module 2 Christianity Flashcards
What are the criteria for a just war?
Reasonable chance of success, aim to bring peace, used only after non-violent methods have failed, no innocent civilians killed, cause of war is just, methods used are fair.
What is the nature, history and importance of the just war theory?
Largely Christian doctrine, provides guidance about a war. Applies to states not individuals and provides framework for discussions of possible wars. Doesn’t justify wars but prevents them. Idea came from St Augustine, later St Thomas Aquinas formulated into criteria.
What are Christian teachings on just war?
Of Catholic Church founded in 1992 Catechism of Catholic Church, many Christians accept doctrine. Appears to be some Bible support for just war theory, many Christians believe right to have armed forces protecting country. Can be argued violence is necessary.
What is the quote for the just war theory?
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”(Romans 13:1).
What are the divergent views on just war?
Christians disagree on weather war is ever just. Some accept just war theory, using arguments similar to Catholics, while others feel that both sides in war may claim their cause is just and, instead, use teachings relating to peace.
What are situation ethics?
Many people:religious/non-religious may take a situation ethics standpoint when deciding whether or not war is just, judging each individual situation at the time
What are the quotes for a holy war?
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worth of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it”(Matthew 10:38-39).
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.(Matthew 5:44).
For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.(Matthew 26:52).
Why might some Christian say that the bible suggests that war may sometimes to the right action?
The quote “The Lord said to Moses, Take vengeance on the Midianties for the Israelites.”(Numbers 31:1-2). However, were in Old Testament teachings, today Christians not support view war is justified to defend God, believing is better to find peaceful solution to conflict.
What is the bible’s general message of conflict?
General message of peace, Jesus given title of ‘Prince of Peace.
What is the quote that recognises importance of peace and that holy war is therefore wrong?
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”( :).
How do Quakers respond to conflict?
Some Christians may be pacifists-they don’t support war at all.
What are non-religious attitudes to holy wars?
As don’t accept God, almost certainly oppose holy wars. Most would also oppose war in general, except in exceptional circumstances, but religion would never be justifiable reason for war.
How do Christians respond to non-religious attitudes to holy wars?
Generally agree wars shouldn’t be fought in God’s name and violence should only be used as a very last resort.
What are the perceived benefits of WMD?
Stronger and quicker way to win war. Minimal losses are incurred on side of attackers. Threat to deter other nations from starting war.
What are the perceived problems of WMD?
Moral question of weather devastation caused is ever justified. Dangers from stockpiling WMD. Conditions of Just War theory would not be met using WMD.
What are Christian responses to WMD?
Most Christians accept that problems of WMD outweigh any benefits. Christian teachings focus on ideas of peace found in Bible and taught by Jesus suggesting violence is unacceptable. Christians would be concerned about high loss of of life caused by WMD. Christians recognise that nature of war has changed since biblical times, but respond to benefits and problems of WMD by arguing that their use cannot be justified.
What are biblical teachings of WMD?
Deuteronomy 20 may be interpreted in 2 ways. God tells his people ‘Completely destroy’ cities in war and ‘do not leave alive anything that breathes’ which might seem to imply that complete destruction is acceptable in some cases. However, in other sections He tells them not to destroy women, children, livestock and trees, which would suggest that mass destruction is against God’s wishes.
Non-Christian attitudes to WMD?
Atheists: if have seen results where WMD have been used aren’t likely to support their use.
Humanists:Believe life is special, but for non-religious reasons. They are unlikely to support use of WMD because cause so much damage and threaten life to such a great extent.
How does utilitarianism affect the use of WMD?
Some right refer to ethical theories e.g. utilitarianism, where right action is that which belongs about greatest happiness for greatest number. WMD shouldn’t be used as would cause too much destruction and suffering.
How do Christians respond to Christians respond to non-religious attitudes of WMD?
support non-religious views. Would offer religious reasons , e.g. sanctity of life argument or teaching that peace is more important than war.
What are Christian attitudes to violence?
Christians don’t believe fighting is way to solve conflict, as Bible and Jesus’ teachings support ideas of peace.
What are Christian attitudes to terrorism?
Christian recognise changing nature of world and growth of terrorism. Christians can never justify use of this extreme method, as it targets innocent lives.
What are Christian attitudes to war?
Some Christians believe Bible suggests war is acceptable in some circumstances, and if all peaceful methods have first been tired. Many Christians, however, believe that war is never answer, especially today when weapons are more destructive today when weapons are more destructive than ever before.
