Religion, peace and conflict Flashcards
When Cain is first sinful in the bible, what does God do?
God condemns it and punishes him.
Give a quote which shows that murder is forbidden:
“You shall not murder”
In parts of the Old Testament, when does God allow violence?
Within wars, which are ordered by God to claim or protect land.
What do some Christians interpret about the violence God allows in the Old Testament?
It gives justification for war to defend peoples and nations
What does Jesus teach about his enemies?
Love your enemies
What do some Christians believe about Jesus’ teachings about loving your enemies?
It makes it wrong to use violence in any situation.
“Prepare for war!…”
“Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors”
What do those involved in terrorism feel?
- Their actions have the potential to force change
- Their use of terror is an appropriate response to the situation
What are the reasons for terrorist groups developing?
- The marginalisation of minority groups
- May recieve fewer rights
- Their culture may be being attacked
What does the Catholic church believe is an appropriate response to terrorism?
A just war
What does the Church of England believe is an appropriate response to terrorism?
The use of lethal force
What do all churches believe will combat the causes of terrorism?
Creating stronger communities
The catholic church teaches “Terrorism threatens…”
“Terrorism threatens, wounds, and kills indiscriminately”
Why do some Christians believe it is wrong to get involved with politics?
They believe that God can be trusted.
Why do some Christians believe that it is important to be involved with politics?
They believe it is important for government decisions to have a Christian outlook.
In the house of Lords, how many Bishops are there?
26
What is a just war?
A war which meets certain criteria to make it justifiable
What are the 5 criteria for a Just War?
- The war must be started by proper authority
- The reason to go to war must be just
- The war must be the last resort
- Everything must be done to ensure that good results
- The force used must be no more than necessary to win.
What does the Catholic church believe about war?
It is always regretful
What is a Holy War?
A war that is believed to be fought on behalf of God
What are the 3 elements of a Just War?
- The achievement of a Just War
- Being authorised by a religious leader
- The promise of a spiritual reward for those who take part
What were the Holy Wars Christianity was involved in?
The Crusades
“Love your neighbour and…”
“Love your neighbour and pray for those who persecute you”
When aren’t Christians allowed to kill in war?
When a lesser action could be used
What do Christians believe about the excessive use of force?
It is unnecessary
Why are some Christians opposed to the use of Drones in war?
- They believe that it reduces the awareness of Human life lost at war
- It also could make the war unfair
What does the use of drones in war mean?
Attacks and killings can be carried out remotely
List 2 of the rules of war:
- Safeguard human life as much as possible
- To limit the use of violence
What does peace help limit?
Suffering
What does peace help develop?
Respect between people
What does the Bible teach about complete peace?
There will be a time when complete peace will be restored.
What is pacifism?
The belief that there should be no violence
What quote do pacifists focus on?
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”
When faced with his own enemies, what did Jesus do?
Jesus gave himself up for death.
What is conditional pacifism?
Pacifists that argue that sometimes the act of war is better than the alternate consequences.
Name a Christian denomination which is pacifist:
Quakers
What did Jesus teach about forgiveness?
It is very important
What did Jesus teach to point out before people pointed out the wrongdoing in other people’s lives?
He taught people to pint out the wrongdoing in their lives first
What prayer does Jesus teach forgiveness can be sought from God?
Through the Lord’s prayer
What did Paul teach in the bible about revenge?
Christians should avoid acting with revenge, and instead act with kindness, even towards their enemies.
“Seek good…”
“Seek good, not evil”
“Hate evil…”
“Hate evil, love good”
What is social justice?
Justice in terms of money, opportunities and privileges within society
Why do Christians believe that it is important to achieve social justice?
Because all people are as equal and valuable before God.
What social justice movement do Christians support?
The fair trade movement.
What is the relationship between peace and a just society?
- When society is just, there are fewer reasons for people to be drawn into war
- In a just society, crime is punished appropriately
What do Christians believe they should do about social injustice?
They should stand up for the weak or oppressed
Why are Christians against all forms of social injustice?
- They believe that no human should possess fewer rights than another human being.
- They believe that every human is equal in the eyes of God.
What is the liberation theology?
A Christian idea that God has the power to change situations in the world that are unjust
What do some Christians do in response to the liberation theology?
They may take part in peaceful protests supporting those harmed by social injustice.
“Speak up and judge fairly…”
“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy”
