Violence in religion centers on disputes over the Temple Mount, known to Arabs as the Haram al-Sharif. Arab gunmen fired from the shrine and killed two Israeli policemen. Palestinians responded to metal detectors with mass protests after their five daily prayers toward Mecca. These prayer protests turned into chaotic street fighting, especially after noon prayers on their holy day of Friday. Israeli forces used live rounds during clashes in the West Bank and Jerusalem, killing three Palestinians and wounding dozens. A Palestinian named Omar al-Abed then entered an Israeli home during Sabbath dinner and killed a man and two adult children to protect the honor of the Haram al-Sharif. He left a Facebook post seeking a Hamas banner over his body and a photo of Yasser Arafat on his coffin. Both sides grow rabid over the religious site at the slightest provocation. Jesus speaks of wars and rumors of wars. Zechariah describes the governors of Judah as a firepan in the woodpile and a fiery torch in the sheaves. Obadiah refers to Palestinian-like people as violent and uses the Hebrew word chamas to describe them.

In the events involving Reserve Police Battalion 101, most German church pastors taught that the Bible instructs people to obey authority regardless of the command. This teaching contributed to participation in violent actions against Jews during the period from 1942 to 1943. Such instruction does not align with biblical teaching. The church follows the lead of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ told Pilate that His Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, His servants would fight. Governmental leaders are to be highly respected because they are appointed by God. In the history of Israel, kings and their fellow leaders led the nation into sin in almost every case.

In all religious confrontations the motivation is the desire for power. It is a desire to have the upper hand to control the target of one's desires. To acquire power human nature will suspend truth in favor of a lie that will further the acquisition of more power. The disciples of this world's religions pray to their gods asking for power to advance their religion their desires and their pleasures. But their prayers are amiss because they are not based on the truth of the Almighty God. They ask for success in violence to further their pleasures in religion. They enjoy exerting power over others. What a contrast that is to God's religion of truth applied without bias or prejudice for the benefit of humanity. Christ's true disciples are known by the characteristic of humility not power. They conduct themselves by truth mercy and love not by hostility and violence.