Religion Why Do Territorial Conflicts Arise Among Religious

Religion Why Do Territorial Conflicts Arise Among Religious Groups?

Intro � 20 th century marked by global conflict vs. 21 st century marked by local conflict (cultural diversity) • Religion is element of cultural diversity that has led to most conflict in places � Religious Fundamentalism • literal interpretation • Strict adherence to basic principles � Different types of religious conflict

Religion vs. Gov’t Policies Religion vs. Social Change � LDCs participation in the global economy/culture expose residents to values/beliefs originating in MDCs � We may not view economic development as incompatible w/ religious values but many ppl in LDCs do

Taliban Vs. Western Values � Afghanistan 1996 - 2001 � “Religious Students” � Welcomed? � Strict laws • examples � Banned ‘Western non. Islamic activities’

Hinduism vs. Social equality � Caste system – class/distinct hereditary order • 4 levels & untouchables � More relaxed in recent years but still conscious of system • i. e. Controversy over University students

Religion vs. Communism E. Orthodox Christianity & Islam vs. The S/U � Religious doctrine as potential threat to communism � 1918 eliminated church-state connection � Religion dwindled � Revival in late 20 th century � Role of Islam in Central Asia? • Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, etc.

Buddhism vs. SE Asian Countries �Buddhists hurt by Vietnam war �China, Laos, Vietnam & N Korea • Current communist countries

Religion vs. Religion �Conflicts are most likely to occur where colours change

Religious Wars in Ireland � Most troublesome religious boundary in W Europe � Republic of Ireland 5/6 of island • 92% Roman Catholic � Northern 1/6 part of UK • 58% Protestant

Cont’d. . . � RCs in N Ireland have been victimized by discriminatory practices, such as exclusion form higher-paying jobs and better schools. � Belfast, the capital city, is highly segregated. � Since 1968, 3000+ killed in NI � Irish Republic Army (IRA) group of RCs dedicated to Irish unity • violence

Religious Wars in the Middle East �Jews, Christians & Muslims have fought for 200 years to control same strip of land in Eastern Mediterranean �To some extent, the hostility between these 3 groups stems from their similar heritage • Trace origins to Abraham in the Old Testament

Cont’d. . . � Conflict in the Middle East is among the world’s longest standing. • Jews, Christians, and Muslims have fought nearly 2, 000 years to control the same small strip of Land in the Eastern Mediterranean. �Judaism: special claim to the territory it calls the Promised Land where major events in the development in the religion occurred. �Islam: Muslim army conquered this land in seventh century A. D. Jerusalem is the third holiest city to Muslims, because it is believed to be where Muhammad ascended into heaven. �Christianity: considers it the Holy Land Jerusalem the Holy City, because the major events in Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection occurred there.

� 7 th century Muslims (Arabs) captured most of middle East, converting people from Christianity→ Islam and to Arabic language � Moved across North Africa & into Europe • present day France, Spain • Halted by the Franks (west Germanic people) �Charles Martel � Christian Crusades