such as with Judaism in Israel or Roman Catholicism in the republic of Ireland the influence of religion is culturally weakening in some states as with Roman Catholicism in France and Lutheranism in Sweden Religion can also be a source of divisiveness and conflict in society
for example Northern Ireland the former Yugoslavia (especially Bosnia and Kosovo)and Africa(including Algeria and Rwanda) Unfortunately history demonstrates that in the name of religion zealots and extremists may engage in culturally repressive behavior such as religious persecutions ethnic cleansing terrorism of nonbelievers and even Holy wars