Hasn't religion caused most wars?

Eli: The Encyclopedia of Wars records 1,763 conflicts. It counts religion as the primary cause of 121.

Eli: Your objection isn't silly, though. People have fought in God's name, even Jesus', and that's wrong.

Eli: That's under seven percent. Matthew White's list of the hundred deadliest atrocities has religion behind eleven.

Eli: Scholars like Jeffrey Burton Russell say conflicts may not be rooted strictly in religion, but may cover for power, ethnic, or economic motives.

Eli: Counting is messy, though, and none of it excuses wrongs done in Jesus' name.

Eli: So look at what Jesus himself taught. Matthew recorded this.

Eli: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Eli: Judge him by his words, and not only by his followers' worst moments.

Eli: Try Matthew's Gospel, from chapter five onward, and decide for yourself who he is.

Eli: Or ask someone at a local church anything you like. No pressure.