Peace and Conflict Flashcards
What kind of a world did God create?
A world that was ‘very good’ (Genesis 1:31). It included a place of paradise - the Garden of Eden.
What did the Bible say humans did with God’s rules?
They rejected them and this disobedience brought sin shich corrupted human nature.
What did sin bring?
Feelings of anger, which lead to violence and bullying.
How relevant is the importance of forgiveness in Jesus’ teachings?
Very, its a central message.
What must people do if they want God’s forgiveness?
They must forgive others.
What did Jesus teach about reconciliation?
That its important and should take place before giving an offering to God.
What do Christians believe establishing justice helps to do?
It helps God’s Kingdom to spread on earth.
What is justice?
Bringing about what is right and fair, according to the law, or making up for a wrong that has been committed.
What do some Christians believe about righteous anger (anger against injustice) and justice?
That it can be used effectively to help create justice.
What do Christians generally support and not support in terms of protest?
They generally support protest but not violent protest.
What teachings does the New Testament contain in terms of violence?
Teachings that suggest violence is acceptable.
What did Saints Augustine and Thomas Aquinas do?
They devised a set of conditions that made fighting a war justifiable.
What do many Catholics accept in terms of a justified war?
The Just War Theory (a set of criteria that a war needs to meet before it can be justified) and that war is sometimes necessary.
Do the Catholic Chrurch oppose nuclear war?
Yes, and the use of other weapons of mass destruction such as chemical weapons and biological weapons.
How many people have different opinions to the Catholic Church about weapons?
Many, including some Catholics
What is modern warfares effect compared to the past?
It can be far more destructive than previous wars, and can have devastating long-term effects.
How do civilian and millitary deaths compare in war in the 21st century?
It usually results in far more civilian deaths than millitary deaths.
Why does modern warfare cause a refugee crisis?
Because thousands flee their homes for safety elsewhere.
What impact does modern warfare have on the earth?
It causes environmental damage through warfare, which is huge, contaminating an area for generations.
What is religions role in starting war?
There have been many wars in which religion has been a difference between the two sides, but is seldom the only or the main reason for the conflict.
What is an example of violence and war in the Old Testament?
There have been many, as the Israelites fought to conquer and defend the land they believed God had promised them.
What is Holy War?
Fighting for a religious cause or God, probably controlled by a religious leader.
Did most people think Jesus held pacifist (refusing to take part in war or any form of violence) views?
Yes
Were the early Christians pacifist or non-pacifist?
Pacifist
Who is an example of a Christian pacifist?
Throughout history there have been influential Christians who have refused to use violence, such as Martin Luther King.
What does the Catholic Chruch also teach despite striving for peace?
That it is sometimes necessary to use force in self-defence or to defend the weak, but that the force must be limited.
What does the Catholic Church believe its important to do help in conflict?
To try to both prevent war and help victims of war.
What does the Pope highlight every week in terms of ear as he addresses the crowds in the Vatican Square?
The need to pray for peace?
What are examples of Catholic agencies that help to support victims of war?
CAFOD, Aid to the Church in Need and Caritas International.
What is terrorism?
The unlawful use of violence, usually against innocent civilians.
Why does the Bible not support terrorism?
It goes against the state of peace that God wants for all people.
To what extent does the Catholic Church oppose the use of terror?
It opposes the use of terror in any situation.
Does the Catholic Church oppose torture?
Yes
Why does the Catholic Church urge people to reject radicalisation?
Because it leads to terrorism and encourages tension in the world.
Are suicide bombers regarded as martyrs by the Catholic Church?
No
What does the Bible teach that is the duty of Christians in terms of peace?
To be at peace with one another and to help bring about reconciliation.
What does the Catholic Church teach that all believers should do in terms of peace?
Be involved in peacemaking and conflict resolution (creating peace where there have been disputes and war).
What two organisations work with the Church to help bring mitual respect, justice, reconciliation and peace?
Pax Christi and the Justice and Peace Commission.
What kind of resistance do most Christians believe should be used to persue justice?
Non-violent resistance.
