So, Osama Bin Laden wanted our pants wearing women? I would also be interested to hear your take on the conflicts over the "holy land". Would you say that the conflict is only territorial, without admitting the territory is so desired for religious reasons?No, it was the same as every motice. "I want something you have"
Do you acquit past leaders when they quote biblical passages in support of their wars? Wars may be started in many cases for non-religious reasons, but appealing to religion is an excellent way to justify it. "God says I'm allowed to kill heretics and witches."
It's obvious you're trying to simplify cause and effect in order to excuse religion. At least refrain from hypocrisy and mention the bad that is done in the name of religion every time you mention the good.
Wikipedia:
A religious war is a war caused by, or justified by, religious differences. It can involve one state with an established religion against another state with a different religion or a different sect within the same religion, or a religiously motivated group attempting to spread its faith by violence, or to suppress another group because of its religious beliefs or practices. The Muslim conquests, the French Wars of Religion, the Crusades, and the Reconquista are frequently cited historical examples, especially in History Books.
Holy books are horrible for morality. They no longer apply. The point isn't in arguing about what could be or what should be as far as interpretations are concerned. The point is the track record. Millions have died because of religion.
Here is something to break the ice on what exactly we need regarding a morality that can be applied globally:
http://www.amazon.com/Code-Global-Ethic ... 1616141727