P1 - Conflict And Peace

Question 1

Define pacifism

Answer 1

The belief of people who refuse to take part in war and any other form of violence

Question 2

Define non-violent protest

Answer 2

Resisting a government without using violence, for example through peaceful protest or non-cooperation

Question 3

Define forgiveness

Answer 3

Showing grace and mercy; pardoning someone for what they have done wrong.

Question 4

Define reconciliation

Answer 4

The restoring of harmony after relationships have broken down; a sacrament in the Catholic Church

Question 5

Define Just war theory

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Define weapons of mass destruction

Answer 6

Weapons that can kill large numbers of people and/or cause great damage

Question 7

Catholic teaching on forgiveness

Answer 7

• Jesus forgiving the people who nailed him to the cross
• Jesus forgave Peter who denied him
• Jesus said that forgiveness should be without limits
• Jesus taught that forgiveness towards a human being is essential if they want to be forgiven by god.

Question 8

Catholic teaching on reconciliation

Answer 8

• Reconciliation leads to peace

- Jesus prayed at Last Supper for peace

Question 9

What are the consequences of modern warfare?

Answer 9

Civilian casualties - people who don’t fight in the war are still killed and injured
Refugees - civilians flee their homes because they may have been destroyed and they are escaping a war zone; should be welcomed by all countries
Environmental damage - destroys huge areas of land in order to wipe out enemy’s cover; affects vegetation for decades; as stewards we should protect environment

Question 10

Arguments for non-violent protests

Answer 10

• Be able to stand against injustice without resorting to violence
• Many would say Jesus supported non-violent protests

Question 11

Arguments against non-violent protests

Answer 11

May not be very effective + need to take more action.

Question 12

Arguments for war

Answer 12

• Some people are not up for negotiation so it may be the only way
• Should be allowed to use in self defence if being attacked

Question 13

Arguments against war

Answer 13

• Force should not be used
• May kill innocent civilians
• Other solutions instead of war

Question 14

Arguments for pacifism

Answer 14

• Jesus was a pacifist as he taught force should not be used and refused all use of violence
• some people are pacifists for religious reasons.
• some people believe in sanctity of life
• war is not a practical solution.

Question 15

Arguments against pacifism

Answer 15

• Sometimes war is a better alternative to consequences of defeat
• force is necessary to solve certain disputes
• Pacifist approach could invite attack from others