Religion has been used to justify, condone and motivate violence, but conflicts are human constructs and can be resolved without violence, as demonstrated by each religious tradition. There is always a moral option to take, and all religions offer solid foundations for a cooperative, constructive, and respectful choice. Conflicts need not evolve into violent confrontations and, even when they do, can be tamed by proper laws, rules and procedures.
Introduction:
Contrary to the secularization theory the world has witnessed a renewed interest in religion, and there is every indication that this interest will continue to grow (Inglehart, Pippa, 2004), and with it the rate of violence and hostility will continue to climb , unless religious zeal is directed into a non-aggressive channel. In light of the violence and bloodshed perpetrated in the name of religion, it will be interesting to discuss how religion, abused by so many to justify aggression and intolerance, could do the opposite: promote peace and open-mindedness, creating necessary conditions for moving from the current culture of conflict resolution to the culture of conflict prevention. Religious communities themselves are, without question, the largest and best-organized civil institutions in the world today, claiming the allegiance of billions of believers and bridging the divides of race, class and nationality.
The attention on the role of religion in conflicts has been partly stimulated by positive and negative developments, including the desecularisation of the world and the rise of religious conflicts. Attention has also been drawn by the increased engagement of religious institutions and communities in the search for détente or constructive management of conflicts. The role of religion, religious institutions and various religious actors in promoting peaceful dialogue and mediating between conflicting parties has been enormous during the past several decades.