How Religion can be a tool to spread world peace?

Answer 1

A:Religion can be an important tool to spread world peace provided major, wide-ranging changes are made to the practice and culture of religion. At present, religion is an underlying cause of many wars, as adherents of one religion refuse to tolerate the beliefs of another, or seek to convert them forcibly. Even when religious leaders speak against war, they often tacitly encourage hate or fear against those who hold different world views, or even those who have different sexuality.

If it is to promote world peace, the role of religion must be to fight against intolerance and fear. Religious leaders must publicly and clearly support the rights of others to follow different religious beliefs, and acknowledge that other beliefs are equally valid as those they espouse. A collorary of this is the absolute right of a religion's own followers to convert to another faith, without fear of persecution. While campaigning among the faithful on such social issues as are important to their faiths, including abortion, pre-marital sex, contraception or homosexuality, they must also warn their followers that they must never infringe on the rights of those who practise these things.

Until religions can meet high standards such as these, religion will continue to be a cause of bloodshed and war, rather than a force for peace.