Attitudes Towards Violence

Question 1

Violence is acceptable as Jesus used it -

Answer 1

Jesus used violence when throwing money changers out of the temple. Christians believe that violence is sometimes acceptable.

“He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle”

Question 2

Violence is acceptable if it is for the greater good, such as fighting against oppression -

Answer 2

“He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom”

Question 3

Violence is unacceptable as bible teaches the importance of love -

Answer 3

Love is important and so is forgiveness. Many Christians try to live their lives according to these principles

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they for they will be called sons of God”

Question 4

Violence is unacceptable as God created humans in his own image -

Answer 4

Christians believe all humans are sacred and it is wrong to use violence against anyone.

Ten Commandments “do not kill”

Question 5

Violence is unacceptable as people who use violence will die with violence -

Answer 5

“All who live by the sword will die by the sword”

Question 6

Alternatives to violence:

Answer 6

Peaceful demonstrations- Gandhi
Speeches - Martin Luther Jr
Groups - Greenpeace, Amnesty International

Question 7

Christians who used violence -

Answer 7

Camillo Torres = he left priesthood to fight against government for better conditions for poor

Dietrich Bonhoeffer = he was a pacifist however he though violence was needed to defeat Hitler although (he didn’t kill him himself)