RELIGION AND RELIGIOSITY: A PATH TO WAR OR PEACE

What is it about?

Th e study was set to examine the diff erences between religion and religiosity and to explore how communities can be protected against religious violence. Th e study also intended to investigate the motives and the eff ect that religious violence has had throughout history. Th e study employed the qualitative research method whereby the researcher carried out a meta-analysis synthesis of diff erent research fi ndings to make conclusions and implications that could answer the study questions. Using the literature review they conducted, the researchers carried out data collection. As such, the researcher employed the bottom-up approach to identify the problem and the questions along with the investigation framework of what they decided to explore. Th e fi ndings of the study revealed that religious backgrounds should be the cornerstone to realize the diff erence between religion and religiosity. Religion is of divine origin whereas religiosity is specifically a humanistic approach and a behavioral model. Th e religious violence phenomenon is formed by interlocking factors such as the interpretation of religious texts which clearly adopt thoughts and heritage full of violence camouflaged by religion. It is recommended that governments use a strong strategy employing the educational system, summits and dialogs to successfully overcome religious violence. Th e summits on religion should result in starting a dialog that ensures acceptance of the different religions.

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Photo by Baim Hanif on Unsplash

Photo by Baim Hanif on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Th e present study is framed within the identity- based approach which would categorize the conflict as religious due to the nature of the different groups. In addition, the rhetoric based approach would focus on the development of religious rhetoric among Protestants in the 1960s which is similar to the nationalist rhetoric of the catholic organizations. If framing conflict in the language and symbolism of religion has no effect on the use of violence, the organizations will certainly have a role in afflicting violence. Violent organizations tend to face a resource scarcity and problems in recruitment and retention of members. A growing body in literature states that faith provides militants with powerful assembling capitals (Isaacs, 2016). A truly competitive market in the state for all religious sects can create a moderate approach and competition among the groups (Iannaccone & Berman, 2006).