The question of whether religion is the cause of most wars has been debated for centuries. Those who argue that religion is the cause often point to examples of conflicts fueled by religious differences, like the Crusades or the long history of conflict between Christians and Muslims. However, the role of religion in wars is complex and disputed among historians. Here’s an overview of what the Bible teaches related to this topic.
The Bible’s View on War
The Bible acknowledges that war is a reality in our fallen world (Ecclesiastes 3:8). However, Scripture promotes peacemaking not warmaking. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). He taught his followers to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). The apostle Paul instructed, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). He also wrote that God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Therefore, the Bible does not condone starting wars to forcibly convert people to Christianity.
That said, the Bible does view war as justified in some circumstances. Ecclesiastes 3 notes there is “a time for war and a time for peace.” God commanded Israel to engage in physical war in the Old Testament, but this was intended to judge wicked nations, not to forcibly spread Israel’s religion (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). The New Testament allows for just war, but strongly emphasizes peacemaking (Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18). Augustine developed the “Just War Theory” to outline when war is ethically justified. Some key criteria include just cause, right intention, last resort, and proportionality. Importantly, just war theory discourages wars of religion and conquest.
Causes of War According to the Bible
The Bible identifies several causes of war, most relating to the evil desires of the sinful human heart rather than religious differences per se. These include:
- Greed – James 4:1-2 says “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
- Pride – Proverbs 13:10 warns that “Where there is strife, there is pride.”
- Power – Jesus said “the kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that” (Luke 22:25-26). The desire for power often causes wars.
- Political interests – Many wars are fought over land, resources, boundaries, trade, or national interests versus religious interests.
- Misunderstanding and miscommunication – The book of Proverbs notes that “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down” (Proverbs 26:20). Gossip and rumors can inflame conflict.
- Revenge – Romans 12:19 warns against taking revenge, which can perpetuate violence. “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”
As this shows, war often stems from sinful human nature, not religious differences alone. Greed, pride, power-seeking, revenge and poor communication fuel conflict. Of course, religious differences can exacerbate tensions, but are rarely the sole or primary cause.
Examples of Religious Wars in the Bible
There are a few examples of “religious” wars in Scripture, but these were about enforcing obedience to God under the Old Covenant theocracy, not spreading a religion by force:
- Israel vs. Canaanites – God commanded Israel to destroy the wicked, idolatrous Canaanites (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). But this was judgment for their sins, not about forcing religious conversion.
- Elijah vs. Prophets of Baal – Elijah killed the prophets of Baal to turn Israel back to the true God and away from idols (1 Kings 18:40). But Israelites already shared Elijah’s religion.
- King Asa vs. Ethiopians – Asa defeated the Ethiopians who attacked Judah. The Ethiopians happened to have a large army but a different religion (2 Chronicles 14:9-15). But religion was not the cause of this war.
These incidents involved warring against sinful nations or corrupt religious practices, not forcing adherence to Israel’s religion per se. Notably, Israel was not commanded to wage wars of religious expansion. And the New Testament contains no examples of physical warfare to spread Christianity, only spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Examples of Non-Religious Motivations for War in the Bible
Many wars in the Bible stemmed from power struggles, greed, pride, politics and sin – not religious differences:
- David vs. King Saul – Saul repeatedly tried to kill David out of jealousy over David’s military victories and popularity (1 Samuel 18-31).
- Civil war after Solomon – After Solomon’s death, Israel split into two kingdoms due to tribal disputes and power politics, not religion (1 Kings 12).
- Assyrian conquest of Israel – The Assyrians destroyed Israel out of a desire to expand their empire through aggression (2 Kings 17).
- Babylonian conquest of Judah – The Babylonians attacked Judah to expand their political power in the region (2 Kings 25).
- Seleucid desecration of the Temple – Antiochus Epiphanes plundered the Temple to pay war debts, not for religious reasons (Daniel 11:28-35).
As these examples show, many wars in Scripture did not stem primarily from religious differences but from greed, pride, revenge, geography, politics, economics, nationalism, ambition, expansionism and the general sinfulness of mankind. While religious differences may exacerrate tensions, they are rarely the sole cause of wars.
The Bible and Forced Conversions
While God commanded Israel in the Old Testament to destroy wicked nations, he never instructed them to forcefully convert survivors to Judaism. In fact, forced conversions are discouraged and condemned in Scripture:
- Free will offerings – Offerings had to be voluntary, “as each one desires,” not coerced (Exodus 35:29).
- Persuasion, not compulsion – Paul declared the gospel “by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit” not by force (Romans 15:19).
- God desires willing obedience – God wants obedience from the heart, not just outward compliance (Psalm 51:16-17, John 4:23-24). Forced allegiance is condemned.
- No coercion in Christ – Unlike cults or false religions, Christ never coerced followers or spread the gospel by the sword.
While history provides tragic examples offorced conversions done in the name of Christianity, the Bible itself never gives warrant for compelling conversion through warfare, violence or coercion. Instead, it emphasizes voluntary, willing faith.
Lessons for Today
Reflecting on this overview, here are a few key lessons to apply to discussions of religion and war today:
- The causes of war are complex – While religious differences may exacerbate tensions, wars almost always have multiple political, economic, ethnic and geographic factors.
- Blame individuals, not religions – Religions are systems of beliefs that can be interpreted both violently and peacefully. Individual interpretations and applications often fuel wars, not the belief systems themselves.
- Most religions advocate peace – The teachings of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and other major religions include peace teachings along with instances of war. Religious texts contain both warlike and peaceful passages.
- Peacemaking is divine – The Bible elevates peacemakers, not warmakers (Matthew 5:9, Romans 14:19). True religion seeks reconciliation not violence.
- Free will matters – Forced conversions are unbiblical. God wants willing, voluntary faith from the heart. Coercion has no place.
While abuses and atrocities have occurred in the name of religion, the Bible itself does not endorse starting wars to forcibly spread Christianity. When interpreted rightly, Scripture advocates living at peace with others as much as possible (Romans 12:18), pursuing justice (Micah 6:8), defending the helpless (Psalm 82:3-4), and being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). The key is allowing the Bible’s teachings to transform our fallen, warlike hearts into hearts of wisdom, grace and peace.