Many people are motivated to adopt a religious faith out of a need for security in a dangerous world. When their religion is challenged, they react emotionally and sometimes violently.
Religious beliefs are largely based on faith rather than reason. This means that conflicts among religions cannot be easily settled through dialogue. Disagreements can often escalate.
Many people believe that there is only one "top-down" religion: i.e. there is only a single religion revealed by God to humanity. That sole religion is, of course, their own. Meanwhile they believe that all other religions are "bottom-up" faiths: i.e. religions created by humans to express their concept of God. It is difficult for a person to respect other religions if they "know" that their religion, alone, is the true one.
Many feel that they are God's only representatives on Earth; in effect, they are God's arms and legs. They feel a need to be God's defenders.
"Religion is a unique force in society. It promotes both good and evil. Historically, it has helped to abolish slavery. It has promoted racial integration, equal rights for women.
Something to Ponder
* Did God make humans to kill each other in His name?
* Did God want us to be loving or full of hatred?
* Is our Holy Book guiding us to be good or evil?
* Why God gave us brains?
If our focus was only God and not Jesus or Muhammad, probably the world would be a wonderful place to live. Even their focus was only God and majority of humans claim to believe in their message yet unaware they too worshiped the same God.