Religion, Peace and Conflict Flashcards
What is peace
The absence of conflict and violence
What are pacifists
Someone who refuses to support violence
eg. Desmond Doss
What is terrorism
When a person or group seeks to cause fear and inflict suffering onto other people
Causes of war
Religion
Self defence
Tribalism
Honour
Greed
Economics
Retaliation
What is a holy war
One where people believe that God is on their side
What do Christian’s believe in about war
Peace should come first
“Love your enemies”
Shouldn’t retaliate
Example of people trying to work for peace
Dr Martin Luther King
What do Christians think about Just wars
That they can sometimes be accepted
Scripture can often be interpreted differently
“love thy neighbour” - defend people
What do Christians think about Holy wars
Most reject them
What do Muslims think about war
That Muslims should try to live in peace but sometimes war can be justified but it must be in self-defence
Quote for Muslim peace
“And the servants of the Most Merciful are those that walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them, they say peace”
Quote for moderation in violence in Islam
“Allah does not like transgressors”
What are weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)
Weapons that can destroy large areas of land and/or lots of people at once
Arguments for WMDs
Deterrents
Utilitarian perspectives
Defence
Arguments against WMDs
Environmental damage
Costly
Sanctity of life
Not just
Destroying God’s creation
What do Christians and Muslims believe about WMDs
Against them
What 3 things are key to peacemaking
Justice
Reconciliation
Forgiveness
Criteria for Just Wars
Good reason for war
All other options to avoid war must have been exercised
Must be started by a proper authority
Good chance of success
Harm trying to prevent must be greater than the harm caused
Christian quote for forgiveness
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy”
What do Muslims try and do after violence
Forgive and reconcile as Muhammad did
How can religious believers work for peace
Directly - volunteering for charities
Indirectly - donating to charity
Christian quote for peace
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”
Examples of charities working for peace in Islam and Christianity
Islam - Islamic Relief UK, Muslim Peace Fellowship
Christianity - Tearfund, ChristianAid
