Peace and Conflict

Question 1

Define what is meant by peace

Answer 1

Peace means to live in harmony and without fear with all people.

Question 2

What would Buddhists and Christians believe about peace

Answer 2

Christianity and Buddhism both teach that peace is important and is something that should be defended.

Question 3

Define what is meant by justice

Answer 3

Justice means to do what is right and what is fair.

Question 4

What would be a development for justice, within war

Answer 4

In war this can mean to both correct injustices done by others but also to make sure that any fighting is done in a just/fair way.

Question 5

Define what is meant by reconciliation

Answer 5

Reconciliation is the idea of bringing people in conflict together to resolve issues so people can live in peace.

Question 6

What would be a development for reconciliation, within war

Answer 6

Even though a war might end, if there is no reconciliation it is unlikely that peace will last because there is still conflict.

Question 7

Define what is meant by forgiveness

Answer 7

Forgiveness is the idea of letting go of anger or hatred towards someone after they have done something to wrong us.

Question 8

What would be a development for forgiveness, within war

Answer 8

Without forgiveness it is very difficult for two sides to reconcile after a war, which often creates lots of anger/hatred, therefore it is vital to achieving lasting peace.

Question 9

“Forgiveness is one of the central teachings of Christianity.”

Justify this statement with quotes

Answer 9

“Turn the other cheek”
“Love your enemy”
“Forgive 77 times”
“Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us” (Lords Prayer)

Question 10

Identify and explain what is meant by “terrorism”

Answer 10

• Terrorism is an act of violence that is intended to achieve a political aim through fear and intimidation.
• Acts of terrorism are usually directed towards civilians and aim to put pressure on governments. Terrorism is a criminal offence.
• E.g. the Manchester bombing

Question 11

Name 3 reasons for terrorism

Answer 11

• Fighting for social justice/ against political injustice
• Fighting poverty
• Fighting for God or to defend faith from persecution
• Asserting religious beliefs
• Fighting because their wishes will not be heard any other way

Question 12

Why is terrorism deemed as wrong. (Religious and non-religious)

Answer 12

• It targets innocent people
• All religions teach that murder is wrong
• Terrorism is power-driven
• Reasons are illegitimate (not right)

Question 13

What is a Christian argument against terrorism

Answer 13

Point:
The teachings of Jesus and Christianity are very much against terrorism as it condemns violence against innocent people.

Evidence:
Jesus said that we should ‘love our neighbours’ and that ‘blessed are the peacemakers’- killing innocent people is not loving or peaceful, no matter what the reason.

Question 14

What is a Buddhist argument against terrorism

Answer 14

Point:
The dhamma is clearly against terrorism as it encourages Buddhists to show compassion and loving-kindness to everyone.

Evidence:
The first moral precept says to not harm any living being- this clearly shows that any action that intends to harm others would be seen as wrong in Buddhism.

Question 15

Name 3 reasons for war

Answer 15

• Greed
• Self-defence
• Retaliation

Question 16

What is a “just war” theory

Answer 16

The Just War Theory is a set of rules/guidelines for both when it is acceptable to go to war and how to fight it.
It was originally put forward by St Augustine and developed by St Thomas Aquinas in the 13th Century, the Just War theory is still used today as a guideline for warfare

Question 17

What are the guidelines/regulations for a just war

Answer 17

Started and controlled by a government (i.e not gangs/terrorist organisations)
It must have a just cause (not revenge or greed)
It must have a clear aim to promote good over evil
It must be a last resort
It must be winnable- if there is no chance of success it is not just.
You must use reasonable and fair force and not attack civilians
It must have a good outcome that outweighs the evil of war.

Question 18

What is a holy war

Answer 18

A Holy War is a war that is fought for God or for Faith.

Question 19

Define “pacifism”

Answer 19

It is the belief that violence is always wrong

Question 20

What are Christian teachings in support of pacifism

Answer 20

‘turn the other cheek’

‘he who lives by the sword will die by the sword’

Question 21

What are Buddhist teachings in support of pacifism

Answer 21

The first moral precept is to avoid harming any living beings, and the Dalai Lama has said that peace can only exist if everyone respects all others. The Buddha said that we should show loving-kindness (metta) and compassion (karuna) to all others, and non-violence is one way to do that.

Question 22

Why do people blame religion as a cause of war

Answer 22

The reasons that religious violence occurs are usually quite complicated, and are often the result of people interpreting religious beliefs in a more extreme way or when religion is linked to other non-religious problems, like disputes over land (such as the Israel/Palestine conflict).

Question 23

Define ‘nuclear weapons’. Are they banned by international law?

Answer 23

Also known as atomic bombs/ hydrogen bombs are extremely powerful weapons that can kill millions of people instantly, whilst also causing long term damage from radioactive fallout.

Whilst they are incredibly devastating, Nuclear Weapons are not banned by international law as they are considered to be a ‘deterrent’ (they stop people attacking).

Question 24

Define ‘biological warfare’. Are they banned by international law?

Answer 24

Biological weapons are weapons that cause damage by spreading germs/diseases, such as anthrax. They are banned by international law.

Question 25

Define ‘chemical warfare’. Are they banned by international law?

Answer 25

Chemical weapons use toxins and nerve agents to disable and kill targets. Chemicals such as chlorine and mustard gas were used in WW1 to deadly effect- they have since been banned by international law.