Chapter 12 - Religion, Peace And Conflict

Question 1

What does the Bible say about violence?

Answer 1

As God made the world ‘very good’, violence would reject the ideals that God wants for the world.

Question 2

What does the Bible say about bullying?

Answer 2

James talks about how the power of the tongue can do great damage.

Question 3

How does Jesus show forgiveness?

Answer 3

When Jesus was being nailed the cross he prayed, ‘father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing’.

Question 4

What did Jesus say about reconciliation?

Answer 4

He taught that people have to be reconciled to each other before they can praise God.

Question 5

Why is Justice important?

Answer 5

It is one pf the ways in which christians help Gods kingdom to spread on earth.

Question 6

What is an effective way to create justice?

Answer 6

Righteous anger because it is directed at something that God would not agree with.

Question 7

What is Just war Theory?

Answer 7

A set of criteria that a war needs to meet before it can be justified.

Question 8

What are 2 of the just war theory principles?

Answer 8

The war must be started and controlled by a proper authority.
There should be just cause which is the reason for going to war which is for defence, never for attack.

Question 9

What are 2 reasons for the Catholic Church’s opposition to nuclear war?

Answer 9

Innocent civilians and people in near by countries can be affected.
The effect of the weapon is very disproportionate to the success.

Question 10

What are 2 effects of modern warfare?

Answer 10

Civilian casualties - these are the people who do not take part in the war yet are still killed or injured.
Refugees - people can be forced to flee their homes because they in danger.

Question 11

What are some views about how modern warfare should be dealt?

Answer 11

Some would argue that destructive weapons can bring a war to an end more quickly, then they should be used.

Question 12

Can religion be a reason for war or violence?

Answer 12

Some wars are caused by differences in religion but they are not the main reasons. Some include: politics, economics, self-defence or retaliation.

Question 13

What is a holy war?

Answer 13

Fighting for a religious cause or God and is controlled by a religious leader.

Question 14

What is pacifism?

Answer 14

The belief that violence and war can never be justified and peace should always be used to resolve arguments.

Question 15

What does the Catholic Church teach about pacifism?

Answer 15

Pope Francis said ‘war never again! Never again war!’. He urged people to pray for peace.

Question 16

What 2 religious reasons are there for people who are pacifists

Answer 16

People have a moral belief in the sanctity of life.

Other believe that war is not a solution to solving problems.

Question 17

How can the Pope bring about peaceful resolutions to conflict situations?

Answer 17

The Pope leads the crowd in the Vatican Square in prayer, before this starts, he brings people’s attention to the conflicts and asks them to pray for peace.

Question 18

How does CAFOD help people during the war?

Answer 18

They do not take sides. They help people to try and survive during a war.

Question 19

What is terrorism?

Answer 19

The unlawful use of violence usually against innocent civilians.

Question 20

What does the Catholic Church teach about terrorism?

Answer 20

It opposes the use of terrorism in any situation. Pope Francis has spoken out against acts of terrorism.

Question 21

What is Torture and what does the Catholic Church teach about it?

Answer 21

The use of severe physical pain to punish someone.

The Catholic Church has rejected the use of torture.

Question 22

What is radicalisation and what does the Catholic Church teach about it?

Answer 22

It is the process by which people adopt extreme views on religious, social and political issues.
The Catholic Church urges people to reject it because it increases tension in the world.

Question 23

What is a Martyrdom and what does the Catholic Church teach about it?

Answer 23

It is the suffering or death of a martyr (a person who dies because of their beliefs).
The Catholic Church has always admired martyrs as they follow the teachings and examples pf Jesus.

Question 24

What does the Bible say about peacemaking?

Answer 24

Paul reminds christians that their duty is to be at peace with one another.

Question 25

What are 2 examples of christian organisations involved in peacemaking?

Answer 25

Pax Christi - rejects violence and tries to make peace without resorting to violence.
Justice and peace commission - aims to reduce violence by focusing on respect for everyone and everything.