Religious Conflict in 20th Century Non-Western LiteratureReligion is essential to every human being. Not only does this serve as a foundation for forming one's own set of values ​​and integrity, but it is also a source of conflict for many people. Internal religious conflict can be seen in the form of a personal struggle with one's belief. However, personal struggles are primarily influenced by external factors, which disrupt one's faith and loyalty to one's beliefs. On the other hand, external conflict is the concept that chaos and upheaval occurs in society as a result of a conflict of beliefs. Conflicts between religions and internal religious conflicts are found to be central to the plot of many examples of 20th-century non-Western literature. African and Middle Eastern literature, in particular, addresses many aspects of religious conflict, both in the form of individual and collective struggles. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Africa experienced various influences and manipulations from Western colonizers. Westerners emerged with the firm intention of destroying local traditions and establishing a strong group of supporters who would accommodate their rule. Religion, which is at the heart of African life, was first on the colonizers' execution list. Evangelists and missionaries arrived in Africa and imbibed the local African community, appearing supportive and empathetic towards the natives. Little by little, Africans were brainwashed and began to fall for the cajoling plotted by Westerners. However, eradicating beliefs that have been deeply rooted in African culture for centuries was not an easy task. Although many radical Africans are tolerant of Westerners, conso...... middle of paper ...... those in need, it can also cause havoc and destruction of a society. Religion is seen as a threatening force that can cause both individual suffering and horrific battles. Works Cited Achebe, Chinua. Things are falling apart. Oxford: Heinemann, 2008. Print. Clerk, Jayana and Ruth Siegel. Modern Literatures of the Non-Western World: Where the Waters Are Born. New York, NY: HarperCollins College, 1995. Print. Hosseini, Khaled. The kite runner. New York: Riverhead, 2003. Print. Ngugi, Wa Thiong'o. Don't cry, child. Oxford: Heinemann, 1987. “Religion and the Igbo People” in print. Queen's University Belfast | Home. August 15, 2001. The web. March 22, 2010. “Taliban.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. April 15, 2010. The web. April 20. 2010. .