Many of the disputes in the world today revolve around religion, and it has been in time past too. Religion is something that people hold strongly to, especially for it's believers. It not only gives a reprise but for many it's a way of life.
There are enumerous religions in the world with even a more astounding number of followers for each one of them. It is in finding answers to life issues and the deeper questions that have many turning to religion.
On the world stage aspects of religion are taken into account in making decisions and the carrying of identities amongst nations. At the same time, many conflicts revolve around religion.
Why so? For one, there are differences in practices, beliefs, and traditions. And each being upheld by their respective followers. Each wanting to bring prominence and affluence to their religion. And this results in differing views and sentiments.
Could there be a way however to reduce or solve the conflicts that are transpiring out of this? I believe there can be a way. Provided we look at it in a rational and constructive way.
We should see that religions existed in different points of history, in different regions of the world. Each with it's own uniqueness. Perhaps you're not fond of religion; it does still help if we could understand it in a way that each religion responded to the situations, people and requirement of their time.
There were times when information was not vastly available as compared to now, and knowledge and teachings were imbibed and passed on through generations. Reflecting the needs of those times.
Understanding this uniqueness and how it has helped guide people throughout time gives it a whole different view. Yes, the teachings and the ways it is conveyed could be distorted or misrepresented over time; some of it, and this is what leads to untoward consequences - and conflicts in the world - when decisions and actions are based on them.
The way to resolving the issues and tensions we are facing in our world today is to look at the true harmonious values that are enshrined in each religion, for at the root they all hold good purposes.
Recognizing and realizing the similarities in these true values that exist in each religion is what unifies it further. And this is what should be encouraged. It is in cherishing the differences we have as people, and yet uniting through the core resonant values of our deep held faiths that we reduce and eliminate the issues of conflict in the world.