Utilizing the Theology of Religions and Human Geography to Understand the Spatial Dimension of Religion and Conflict

This paper argues for an interdisciplinary approach within the study of religion and conflict. Using a religious studies framework, it demonstrates that tools from human geography, peace studies, theology religions can be used to shed light on intractability conflicts where is not “innocent”. Within spatial dimension individual communal identity, most particularly concept “mythical space”, illuminate non-empirical, affective factors condition attitudes ethnic others. Similarly, religions, typology exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism aid understanding tendencies all communities, non-religious, when faced with perceived threats significant Two case Sri Lanka Israel/Palestine, are examined through this approach, using illustrative “moments” each Both highlight power primal imaginaries informed by narratives about religion, land, identity. Without dismissing importance political economic in arising conflict, enough analyse these alone. Other disciplines necessary two important examples: geography religions.