Pacifism Flashcards
What is pacifism?
Pacifism is the belief that violence is always wrong, and that peaceful means should be used to deal with conflict.
Who was a famous pacifist?
Martin Luther King was a famous pacifist, making a point of turning the other cheek in order to fight against injustice.
He said ‘meet hate with love’.
What did pacifists do during the World Wars?
During the First and Second World Wars, pacifists enlisted as conscientious objectors, driving ambulances or assisting refugees. Many worked on farms or down the mines replacing the men who had gone to the front.
What is the Quaker Church’s belief about conflict?
The Quaker Church is a pacifist church, believing that it is better to use peaceful means to resolve conflict.
What does the Ten Commandments say about killing?
In the Ten Commandments it says ‘Do not kill’.
What did Jesus say that suggests he was a pacifist?
Jesus said ‘Turn the other cheek’ and ‘Love your enemies’. He also said ‘blessed are the peacemakers’.
This suggests that he was a pacifist.
What did Jesus tell his disciples when he was arrested?
When he was arrested, Jesus told his disciples ‘Put down your sword – those who live by the sword die by the sword’.
What is the purpose of Buddhism regarding violence?
The purpose of Buddhism is to bring about an end to suffering. As any form of violence causes suffering then it must be wrong. Most Buddhists are therefore pacifist.
What is the first of the 5 Moral Precepts in Buddhism?
The first of the 5 Moral Precepts is ‘I abstain from taking life’, so killing is clearly wrong.
What is Metta in Buddhism?
Metta is loving kindness for all creatures – including your worst enemies. Buddhists practise this through a loving kindness meditation.
This means that you can face whatever your enemy throws at you with equanimity (calmness).
What did Buddha say about conquering oneself?
Buddha said ‘It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles’.
What did the Dalai Lama do when Tibet was invaded?
The Dalai Lama spoke out against violent retaliation when his country was invaded and he was forced into exile.
He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
What was Thich Nhat Hanh’s response to a threat against Buddhism?
Thich Nhat Hanh answered that it would be better to let himself be killed than betray his Buddhist Principles.
What is a criticism of pacifism?
Some argue that refusing to fight allows evil to continue unchallenged, for example, if Britain had taken a pacifist stance against Hitler.
How do most people view pacifism in relation to fighting evil?
Most people are not pacifist and will fight against evil. Pacifists can live comfortably knowing that someone else is fighting evil on their behalf.
