Pacifism

Question 1

Give a quote from the Old Testament about Pacifism or lack thereof

Answer 1

“So Joshua…left no survivors. He totally destroyed all who breathed, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded.” (Joshua 10:14)

Question 2

Give a quote from the New Testament about Pacifism

Answer 2

Jesus taught:“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Question 3

Give a quote from Jesus about Pacifism

Answer 3

“A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

Question 4

Give a quote from the Muslim Peace Fellowship about Pacifism

Answer 4

When founded in 1994 it described itself as “…a gathering of peace and justice-orientated Muslims of all backgrounds who are dedicated to making the beauty of Islam evident in the world.”

Question 5

What do the Muslim Peace Fellowship do?

Answer 5

work against injustice
reach out to all faiths with a message of understanding and mutual respect
work with everyone to bring about world peace

Question 6

What does Islamic Relief do?

Answer 6

first Muslim agency in Europe set up to help the victims of war
campaigns all over the world and helps those suffering as a result of war
has worked in Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq

Question 7

What does Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) do?

Answer 7

made up of Christians from different churches who are united in their resolve to promote world peace
formed to work for peace in the troubled region of Israel and Palestine
monitor for any breaches of human rights or international and humanitarian laws - report to the governments of Israel, Palestine, UK and the UN

Question 8

Give a quote from Mahatma Gandhi about Pacifism

Answer 8

“There are many causes I would die for. There is not a single cause I would kill for.”

Question 9

Give a quote from Martin Luther King Junior about Pacifism

Answer 9

“Please be peaceful. We believe in law and order. We are not advocating violence, I want you to love your enemies.”

Question 10

Give quotes from Christianity that support the Just War Theory

Answer 10

Jesus told his disciples: “…if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and by one.” (Luke 22:36) This means that sometimes violence may be necessary
Jesus told the people that they should obey the lawful government: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17)
St Paul told people that Christians have a duty to obey those in authority: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1)

Question 11

Is the Just War Theory accepted by most Christian churches?

Answer 11

yes

Question 12

Give a quote from Pax Christi about Pacifism

Answer 12

“Our vision is of a world where people can live in peace and without fear of violence in all its forms…and treat the whole of God’s creation in a respectful and just manner.”

Question 13

What do Pax Christi do?

Answer 13

Latin for ‘peace of Christ’
an international Catholic organisation
tries to get governments yo solve their disputes with other nations through discussion, and economic and social justice

Question 14

Give a quote from the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)

Answer 14

“War and conflict have a direct impact on development”

Question 15

What are the the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) concerned with?

Answer 15

the consequences of war

Question 16

Give a quote from Pope Benedict XVI about pacifism or lack thereof

Answer 16

“I’d say that we cannot ignore, in the great Christian traditions and in a world marked by sin, any evil aggression…In this case, defending oneself and others is a duty…- even if they means using proportional violence.”

Question 17

What are Conscientious Objectors?

Answer 17

this is an “individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service” on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience and/or religion
can help with war effort but not with actual fighting

Question 18

Give a quote from the Quakers about Pacifism

Answer 18

the belief that we are equal in the eyes of God “has led Quakers to refuse military service, and to become involved in a wide range of peace activities.”

Question 19

What do the Quakers do?

Answer 19

only committed Christian group to pacifism
work with the UN in Geneva and New York to bring reconciliation between warring states
campaign for nuclear disarmaments and abolition
hold meeting with UK government officials to promote a peace-building approach to foreign policy