Can Religion solve conflicts in the Middle East

Ashley Bennerson

9/30/2010

2:04 p.m.

The article begins with the question, “Is religion the problem in the Middle East conflict? Or can religion be the solution?” The answer to the question is religion is not the problem in the Middle East but rather it’s the people involved in the problem putting the blame on religion. Those who seek attention aren’t allowing a compromise to take place but are creating an image that religion is the heart of the conflict. The second question is, “Is the problem religion or extremism in religion? “ The answer to this question the problem is not Islam, Judaism, or Christianity. The problem is when certain individuals claim to be speaking for God, or defending God and act contradict to this teaching that love for God shows itself in respect for the other. They are considered extremist. The solution to these problems is for religious leaders to become more engaged and to speak out more forcefully to "dismantle the corruptions" and give a vision of life together in all its diversity.

When reading this article, one of the questions that came up was how there are many religions in the world and different people and things that people worship. My question is why is it so hard for there to be a mutual respect for those of another religion than you has? What it all boils down to is that everyone should have enough respect for each other as human rather than be bitter or angry with one another because of religions. Most religious text have similar ideas when talking about respect, it’s just a matter of the religious followers to adhere to these ideas.