders such as local priests, rabbis, or shamans who can serve as third-party mediators in a conflict and attempt to reach a peaceful resolution. There are examples of this approach throughout history, from the Treaty of Versailles after WWI, to the efforts to resolve the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Interfaith Dialogue
Interfaith dialogue is a process by which members of different religious faiths can come together and engage in respectful dialogue about their religious beliefs, practices, and values. This is done in an attempt to build understanding and create a common basis for cooperation and mutual respect. This can be particularly important in times of conflict as it can provide individuals from both sides of the conflict with a means to reach out and better understand their opponents, rather than continuing to resort to violence and destructive behavior.
Leadership from Religious Leaders
Religious leadership can also be a powerful contributor to the reconciliation of a conflict, particularly when it takes a moral stance. The leadership of religious figures such as Pope John Paul II in the early days of post-Communist Poland, or the Dalai Lama in his work on resolution of the Sino-Tibetan conflict, is often pivotal in helping faith-based communities recognize their common humanity and share a mutual goal of peace and stability.
There is a complex relationship between religion and conflict. Religion can both cause conflicts and help to bring about peace. Religion has a valuable role in reconciling and mediating conflicts and fostering peacebuilding efforts. This is done by faith-based mediation, interfaith dialogue, and leadership from religious leaders. These approaches are intended to create mutual respect, understanding, and a common basis for peace between different faith-based groups. As the world continues to grapple with complex and intractable conflicts, religious mechanisms for resolving these conflicts should remain an important part of the strategy.
