Peace & Conflict Flashcards
Peace
The opposite of war; harmony between all in society.
“Blessed are the peacemaker” (Jesus, Sermon on the mount)
Justice
Resolving a situation in a fair manner.
“Seek Justice” (Isaiah 1:17)
Forgiveness
Letting go of blame for a person; moving on from the wrongs they have done.
“Forgive not seven, but seventy-seven times” (Jesus, Matthew 18)
Reconciliation
Rebuilding relationships between two sides after disagreement.
“God reconciled himself to us through Christ” (St Paul, Corinthians)
Reasons why Using violence is wrong:
- Using violence harms you. “Those who live by the sword, die by the sword” (Matthew 26)
-Turn the other cheek - If somebody strikes you ‘Turn the other cheek also’ (Sermon on the Mount)
Reasons why violence may be justified:
- Jesus violently protested, when teaching at the temple (Matthew 21)
What is Just War?
A set of rules for fighting a war in a way believed to be (closer to) acceptable to God.
What are the Criteria for a Just war?
1 Declared By legitimate authority
2 Has a justified cause
3 Right Intention
4 Last Resort
5 Reasonable Chance of success
6 Innocent Civilians not targeted
7 Use of force must be proportionate
What is Holy war
War that is believed to be sanctioned by God
Support for Holy Wars (and AGAINST pacifism)
- Jesus told his followers ‘I have not come to bring peace, but a sword’
Arguments Against Holy wars (and FOR pacifism)
- Jesus taught “Blessed are the peacemakers”
- Martin Luther King Jr Was a Christian Pacifist who taught ‘we must use the weapon of love”
Support for Nuclear Weapons
St. Paul ‘Submit to the governing authorities’
Arguments AGAINST Nuclear Weapons
10 Commandments say ‘Do not Kill’
What is Peace-making
Working to bring about peace & reconciliation.
Teaching of peace-making.
- Jesus taught ‘blessed are the peacemakers’
- Chritstians believe they are god’s stewards.
