Paul Collins, Contributor
IF EVER there was a dull moment at a party, rest assured sparks could fly if you mention either religion or politics. These are two topics that offer endless discussion and usually conclude when one or both parties involved fall asleep.
Religion plays such a vital part in the way humans structure their lives. In the same way, politics tries to offer organisation to this structure. I was once told, do not mix your drinks, so too politics and religion should be kept apart.
The Middle East crisis has affected our lives whether we wish it to or not. Closer to British shores, we have the 'light switch' peace treaty regarding Northern Ireland, which is frequently under threat. In both cases, it's a mixture of religious and political ingredients, which have come together in a dangerous concoction.
It's an enigma in itself to try and comprehend that if these people are all God-fearing citizens, what could possibly drive them to hurt and kill?
In a world where migration is an every- day occurrence, it affords the creation of multi-cultural societies. I could not imagine what England would be like under strict church rule, but I'm sure it would not last long as there are far too many religions to account for.
Paul Collins is a university student and one of six teenagers whose opinions appear in this space each week.
