Theme D: Peace And Conflict Flashcards
Christian teachings in favour of forgiveness
“If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew)
“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, you Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew)
“Dear friends, don’t try to get even. Let God take revenge” (Romans)
“How many times should i forgive someone… Jesus answered, not just seven times but seventy-seven times” (Matthew)
Christian general attitudes towards justice
God is Just and expects people to do the same
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-ending stream!” (Amos 5:24)
Buddhist general attitudes towards justice
Injustice can cause Dukkha
Metta and Karuna teaches to treat all with loving-kindness and compassion
Some Buddhists work to end suffering in the world e.g anti-war campaigns
“One should cultivate metta towards all the world”
“Let him not despise anyone anywhere”
(Pali Canon)
Christian general attitudes towards forgiveness
Important part of being Christian as Jesus died on the cross to forgive humanity for their sins
Jesus taught many times about forgiveness
“I tell you not 7 times, but 77 times” (Matthew 18:21-22)
Buddhist general attitudes towards forgiveness
Not forgiving can lead to anger and hatred (2 of the 3 poisons)
Buddha taught that forgiveness also leads to compassion and wisdom
“…In accordance with the Dhamma, accept the transgression of the one who is confessing…” (Buddha, Anguttara Nikaya)
Vietnam War Factfile (when, where, who, why, outcome)
When: 1953-1975
Where: Vietnam
Who: North Vietnam + China vs South Vietnam + USA
Why: Communism vs Capitalism, reunification of Vietnam
Outcome: Vietnam reunited under communism, US wasted billions, millions of deaths
Reasons that nations fight
Self defence, ideological, greed, religion, removal of dictator
Christian general attitudes towards greed as a reason for war
“For money is the root of all kinds of evil” (Timothy 6:10, New Testament)
Buddhist general attitudes towards greed as a reason for war
Greed is one of the 3 poisons and should thus be avoided
“Greed is a root of what is unskilful” (Pali Canon)
Why would a war be waged for greed
The gain more land, increase colonial power, gain resources
Why would a war be waged in self-defence
Defending the country from invasion
Christian general attitudes towards self-defence as a reason for war
“Rescue the weak and the needy, deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalms 82:4)
Buddhist general attitudes towards self-defence as a reason for war
War leads to violence and causes suffering
Violates the first moral precept
Violates the principle of ahimsa
Self-defence will ultimately save lives
Creates less suffering
Why would a war be waged in retaliation
A country may have done something very wrong
Christian general attitudes towards retaliation as a reason for war
“Do not resist an evil person if someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the left one also” (Matthew 5:39)
“An eye for an eye” (Exodus)
What is absolute pacifism
No engagement in violence/ war at all.
What is selective pacifism
No engagement in certain military operations e.g unjust wars
What is nuclear pacifism
No use of nuclear weapons
What is conditional pacifism
Remaining non-violent generally however under certain conditions violence may be used
Arguments against pacifism
Other countries may view you as weak if you don’t defend yourself
In the past, war has been necessary to stop injustice and remove tyrannical leaders
We should defend the weak and those who are being treated unfairly
Arguments for pacifism
Weapons today can harm large areas and cause damage way beyond their initial target
In war, people are killed unnecessarily,and often innocent civilians are injured or killed
We can resolve things peacefully through diplomacy and negotiations
Christian general attitudes towards pacifism
“An eye for an eye”
There is evidence that Jesus was not a pacifist e.g Jesus got angry and turned over tables in a temple
Jesus taught “Those who live by the sword, die by the sword” and “Turn the other cheek“
Buddhist general attitudes towards pacifism
1st moral precept- Refrain from harming any other Iiving beings
Metta and Karuna
Buddhist leaders advocate for pacifism e.g Thich Nhat Hanh- “If you are not for peace, you are against peace, you are not Buddhist”
What are active objectors
People who refuse to fight