Throughout history, power has been used in disturbing ways and religious beliefs have been co-opted for personal or political gain. Philosopher Keith Ward’s comments are helpful:
“No one would deny that there have been religious wars in human history. Catholics have fought Protestants, Sunni Muslims have fought Shi’a Muslims, and Hindus have fought Muslims. However, no one who has studied history could deny that most wars in human history have not been religious. And in the case of those that have been religious, the religious component has usually been associated with some non-religious, social, ethnic, or political component that has exerted a powerful influence on the conflicts.”
This observation about the history of warfare reinforces the critical point that all ideals, religious or irreligious, are capable of being abused. Upon reflection, most would agree that people are the problem, not religion. There are deeper issues at work. The human heart is corrupt.
The prophet Jeremiah’s words are as true today as when they were penned: “The heart is deceitful above all things,and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9). Sean McDowell and I go into more detail on this and other issues in our book:
Have you found this blog helpful? You can have it delivered right to your inbox by signing up here.