If religions are meant for peace, how can it divide people?

If religions are meant for peace, how can it divide people? Religions are indeed often founded on principles of peace, compassion, and harmony. However, over time, they have also been a source of division among people for several reasons:

Interpretation of Teachings:

Religious texts can be interpreted in many different ways. When followers of a religion interpret its teachings differently, it can lead to divisions within the same faith, as seen in various sects of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and other religions. These divisions sometimes turn into conflicts over which interpretation is “correct.”

Identity and Exclusivity:

Religions often become closely tied to cultural, national, or ethnic identity. People may define themselves by their religious beliefs and view those outside of their group as fundamentally different. In some cases, religions promote exclusivity—suggesting that their path is the only true path to salvation or enlightenment, which can alienate or demean those of different faiths.

Historical and Political Context:

Religion has often been intertwined with political power. Throughout history, leaders have used religion to unify or control populations, but also to justify wars, conquests, and divisions. The Crusades, the partition of India, and other events are examples where religion became a tool for political and territorial ambitions, leading to lasting divisions.

Ethnic and Cultural Differences:

Religions are often practiced within specific cultural contexts. When different religious communities live together, their distinct practices, values, and worldviews can clash. For instance, dietary laws, dress codes, and marriage customs may differ significantly between religious groups, which can reinforce social barriers.

Fundamentalism and Extremism:

While the majority of religious followers practice peacefully, there are extremist interpretations of almost every major religion. Religious extremists may view other beliefs as threats and seek to impose their views through violence or coercion, causing division and conflict.

Colonialism and Proselytism:

In the past, especially during periods of colonialism, missionary work was often used to spread a particular religion, sometimes at the expense of indigenous beliefs and practices. This imposition of foreign religions on native populations often caused deep cultural rifts.

Fear of the “Other”:

Religious differences can feed into this fear, leading to prejudice, mistrust, and sometimes violence against those who practice a different faith. Misunderstanding or ignorance of another religion’s beliefs can lead to negative stereotypes and social division.

While religion itself often promotes peace, love, and unity, the ways in which people interpret, use, and politicize it have contributed to divisions and conflict throughout history.