Does Monotheism Cause Conflict?

Abstract:     
Most of the studies that examine the role of religion in conflicts rely on empirical analyses without addressing the prior theoretical question of whether and why religions, or particular classes thereof, should cause conflict. If there is no logical relationship between religion and conflict then there is no point carrying out costly empirical analyses to ascertain if certain religions are more likely to cause conflict. This paper argues that on its own monotheism is neither necessary nor sufficient for conflict.

Keywords: Conflict, Exclusivity, Externalities, Infallibilism, Religion

JEL Classification: D74, F51, Z12

working papers series