Religion Doesn't Cause as Many Wars as You Think

The Encyclopedia of War proves that only seven percent of wars throughout recorded history were religious wars, yet religion—and especially Christianity—is still often blamed for causing more calamities than any of the ideologies, political regimes, and tyrants that have tainted human history. This video from Fr. Mike Schmitz challenges the claim that religious fervor inevitably leads to violence or hatred, and explains how the all-too-common religion scapegoat only covers up a deeper problem that hits much closer to home.

Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:

Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension:

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SOCIAL MEDIA

[kathleenaltherr]

Thank you, Fr. Mike. Loved this. I am a back-home-again Catholic and in the past 6 mos have gone through intense conversion. I am so grateful for my new, improved heart and how much God is changing me from the inside out. Being in love with God and his Son is, well there are no words. The Holy Spirit feeds my heart Wisdom spoonful by spoonful. Learning about all of our Saints is such a blessing. Thanks again!

[jasminehernandez]

This couldn’t be more relatable in today’s society. I always wanted to refute when people would say “religion causes wars” but I never knew exactly how to say it. Thanks Father Mike!

[juanchi_elquezapa]

When religion is stripped from love, it’s no longer a religion: it becomes an ideology... Many christians think they’re being religious but they’re actually ideological, and thus intolerant. Mother Theresa of Calcutta couldn’t have said it better: “faith without love makes you a fanatic.” And guess what the true essence of Christianity is...

[fpp]

Also could you all pray for a friend of mine? Last November he fell down a couple stairs and injured his leg. However it became odd that he still needed to be on crutches in December for a minor fall. He went in to get it checked out and found out that he has nerve damage in the leg (from how he explained it it seems like his body is seeing his leg as an outside entity-like a virus- and is fighting itself off) last week he went in to the hospital to get an injection that would numb the pain however he said it made it worse. If u could all pray for him that would be awesome! God bless!

[joshrichards]

Thank you Father Mike. I am a believer in Jesus Christ. I love the Bible and read it almost daily. I am not a Catholic, but I do battle back and forth in my mind on whether to be one (usually during the several hours it takes to push mow the grass where my family and I live in the country). I have friends and family that are Catholic and Protestant. Your statement of the bad examples leading to the reputation of bad religion really hit home for me. I still don’t believe in praying for Mary and the saints to intercede for me, or the validity of a Pope. Not out of any ill will to Catholics, but out of not understanding. I pray that the Lord shows me the answer, but more importantly that He shapes me more into the image of His Son. God bless you Father.

[richardharpe]

Fr Mike, that's a VERY good point you make about the thumbs down! Youtube should "force" the viewer to write a reason why. This would help the content creator to better understand his/her audience. Thank you for these videos, Father. May God continue to bless and inspire you. Have a happy and holy Easter.

[Dan-pttn]

Thanks for mentioning the violence of Islam. Takes alot of bravery to actually mention it these days and deal with... less informed people going off about it

[eidlebanon]

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

[barrymcgrath]

A world without sin is a world without war

[BeASaint]

"Good religion will never cause or be the source of war since good religion is the source of truth, goodness and beauty! We often measure the religion by its broken members, not the saints. The cause of war is original sin ... " BEAUTIFUL!

[WistfulLioness]

You have reminded me of something that Thomas Merton wrote:

Be at peace with yourself
Then there will be some peace in the world
Share your peace with others
And the world will be at peace.

[claudettevoyer]

What a beautiful and profound talk! Thank you father Mike. What hope and clarity you give!

[johnhealy]

Yep! My heart is broken in ways I didn't imagine possible. Patience and Faith are my saving grace; thank you Jesus!

[marcoferreira]

This sure was an eye-opener to me because I did believe that a big chunk of wars and violence was caused due to religious disputes and disagreements. Thank you Father Mike for clearing this up for me. This is something I definitely need to share with my friends because they believe that religion is a major cause of conflict, as I was led to believe before watching this video. Thank you Father Mike for always taking the time to nourish our souls with a piece of the truth. I have really enjoyed coming to listen to your words. And it makes perfect sense now that wars come from our own inner brokenness and from saying "no" to God and His Will.

[kjoycew]

Fr. Mike, You have such a way with words. God speaks through you to my broken heart and gives me the want to be a saint. Thank You 🙏🏻God Bless you and your ministry!

[bocifus]

Fr. Mike, I go to a catholic school, and we watch you during religion next week we’ll be learning about Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory. So can you do a video about that🙏

[c.g.jonesze]

I can listen to this Priest all the time and it is always inspiring and educational. Greetings from Germany an be blessed.

[kirknielsen]

Nailed it again Fr. Mike! Thanks for addressing this and taking this back to the heart of all war--the human heart. Blessings!

[LoriLoriLori]

👍🏼Useful message, thank you. My Atheist and Gnostic pals always bring this topic up. They call me "one of those 😇brainwashed Christians". I say, "Na, it's more of a 💦💔💧❣️💞heart-wash", haha.😁

[evangelinaperez]

Gracias for this beautiful ministry. I have learned so much from your
insightful messages. What a grear wonder and blessing it is to be a Catholic!!