I am trying to get a better understanding of exactly what the relationship is between religion and violence. There appears to be a divide, one side believing that religion promotes violence, and the other side believing religion actually decreases violence. How do you feel about these statements and question?

Most religions do not promote violence. However, violence is sometimes carried out in the name of a faith or diety by a relatively small number of people who are generally considered to be on the "fringes" of said religion. In some cases, groups have come to power and acted violently in the name of a faith or diety with large-scale consequences (the Crusades for example). However, even that was not adequate representation of the Christian faith as a whole. In more recent times we have seen the acts of Al Queda committed in the name of Allah and of Islam, but these do not represent the opinions of the majority of Mulsims in the world. I hope that helps to answer your questions.