Religion - The strongest power

In this era of economic liberalism and unquestioning belief in the power of market forces there is a tendency to think of every individual as a ‘homo economicus’, a person wholly engaged in the rational pursuit of self-interest. But looking after number one is just a part of human nature: equally important are such seemingly outmoded qualities as altruism and faith.

As history shows, religious faith or belief can often prove to be a much stronger force than considerations of pure self-interest. In some circumstances people will even sacrifice their life for their faith. Irrespective of whether this powerful force works for the good or bad of mankind, it would be a great mistake to think that the globalisation and economisation of thought has diminished religion’s importance. Religion continues to act as one of the major well-springs of human behaviour. Man is incurably religious although the form and object of his religious feelings may change over time.

The role of religion in respect to peace-building and conflict can often be ambiguous. As the following pages show, religious institutions such as churches are frequently to be found at the heart of conflict prevention and peace-building activities. However, there are also examples of religious institutions failing to promote peace and even fanning the flames of conflict.

In the last decade of the 20th century people slaughtered each other in Rwanda and Burundi, apparently for political and/or ethnic reasons. However, most of the slaughterers were Christians, and many were of the same, Roman Catholic, denomination. As such they acted against their religious convictions. Subsequently the Church had major problems reconciling itself with events. How was it possible that the Church and religion generally had so signally failed to prevent the bloodshed? How was it possible that Church-goers and even priests could have participated in the slaughter? Several missionaries from abroad left the country in disillusion, others failed to return to their posts while an African Roman Catholic priest who emigrated to Belgium, is suspected of involvement in the slaughter and is said to be receiving the protection of church authorities in his new country. The major international Christian denominations are now discredited and seem to be losing ground to local churches and sects.

Historically it seems that religion has more often acted to fuel conflicts between peoples and nations than to appease them. In itself this is strange, because in their spirit and their fundamental principles almost all religions aim at peace and co-operation between all human beings. However, wanting the best for mankind clearly does not prevent the devout from turning to religion for help in their worldly struggles, nor does it prevent religious leaders blessing armies and their weapons before they go into battle......

http://www.gppac.net/documents/pbp_f/3/2_intro.htm