Independent educational reading about belief, conscience and coexistence
Religious Tolerance
Peace, conflict & freedom

Religious conflict and intolerance

An educational guide to conflict involving religion, including discrimination, oppression, extremism and misinformation—and to approaches that protect dignity and freedom of conscience.

Browse this sectionExplore religious tolerance
People from varied backgrounds gathered for a thoughtful conversationUnderstand causes.
Protect human dignity.
Scope of this guide

Religion may be one factor among many

Conflicts described as religious often also involve politics, ethnicity, historical grievances, unequal power, territory, law or access to resources. Careful analysis distinguishes a community's teachings from the actions of particular institutions, movements and individuals.

This archive uses neutral language where possible and separates criticism of ideas from hostility toward people. Historical labels are retained only when needed to understand the record.

Historic civic building representing law and public institutions
Historical archive

Predictions, public fears and contested issues

Some parts of the collection document past anxieties or disputes. They should be read as historical records rather than descriptions of present conditions.

Reading carefully

How to use this archive

A four-part method for approaching difficult material without treating an entire tradition as responsible for every action associated with its name.

Identify the actors

Distinguish individuals, governments, institutions and movements from broad religious populations.

Separate the factors

Ask how belief interacts with politics, law, identity, history and material interests.

Check the date

Archived reports may describe policies, terminology or public debates that later changed.

Protect dignity

Critique claims and conduct without dehumanizing people or assigning collective guilt.

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Related collections

Place conflict within the wider study of rights, law, peace and freedom of conscience.

Attaining peace →Religious freedom →Human rights →
Reader guide

Frequently asked questions

Does religious conflict always begin with theology?

No. Theology may be relevant, but political power, identity, territory, law, inequality and historical grievances can also be central.

Is criticism of a religious idea the same as intolerance?

No. Ideas and institutions can be criticized. Intolerance targets people's equal dignity, safety or civil rights because of their actual or perceived identity.

Why are some archive titles dated or unfamiliar?

The collection spans many years. Older terminology may be retained in linked page titles so readers can locate the historical material, while this guide uses clearer contemporary wording.

How should I interpret reports about extremist movements?

Treat them as accounts of specific movements, not as evidence about all members of a religion or worldview. Check the date and distinguish a group's claims from wider traditions.

Where can I compare religious beliefs?

Visit the comparison guide for introductions to areas of agreement and disagreement.

Where can I look up an unfamiliar term?

Use the glossary or the guide to potentially confusing terms.

How can I report a factual or accessibility issue?

Use the contact page or email info@religioustolerance.en-html.org with the page title and a description of the issue.