Religion, Peace and Conflict Flashcards
Who is the first person to die in the Bible?
Abel
Evidence to show murder is forbidden in the Old Testament.
‘Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed.’
What is the sixth commandment?
‘You shall not murder’
In what context is violence allowed in the Old Testament?
Wars, that should bring about peace
Evidence to show that GOd will bring absolute peace one day.
‘Nation will not take up sword against nation’
What are Jesus’ teaching of violence?
It is wrong to use violence at all, pacifism
According to Jesus’ teachings, when is violence acceptable?
as a reaction to injustice and corruption
Evidence to support violence in defence.
‘Defend the weak and the fatherless’
Why do some Christians believe it is okay to serve in the armed forces?
They believe the service they bring is to help bring peace and protect innocent civillians; ‘Defend the weak and the fatherless.’
Why do some Christians believe it is wrong to get involved in politics?
They believe the authorities are appointed by God so should be respected and trusted.
Which denomination abstains from politics and voting?
Plymouth Brethren
Why do some Christians feel morally obligated to be invloved in politics?
They believe it is important to stay informed about government decisions and to speak up if there appears to be any form of injustice
How many Bishops are there which make up the Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords?
26
What is the definition of terrorism?
The illegal use of violence to cause fear and intimidation for political aims.
What are the Catholic views on terrorism?
Opposed
Evidence from the Catechism to support being against terrorism.
‘Terrorism threatens, wounds, and kills indiscriminately; it is gravely against justice and charity.’
What does the Catholic Church believe to be an appropriate response to terrorism involving violence?
an Act of Just War as a last resort to preserve innocent life in the face of indiscriminate violence used by terrorists.
What are the Church of England views on terrorism?
same as Catholocism
Jus ad Bellum
- War must be started by the proper authority
- Reason to go to war must be just
- Everything must be done to make sure good rather than evil comes from the war
What are the 2 points added by Catholics to Jus ad Bellum?
- War must have been a last resort
- Force used must be no more than necessary to win
Jus in Bello
- Civilians should not be harmed
- Appropriate force should only be used
- Internationally agreed rules on war should be obeyed
Jus post Bellum
- Punish war criminals
- Help retrain police and military in a defeated country where a bad government has been defeated
What is Holy War?
an argument which states physical violence is sometimes necessary to defend religion
What are the 3 elements of a holy war?
- Achievement of a religious goal
- Authorisation of a religious leader
- Promise of a spiritual reward for those who take part
Example of a Holy War in the Bible.
Book of Joshua; Israelites battle against those who lived on the land that God had promised them.
What were the Crusades?
an attempt by Christians to reclaim the Holy Land of Jerusalem from the Muslims
What are the Geneva Conventions supposed to be?
A set of rules that aims to limit the effects of armed conflict by regulating the behaviour of those fighting
What are Christian attitudes to conventional warfare?
The Bible teaches them to strive for peace and justice, and sometimes war may be necessary to avoid this. Otherwise war should be avoided.
What is apocalyptic war?
War that would lead to catastrophic results and widespread destruction, primarily referring to nuclear weapons.
What did Pope John XXIII say about nuclear war?
‘It is impossible to conceive of a just war in a nuclear age. ‘
What are Methodist attitudes towards weapons of mass destruction?
Chemical, biological and nuclear weapons should never be used, however the possession of nuclear weapons is acceptable as a deterrent.
Why do most Christians condemn the use of nuclear weapons in war?
The destructive potential of these weapons means they could never be justified in a war.
Evidence from CofE against the use of nuclear bombs.
‘Such weapons… could never be proportionate to the just cause and aim of war.’
What is the meaning of technological warfare?
The use of developments in technology to advance weapons and means of engaging in war.
Give an example of a weapon used in technological warfare.
Drones
Why do Christians condemn the use of drones in warfare?
They reduce the awareness of the human cost of war
Evidence from the Catechism to say only required force is to be used in war.
‘If a man in self-defence uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful. ‘
Evidence to support war and violence.
‘Proclaim this among the nations, prepare for war!’
Evidence for pacifism.
‘love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’
Evidence that the Bible supports pacifism.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’
What is pacifism?
the belief that any use of violence is wrong including any act of war
What are some methods pacifists may use to resolve conflicts?
sanctions, protests, boycotts
What is absolute pacifism?
the idea that there should be no violence used whatsoever even in a military aspect
Which Christian denominations actively advocate pacifism?
Brethren, Amish and Quakers
Why do the Brethren, Amish and Quakers advocate for pacifism?
Because of the way Jesus lived for example to accpet the violence put upon him before his crucifixtion without fighting back
What is conditional pacifism?
The argument that the consequences of war are less bad than the consequences of an alternative.
Which Denominations agree with the use of violence as a last resort?
catholic and anglicans
Evidence to support that everyone should strive for peace.
‘Make every effort to live in peace with everyone.’
What is the CND?
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, an organisation that campaigns for unilateral nuclear disarmament by the UK.
Evidence from a story for forgiveness.
‘If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’
What is reconcilliation?
the catholic sacrament which states a person can confess their sins to the priest and are given absolution, this frees them from blame and guilt before God.
Evidence to support hating evil.
‘Seek good, not evil,’
Evidence to support justice amongst people.
‘For the lord is righteous, he loves justice, the upright will see his face.’
Evidence to support forgiveness.
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.’
Evidence against revenge.
‘Do not take revenge, my dear friends.’
Evidence against forgiveness in the absence of repentance.
‘if your brother sins, rebuke him; if he repents, forgive him.’
Explain Christian injustice.
It is simply not just love and forgiveness, but also it demands that wrongdoing is appropriately punished and that forgiveness if offered only if the wrongdoer is repentant.
Evidence against social injustice.
‘When an alien lives with you in your land, do not ill treat him,’
What is liberation theology?
the belief that God has the power to change situations in the world that are unjust
