Peace Flashcards
Define pacifism
The belief that all violence is wrong because it is wrong to harm or kill
Define absolute pacifism
The belief that no war can be just as war is always wrong
Define relative pacifism
Wrong can be justified if it is the lesser of two evils
Define nuclear pacifism
The idea that wars in which nuclear weapons are used can never be just because of the large scale, indiscriminate death and destruction they cause
Define active pacifism
Actively encouraging peace through lobbying and campaigning to increase public and political support
What makes absolute pacifism more theoretical than practical?
Because it is straightforward to understand but difficult to adhere to
List the three main secular reasons for pacifism
- Environmentalism
- Humanitarianism
- Opposition to nuclear weapons
Give three quotes from Jesus that advocate for peace
- ‘Those who draw the sword shall perish by the sword’
- ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’
- ‘Love thy neighbour’
The early church were pacifists. Why did this change?
The Constantinian shift led to Christianity becoming the official religion of the Roman Empire. This meant that Christians now had to fight in wars
Name a Christian group who work as active pacifists, campaigning for disarmament
Quakers
What do Quakers can be used to solve conflict instead of violence?
Non-violent conflict that changes the thought and opinion of opponents
What do relative pacifists believe about war?
It is allowed provided it is the lesser evil and it is waged in a morally acceptable fashion
Why is it not possible to wage a morally acceptable war in modern times?
Because of the indiscriminate killing and economic damage associated with modern day warfare
How is Bonhoeffer an example of relative pacifism?
He abandoned his pacifist beliefs in order to be a part of the July Bomb Plot against Hitler
Give two quotes from Bonhoeffer that summarise his attitude to pacisfim
- ‘Silence in the face of evil is itself evil’
- ‘Not to act is to act, not to speak is to speak’
