Religion

Religion also comes into war with devastating effect. In medieval times all western European countries were supported and advised by the pope who was situated in Rome and still is today. The pope at this time had a tremendous authority over western countries such as England, France, Spain, Germany and so on. Sometimes the pope would advise these Christian countries to go to war with countries that opposed their religion or to fight for the holy land situated in and around Antioch. These religious campaigns would be commonly known as crusades. These enormous armies would travel from their homelands and fight for ‘the will of God’. These crusades would of course kill and slaughter thousands of people to complete their task to appease the pope and to occupy the holy land. This is indeed a barbaric way to do ‘gods work’. The bible certainly does not quote to gather armies and take holy lands by force. This is a very wrong way of organising a religion. However the reasons for this behaviour lie in taking more land to gain more power. It was probably quite true that kings organised these crusades not only for religious reasons but also for more power. Religion has a lot of lives to answer for. I certainly would not agree with this catholic system.

You are wrong to say this. Christianity does not enjoin war but forgiveness and peace, despite what history tells you. There are very very few true Christians, that's all that history teaches...

That is true...there are very few true Christians. If more Christians practiced the teachings of Jesus instead of forcing others to live "Christian" lives, there would be less war and more peace. Jesus teaches to love others, especially your enemy and those who are different. He teaches to be tolerant of others and to "Turn the other cheek" when struck by another. I'm very sad to day that most Christians I know...expecially those in the public eye, do not adhere to the teachings of Christ whatsoever. They use their faith to promote their own agenda in politics and war.

As a christain, I DESPISE what the catholics did to the Muslims during the crusades. I think crusades are the best proof to show that the 'almighty' pope is not so almighty neither is he holy. Pope's are a fraud, and if you are a catholic please I beg you follow the teachings of Jesus, NOT the catholic church and the pope, there is a big difference.

Yes,I agree with you all except the one who started this thread.There are very few true christians I live on the bible belt in TN & I still have not found more than 2 true christians my age.