You are right up to a point: At times, religion has been misused, and wars and conflicts have been carried out in the name of religion—and still are today.

But does that mean all religion is bad, and nothing good has ever come about through the actions of religious people? No, of course not. Think of all the hospitals and educational institutions throughout the world that have been built in the name of Christ. Think too of the major social movements that were sparked by devout believers, such as the antislavery crusade or the movement to end child labor. For centuries Christians have sought to put Jesus’ command into action: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

This is why I invite you to look at Jesus Christ and see for yourself what He taught. Yes, at times people have distorted His teachings and misused His name. They have forgotten Jesus’ warning to Peter: “Put your sword back in its place … for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

But when you look at Christ as He is found in the pages of the New Testament, you will realize that He was unlike anyone else who ever lived. The reason is because He was God in human flesh, sent from heaven to deliver us from our sins. Don’t let anything keep you from Christ, for only He can give us hope for the future.