If religions are made for peace, how does it divide the people?

If religions are made for peace, how does it divide the people? Religions, at their core, often promote values like peace, compassion, and unity. However, they can also be sources of division due to various factors:

Different Beliefs and Practices:

Each religion has distinct doctrines, rituals, and moral codes. These differences can create boundaries between groups, leading to a sense of “us vs.

Interpretation of Teachings:

Religious texts and teachings are often open to interpretation. Throughout history, different sects or denominations within the same religion have emerged due to varying interpretations, which can lead to conflicts or division.

Political and Social Influence:

Religion has often been intertwined with politics and culture. Leaders and institutions may use religion to consolidate power, justify wars, or maintain control, leading to conflicts based on religious identity.

Historical Conflicts:

Historical events like the Crusades, the Partition of India, or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have entrenched religious divisions. These historical wounds can perpetuate division across generations.

Cultural Identity:

Religion is closely linked to cultural identity. As people take pride in their religious identity, it can sometimes foster exclusivity, causing friction with other groups who feel similarly about their own religion.

Extremism:

While most religions advocate peace, some fringe groups interpret religious texts to justify violence or hatred, fueling conflict.

Though religions often aim for peace, human factors—such as fear of difference, political manipulation, and personal interpretation—can lead to division.