Initiation into Peace

Abstract

The previous chapters covered situations where religion gave rise to violent conflicts. From south to north, from west to east, religion provided the rationale for violent conflicts and wars. Even so, one should be careful not to draw the conclusion that religion was only instrumental in causing violent conflicts or wars. There are other equally forceful religious responses such as the quest for peace. To have a balanced view on both, it behooves one to see the African in one’s relationship to religion. The propensity to violent conflicts and the search for peace must also be seen from this perspective. It is only when one explores the relationship of the African to religion that we can situate the entire discussion in its proper context.