Doesn’t Religion Cause Violence?

Religion has been blamed for countless wars, conflicts, and acts of violence throughout history. From the Crusades to modern extremist movements, many argue that faith fuels division and destruction rather than peace. But is this the full picture? Does religion inherently cause violence, or is there something deeper at play?

In Confronting Christianity, Rebecca McLaughlin explores this question by challenging the assumption that faith is the primary cause of violence in the world. She points out that while religion has been invoked in acts of brutality, it has also been the driving force behind movements of justice, reconciliation, and peace.

Is Religion the Real Problem?

One of the most compelling points McLaughlin makes is that violence is a human problem, not just a religious one. Some of the deadliest regimes in history—Stalin’s Soviet Union, Mao’s China, and Pol Pot’s Cambodia—were aggressively atheistic, yet they resulted in the deaths of millions. This suggests that eliminating religion does not necessarily lead to a more peaceful world.

So, if religion isn’t the root cause, what is? The issue seems to lie in the human heart—our tendency toward power, control, and self-interest. Faith has been used both to justify harm and to bring radical healing. The real question is not whether religion causes violence, but what kind of faith we are living out.

Jesus and a Different Way

While religion has often been misused for violence, the way of Jesus stands in stark contrast. He taught love your enemies(Matthew 5:44), turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), and blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). True Christianity is not about war or hatred—it’s about sacrificial love.

Throughout history, we see faith-driven leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa fighting for justice and peace, rather than violence and destruction. The gospel, when lived out rightly, transforms hearts toward love, not harm.

Where Do We Go From Here?

If religion has been used for both violence and peace, we must ask: what version of faith are we living out? Are we following the way of Jesus—the way of grace, justice, and mercy? The true call of Christianity is not to conquer by force, but to love radically.

👉 Let’s Discuss: What has been your experience with this topic? How do you respond to the claim that religion causes violence?