Religion and Violence in Africa

Abstract

The study of world history has demonstrated that religion is often held as a reservoir of peace, love and tolerance. Religious ideas have not only inspired the building of peace, love and tolerance, but also the enhancement of human civilizations. Indeed, from the record of history, religion has been the rock upon which noble acts of unconditional love of the neighbor and of God has been built. Yet, at the same time, history has also proven that religion has a strong tendency to promote violence. In spite of its capability to make positive contribution to public life, religion has also the ability to cause havoc. This experience has become more prevalent on the continent of Africa. Towards the end of the 20th century and by the beginning of the 21st century, religious violence in Africa has become the talk of the day.