Why is religion sometimes not the cause of war?

Sometimes it is not. Did the Spanish American War, or the Mexican War, or the WWI have much to do with religion?

Even the Crusades, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the Six-Days' War were not about the religion. They were caused by the perceived needs for land, power, and resources.

WHy would it have to be about religion? SOmetimes it was, which was not good representation of either religious party, but it shouldn't be and it isn't always the cause

Religion can sometimes not be the sole cause of war because there are various other factors that contribute to conflicts between nations or groups. To understand this, one must consider the complexity of human conflicts and the multitude of reasons that can lead to war. Here are a few explanations on why religion may not always be the cause of war:

1. Political or territorial disputes: Wars can often arise from political or territorial conflicts, where parties engage in power struggles over resources, land, or geopolitical influence. These conflicts are driven more by strategic or economic interests rather than religious beliefs.

2. Ethnic or cultural differences: Conflicts can stem from deep-seated ethnic or cultural differences between groups, which may not necessarily align with religious divisions. People may fight over language, identity, heritage, or socioeconomic disparities, irrespective of religious factors.

3. Power struggles and competition: Diverse motivations for power and control, whether on an individual or collective level, can drive conflicts. These motivations can include political ambitions, desire for dominance, or economic interests, again not directly tied to religion.

4. Nationalism and ideologies: Wars have often been waged in the name of nationalism or particular ideologies. While religion might be a component of a broader ideological conflict, it is not always the primary cause.

It's important to note that religion can still play a significant role in conflicts, and history has witnessed numerous instances where religious differences contributed significantly to the outbreak of wars. However, it is crucial to analyze each conflict individually to understand the specific factors at play, rather than attributing all wars solely to religion.