Christianity: Religion, Peace and Conflict Flashcards
(34 cards)
How does the relationship between Cain and Abel show the first use of violence?
Cain murders Abel
What is the sixth Commandment?
‘You shall not murder’
What causes some Christians to believe that the use of violence in war to defend people and nations is acceptable?
In parts of the Old Testament, God condones the use of violence within the context of wars
Why do some Christians believe that it is wrong for Christians to be involved in politics?
God is sovereign and can be trusted
State the way in which Christianity is involved in politics in the UK.
Voting is part of each Christian’s involvement in politics in the UK
What beliefs do terrorists hold that cause them to act in the ways that they do?
1) their actions have the potential to force change
2) their use of terror is an appropriate response to the given situation or opposition
What response does the Church of England accept as necessary as a last resort to dealing with terrorists?
The use of lethal weapons
How does the Church believe some of the causes of terrorism can be combatted?
Creating stronger communities
What is a just war?
A war that meets certain criteria which make it justifiable
List the three areas that the just war theory covers
1) Jus ad bellum
2) Jus in bello
3) Jus post bellum
What is jus ad bellum?
The consideration of whether it is right to go to war
What is jus in bello?
The actions taken within a war, making sure the correct conduct is followed
What is jus post bellum?
The actions taken after war
What is holy war?
1) war that is believed to be fought on behalf of God and with his support
2) an argument that states that physical violence is sometimes necessary to defend religion
What are the three elements of a holy war?
1) the achievement of a religious goal
2) being authorised by a religious leader, such as the pope
3) the promise of a spiritual reward for those who take part
When was the last time that the Catholic Church called on its followers to fight in a holy war?
The Crusades
What are the criteria for jus ad bellum?
1) the war must be started by the proper authority
2) the reason to go to war must be just
3) everything must be done to make sure good instead of evil results from the war
4) the war must be the last resort, every other way of solving the situation must have been tried and failed
5) the force used must be no more than is necessary to win, and civilians or those not posing a threat should not be targetted
What is the aim of the rules of war?
To safeguard human life as far as possible
Give some examples of a rule of war.
1) not allowing torture
2) use the necessary force to overcome the enemy
3) do not kill indiscriminately or kill when a lesser action would stop the enemy
Why do many Christians oppose the use of excessive force?
It is incompatible with their faith
Why are many Christians against the use of drones in war?
1) they can reduce the awareness of the human cost of war
2) one side involved in the war removes or reduces the death toll of combatants, while the side without the drones faces far greater death tolls
What is pacifism?
The belief that there should be no use of military force whatsoever - whether the cause is just or not is irrelevant
What teaching do Christians who hold a pacifist view focus on?
‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44)
What is conditional pacifism?
The bad consequences of war and violence make them unacceptable