Johnson,+Alex



=__**Research Question:**__= //Are religious conflicts due to intolerance or expansion?//

Many things can happen when religion sparks conflict. As a society, we need to realize that religious tolerance is important and work to avoid religious conflicts. A great example of religious expansion is the series of holy battles, which are most often known as ‘The Crusades’. The Crusades were a period of holy wars in Jerusalem lasting from 1096 and finally came to its blood riddled end in 1270. The Christian Church at the time viewed this as a holy war being waged as the “will of god”. The crusaders (anyone partaking in The Crusades) were supposedly cleansed of all their sins because they helped in the war. An example of religious intolerance is the conflict between the Sunni and Shiite sects of Islam. Shortly after the death of Muhammad media type="custom" key="7762363"

=__**The Crusades:**__= In 1095, the Christian church in England was coming into rough times. They believed that Jerusalem should be under their religious control. Many holy men preached about the coming of the crusades and that it was the will of god. This cause a lot of uproar that the church was manipulating the citizens. Even still in 1096 C.E., they began forming ranks and siege Jerusalem.

__**Analysis of the Crusades:**__
The main goal of the crusades was to take control of Jerusalem.

To the Christians, It was important because Jesus spent most of his time there. He was also crucified in Calvary Hill, which is also located in Jerusalem. They often refer to it as “the City of God”. To Islam, Jerusalem was among the highest importance and holiness. Because it was said the prophet Muhammad sat and prayed upon the great rock, they built a dome around that rock. Now it is ruled that no one even tread upon that holy rock.

**__Interpretation:__**
In the religion of Islam, they believe heavily in respecting other religions and denouncing them as skewed beliefs of Islam. In Sura 2 (Book 2), Verse 59 it is said that “Verily, whether it be of those who believe, or those who are Jews or Christians or Sabaeans, whosoever believe in God and the last day and act aright, they have their reward at their Lord’s hand, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.” This means that no matter what religion you are, as long as you act upon moral justification by your own religion, you will be saved. This is a showing of religious tolerance. In Christianity, the Bible talks heavily about loving thy neighbors and fellow men and women. John 3, Verse 16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This show that God believed all men had free will to follow them and he acknowledges that men may or may not follow him. These are both examples of religious tolerance.

=**__Sunnis and Shiites:__**= The Sunni and Shiites are the two main sects of Islam. They have been in great conflict for a number of years now. In 632 C.E. when the Prophet Muhammad died, there was a great schism in the religion of Islam.

**__Analysis of the Sunni and Shiite Conflicts:__**
The main reason of the great schism is the death of Muhammad.

The Sunnis believed that the people should pick the next leader after Muhammad died. This led to the great battle of Siffin. Still to this day, Sunni and Shiite conflicts arise with bloddy violence from Yemen to Pakistan.

The Shiites believed that the leaders should come from the family of Muhammad or be someone chosen by God Himself. They only use the Hadiths that were written and passed down by the prophets family as well as anyone appointed by God.

__Interpretation:__
Because they both believe in the same religion yet fight and kill each other because of one difference. They had a great schism when Muhammad died. This is due to each sides beliefs. One believed that the people should decide the next leader but the other side thought that Muhammad's cousin Ali should take over power. This led to a split in the religion of Islam. Also, the battle of Siffin was caused. To this day, tensions between the two sides are high in the Middle East.

=**__Conclusion:__**= In conclusion, it can be said that The Crusades was due to expansion. Although it was viewed as a Holy War, both religions show examples of tolerance. It can be concluded that although the Christians said The Crusades were a holy war waged upon Islam, it came down to the principal of taking over control of the city. There have been religious conflicts due to intolerance of some forms throughout history but The Crusaders however, were not. Some may argue that for the common people, they fought because of a dislike of the religion of Islam. However the goal was to take over the city, not wipe out the religion of Islam.

The conflict between the Sunni and Shiites however are due to intolerance. Because the Sunni believe that the people had the right to pick the next leader after Muhammad died, they disagree heavily against Shiite beliefs. They both believe in the same religion yet fight and kill each other because of one difference. They had a great schism when Muhammad died. This is due to each sides beliefs. One believed that the people should decide the next leader but the other side thought that Muhammad's cousin Ali should take over power.

=__**Bibliography:**__= All images except the title image are copyrighted to their respectful owners. Title image licensed to Alex Johnson under a Creative Commons Share-Alike License. The Crusades Image: [|Debate Leaders] media type="custom" key="7795771"