Religion has historically united people but also caused conflict by dividing them into in-groups and out-groups. Over time, religions originally seen as unified have split into sects due to differing interpretations and political influences, fueling tensions. The document discusses how sectarianism arises from feelings of threatened religious identity and loyalty to one's own sect. It reviews literature analyzing the social and political dimensions of sectarianism historically within religions like Christianity, Islam, and African-American churches. Conflict theory is discussed as explaining how elites use religion to control the lower classes.

1. Religion, the Crusader and Sectarianism
Sociology 100
Prof. Julie Flowerday
Komal Nasir
17-10994

2. Introduction
Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't
anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion- Dalai Lama.
An unparalleled force, religion, has been the crusader of people throughout history. It has brought
billions of people together and at the same time, resulted in the most distraught and chaotic
incidents ever. It has altered the destiny of kingdoms and states, beliefs spreading like wild fire,
some being accepted and others being crushed down. Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, are
examples of some of the oldest religions. In the past, religion wasn’t looked upon as an
individual’s own matter, it was shared. Some still believe that in the present time. Today, almost
every individual has his or her own sets of beliefs, which are influenced by either the beliefs that
are being passed down through their ancestors, or because of life experiences which allow them to
develop an understanding about nature. A conjoined belief, religion encouraged that and groups
formed, leading onto larger communities and then nations.
It is evident that over the course of thousands of years and hundreds of centuries, there existed
different religions and different beliefs. Obviously there were conflicts, for how can humanity
thrive without it? It would be easier saying that there were two groups, the in-group and the out-
group. If you shared your faith with others, that is, if there were others who believed in the same
things as you, they were part of an in-group. Those who did not were the members of the out-
group. The in-group and the out-group fought, as the feeling of oneness was presumably
threatened. Sharing a certain religion is like having an allegiance to something that incapacitates
common sense; all that exists is loyalty to your group which is equivalent to loyalty to your
religion.

3. Many nations fought for independence on the bases of religion (Pakistan 1947). Conflict has
existed where a set of beliefs are followed. There are always forces which will be against a certain
belief or religion. Religions have been a tool to excite war, tarnish and consume others; the feeling
of loyalty, belonging, home-ness enveloping everything else.
If one religion was complete in itself in the beginning, it was dissected and divided to suit the
changing thoughts of the people (Christianity, Orthodox and Protestant). It was altered to suit
people’s needs, to bend and transform to consume them, courtesy of the altered history being
passed down. People became attached to a certain personality or a certain thought existing in the
religion they practiced which resulted in separation of the common house of faith. Sects came into
existence and the in-group was further divided. The threat to beliefs spread among those of the
same religion, and gave wind to the already passionate and emotional fire burning in the hearts of
believers. The conflict that resulted due to loyalty to one religion destroyed existing peace and
tranquility. The proper name for the hostility that was shown by religious fanatics is sectarianism.
The violent behavior or hate arising for the other sect due to devotion or excessive attachment to
your own.
The topic of my research is religion and sectarianism; what distinguishes or separates religion as
personal belief and sectarianism?
It is my understanding that religion remains a personal belief as long as it is not threatened or
questioned by someone else. The moment it becomes highlighted, the followers of that religion
feel threatened and become extreme.

4. That is when sectarianism arises, comes into being, and becomes an altering force. It becomes a
tool that threatens, abuses and assaults those that do not either agree or follow the assaulter’s
religion (sect). It is a prevailing fact in our society today; religious sects have increased in number,
transforming the actual ideology of the actual religion.
My research is to understand what has allowed different sects to prevail and what is the reason
behind the conflict of thought? As a student of sociology, it in an enticing matter to be able to
understand the harsh hold sects have on society and how they are the reasons why conflict remains
at the peak and tolerance remains at zero.
Literature Review
“Muslims must unite under a flag over the Palestine crisis. It is no Shia-Sunni conflict which have
been undermining the unity of Muslims.” Rana Junaid Mustafa Gohar
In my study of this topic, I’ve come across many research papers and journals which try and report
the different kinds of violence that sectarianism has created and the reasons behind it. Through a
comprehensive study, the conclusion is still unclear and the questions still unanswered. I have a
few questions which even after the detailed study haven’t received proper attention.
 If religion which is so vicious and forceful, has been divided into sects, why be a part of
it?
 Belief is an important factor, why do we not have the tolerance to appreciate and respect
someone else’s belief?
 There are paradoxes in Islam; conflicts in Muslim society prevail in the form of sects, why?

5. “The Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion” (1961-2009) contains volumes of research by
different people who have dedicated their time of day, burning the midnight oil to immerse
themselves in the most emotional and biased institution, religion. Among the volumes is “The
Black Church in the African American Experience” (C. Eric Lincoln 1990) which divulges on the
African American churches, the preachers, and the black clergy. It talks about the changes the
African American churches need to make in their beliefs to survive in the twenty first century,
comparing them to the European African (Blacks) and the way they are practicing their religion,
actually implementing them. The author also mentions the political influence that exists on the
blacks.
In Christianity there are two houses of faith, two sects, Protestants and Orthodox Christians. One
of the groups/sects is very harsh, staunch in their beliefs, unbending, carrying a very strict view of
Christianity. The other one is more humane, flexible and understanding. These two sects maintain
a distance, both existing over past history, maintaining their stance of being the true pillar of
Christianity. Sects exist in Islam as well, and not just one or two but more than ten. A religion
which is based on the virtue of a pious life, just like the others is divided, due to dedication of
followers to one significant individual. Sunni Shia conflicts are evident all over the world; division
in Islam due to conflict between two personalities, Hazrat Ali and Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him).
Perhaps the message, the aim of every religion has been tarnished, forgotten over time and the
followers have grabbed on to unimportant things, trying to maintain their belief by belonging to a
group which maintains a feeling of oneness.

6. “The Social Dimensions of Sectarianism” is another volume which depicts the variations of
sectarianism, the different dimensions and the influence of different things which have resulted in
sectarianism. Belonging to a particular religion arouses different feelings, one specifically of
belonging; unity. The feeling of togetherness, just like that of a home, where one feels safe- ‘Home
is Security, something everyone wants’ (Arthur J. Deikman). Being a part of a sect or religion is
the same as being a part of a family where you feel safe and comfortable. Sects offer that comfort
to followers, perhaps brainwashing them and filling the vacuum with thoughts of belonging.
“The Journal of Asian Studies” (1995) consists of a journal “The Heaven and Earth Society as
Popular Religion” (David Ownby) which gives a comparison of the societies in China which have
different schools of thoughts and practices, which are secret. It speaks of the role of the masses in
the history of China and the change a school of thought brought about. This journal relates to the
importance and effect of a school of thought which as mentioned earlier can alter the fate of
kingdoms and nations.
Stigma’s related to different sects and religions (Neil McMullin 1992).
“The Euro-Islamic roots of secularity: A difficult equation” (Armando Salvatore 2005). This
journal provides a sociological and philosophical reflection of previous history and the coming of
secularity; the division of state, hold of religion. The conflict between Italians and Muslims and
the way they sought out to harmonize their relations by practicing trade.
“Sectarianism in Pakistan: The Radicalization of Shia and Sunni Identities” (Muhammad Qasim
Zaman 1998) speaks about the identity crisis in Pakistan, the conflict between sects and prominent
personalities and the problems it leads to.

7. There is a mention of Ahmadi’s as well, who due to political reasons have been pushed out of the
circle of Islam, proclaimed non-Muslims.
Different studies show that throughout history sectarianism has prevailed and due to the influence
of either powerful figures, religiously reclusive individuals, politicians and ambassadors of
different schools of thought, followers have always been kept emotional, agitated and aggravated.
These studies have made my research somewhat easier by giving me facts and figures regarding
why and how sects have been influenced and what those influences have resulted in.
Theory
Conflict Theory was presented by Karl Marx which stated that society always works in favor of
the elite, the rich and provides assurance to the poor in the form of religion, mending their faith
and making them hope of a better life.
Social conflict theory is a Marxist-based social theory which argues that individuals and groups
which represent (social classes) within society have differing amounts of material and non-material
resources (the elite class in conflict with the lower class) and that the more powerful groups use
their power in order to exploit groups with less power.
Debate- Religion exists only to oppress those that are poor, weak and frail and for the rich, religion
is just a tool to exploit. Those that are more in number, are more powerful, hence they have more
hold over the minorities. They can use their influence for any matter which seems fit to them.

8. Narrative
Since my research question is based on religion and sectarianism, I would like to highlight the
information I’ve received from the journals I’ve skimmed through.
An in-depth account of how different religions have at times accepted each other’s beliefs, and
how they have then tried to bridge the gap by creating trade relations which in turn has created
tolerance. Religions and their sects have over the course of history fought and conducted many
battles which have changed followers, turned them into fanatics, extremists. Most of the study
gave me an insight to the past to where people of different faith were living with each other and
conducting business, like their everyday chores.
Another journal gave me an insight on how Sunni Shi’a, two separate and highlighted houses of
beliefs in Islam function? These two are not the only sects that exist in Islam; Ahmadi. The journal
provided a comprehensive and detailed account of what other factors influence and aggravate
followers and result in conflict.
Another research paper mentioned the divide that has eradicated unity between Muslims and
adheres to conflict. Factors such as gender, ethnicity etcetera don’t matter when the basic schools
of thought become harsh and to that extent that marriage between them is prohibited. The two
extremes prevailing in Islam were also mentioned, they are present all of the world, the extremists
and the liberals. For a comparison I researched a journal which highlighted some sects in other
religions, the churches in Christianity and the groups; Protestant and the Orthodox.

9. Conclusion
What distinguishes religion as a personal belief and sectarianism? In my research I’ve found quite
a lot of journals and researches which have been compiled over the course of decades. All of them
fail to answer one question in my mind, why does conflict exist? The distinguishing between
personal belief and sectarianism has existed and will continue to exist. The feeling of one-ness that
religion creates is more important and effective than personal belief and individualization. It
gathers and caters to every need hence it prevails even in advance societies.
As humans, rational humans we should exercises tolerance, every religion preaches that, almost.
But even then, religions have followers which are very extreme and alter the verses and sayings to
benefit themselves.
I have received an insight that religion caters to both individuals and groups but the problem arises
when the perception changes and people fail to manage and exercise responsibility on their own
conduct.
“Perhaps religions weren’t so bad, they all lectured tolerance. Perhaps it was the human race
which couldn’t exercise tolerance, perhaps they were meant to thrive in chaos.”

10. References
Adam R. Gaiser. “What Do We Learn About the Early Khārijites and Ibāḍiyya from Their
Coins?” Journal of the American Oriental Society Vol. 130, No. 2 (April-June 2010) , pp.
167-187
Armando Salvatore. “The Euro-Islamic Roots of Secularity: A Difficult Equation.” Asian
Journal of Social Science .Vol. 33, No. 3, SPECIAL FOCUS: Islam between Holism and
Secularism (2005) , pp. 412-437
Muhammad Qasim Zaman. “Sectarianism in Pakistan: The Radicalization of Shi'i and Sunni
Identities.” Modern Asian Studies Vol. 32, No. 3 (Jul., 1998) , pp. 689-716
Review by Phillip E. Hammond. “The Social Dimensions of Sectarianism by Bryan R.
Wilson.” Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. Vol. 31, No. 1 (Mar., 1992) , pp.
106+108
Kazuhiko Yoshida and 吉田一彥. “Revisioning Religion in Ancient Japan.” Japanese Journal
of Religious Studies. Vol. 30, No. 1/2 (Spring, 2003), pp. 1-26
Stephen F. Teiser. “Popular Religion.” The Journal of Asian Studies. Vol. 54, No. 2 (May,
1995), pp. 378-395
Denis MacEoin. “Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy in Nineteenth-Century Shiʿism: The Cases of
Shaykhism and Babism.” Journal of the American Oriental Society. Vol. 110, No. 2 (Apr. -
Jun., 1990), pp. 323-329
MALIK MUFTI. “On the Compatibility of Francis Bacon's Political and Ethical Vision with
Islam.” Islamic Studies. Vol. 51, No. 3 (Autumn 2012), pp. 275-294
Amit Dey. “Islam and Gandhi: A Historical Perspective.” Social Scientist. Vol. 41, No. 3/4
(March-April 2013), pp. 19-34
M. N. Srinivas. “Gandhi's Religion.” Economic and Political Weekly. Vol. 30, No. 25 (Jun.
24, 1995), pp. 1489-1491