Why are people so quick to leap on religion? It seems to be blamed for just about everything, most notably war and terrorism.
So why is this?
Well in regards to war and terrorism, it's the extreme fanatics that use the name of religion to fight causes that actually go against everything those religions stand for. Muslims for example, find the practice of murdering innocent people on mass with suicide bombers a complete abomination, particularly as - like most religions - it preaches peace.
But the process of blaming religions for war and terrorism is as warped as the notion that football is entirely responsible for hooliganism.
If religion had never existed, do you think wars and terrorism would never have existed? Of course not and if you believe otherwise, you open yourself up to understandable allegations of severe naivety. No, those who perpetrate war and acts of terror do it because that is the way they are. If they couldn't align themselves to Islam or Christianity, they would align themselves to some other cause.
Northern Ireland is a notable case. It was Protestants v Catholics, but it could just as easily been the Blue Team v the Red Team, or something equally ridiculous. It's essentially childish behaviour that you see at school, where youngsters gather in groups of likeminded people. Those who want to cause trouble do so. The problem (indeed tragedy) is that when this behaviour is transferred to adults with weapons, it is deadly. And whilst the cause may have been disguised as religious, it's nothing more than a "them" and "us" situation.
Likewise "football" hooliganism. If football was banned tomorrow, would hooliganism go away? No, obviously not. Ignoring other issues like football going underground if it were banned, the hooligans would go to the next highest profile sport, rugby or cricket. Hooligans are hooligans, just like terrorists and terrorists, they need a cause to attach themselves to, whether that cause is appropriate or not.
Those who practice religion properly are those who live to the values they promote, almost always peace, love and charity, the core of religions. Sadly, like all organisations and aspects of life, religion has it's rogue followers, who forget the reason they are Christian, Jewish, Islamic, etc. Those who are more concerned with calling gay bishops names, covering women in burkas or are indecently assaulting small children and much more. The true Christians, true Jews, true Buddha's, true Muslims and indeed anyone who holds truthfully to the main religions are to be commended and valued. They certainly don't deserve to be tarred with the brush of those who kill, rape and rob in the name of those same religions.
Remember, when you hear of a priest that has abused or Muslim who has blown themselves up or a Protestant that has shot a Catholic in Belfast, these are just the headline grabbers, the warped, not a true representation.
So next time you walk past a church, synagogue or mosque, consider going in, getting to know those who really represent religion. It is only with more understanding of each other, our beliefs and our lifestyles that we can stand any chance of world peace.
