Religious Conflict in 20th-Century Non-Western Literature Religion is essential to every human being. Not only does it serve as a basis for forming one's own set of values ​​and integrity, but it also serves as a source of conflict for many people. Internal religious conflict can be seen in the form of a personal struggle with one's beliefs. However, personal struggles are mostly influenced by external factors, which cause disturbances in faith and loyalty to one's beliefs. On the other hand, external conflict is the concept that chaos and upheaval occur in society due to the clash of beliefs. Both conflicts between religions and internal religious conflicts turn out to be central to the plot of many examples of non-Western literature of the 20th century. African and Middle Eastern literature, in particular, addresses many aspects of religious conflict, both in the form of individual and collective struggle. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Africa underwent various influences and manipulations by Western colonizers. Westerners emerged with the strong intention of destroying local traditions and creating a solid group of supporters who would welcome their government. Religion, being central to the lives of all Africans, was first on the colonizers' execution list. Evangelists and missionaries arrived in Africa and infused themselves into the local African community, proving supportive and empathetic towards the natives. Gradually, Africans were brainwashed and began to fall for the lures that Westerners had plotted. However, eradicating beliefs that had been so deeply ingrained in African culture for centuries was no easy task. While many radical Africans were tolerant of Westerners, so… paper… those who need it, this can also cause chaos and destruction in a society. Religion is seen as a threatening force that can cause individual suffering and gruesome battles. Works Cited Achebe, Chinua. Things fall 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. Print."Religion and the Igbo people." Queen's University Belfast | House. August 15, 2001. Web. March 22, 2010. "Taliban." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. April 15, 2010. Web. April 20. 2010. .