General Discussion

using religion as an excuse. That has always been the case throughout history. One main impetus for the Crusades, which were supposedly entirely about religion, was actually so Italian (Christian) merchants could take over trade routes dominated by Jewish and Muslim kingdoms. The 30-Years War of the 17th century was a series of battles for territory among rulers of the former Holy Roman Empire after it divided into areas controlled by either Catholics or Protestants. The recent Troubles in Northern Ireland was an ethno-nationalist conflict, not a religious one. Neither side cared whether the doctrine of transubstantiation was a thing; they cared whether they would be ruled by Britain. Religion is always just an attempt at justification for hostile action for the protection or acquisition of territory, wealth and power.