Exploring the Paradox of Religious Peace in a Divided World

Why can't all religions live peacefully together on the world? The answer lies in the complex interplay of human nature, socio-political dynamics, and the media's portrayal. In this exploration, we will delve into the biblical verses that highlight the potential for conflict and peace, and analyze the underlying causes of inter-communal strife.

The Biblical Perspective: Flesh and Fruit of the Spirit

Paul’s teachings in Galatians 5:19-23 provide a clear and direct answer to this question. These verses list the works of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit, illustrating the stark contrast between destructive and constructive behavior:

Works of the Flesh (iniquities)

Sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct Idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects Envy, drunkenness, wild parties

Fruit of the Spirit (blessings)

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, self-control

Paul is warning believers about the consequences of practicing such behaviors, emphasizing that these actions will lead to a life without God's Kingdom.

Religion as a Metonym: Living Together in Harmony

Reframing the question from a religious standpoint to a more universal one—namely, why can't people from different backgrounds coexist—is crucial. This perspective simplifies the issue, highlighting the common challenges faced by every society. While there are numerous reasons why communities might not get along, the majority of the time, people do manage to coexist peacefully.

The Media’s Role in Shaping Perception

The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception of religious conflicts. News media often thrive on reporting chaos, conflict, and misery, aiming to elicit emotions such as anger, disgust, fear, and lust. Scandals and conflicts, regardless of their true nature, generate more audience interest. Consequently, there are far fewer reports of peaceful coexistence:

For every report of a religious conflict, there are millions of untold stories of religious people living in harmony. Yet, these stories are rarely reported.

Studies show that the media often over-represent conflict and under-represent peace. This bias can lead to a distorted understanding of the actual state of affairs in communities where people of different religions live together harmoniously.

Underlying Causes of Inter-Community Conflict

The conflicts that arise between communities are often not religious in nature. Instead, they are frequently driven by the scarcity of resources such as land and water. The desperation and resource scarcity that arise from these shortages can lead to open conflicts, which are costly even for the victors.

Religions can occasionally serve as a pretext for conflict, allowing ambitious politicians and political entities to exploit religious differences for their own gain. Fascists, for instance, have used religious scapegoating alongside racial and political scapegoating to explain the downfall of their once-great nations. The media often portrays these conflicts as religious, when in fact, they arise from deeper issues.

Religious People: Nourished by Harmony

When left to their own devices, religious people of different traditions can and do live together in peace. However, the media tends to focus on conflicts rather than the coexistence that actually exists.

Let's rephrase the media's portrayal: no news is good news. By focusing on the absence of conflict, we can better understand the underlying reality and foster a more peaceful and inclusive society.

It is essential to recognize and report on the myriad instances of peaceful coexistence between people of different religious backgrounds. By doing so, we can counteract the bias in the media and promote a more accurate and harmonious understanding of the world around us.