Peace and Conflict

Question 1

What kind of a world did God create?

Answer 1

A world that was ‘very good’ (Genesis 1:31). It included a place of paradise - the Garden of Eden.

Question 2

What did the Bible say humans did with God’s rules?

Answer 2

They rejected them and this disobedience brought sin shich corrupted human nature.

Question 3

What did sin bring?

Answer 3

Feelings of anger, which lead to violence and bullying.

Question 4

How relevant is the importance of forgiveness in Jesus’ teachings?

Answer 4

Very, its a central message.

Question 5

What must people do if they want God’s forgiveness?

Answer 5

They must forgive others.

Question 6

What did Jesus teach about reconciliation?

Answer 6

That its important and should take place before giving an offering to God.

Question 7

What do Christians believe establishing justice helps to do?

Answer 7

It helps God’s Kingdom to spread on earth.

Question 8

What is justice?

Answer 8

Bringing about what is right and fair, according to the law, or making up for a wrong that has been committed.

Question 9

What do some Christians believe about righteous anger (anger against injustice) and justice?

Answer 9

That it can be used effectively to help create justice.

Question 10

What do Christians generally support and not support in terms of protest?

Answer 10

They generally support protest but not violent protest.

Question 11

What teachings does the New Testament contain in terms of violence?

Answer 11

Teachings that suggest violence is acceptable.

Question 12

What did Saints Augustine and Thomas Aquinas do?

Answer 12

They devised a set of conditions that made fighting a war justifiable.

Question 13

What do many Catholics accept in terms of a justified war?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Do the Catholic Chrurch oppose nuclear war?

Answer 14

Yes, and the use of other weapons of mass destruction such as chemical weapons and biological weapons.

Question 15

How many people have different opinions to the Catholic Church about weapons?

Answer 15

Many, including some Catholics

Question 16

What is modern warfares effect compared to the past?

Answer 16

It can be far more destructive than previous wars, and can have devastating long-term effects.

Question 17

How do civilian and millitary deaths compare in war in the 21st century?

Answer 17

It usually results in far more civilian deaths than millitary deaths.

Question 18

Why does modern warfare cause a refugee crisis?

Answer 18

Because thousands flee their homes for safety elsewhere.

Question 19

What impact does modern warfare have on the earth?

Answer 19

It causes environmental damage through warfare, which is huge, contaminating an area for generations.

Question 20

What is religions role in starting war?

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

What is an example of violence and war in the Old Testament?

Answer 21

There have been many, as the Israelites fought to conquer and defend the land they believed God had promised them.

Question 22

What is Holy War?

Answer 22

Fighting for a religious cause or God, probably controlled by a religious leader.

Question 23

Did most people think Jesus held pacifist (refusing to take part in war or any form of violence) views?

Answer 23

Yes

Question 24

Were the early Christians pacifist or non-pacifist?

Answer 24

Pacifist

Question 25

Who is an example of a Christian pacifist?

Answer 25

Throughout history there have been influential Christians who have refused to use violence, such as Martin Luther King.

Question 26

What does the Catholic Chruch also teach despite striving for peace?

Answer 26

That it is sometimes necessary to use force in self-defence or to defend the weak, but that the force must be limited.

Question 27

What does the Catholic Church believe its important to do help in conflict?

Answer 27

To try to both prevent war and help victims of war.

Question 28

What does the Pope highlight every week in terms of ear as he addresses the crowds in the Vatican Square?

Answer 28

The need to pray for peace?

Question 29

What are examples of Catholic agencies that help to support victims of war?

Answer 29

CAFOD, Aid to the Church in Need and Caritas International.

Question 30

What is terrorism?

Answer 30

The unlawful use of violence, usually against innocent civilians.

Question 31

Why does the Bible not support terrorism?

Answer 31

It goes against the state of peace that God wants for all people.

Question 32

To what extent does the Catholic Church oppose the use of terror?

Answer 32

It opposes the use of terror in any situation.

Question 33

Does the Catholic Church oppose torture?

Answer 33

Yes

Question 34

Why does the Catholic Church urge people to reject radicalisation?

Answer 34

Because it leads to terrorism and encourages tension in the world.

Question 35

Are suicide bombers regarded as martyrs by the Catholic Church?

Answer 35

No

Question 36

What does the Bible teach that is the duty of Christians in terms of peace?

Answer 36

To be at peace with one another and to help bring about reconciliation.

Question 37

What does the Catholic Church teach that all believers should do in terms of peace?

Answer 37

Be involved in peacemaking and conflict resolution (creating peace where there have been disputes and war).

Question 38

What two organisations work with the Church to help bring mitual respect, justice, reconciliation and peace?

Answer 38

Pax Christi and the Justice and Peace Commission.

Question 39

What kind of resistance do most Christians believe should be used to persue justice?

Answer 39

Non-violent resistance.