Sociological Approach to the Study of Religion:Religious Conflict - Research Paper Example

Religious Conflict Religious Conflict Religious conflict can be described as disagreements resulting from differences in religious beliefs, which in some cases culminates in wars, often referred to as religious wars (Sohail, 2012). The religious wars and other violent acts perpetrated in the name of religion are justified by the different religions as being in defense of their beliefs. Religion has throughout the history of man been linked to violence and conflicts in different places around the world.

Religious conflicts can be at worst if the major religions such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism are led by individuals who hold very extremist views of their beliefs and accept no form of dialogue to foster religious tolerance (Akbar, 2002). Religious conflicts are not just confined to one religion but to all religions and are more prevalent in places where there is one dominant religion seeking to exert its influence in the socioeconomic lives of the majority of the individuals in the region.

Among the most notable religious conflicts in history of religion include the Muslim conquest through Jihad between the 7th and 19th century, the Military excursions of Christian against the Muslim conquests, including the infamous crusades between the 11th and 13th century, the Spanish Recoquista, which occurred between the 8th and 15th century and finally the Ottoman wars in Europe from the 1th to the 19th century (Sohail, 2012).In more recent times, religious differences have been used by extremists to perpetrate various forms of violence including terrorism, genocide, assassinations and civil wars (Akbar, 2002).

The religious conflicts are also taking an ethnic dimension leading to long lasting conflicts between different religions and ethnicities. Some of the religious conflicts in the modern world include the infamous Israeli-Palestine conflict that has both ethnic and political dimensions, Yugoslav Wars, the civil wars in African countries such as Sudan and Nigeria that have both ethnic dimension and differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs (Sohail, 2012).Another key point in religious conflicts is the encroachment of religion in politics and economics.

Religion has a tremendous role to play in politics and economics as it influences people’s views on leadership and morality in business. In some countries, religion is deemed very important to the extent that there are state religions where individuals are guided by religious beliefs. In such cases, conflicts are likely to emerge between the state religions and the minority religions over the extent to which the religions relate with each other.Another important issue to discuss in relation to religious conflict is religious freedom or freedom of conscience (Akbar, 2002).

This is considered a fundamental right of individuals to choose what to believe with regard to spirituality and religion. In as much as this right seeks to safeguard individuals against victimization on the basis of their beliefs, it has been a major issue of contention in some regions where individuals are forced to take certain beliefs as being fundamental for them belonging to their societies. This freedom also creates a lee way for very queer beliefs that can threat the safety of both the believers and the people around them.

Conflicts are therefore likely to emerge when governments and other authorities seek to control the extent of religious freedom (Akbar, 2002).ReferencesAkbar M. (2002). The Shade of Swords: Jihad and the conflict between Islam and Christianity. London: Routledge.Sohail H. H. (2012). Just Wars, Holy Wars, and Jihads: Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Encounters and Exchanges. Oxford: Oxford University Press.