Critically evaluate the religious conflict in Northern Ireland using Essay

Critically evaluate the religious conflict in Northern Ireland exploitation both contemporary and traditional sociological theories. Examine the ways in which the con - Essay ExampleThe popular perception usually centres on much(prenominal) things as gang warfare, tribal disputes, or religious animosity or perhaps even an inclination for straight-forward mindless violence. As is so often the case, this turns prohibited to be, if not completely misguided, at least a gross over-simplification of a complex human phenomenon.One of the main aims of this essay will be to enlarge not just how popular myths as to the causes of the Troubles in Northern Ireland are misconceived, but also how some of the more serious attempts to understand the conflict waste suffered from a limited appreciation of the multiple factors involved. In order to pursue this goal, it is first necessary to identify the main historical precursors that led to the conflict and the non-homogeneous strategies that wer e engaged by way of resolution. We will then be in a better position to assess the different theoretical frameworks that have suggested a way forward and to ascertain how they might be applied to the political reality of Northern Ireland from the perspective of religion and secularisation.Even before England became a Protestant country, its brand of universality was different to that of Ireland. Irish Catholicism was deemed to be idiosyncratic because it followed the northern Celtic tradition. So, though both countries were Catholic, differences had already begun to emerge in their various(prenominal) religious identities. Henry II of England was the first to invade Ireland gaining control over the region around Dublin but the expansion of English influence did not occur until the 16th century with the reign of Elizabeth I. It was during this period that the Ulster clans allied themselves against the invading army. By the time of Elizabeth, however, England had already left the Rom an Catholic Church. The break from Catholicism was essentially political and not doctrinal, the Anglican and Catholic services remaining almost identical. It was only after Henry VIIIs death and the accession of Edward VI did the course towards Lutheran Protestantism begin. It was also during Elizabeths time, in face of the threat from the Catholic Spanish, that English nationalism became wedded to Protestantism. Eventually, Ulster came to be dominated by the English and Irish leadership sought sanctuary in Europe. Their lands were confiscated and given to colonists from England. As English foreign policy had come into conflict with those of Catholic Europe, Ireland became a convenient back door to European enemies. To coming back this problem a program of colonial settlement called the Plantation was embarked upon. Although English settlers were at first encouraged, they were reluctant to take up the invitation and it was the Scots from Galloway, who were already disposed to tr avelling to Ulster, who took up the challenge. With the arrival of the Scottish Presbyterians, the native Irish were banished to peripheral lands. There was no deliberate policy of populating Ireland with Scottish Presbyterians as, like the Catholics, they were regarded as dissenters by James 1 of England (Clayton 1998). The counties of Antrim and Down, where Presbyterians were most numerous, did not form part of the Plantation but were