How can religion be both a unifying and a dividing force? Use examples to explain this seeming contradiction.

Answer:

Religion can unify people by giving them shared beliefs, values, rituals, and a sense of community. For example, people of the same faith may worship together and support one another. Religion can also divide people when different groups compete or treat one another with suspicion because of their beliefs. In Nigeria, for example, tensions and violence have occurred between Christian and Muslim communities. Religion can therefore create solidarity within a group while also marking divisions between groups.