religion, peace and conflict Flashcards
what is the religious significance of peace in christianity?
jesus taught peace (matthew 5:9 - “Blessed are the peacemakers”). many christians believe peace comes from reconciliation with god
what is the religious significance of peace in judaism?
peace (shalom) is central in judaism, representing wholeness and harmony. the tenakh emphasises peace and many jews pray for peace in israel
how does christianity view justice?
god is just (psalm 9:8) and christians should seek justice for others following jesus’ teachings
how does judaism view justice?
justice (tzedek) is a key jewish value. the torah commands fair treatment of others, and jewish courts (beth din) upholds justice
what does christianity teach about forgiveness and reconciliation?
jesus emphasised forgiveness (luke 23:34 - “Father, forgive them”). many christians follow this teaching in personal and global conflicts
what does judaism teach about forgiveness and reconciliation?
forgiveness (teshuva) is important, especially during yom kippur. however, some jews believe true forgiveness requires repentance
what are christian views on violence and violent protest?
many christians oppose violence (matthew 5:39 - “Turn the other cheek”) but some allow it in self-defence. violent protest is usually discouraged
what are judaism views on violence and violent protest?
judaism generally opposes violence but allows self-defence. the talmud states “If someone comes to kill you, rise and kill him first” (Sanhedrin 72a)
what does christianity say about terrorism?
most christians condemn terrorism, as it targets innocent people and goes against jesus’ teachings on love
what does judaism say about terrorism?
terrorism is rejected in judaism as it violates the commandment not to murder (exodus 20:13)
what are christian views on the reasons for war (greed, self-defence and retaliation)?
greed is condemned (1 timothy 6:10 - “The love of money is the root of all evil”). self-defence is more accepted but retaliation is discouraged
what are jewish views on the reasons for war (greed, self-defence and retaliation)?
judaism opposes greed but allows self-defence. retaliation is permitted within limits (“an eye for an eye” - exodus 21:24)
what is the just war theory and how does it relate to christian and jewish beliefs?
-just war theory, developed by st. augustine and st. thomas aquinas, outlines conditions for a morally justifiable war (e.g. legitimate authority, just cause)
-similar concepts exist in jewish law, allowing war in self-defence or to protect israel
what is a holy war?
a war fought for religious reasons, often to promote a religion or defend one’s faith
how is holy war viewed in christianity?
holy war is rarely supported today, but the crusades were an example of religiously motivated war
how is holy war viewed in judaism?
in biblical times, some wars were seen as commanded by god, but modern judaism generally opposes holy wars
what is pacifism?
the belief that war and violence are unjustifiable and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means
what are christian views on pacifism?
some christians (e.g. quakers) are absolute pacifists, rejecting all violence. others accept limited violence in self-defence
what are jewish views on pacifism?
judaism is not strictly pacifist but prioritises peace (shalom). however, self-defence is justified
how has christianity been a cause of war and violence in the modern world?
some conflicts (e.g the troubles in northern ireland) had religious elements but were also political
how has judaism been a cause of war and violence in the modern world?
religious tensions contribute to conflicts in the middle east, particularly between israel and palestine
what are christian views on nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence?
many christians oppose nuclear weapons because they kill innocent people. however, some accept nuclear deterrence as a way to prevent war
what are jewish views on nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence?
many jews oppose nuclear weapons due to pikuach nefesh (saving life) but some argue nuclear deterrence helps protect israel
what does christianity teach about weapons of mass destruction?
the use of WMDs is generally opposed as it contradicts just war theory
what does judaism teach about weapons of mass destruction?
the talmud teaches that preserving life is paramount, making WMDs unacceptable
how do christian teachings influence peace-making today?
christian groups like pax christi and the catholic peace fellowship work for peace
how do jewish teachings influence peace-making today?
jewish organisations, such as rabbis for human rights, promote peace and justice
how do christian groups help victims of war?
christian aid and caritas provide humanitarian aid in war zones
how do jewish groups help victims of war?
world jewish relief supports refugees and war victims
