Religion has caused wars, division, and oppression.
The Devotional Answer
Devotionally, the first step is to acknowledge the truth: it is undeniable that people, claiming the name of God or religion, have committed horrific acts of violence, division, and oppression. This is a painful but honest part of history. However, the crucial distinction to make is between true Christianity (a relationship with Jesus Christ) and corrupted "religion" (a system of human rules and power).
The essence of Jesus' teaching is self-sacrificial love, peace, and reconciliation—not conquest or forced conversion. When you see oppression committed in the name of Christ, you are witnessing the failure of human sinfulness, not the failure of the Gospel. The Bible itself is the strongest critique of this abuse, calling believers to the high standard of love, humility, and justice.
The Simple Answer
The statement is historically true, but the conclusion that "religion" is the ultimate cause is incomplete.
The real cause of wars, division, and oppression is human sinfulness—the natural desire for power, greed, and control. When any ideology—whether religious, political, or economic—is adopted by sinful people, it becomes a weapon for personal gain.
The Problem is Humanity: Humans take noble ideas (like democracy, communism, or even science) and twist them into tools of oppression. Religion, especially when mixed with government power, is a powerful tool, and thus an easy target for abuse.
The True Gospel is Reconciliation: The core message of the New Testament is to "live in peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18) and to love one's enemies (Question 37). The moment "religion" demands war or oppression, it has fundamentally betrayed the command of Christ.
The Deeper Dive
The Christian faith offers a deeper explanation for why violence exists, and it provides the only solution.
1. The Conflict Between Sin and Righteousness
The Bible does not gloss over human evil; it names it as the universal problem. The violence committed by those calling themselves Christians (such as during the Crusades or the Inquisition) were acts of political, cultural, and human ambition that radically distorted the message of Jesus. These acts were anti-Gospel.
The Gospel calls its followers to a radical surrender that removes their desire to oppress others.
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." — Romans 12:18 (NIV)
2. The Role of Ideology vs. Sin
Historians observe that wars are often fought over resources, territory, and political power. Religion often serves as a powerful justification (a rallying cry) for a conflict that is already rooted in human tribalism, fear, and greed.
For example, the greatest atrocities of the 20th century (the genocides under Hitler, Stalin, and Mao) were committed by secular, anti-religious, and political ideologies, showing that human sinfulness does not need religion to cause division and war. The problem is not the content of the belief, but the condition of the human heart.
3. The Evidence for Good
While history is stained by religious abuse, it is also filled with acts of radical compassion inspired by true faith:
The founding of the modern hospital system and public education.
The movements to abolish slavery (led by figures like William Wilberforce).
Countless missions of medical care, poverty relief, and disaster aid globally.
These acts of self-sacrificial service flow directly from the love commanded by Christ.
God’s Assurance
God assures you that His ultimate plan is not division and war, but ultimate and eternal peace through His Son.
"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility..." — Ephesians 2:14 (NIV)
You are assured that the true heart of God's message is to reconcile us to Him and to each other, destroying the very divisions and hatreds that cause war.
Your Takeaway Thought
Do not confuse the abuse of power with the source of power. Acknowledge the historical failures of those who claimed Christ, but always distinguish their actions from the authentic, radical commands of Jesus. The only way to truly overcome the sin that causes war is to submit to the One who sacrificed Himself for our peace.
