Religion, Peace and Conflict Flashcards
How does the relationship between Cain and Abel show the first use of violence
Cain is sinful and he murders Abel.
What causes some Christians to believe that the use of violence in war to defend people and nations is
acceptable?
God condones war in some parts of the Old Testament as a means of overcoming evil, for example with Joshua taking Caanan.
Give a reason why some Christians believe that it is wrong for Christians to be involved in politics
Some Christians believe it is wrong to get involved in politics because they believe that God is sovereign and in
control of all things.
Others believe that they must be involved in politics as their is a moral obligation upon themselves to so, they should stay informed about the governments decisions and speak up about injustices.
State the way in which Christianity is involved in politics in the UK.
The Church of England is the state church in England and the monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church
and the Defender of the Faith. The Church also has a role in law-making in Britain. In the House of Lords there
are 26 bishops who make up the Lords Spiritual.
State two beliefs that terrorists hold that cause them to act in the ways that they do.
They believe that their actions have the potential to force change and that their use of terror is an appropriate
response to the given situation.
State what mainstream Christian churches believe about terrorism.
All mainstream Christian denominations say that terrorism is not acceptable or reasonable.
. What response does the Church of England accept as necessary as a last resort to dealing with terrorists
The Church of England says it is acceptable to use lethal force as a last resort for dealing with terrorists.
How does the Church believe some of the causes of terrorism can be combatted?
The Church believes that some of the causes of terrorism can be combatted by creating stronger communities.
What is a just war?
A just war is one where all other options have been tried and have failed and where the criteria for a just war
have been met.
List the three areas that this [Just War] covers
jus ad bellum - that is, whether it is right to go to war: war must be stated by the proper authority, the reason to go to war must be just (fighting against injustice), everything must be done to make sure good prevails instead of evil, the war must be the last resort, the force used must be no more than necessary to win and civillians/those not posing a threat cannnot be targeted
jus in bello - that is, whether the conditions during war are right : civillians must not be harmed, approporiate force must be used only, internationally-agreed conventions must be obeyed
jus post bellum - that is, whether the actions taken after the war are right: punishing war criminals, helping retrain police and the military in a defeated country (where a corrupt government has been defeated)
What are the three elements of a holy war?
The three elements of a holy war are:
* the achievement of a religious goal
* being authorised by a religious leader
* the promise of a spiritual reward for those who take part.
Give an example of a time in the Bible when God sent his people to war.
God sent his people to war in the book of Joshua.
When was the last time that the Catholic Church called on its followers to fight in a holy war
The Crusades of the 11-1200s.
What is the aim of the rules of war?
The aim of the rules of war is to safeguard human life as far as is possible.
Give an example of a rule of war.
torture is not allowed
limited in violence
no more than the necessary force is used
to not kill indiscrimnately
not kill when a lesser action would stop the enemy
Give a reason why many Christians oppose the use of excessive force.
Many Christians oppose the use of excessive force because Jesus taught his followers to love their enemies.
Outline why many Christians are against the use of drones in war
Many Christians are against using drones in war because their use can reduce awareness of the human cost of
war. It may also mean that the side with drones reduces death from attacks while the side without drones
suffers more. Christians are also concerned that using drones may make it harder to apply human judgement.
What is pacifism?
Pacifism is the belief that the use of violence and military action is wrong, they would be methods such boycotts and peaceful protests
What is conditional pacifism?
Conditional pacifism is the belief that there are times when an act of war will be less bad than the alternative
consequences, and so in those conditions war is necessary.
State three denominations that advocate pacifism
Quakers, the Amish and the Brethren.
When do the Catholic and Anglican churches accept the use of force?
The Catholic and Anglican churches accept the use of force when it is the last resort.
What does Jesus teach people to do before they point out wrongdoing in the lives of others?
They must correct the wrongdoing in their own lives.
Who should each individual seek forgiveness from?
Each individual should seek forgiveness from God and from the person they have wronged
What does Paul teach Christians to avoid doing?
Paul teaches Christians to avoid responding to any situation with an attitude of revenge.
State three benefits of a society that is just.
Three benefits of a just society are:
* there are fewer reasons for people to be drawn into conflict
* people are less likely to feel marginalised or disempowered and this removes one of the central roots
of terrorism
* crime is punished appropriately and communities feel safer.
. What is social injustice?
Social injustice is the unfair treatment of groups of people in society based on wealth, opportunities and
privileges.
Describe the way in which Christians may respond to social injustice.
Christians may respond to social injustice by standing up for the weak and the oppressed. They will advocate
the rights and equal value of all human beings. They may do this through campaigns, protests and even
boycotts.
What is liberation theology?
Liberation theology is the Christian idea that God has the power to change situations in the world that are
unjust.
Give an example of a follower of liberation theology who has been killed for speaking out against social
injustice.
Oscar Romero is an example of a follower of liberation theology who has been killed for speaking out against
social injustice.
