Peace And Conflict

Question 1

Bible perspective on violence and bullying 12.1

Answer 1

• In the beginning god created a world that was ‘very good’ it included a place of paradice - garden of eden
• The bible says that humans rejected God’s rules and this disobedience brought sin, which corrupted human nature
• Sin brought feelings of anger, which lead to violence and bullying

Question 2

12.2 Forgiveness and reconcilliation

Answer 2

• A central message in jesus’ teaching is the importance of forgiveness
• If people want gods forgiveness they must forgive others
• Jesus taught that reconciliation is important and should take place before giving an offering to God

Question 3

12.3 Justice

Answer 3

• Christians believe that establising justice helps Gods kingdom to spread on earth
• Justice is bringing about what is right and fair, or making up for what has been committed
• Some christians believe that righteous anger can be effectivly used to help create justice
• Christians generally support peacful protests against injustice but most do not believe in violence

Question 4

12.4 The just war theory

Answer 4

• The new testament contains teachings that suggest a limited use of violence is acceptable
• St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas devised a set of conditions that made fighting a war justifiable
• Many Catholics accept the just war theory and that war is sometimes necassery

Question 5

12.5 Nuclear war and weapons of mass distruction

Answer 5

• The Catholic Church opposes nuclear war and the use of other weapons of mass destruction such as chemical and biological weapons
• Many people, including some Catholics, have different opinions about possessing weapons of mass destruction

Question 6

12.6 The consequences of modern warfare

Answer 6

• Modern warfare can be far more destructive than previous wars, and can have devestating long term effects
• War in the 21st century usually results in far more civilian deaths than military deaths
• Modern wars can cause refugees as thounds flee their homes
• Enviromental damage through warfare can be huge, contaminating an area for generations

Question 7

12.7 Religion as a reason for violence and war

Answer 7

• There have been many wars in which religion has been a difference between the two sides, but it is seldom the only or the main reason for the conflict
• There are many examples of violence and war in the old testament, as the israelites fought to coquer and defend the land they believed god promised them
• Holy war is fighting for a religous causeor God, probably controlled by a religious leader

Question 8

12.8 Pacifism

Answer 8

• Some people think that Jesus held pacifist views
• The early christians were pacifists, refusing to take part in war or any form of violence
• Throughout history there have been many influential Christians who have refused to use violence e.g MLK
• Although the catholic church strives for peace, it does teach that it is necessary to use force in self defence or to defend the weak

Question 9

12.9 The role of religion in conflicts of the 21st century

Answer 9

• The Catholic Church believes that it is importsnt to try both prevent war and help victims of war
• Each week the pope highlights the need to pray for peace as he addresses the crowds of the Vatican square
• Catholic agencies such as CAFOD, Aid to the church in need and Caritas International help victims of war

Question 10

12.10 Terrorism

Answer 10

• Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence, usually against innocent civilains
• The bible does not support terrorism as it goes against the state of peace that God wants for all people
• The Catholic Church opposes the use of terror in any situation

Question 11

12.11 Torture, radicalisation and martyrdom

Answer 11

• The Catholic Church is opposed to the use of torture
• The CAtholic Church urges people to reject radicalisation, as it can lead to terrorism and encourages tension in the world
• Suicide bombers are not regarded as martyrs by the Catholic Church

Question 12

12.12 Conflict resolution and peacemaking

Answer 12

• The bible teaches that it is the duty of Christians to be at peace with one another and to help to bring about reconciliation
• The Catholic Church teaches that all beliveres should be involved in peacemaking and conflict resolution
• Pax chriti and justic and peace commission work with the Catholi Church to help bring mutal respect, justice, reconciliation and peace
• Some christians believe in non-violent resistance to pursue justice