Peace and Conflict Flashcards
What are 3 ways Christians interpret peace?
- Some are pacifists - they use peaceful ways to challenge injustice and evil
- Some believe that violence or war can be a “necessary evil”
- Some think that peace can only be found in Heaven - humans are too sinful on Earth
What are 2 Christian teachings on justice? [2 points, 2 quotes]
- God is a God of justice. The Bible says “The Lord is a God of justice”
- God wants Christians to work for justice. The Bible says “The Lord loves the just”
Why do Christians believe that justice is important for peace? [2]
- Injustice and inequality is a main cause of conflict and war
- Christians believe that peace and justice go together: peace cannot exist if there is injustice
What are 2 Christian teachings on forgiveness?
- God forgives anyone who asks. In the Parable of the Lost Son, Jesus taught that God is like the Father who forgives his son
- The Lord’s Prayer teaches Christians to forgive others if they wish to be forgiven by God: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us”
What is the main Christian teaching on reconciliation? (+ quote)
- Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate act of reconciliation. His sacrifice atoned for human sin and brought reconciliation between God and humankind
- “God reconciled us to himself through Christ” (Bible)
Why do Christians believe that forgiveness and reconciliation are important? [2]
- After a conflict, without forgiveness and reconciliation then problems and resentment will continue, and a return to violence in likely
- Reconciliation is important in healing emotional wounds after a conflict
Explain two contrasting religious beliefs about violent protest [5 marker]
- Most Christians believe that violent protest is wrong. They do believe that protest to achieve what is right is acceptable, however they will use non-violent methods such as campaigns. Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers”
- Some Christians do support violent protest. However, only for a good reason such as to fight for injustice. This is supported by the story of Jesus using violence to protest against corruption and exploitation in the Jerusalem Temple
Explain two contrasting religious beliefs about terrorism [5 marker]
- Most Christians believe that terrorism is wrong. This is because it prevents peace and reconciliation and makes problems worse. Terrorism goes against Jesus’ teaching of: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you”
- Some Christians believe that terrorism can be justified, however only as a last resort. It can be justified if the aim is to remove a dictator, fight injustice or if the terrorism targets infrastructure and not people
Explain two reasons why religious people believe that terrorism is wrong [5 marker]
- Christians believe that terrorism is wrong because the victims are usually innocent people. The Bible teaches that killing is wrong: “You shall not kill”
- Christians also believe that terrorism is wrong because it causes conflict. The Bible teaches that Christians should promote peace and try to live in harmony with one another
What are the 3 main reasons for war?
- Greed
- Self-defence
- Retaliation
Do Christians support greed as a reason for war? Why/why not?
- No
- For Roman Catholics, greed is one of the 7 deadly sins
Do Christians support self-defence as a reason for war? Why/why not?
- Yes (as a last resort)
- Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers”, so a war fought in self-defence to bring peace is fine
Do Christians support retaliation as a reason for war? Why/why not?
- No
- Jesus taught “If anyone slaps you on the righ cheek, turn to them the other cheek also”
What are the terms of the Just War Theory? [7]
- Just cause
- Correct authority
- Just intention
- Last resort
- Reasonable chance of success
- Proportional force
- Just means
Why do many Christians support the Just War Theory? [5 marker]
- One of the terms is that the war must have a just cause. Many Christians believe that a reason such as self-defence is acceptable for war, if peace comes as a result. Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers”
- Another of the terms is that the war must use proportional force. Most Christians do not accept the use of WMDs so this term supports their belief