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Much like race, nationality, politics, or even those cheering for different sports teams. Each of those I've seen lead into fights as well as see people get along with the other people. However if I would put my finger on it I'd say politics is number one on divisiveness between people, which can lead to the great harms people do. What I mean by that is that minorities in each religion that turn people against each other while others are content to live peacefully with their own beliefs. While on the other hand politics in general is always heated divisive, and by looking at protesters when they go to the streets, can become deeply held acts of violence that is done by anyone who wanted to take part in that protest.

Politics is itself worse then religion, but it's not the cause of negative factors of promoting the we-versus them notion. Our way is better, we are better, our leader was the best, we are in the right, you are not, and so on. Each of those identifies of being we-versus them I see in everyday life everywhere. From working at the same job but working a different shift can cause a constant complaining of "we versus them," same with age different between generations comparing notes of how it was better back then and how disrespectful the younger generations are. (Probably very true, but I've heard this from every generation. From hearing it as a kid to the age my peers say it about kids today.). The truth is the divisiveness nature that can turn rabid can come from anywhere.

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What can be done then? Divisiveness exists. No more can you expect everyone to have the same skin color and same culture, then you can expect the social differences to not be identified and create a we versus them situation. This is part of the world we are in. Differences exist. So again what can be done?

First don't get caught up too much in identity politics and strive both for honesty/sincerely/truth, as well as for kindness/having each other's back/justice without malice.

Do these two things and it can be easier to love your neighbor as you love yourself, because of the kindness factor, while at the same time not discarding the need to seek what is true and what isn't which is at the heard of so much injustice and social conflicts.

Then after that a good approach is the willingness to listen when someone is complaining so that at the very least you can be aware of the complaint and see if there is merit. But also recognize when people are constantly looking for division and constantly breaking people apart. Have nothing to do with them while they are like that. Or you may become like them through constant argument with them.

Dear Not_Now.Soon,

Thank you for your words of wisdom!

What aspects of your religion are malevolent and which aspects are benevolent?

After reading people's ideas about religion I would like to ask all a question: Does religion make sense? Yes or No, and why.

Does religion breed hatred, bigotry, and violence?

I'm not so sure about the breeding part but as sure as Hell religion attracts hypocrites !