But there is another side to religion. We westerners may think at once of the followers of Jehovah, Christ and Allah. Upon reflection we realize this is but a part of the social story of religion. Think of all the gods of native populations in Africa, the Americas, all across the vast Pacific area. Then think of the participation of many religious factions in violence, ranging from huge organized wars to isolated acts of terrorism by fanatic religious groups.
Religion is highly constructive in many ways but, unhappily, far from free of violent divisiveness.
Benign Militarism Militarism has, of course, long been associated with religion. But in the 20th century, and in the preliminary Napoleonic outburst early in the preceding century, militarism moved well ahead of its historical holy partner. And we developed horrific mass destruction weaponry, also not unused. But the ability to wage wars at insanely destructive levels has created a worldwide crisis dominated by loose cannons and divisive doubt. Once upon a time armies chose mutually determined battlefields on which to fight it out.