3.2 Peace, reconciliation and forgiveness

Question 1

What is pacifism and what are the two types of peace

Answer 1

Pacifism is the commitment to peace and opposition to war. 1) Negative peace is the absence of war
2) Positive peace is the active attempt to bring peace around

Question 2

Religious attitude to pacificm

Answer 2

We should follow in Jesus’ footsteps and become completely passive and non-resistant. Jesus is infallible therefore so are his actions and therefore we should do what he did and follow his actions.

Question 3

Reply to Christian attitude to pacifism

Answer 3

People argue that argument is based off a blinkered reading of scriptures. There are many passages where we see Jesus was not a pacifist, “not come to bring peace, but a sword”

Question 4

Non-religious view on pacifism

Answer 4

Pacifists claim that war is a violation of human rights and war is taking away a humans right to life through the deaths in war.

Question 5

Reply to non-religious view on pacifism

Answer 5

Pacifists are unwilling to use violence to defend because they respect life but a pacifist that claims life is an absolute good and isn’t prepared to defend it against aggression has a contradiction

Question 6

Role of religion in peacemaking

Answer 6

religious voices are uniquely capable of speaking across political divisions, between two conflicting groups. religion is a median in which people will listen to and therefore they are able to reason with people not at peace.

Question 7

Christian attitude to forgiveness

Answer 7

God in Christ forgave our sins in his grace. Jesus told us to “be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” therefore we should forgive those who don’t deserve forgiveness. We ought to forgive them nevertheless.

Question 8

Christian attitude to forgiveness (unconditional)

Answer 8

Some Christians believe in unconditional forgiveness, which means we should always forgive the abuser even if they don’t repent.

Question 9

Christian attitude to reconciliation

Answer 9

Through Jesus’ sacrifice the gap that separated us from God has now been bridged and we are reconciled to God through blood of Jesus.

Question 10

Christian attitude to reconciliation 2

Answer 10

Christians believe it is their duty to preach the gospel to help other reconcile with God. They believe because they were blessed to be reconciled with God they should spread the fact they are.

Question 11

3 things the UN have done In peacekeeping

Answer 11

1) Don’t use force unless self-defence
2) They are impartial
3) Provide security and peace-keeping for other countries in conflict

Question 12

3 things Christian Aid have done that works towards peace

Answer 12

1) Tackle violence to build peace
2) Address the socio-economic equalities
3) Address the gender inequality