Religion, Peace and Conflict Flashcards
What is bullying
• A form of violence • Words can destroy self-esteem • Cause fear and powerlessness • Comments on social media bring more distress
Cain and Abel Violence bible quote
Cain was angry and jealous with his brother, Abel
Cain’s angry thoughts led to him killing Abel
This is not what God wants: ‘What have you done?’
What is forgivness
- We should forgive 70 X 7 times (unlimited times)
* God forgives us, so out of gratitude, we should forgive others.
What does the Lost Son parable tell us
- God forgives those who are truly sorry
- God loves us, even when we sin
- We should forgive others
Forgivness catholic teachings
- ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’
- Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Mt 5:43-44)
What is reconciliation
• After forgiveness comes reconciliation
• Jesus taught that people should be reconciled to each other
before praising God
What does reconciliation bring
- Respect for other peoples beliefs
- A stronger relationship
- Appreciation and acceptance ( peace )
Reconciliation bike quote
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you’ Matthew 5:23
What is justice
Fairness for all people
Why is justice important
Creating justice is important for Christians because injustice leads to a lack of self-worth
Qhat is righteous anger
Anger against an injustice
What does jesus tell us about righteous anger
- Jesus taught anger should be avoided if possible
- But Jesus showed righteous anger (cleansing of Temple)
- Most Christians believe righteous anger is acceptable if it is because of an injustice
- Must be positive action to improve a situation
Many christians are against violent protest because
- It is illegal
- It is ineffective
- Innocent people can
die - Peaceful protest
works (MLK)
Some christians are for violent protest because
- It is sometimes necessary - to make a government take notice
- For example, the suffragette movement in Britain
Why is war a problem for christians
Taking human life goes against the commandment ‘do not murder’ and the Sanctity of Life
• However, the Catholic Church teaches that it is sometimes necessary to go to war e.g. to protect innocent people.
• They follow the Just War Theory…a set of conditions (rules) that must be met for a war to be justified
Who created the just war theory
St Thomas Aquinas
What are the just war principles
- The war must be started and controlled by a
proper authority - There must be a just cause
- The war must be for the right reason
- The war must be a last resort
- Proportionality - benefits of war must be greater than the harm caused
- There should be a reasonable chance of success
What bible quotes support war
“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”
“The lord is a warrior”
Bible quotes against war
“Love your neighbour as yourself”
“You shall not murder”
What is a holy war
- A war fought for a religious goal
- Must be approved by a religious leader
- A belief that God is on your side
- An example is the crusades
What is a bible quote for nucleur war
‘There is no such thing as a just war in a nuclear age’
Pope John XXIII
What are the catholic views on nuclear wars
- The effects are indiscriminate – innocent people die… its not a just war
- Causes tension and fear – makes the world less safe
- Causes severe damage to the environment
- Hiroshima/Nagasaki had a terrible effect on survivors …. starvation, disease … cancer, still births etc.
- Cost is huge - better spent on schools/NHS?
Why may some catholics believe in nuclear war
- We need nuclear weapons to deter attacks (Britain
- We need them for self-defence – other countries have them, e.g. India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea
- They are a symbol of Britain’s role in the world
What are the consequences of Modern Warfare
- Refugees
- Civilian deaths and injuries
- Environmental damage
- Trauma
- Child soldiers
- Destruction of a country’s economy….etc
What are bible teachings on terrorism
- St Paul says that we should ‘obey the authorities’
- St Paul tells us ‘never take vengeance’
… suggesting that violence and terrorism is always wrong
What is radicalism
Extreme views - unwilling to see alternative views. May lead to terrorism – threat to society
What is a martyr
someone who suffers violence or death for refusing to give up their faith. Highly valued by the Catholic Church:
Oscar Romero
St Stephen
Maximilian Kolbe
Catholci teachings on torture
Torture … is contrary to respect for the person and
for human dignity. Catechism of the Catholic Church
How does religion help in modern conflict
- The Pope - held a prayer meeting between Israel & Palestine leaders
- Catholic organisations –
Aid to the Church in need provide shelter, food, medicine to victims of Syrian war
CAFOD set up orphanages for former child soldiers - Individuals – donate money to charities, volunteer, prayer
How do paxi christie work for peace
- Works in more than 50 countries to establish peace
- Gets involved in disputes early– to prevent violence
- Encourages fairness & justice
How do justice and peace commission work for peace
- Campaigns to remove nuclear weapons from the world
- … to reduce the arms trade
- Raises awareness of human rights abuses
