Religion, War and Peace

Question 1

Explanation of Holy War, including its rules (3)

Answer 1

1. In Islam, the word Jihad means “struggle”, or “holy war”.
2. Fighting for a religious cause or God Probably controlled by a religious leader
3. Spiritual reward for those who take part / belief that fighters who die will receive a reward for dying

Question 2

Why religious believers believe in pacifism (3)

Answer 2

1. ‘Do not kill’ is one of the 10 Commandments (although in the Old Testament, this did not include killing in war!)
2. The suffering that results e.g. destruction, loss of life, maiming, psychological distress (Gulf War syndrome) refugees etc.
3. They believe that all life is sacred (the Sanctity of life)

Question 3

Examples of recent wars, applying Just/Holy War theories to them (4)

Answer 3

1. Conflict in Syria:
2. ISIS believe it is a Holy War, but most Muslims don’t
3. Could be a Just War for the UK because there is a ‘Just cause’ in attacking ISIS who have attacked the west, and the UN have agreed to action (authority)
4. However there may not be a reasonable chance of success and it is not necessarily the last resort

Question 4

The issue of sanctity of life to argue both for and against war (4)

Answer 4

1. For -War might protect people (Jews in World War 2)
2. For - Stronger countries can defend weaker ones
3. Against - War directly kills people
4. Against - People also die as a result of being forced to leave their homes.

Question 5

How war makes victims of many (5)

Answer 5

1. Causes poverty / homelessness / bitterness / destruction / resentment
2. Causes retaliation from other countries/people
3. Creates terrorism /
4. People develop more powerful weapons
5. Costs billions e.g. war fought against Iraq, etc.

Question 6

Organisations that help victims of war (4)

Answer 6

1. The Red Cross or Red Crescent
2. They equip field hospitals to provide medical care and assistance e.g. wheel chairs for the crippled or other special equipment to make the victims lives easier. They offer counselling and pastoral support
3. Help for Heroes
4. They support injured service personnel and their families

Question 7

Why religious believers might go to war (5)

Answer 7

1. Idea of Holy War
2. To achieve religious aims or goals
3. Authorized by God or a religious leader
4. They believe they will get a Spiritual reward, e.g. heaven or paradise
5. Defend religion

Question 8

Explanation of Just War, including its rules (5)

Answer 8

1. There must be just cause. Those attacked must have committed some fault
2. The war must be started and controlled by a competent and legal authority.
3. There must be right intention. The intent must be to promote the cause of good and avoid evil.
4. War must be the last resort. All other ways of solving the problem must have been tried.
5. There must be a reasonable probability of success.

Question 9

Explanation of Holy War, including its rules

Answer 9

1. In Islam, the word Jihad means “struggle” or “holy war”.
2. Fighting for a religious cause or God
3. Probably controlled by a religious leader
4. Spiritual reward for those who take part / belief that fighters who die will receive a reward for dying

Question 10

Attitudes to war, including teachings/beliefs to support those attitudes (3)

Answer 10

1. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ and ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew)
2. When Jesus was arrested one of his followers took out his sword and attacked one of the men who had come to arrest Jesus, cutting off his right ear. Jesus said, “Enough of this”. He touched the man’s ear and healed him. (Luke)
3. ‘Do not kill’ is one of the 10 Commandments (although in the Old Testament, this did not include killing in war!)

Question 11

How a religious believer has worked for peace (5)

Answer 11

1. The Dalai Lama – worked for peace in Tibet
2. He tried to bring about peaceful solution after the Chinese invasion
3. After Chinese army crushed uprising he lived in exile in India
4. He refused any forms of violence to win back his country
5. He encouraged refugees to save Tibetan culture and way of life

Question 12

How and why peacekeeping forces work (the United Nations) (7)

Answer 12

1. Set up at the end of World War 2 to persuade countries to settle their differences without fighting
2. Helps countries cooperate with each other through international law and security
3. Has peacekeeping forces with troops supplied by member nations
4. Can be placed between opposing armies
5. Try to protect civilians
6. Often keeps peace when the conflict is over
7. Has the International Court of Justice in the Hague where war crimes may be tried.

Question 13

Arguments against nuclear weapons, and nuclear proliferation (5)

Answer 13

1. Innocent people killed
2. Long term effects e.g. from radiation (e.g. of Hiroshima) Environmental impact
3. Cost e.g. Trident
4. Breaks sanctity of life and Just War conditions and stewardship
5. Ahimsa (Buddhist belief of non-violence)

Question 14

How and why peacekeeping forces work (Nato) (4)

Answer 14

1. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was created in 1949 and it is a military alliance
2. Would come to the aid of any member who is attacked
3. When it began it was in response to the threat from the USSR
4. Has peace keeping forces like the UN.

Question 15

Other views on Nuclear weapons (3)

Answer 15

1. May act as a deterrent
2. Might be a last resort
3. Quicker resolution to conflict e.g. Second World and bombing Hiroshima - some say it brought a quicker end to the conflict