Angela Mary John, Department of Law, CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
ABSTRACT
From childhood, most people are brought up with religious teachings and scriptures as a fulcrum in everything they do. A child is expected to abide by the morals and code of conduct their parents or elders teach them and these morals have their sources one of which, in most households, is religion. Most of these values and religious morals have the potential to help people become better versions of themselves and nurture a spirit of love with respect among people within the society, yet they ironically give rise to conflicts and wars. Many adults as well as young ones develop a sense of oneness towards people following similar beliefs and culture so much so that it also, in a very alarming manner, gives rise to a sense of hostility and prejudice-as shown by numerous research papers and psychological studies-towards those from different religions and cultures. Values and morals morph into violence, intolerance, and discrimination based on religion. This article observes how prejudice against individuals and communities from different religions arises unconsciously from classroom conversations, prayer rooms and table talk, thus repeating the cycle of religion-based hatred. Countries over the years have strived to frame laws for people to peacefully co-exist with each other; some adopting secularism, both positive and negative, and some embracing a particular religion like most of the GCC Countries while still being tolerant towards those from different faiths. However, despite regulations and secular laws, the rate of violence along religious and communal lines throughout the world, is alarming and raises serious concerns especially from a human rights angle. This article seeks to put forward and analyse certain situations of religion-based conflicts, legal framework including forums and treaties that seek to facilitate peaceful coexistence of all religions, practical solutions and root causes for religion being antithetical to humanity.
Keywords: Authority, Conflicts, Morals, Respect, Secularism
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