Nuclear War and WMDs Flashcards
What are Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)?
WMDs include nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, and biological weapons designed to kill vast numbers of people.
Chemical weapons, like nerve gas, are indiscriminate and can kill civilians, while nuclear and biological weapons deliberately target civilians.
What is the argument for nuclear weapons being necessary for peace?
Some argue that nuclear weapons ensure peace through ‘mutually assured destruction’ (MAD), where countries fear war due to potential retaliation.
This results in obliteration on both sides if nuclear warheads are used.
What is the arms race?
The arms race refers to the rapid increase in nuclear weapons during the Cold War, where America and Russia competed to develop more sophisticated weaponry.
Why do many Christians oppose nuclear weapons?
Many Christians oppose nuclear weapons because they do not meet the criteria for Just War, as WMDs are designed to target millions of civilians.
How do nuclear weapons violate the criteria of peace?
Nuclear weapons violate the peace criterion as recovery from a nuclear attack takes years, causing long-term environmental and health issues.
What is the CCND?
The Christian Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CCND) aims to achieve a signed agreement for the permanent elimination of nuclear weapons.
What is a concern regarding nuclear weapons and terrorism?
There is concern that nuclear weapons could be targeted by terrorists.
What does the scripture say about the value of human life?
Humans are ‘made in the image of God’, suggesting that widescale loss of life is wrong.
What does the Ten Commandments say about killing?
The Ten Commandments state ‘Do not kill’.
What did Jesus say about reliance on weapons?
Jesus said ‘Those who live by the sword die by the sword’, implying that reliance on nuclear weapons can lead to their use against us.
What does Genesis say about stewardship of the earth?
In Genesis, Adam and Eve were given dominion over the earth, and nuclear weapons cause significant environmental damage, violating good stewardship.
What is a holy war?
A holy war is fought by believers, started by a religious leader, to defend their faith, believing God is ‘on their side’.
What is an example of a holy war in the Old Testament?
The battle of Jericho, where the Children of Israel fought to reclaim their Promised Land, is an example of a holy war.
This is detailed in Joshua Chapter 6.
What were the Crusades?
The Crusades were holy wars where the Pope sent Christian armies to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim invaders.
What does jihad mean for some Muslims?
For some Muslims, jihad is a personal challenge for the love of Allah, often involving charitable acts or helping in refugee camps.
