Christian Violence.

In Northern Ireland, Catholics and Protestants have killed and maimed each other in the name of their Christian religion. The crusades are also mentioned as an example of Christian violence.

Do these facts mean that Christianity is violent? Regardless of whether or not something is done in the name of Christianity, a thing cannot be referred to as Christian unless it is in accordance with the laws of Christianity. The Bible, in the New Testament, teaches against violence: it instructs us to turn the other cheek.

In the name of 'animal rights' we have seen the maiming and killing of horses and beagles participating in fox hunts. If the violence of the crusades, and that of the Catholics and Protestants, can be blamed on Christianity, one can also blame animal rights activism for animal cruelty. In accordance with this way of thinking, one can also blame football for the acts of violent hooliganism that occur.

Should we ban religion? If so, we should also ban football. Having said that, if football is just an excuse, wouldn't football hooligans use something else as a reason for committing acts of violence? And if this is true, wouldn't the violent religious people find another cause for their violence?

There are many excuses made to justify violence: whether it's a difference of religion, nationality, colour, or accent. Should we get rid of different nationalities, colours, or accents?

The big debate concerning the violent aspects of religion is pointless. The fact that people are intolerant of difference is the cause of much of the world's violence. If religion was removed completely there would be something else for people to fight about, regardless of how petty a matter it was.