Terrorism

Question 1

Aim/cause of terrorism

Answer 1

Terrorist usually have a ‘cause’ they believe in, but use violence to get their message across. Many are prepared to die for their beliefs, so their missions are often suicidal. Their aim is to terrify the citizens of a country, so that normal life does not continue (people will be afraid to go out to socialise, or go to work, or travel abroad on holiday etc.)

Question 2

Targets

Answer 2

Some terrorist attacks are specifically targeted – for example anti-abortionists bombing family planning clinics.

Question 3

Freedom fighters:

Nelson Mandela:

Answer 3

Terrorists often consider themselves to be ‘freedom fighters’. What you call them depends on whether you consider yourself to be on the same side – for example Nelson Mandela was considered a terrorist. He was leader of the terrorist branch of the ANC which planted bombs in public places, but to many he was a hero.

Question 4

Do Christians oppose terrorism?

Answer 4

Christians oppose terrorism because it fails to meet the criteria for a just war. It is not started or controlled by a legitimate authority, the aim is to bring terror, not peace and weapons are not used proportionately as they are designed to kill as many civilians as possible.

Question 5

Ten Commandments

Answer 5

In the 10 Commandments we are told ‘Do not kill’

Question 6

Genesis

Answer 6

In Genesis humans are ‘made in the image of God’ – loss of innocent life must be wrong.
In Genesis it also says: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.