Is Religion the Cause of War Argumentative

War's drums beat to faith's rhythms as belief becomes blade in history's endless dance. Kieffer as “a set of beliefs and rituals based on a unique vision of how the world ought to be.” It has played a significant role throughout history, influencing the lives of countless individuals. While religion has been a source of hope and faith, it has also unintentionally sparked conflicts within society. This essay explores how religion influences societal conflicts, particularly focusing on gender inequality, LGBTQ rights, and religious wars.

In doing so, it becomes apparent that religion remains a powerful force in shaping societal norms and conflicts, even as technological advancement shifts the focus of newer generations.

Gender Inequality

One of the significant societal issues influenced by religion is gender inequality. Historically, many religions have propagated the idea that women are subordinate to men, whether it be a father, husband, or son. For instance, in ancient times, women were expected to remain at home and bear children for their husband's family. Such roles were rarely questioned, and religious texts often reinforced these gender norms. As mentioned in the Bible, Timothy 2:11-12 states, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.” This belief has persisted over the centuries, and many religious women still struggle to challenge these roles, despite the modern understanding that all genders are equal.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that religion has also enabled women to play crucial roles within religious communities. For example, nuns in the Christian tradition have historically held significant power, often operating independently from clerical control. As Woodhead from the Washington Post noted, “Nuns, for example, in the Christian tradition had huge power at certain times in history, acting as very independent groups doing their own thing without a great deal of clerical control.” While progress has been made, such as women holding positions of power in religious institutions, the percentage of female pastors remains low. In 2012, less than 12% of pastors were women, highlighting the slow pace of change. Despite these challenges, women are gradually gaining more influence within religious circles, although much work remains.

LGBTQ Rights

Another area where religion has influenced societal conflict is in the context of LGBTQ rights. Many religious doctrines consider same-sex relationships taboo, leading to discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. Throughout history, gay men and lesbians have faced persecution, with religious groups often justifying their bias through selective scripture interpretation. The text "LGBTQ People and Religion" highlights this issue, stating, “For most of human history, gay men and lesbians have been viciously persecuted. Today, homosexuals are a favorite target of the religious right, whose members frequently quote scripture to justify anti-gay bias and even violence.”

These discriminatory views often stem from misinterpretations of religious texts. As "LGBTQ People and Religion" further explains, “Biblical interpretations that are used to condemn gay men and lesbians are used in much the same way that other readings of scripture have been to justify the perceived inferior status of other minority groups.” This reliance on controversial interpretations creates a complex landscape where individuals interpret texts to align with their beliefs. A notable example is the 2017 case involving a same-sex couple, David and Charlie, who requested a wedding cake from baker Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop. Phillips refused, citing his religious beliefs, and the case eventually reached the Supreme Court. The court ruled in favor of Phillips, highlighting the ongoing tension between religious freedom and LGBTQ rights.

Religious Wars

Religion, the cause of war argumentative, has also been a catalyst for numerous wars throughout history. Conflicts often arise from differing religious beliefs and the desire to impose one's vision of how the world ought to be. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East serves as a stark example of religion's role in sparking wars. The struggle between Palestinians and Israelis over the Holy Land of Jerusalem, a city sacred to multiple religions, has resulted in significant loss of life and continues to this day. In 2019 alone, the death toll included 9,854 Palestinians and 1,261 Israelis, underscoring the devastating impact of religious conflict.

Additionally, extremist groups, such as ISIS, have used religion as a justification for their actions. Claiming to be the new Caliphate and Islamic force, ISIS has terrorized regions in Iraq and Syria, promoting their religious ideology through violence. These actions highlight how religion can be manipulated to further political and ideological agendas, deepening societal divisions.

Conclusion

In summary, religion remains a powerful force in shaping societal conflicts, influencing issues of gender inequality, LGBTQ rights, and religious wars. While it has provided hope and faith to many, it has also been a source of division and conflict. As society continues to evolve, it is crucial to critically examine the role of religion in societal issues and strive for a more inclusive and equitable world. By addressing these challenges, we can work towards a future where religion serves as a source of unity rather than division. Religion, the cause of war argumentative, must be understood in its complexity to foster a more harmonious global society.

Did you like this example?

1245

52