In Reply to: Your duscussion with Lydia posted by to Researcher on September 29, 2003 at 17:49:14:
I agree with Lydia. The assertion that religion is the cause of most wars is a bum rap. Most wars have been waged because somebody wanted the wealth of somebody else or because they wanted power.
God is often used as a cover for why a war is being waged, and as a method of getting the troops pumped-up for battle. These religious associations have given the impression that wars are caused by religion, when in reality, the reasons are usually secular.
I once got into a debate with a Vietnam vet, who insisted that World War I and II and even the Vietnam war were religious wars!
His rationale for such a ridiculous belief? He said the American troops in Vietnam were told they were fighting against "godless commies," so that made it a religious war. In WW I and WW II, the enemy were referred to as "godless Nazis or Japs," so he said that made those religious wars also.
If you are looking for the real cause of most wars, follow the money.