Those naively concluding that a world without religion would be less violent need only look back to the 20th Century ("the bloodiest century of all") - whose conflicts revolved not around theistic, but secular doctrines. Communism/Marxism; Fascism/Nationalism killed far more than any religious conflict ever has.
The article concludes with respect to Christianity:
"The crucial point here is: What is the central message of the ideology in question? Some of our atheists who respond... seem to miss the fact that ultimately we do not follow Christians, we follow Christ. It is what he said and did that matters, as it is on Him that our faith rests. And his message was one of unqualified love, the eschewment of violence, and the centrality of forgiveness. It is Christ who defines Christianity, not those who have committed atrocities in its name.
So, does religion cause war? Sadly, it does. But does Jesus Christ, and do those who submit themselves wholeheartedly to Him and His teaching? No. He was the Prince of Peace and he remains the only hope for real peace – even, perhaps especially, in the Middle East."
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