Religion, Peace and Conflict Flashcards
Condemnation of violence in the bible
Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder”
Exodus 21:15-18
“Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death.
“Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.
“Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.
“If people quarrel and one person hits another with a stone or with their fist and the victim does not die but is confined to bed”
Biblical evidence of violence
Joel 3:9
“Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all fighting men draw near and attack.”
What do some Christians believe about Jesus’s teachings
That they make it wrong to use violence in any context, so they would always look for peaceful solutions.
Causes of terrorism
- Their actions have the potential to force change
- The use of terror is an appropriate response to the given situation of opposition
- They feel their culture is being attacked
- They feel they are being marginalised or having their rights diminished
Christian attitudes towards terrorism
All Christians believe that the use of terror is not an appropriate solution.
What are the views of the Catholic and Church of England towards terrorism?
Catholic: A just war might be an appropriate response to terrorism
Church of England: The use of lethal force as a last resort to deal with terrorists is acceptable
Evidence of Catholic church against terrorism
“Terrorism threatens, wounds, and kills indiscriminately; it is gravely against justice and charity”
What is a just war?
A war that meets certain criteria which make it justifiable
What are the 3 areas covered in just war theory?
- Jus ad bellum: Considerations over the reasoning for the war
- Jus in bello: The actions taken in the war
- Jus post bellum: The actions taken after the war
What are the 5 criteria covered in jus ad bellum?
- The war must be started by a proper authority
- The reason for the war must be just
- Everything must be done to make sure good results from the war
- The war must be the last resort
- The force must be no more than is necessary to win, and those not posing a threat (civilians, children) must not be attacked
What do Christians believe they have a responsibility to do during a war?
Pray for the leaders of the countries and those involved.
What do Catholics and Anglicans think about wars?
They are always regretful as it means other peaceful means have failed.
Biblical evidence that peaceful options must be tried before a war
Micah 4:3
“He will judge between many peoples
and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore”
What is a holy war?
A war that is believed to be fought on the behalf of God and with his support
What are the 3 elements of holy war?
- The achievement of a religious goal
- The authorisation from a religious leader
- The promise of a spiritual war for those involved
Biblical evidence of holy wars
Joshua 8:1
“Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the kind of Ai, his people, his city and his land”
What did George Bush say about the Iraq war?
That it was a God-given mission to secure a state for the Palestinians and security for Israel. In effect, a holy war.
What did Reverend Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State say in response to Bush?
“US soldiers are not Christian crusaders, and they ought not be depicted as such”
What did Pope John XXIII say about nuclear war?
“It is impossible to conceive a just war in a nuclear age”
What does the Methodist Church teach about weapons of mass destruction?
The use of them is condemned, but possession as a deterrent is permitted.
What do many Christians believe about drones?
Drones reduce the awareness of human cost of war, as one side faces greater death tolls, whilst the other faces none. Drones make war easier and risk-free, meaning that more wars are likely to be declared.
What force are combatants required to use in a just war?
The necessary force to overcome the enemy. They aren’t allowed to kill indiscriminately, or when a lesser force would overcome the enemy.
What is absolute pacificism?
The belief that there should be no use of military force whatsoever, even if the cause is just.
Why might some Christians be pacifists?
Matthew 5:44
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecutre you”
What is conditional pacificism?
Pacifists who argue that war can be justified if the outcome of the war would be the lesser evil.
Denominations which advocate for pacificism
Quakers, Amish, Brethren
Biblical evidence of Jesus and pacifism
Luke 22:49-51
“And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.”
What is the value of peace?
Peace helps to limit suffering, develop harmony and build respect between people. As war is reduced, so are the impacts of war.
Idea of peace between God and humanity through salvation.
What does Paul teach about forgiveness?
We should avoid responding with an attitude of revenge
Lord’s prayer evidence for forgiveness
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you”
What is social justice?
Justine in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities and privileges within society.
Organisation working for social justice
Fair trade - distribute the money generated by food fairly to the farmers
Biblical evidence for social justice
Proverbs 31:9
“Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy”
The relationship between peace and a just society
- In a just society, people fell less marginalised, and are less likely to be drawn into conflict
- Appropriate punishment of crime increases sense of safety
- If the law can be trusted, people can report concerns rather than taking it into their own hands
Responses to social injustice
Christians believe they have a responsibility to stand up for the oppressed and those exposed to social injustice, as they believe everyone is equal in the eyes of God.
What is liberation theology?
The belief that God has the ability to change unjust situations. Some Christians believe this to mean that they should stand up against governments that oppress their people by holding peaceful protests or actively taking part in supporting those affected by injustice.
Biblical evidence for forgiveness
Matthew 18:35
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart”
