Religion, peace and conflict Flashcards
How is violence shown early in the Bible?
When Cain murders Abel through his own sinful heart. God condemns it and punishes him.
What are some Christian arguments against war - include quotations.
- ‘Thou shalt not murder’ Exodus
- ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ Matthew
Jesus taught his followers on the sermon on the Mount to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them and turn the other cheek in response to violence.
What are some Christian arguments for war - include quotations.
‘Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all fighting men draw near and attack.’ Joel
In the Old testament, God condones the use of violence within wars. God orders the Israelites to claim or protect the land God has promised to them. Christians may saw war is okay when looking forward to a time of peace and events in the Old Testament are justifications for war.
Outline causes of terrorism.
- Marginalisation of minorities
- Fights for independence or international recognition
- Violation of religious freedoms
May be believed that their actions have the potential to force change and are an appropriate response to the situation.
Outline different Christian attitudes towards terrorism.
The Catholic Church accepts that a Just war may be an appropriate response to terrorism.
The Church of England accepts the use of lethal force in dealing with terrorists.
The mainstream Church believes that creating stronger communities will help combat the causes of terrorism
What are christian views about
a) politics
b) voting
a) Some Christians argue it is wrong to get involved in politics as God is sovereign and can be trusted. Others say there is a moral obligation and to speak up regarding injustice.
b) Christians will vote in a way that best fits with Christian values. Many Christians believe that actively participating in politics is a way to serve God
Explain the link between the monarch and Church
The Church of England is the state church and the monarch is the supreme Governor and Defender of the Faith. The monarch will approve the appointment of bishops etc.
In the House of Lords there are 26 Lords Spiritual.
What is a Just was? Name three criteria a just war must follow.
A way of accepting war when all other options have been exhausted.
- The war must be started by proper authority
- The reason to go to war must be just
- The war must be a last resort
- The good produced from war must outweigh the evil carried out
What is a Holy war? What are the three usual elements? What is the belief about God?
a) Physical violence is sometimes necessary to defend religion
b) The achievement of religious goal, authorised by the religious leader, the promise of a spiritual reward
c) God is in favour of the war - supported by when God sent his followers to war (joshua)
What were the Crusades?
A series of Holy wars by Christians to reclaim the Holy Land of Jerusalem from the Muslims
Why do many Christians oppose the use of excessive force?
It is incompatible with the faith. Pope John XXIII said ‘it is impossible to conceive a just war in a nuclear age’. The Methodist Church condemns weapons of mass destruction.
Why are many Christians against the usage of drones?
The remote conduct can reduce the awareness of the human cost of war. It means one side of the war suffers far greater than the other.
a) What is pacifism?
b) What teachings of Jesus does it focus on?
c) What are conditional pacifists
d) What christian denominations advocate pacifism?
a) the belief that any use of violence is wrong, including and act of war. Conflict should be resolved by peaceful means.
b) ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ Matthew. When faced with his own enemies, Jesus gave himself up for death.
c) It is the bad consequence of war that makes them unacceptable and sometimes the act of war is better than the alternative - may be necessary.
d) Brethren, Amish and Quakers. Catholics and Anglicans may accept the use of force in times of defence or last resort.
Outline Christian beliefs about forgiveness and reconciliation.
The reconciliation with others and God equips people to deal with others more compassionately. Paul in Romans, teaches that Christians should avoid responding to any situation with revenge.
