Religion: a source of conflict and a resource for peace

Religion and peace have been almost natural companions in the minds of humans in time and space, and in different cultures of the world. This is because, although far too many adherents|and leaders of different religions in the world have disrupted peace in society by promoting violence and wars, the vast majority of believers still hold that ?true? religion is a source|and guarantor of individual and societal peace. Invariably, religion influences the cultural behaviours and perceptions of individuals and groups, to varying degrees ? to the extent|that people who get involved in violent conflicts often declare that they fight and kill others in defence of their culture and identity, political beliefs and religion