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

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Religion is a powerful aspect of culture: it can unit people, but it can also divide people. Most major religions developed in one distinct area and spread over time. Today, each of the five major religions is practiced by people who speak different languages and live in different countries but are unifed by their common religious belief. Religion can also be a cause for division. One example of this is in modern-day Nigeria, where Christians and Muslims are fighting over political control of the country. In situations like this, religion is used to highlight differences within a population.