RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS ON THE RISE AGAIN

                                   The Nature of Religious Conflict
 
Religious practices and beliefs have often been at the center of conflicts throughout history.  Religious conflict can involve two or more completely different religions or can rip apart one religion from within.  Religious beliefs are so deeply engrained into cultures that conflicts arise with change or when religions come into contact.  Even if the differences are minor, followers of all religions can become fervent when threatened.  In short, religion is something worth fighting for, according to history.  However, possibly one of the greatest ironies is that religious conflict usually goes against the teachings of the religions involved.  Imagine the strength of religion when war and violence are justifiable only when defending the faith, a faith that promotes good-will, peace, and the acceptance of others.
                                 The Crusades
 During the Middle Ages, Europeans had only one significant unifying aspect of life.  The Catholic Church permeated every aspect of society.  Waging war with another feudal lord was often viewed as an economic venture where loyalties were easily broken if the price was right.  Battling for the Church was an entirely different thing, animosities and rivalries were forgotten if the Church needed defending.  For about 200 years, Western Europe under the sway of the Catholic Church, attempted to retake the Holy Land away from the Muslims.  The largest target was the holy city of Jerusalem, however, other areas were fought over, such as the city of Constantinople.  Jerusalem remains a religiously significant and contested site today with islam Judaism, and Christianity all having a vested interest.  The Christians were never able to effectively take, and then maintain control, however, many changes occurred as a result of the Crusades. 
The majority of feudal lords were killed, which allowed the few remaining to gain more power, eventually resulting in the rise of nation-states and absolute monarchs.  Also, cultural diffusion occurred between the Arab and European worlds.  New ideas and trade goods flowed between the two areas which eventually brought Europe to the forefront of world affairs. 
The Protestant Reformation
Following the Crusades, Europe entered into a period known as the Renaissanceobtained during feudalism had created an atmosphere of corruption within the Catholic Church.  Some members of the clergy began calling for.  The rebirth of thinking included ideas concerning religion.  Power, territory, and riches obtained during feudalism had created an atmosphere of corruption within the Catholic Church.  Some members of the clergy began calling for change.  One protestant who demanded a reformation was Martin Luther (pictured here).  In his 95 Theses,  Luther exposed the corrupt practices of the Catholic Church such as the selling of indulgences in which people could give money in exchange for a place in heaven.  Luther and other protestants such as John Calvin were excommunicated from the Catholic Church and formed their own Protestant religions.  Lutheranism and Calvinism are only two of many examples.  The Church attempted a Counter-Reformation, but change came too late to bring all Christians back.  Subsequently, many wars were fought between Catholic and Protestant lords and kings who used religion as a guise to gain more territory and power.  One such conflict between Protestants and Catholics has lasted into present-day.  The situation in Northern Ireland has been a violent cycle of terrorism and hatred