Theme D - Religion, Peace, and Conflict

Question 1

Give two reasons for war [2 Marks]

Answer 1

• Greed

- Self-defence

Question 2

Give two reasons why religious believers believe that it is wrong to torture [2 Marks]

Answer 2

• Abuses human rights

- Goes against example set to us by Jesus

Question 3

Give two ways in which religious believers help victims of war [2 Marks]

Answer 3

• Donate to charities such as Tearfund

- Give to foodbanks so victims of war do not go hungry

Question 4

Give two ways in which religious believers can work for peace [2 Marks]

Answer 4

• training groups around the world in non-violent methods of conflict resolution
• protesting against wars and violent actions in their own countries

Question 5

Give two reasons why many religious believers are against violent protest [2 Marks]

Answer 5

• could lead to people getting hurt or (in extreme cases) death. In the Bible it says to Christians (in Exodus) thou shall not kill.
• violent protest is against the law and religious believers are encouraged to uphold the law

Question 6

Give two religious beliefs that show that violence is wrong [2 Marks]

Answer 6

• “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew’s Gospel)
• “if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew’s Gospel)

Question 7

Give 2 examples of weapons of mass destruction [2 Marks]

Answer 7

• Chemical weapons

- Biological weapons

Question 8

Give two reasons for forgiveness [2 Marks]

Answer 8

• Prevent conflict in the future

- To restore a friendship

Question 9

Give two examples of how a war could be just [2 Marks]

Answer 9

• Has a just cause

- Last resort

Question 10

Give two examples of what makes a war a Holy War [2 Marks]

Answer 10

• authorised by a religious leader

- a spiritual reward for those who take part

Question 11

Give two religious beliefs about forgiveness [2 Marks]

Answer 11

• Jesus forgave us of our sins, so Christians believe they should forgive those around them.
• Jesus taught about forgiveness in the Lord’s prayer and this is one of the most important prayers in Christianity.

Question 12

Explain two contrasting beliefs in contemporary British society about whether countries should possess weapons of mass destruction. [4 Marks]

Answer 12

• One belief in modern British society that supports countries possessing weapons of mass destruction is that they are deterrent – this is the belief of many Liberal Jews. This means that they preserve peace and prevent world wars from occurring due to the fear of the consequences of weapons of mass destruction.
• One belief in modern British society that does not support countries possessing weapons of mass destruction is that they kill innocent people. Not only does the ten commandments say “thou shall not kill”, but Genesis also tells us that God gives life, and only he has the right to take it away. Therefore, countries should not posses weapons of mass destruction a they kill many innocent people, and go against the Bible and God.

Question 13

Explain two contrasting views in contemporary British society about the idea of Holy War [4 Marks]

Answer 13

• Some people believe that the idea of a Holy War is justifiable because (as long as it is authorised by a religious leader and achieves a religious goal) it achieves a goal which is aligned with Gods will. This means that the war is believed to be something that God would want and accept. (e.g. liberation theology in South America – Priests carrying machine guns in the struggle to liberate the poor).
• Some people, however, would disagree and say that there is no justification to kill people in God’s name. God would NEVER want innocent people to die and violence against others is often for selfish and greedy reasons, so people should not justify it using God.

Question 14

Explain two contrasting beliefs in contemporary British society about weapons of mass destruction [4 Marks]

Answer 14

• One Christian belief about weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is that they are wrong (this is the view of Fundamentalist Christians). Fundamentalist Christians believe that WMD weapons are wrong because only God has the authority to end the life that he has created. In exodus (the Ten Commandments) it says ”thou shall not kill”.
• A contrasting Liberal Jewish belief about WMD is that they are allowed because they are deterrent. This means that they can prevent wars due to the fear of the consequences of nuclear escalation, and therefore can be the lesser of two evils.

Question 15

Give two similar religious beliefs about reconciliation [4 Marks]

Answer 15

• It is a Christians duty to forgive others, as the Lord has forgiven us. (Matthew’s Gospel, the Lord’s prayer; “forgive us of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us…”
• Jesus is very specific that we should try and keep the peace. Matthew’s Gospel; “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God”. This means that those who try and keep peace and reconcile with others are blessed and doing God’s will.

Question 16

Give two contrasting religious beliefs about reconciliation [4 Marks]

Answer 16

• Reconciliation should be done after a war to try and keep peace for other generations
• Reconciliation should be used instead of war, so that no one is hurt or killed

Question 17

Give two contrasting beliefs about nuclear weapons. In your answer you must refer to one or more religious traditions [4 Marks]

Answer 17

• One Christian belief about nuclear weapons is that they are wrong (this is the view of Fundamentalist Christians). Fundamentalist Christians believe that nucelar weapons are wrong because only God has the authority to end the life that he has created. In exodus (the Ten Commandments) it says ”thou shall not kill”.
• A contrasting Liberal Jewish belief about nuclear weapons is that they are allowed because they are deterrent. This means that they can prevent wars due to the fear of the consequences of nuclear escalation, and therefore can be the lesser of two evils.

Question 18

Explain two similar religious beliefs about pacifism [4 Marks]

Answer 18

• Pacifism is something all Christians should practice as they believe that “thou shall not kill”
• Pacifism is something all Christians should practice as they believe that every all human life is holy and sacred, and therefore no one should be hurt or killed

Question 19

Explain two religious beliefs about using violence. [4 Marks]

Answer 19

• Jews - using violence is okay when it is in the case of self-defence (“an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” – Leviticus)
• Christianity – violence is wrong – “blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew’s Gospel)

Question 20

Explain two contrasting religious beliefs about pacifism. [4 Marks]

Answer 20

• Christians believe that we should all be pacifists // “thou shall not kill”//sanctity of life//imago dei
• Jews believe that we do not need to be pacificts//violence, in some cases, is needed//eg. Self defence.

Question 21

Explain two religious beliefs about violent protest. [4 Marks]

Answer 21

• Christians // wrong // should be peaceful protesters // not resort to violence // Jesus – “if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also”.
• Jews // violent protests are sometimes the best way to get people to listen // to remain silent is a sin // “if someone comes to kill you, rise up and kill them first” - Talmud

Question 22

Explain two religious beliefs about forgiveness. [4 Marks]

Answer 22

• One Jewish belief about forgiveness is that every year, prior to Yom Kippur, forgiveness will be given. This means that during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Jews ask forgiveness of those they have wronged during the year so that God will forgive them. They also have the chance to forgive other. Yom Kippur is known as the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, showing that forgiveness is a large part of Judaism.
• A Christian belief about forgiveness is that you should only forgive people who repent. This means that you should only forgive someone of their sins if they feel or express sincere regret or remorse their wrongdoing against you.

Question 23

Explain two religious beliefs about justice. [4 Marks]

Answer 23

• God will judge the world and justice will be served in the end // this means that evil will be repaid (and unless we can be forgiven for our sins) we will be responsible for any evil we commit
• God is just so we should be just

Question 24

Explain two religious beliefs about war. [4 Marks]

Answer 24

• War is wrong // it kills people and therefore goes against the commandment “thou shall not kill”
• War is wrong // it destroys the world which God has given us stewardship over

Question 25

Explain two religious beliefs about victims of war. [4 Marks]

Answer 25

• Religious believers are called to love, protect, and support victims of war // “love thy neighbour” – Leviticus // e.g. Caritas working with Rohingya refugees.
• Religious believers, if unable to donate financially or help physically, should pray from victims of war and the situation they are in.

Question 26

Explain two religious beliefs about terrorism. [4 Marks]

Answer 26

• terrorism breaks the peace that God wants on earth // it is used by groups who want to create tension in other people’s lives so that what the group wants will be done // creates innocent suffering // the terrorists reject the government, going against St Paul’s teaching in Romans “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God”
• when terrorism is used by religious groups, it can be seen as an attempt to protect the will and work of God. For example, some Jews today are fighting (and using forms of terrorism) to try and win back the Promised Land as it was promised to them by God.

Question 27

Explain two religious beliefs about protesting. [4 Marks]

Answer 27

• Religious believer, such as many Christians, believe that you should stand up for what is right through a peaceful protest // “blessed are the peacemakers” - Matthew
• However, other religious believers, such as many Jews believe violent protests are sometimes the best way to get people to listen // to remain silent is a sin // “if someone comes to kill you, rise up and kill them first” - Talmud

Question 28

Explain two religious beliefs about just wars. [4 Marks]

Answer 28

• In the face of evil, such as Nazi Germany, other religious believers would say that war is just because it is important to fight those who oppress the innocent when it is a last resort.
• Sometimes war the lesser of two evils. This means that not standing up to the oppressor or dictator could lead to greater suffering in the end. E.g. Nazi Germany and Hitler
• There is no such thing as a just war, and religious believers should always fight for peace! “blessed are the peacemakers”

Question 29

Explain two religious beliefs about helping victims of war [5 Marks]

Answer 29

• Religious believers are called to love, protect, and support victims of war // “love thy neighbour” – Leviticus // e.g. Caritas working with Rohingya refugees.
• Religious believers, if unable to donate financially or help physically, should pray from victims of war and the situation they are in.

Question 30

Explain two religious beliefs about when a war might be a ‘just war’ [5 Marks]

Answer 30

• One religious belief about when a war might be a ‘just war’ is when the war has a just cause. This means that they war should have a probable and fair cause for starting.
• Another religious belief about when a war might be a ‘just war’ is that it must be a last resort. This means that all other peace-making methods must have been tried before resorting to a war. For Christians, this is backed up by Matthews Gospel when Jesus says “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God”. This means that those who try and keep peace (and therefore don’t rush into war) will be blessed by God.

Question 31

Explain two religious beliefs about forgiveness [5 Marks]

Answer 31

• One Jewish belief about forgiveness is that every year, prior to Yom Kippur, forgiveness will be given. This means that during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Jews ask forgiveness of those they have wronged during the year so that God will forgive them. They also have the chance to forgive other. Yom Kippur is known as the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, showing that forgiveness is a large part of Judaism.
• A Christian belief about forgiveness is that you should forgive others just as Jesus taught. In Matthews Gospel it says, “Jesus, should I forgive as much as seven times?… no, I tell you, you shall seventy seven times!”. This shows that no matter what, Christians should always forgive as this follows the teachings and commandment of Jesus.

Question 32

Explain two religious beliefs that show that all acts of terrorism are wrong [5 Marks]

Answer 32

• One religious belief that shows all acts of terrorism are wrong is the belief in sanctity of life. Both Christians and Jews believe in sanctity of life (mentioned in Genesis), and it is the belief that all life is holy and sacred because it is made lovingly by God and in his image. This means that no one, other than God, has the right to take life away. Therefore, acts of terrorism (such as twin towers) are wrong as they take away life that God has lovingly created.
• Another religious belief that shows are acts of terrorism are wrong is “love thy neighbour as thyself”. This is believed by Christians and Jews, and shows that terrorism is wrong as it can not only scare people but it can also kill people, and that is not loving to others.
• Finally, Christians believe all acts of terrorism are wrong as they go against the government. In Romans, St Peter says –“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God”. Terrorism is against the law, and therefore terrorism is wrong as it does not follow the rules of the government.

Question 33

Explain two religious teachings about terrorism. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 Marks]

Answer 33

• Terrorism is wrong // sanctity of life // only god has right to take life away
• Terrorism is wrong // “live thy neighbour” // goes against commands in Leviticus
• Terrorism is wrong // St Paul – letter to Romans – governing authorities // does not follow the governments rules/laws.

Question 34

Explain two religious teachings about war. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 Marks]

Answer 34

• War is wrong // blessed are the peacemakers // follow commands of Jesus
• War is okay // it can be the lesser of two evils // e.g. let Hitler try and take over Europe or challenge him in war.

Question 35

Explain two religious teachings about holy war. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 Marks]

Answer 35

• Some people believe that the idea of a Holy War is justifiable because (as long as it is authorised by a religious leader and achieves a religious goal) it achieves a goal which is aligned with Gods will. This means that the war is believed to be something that God would want and accept. (e.g. liberation theology in South America – Priests carrying machine guns in the struggle to liberate the poor).
• Some people, however, would disagree and say that there is no justification to kill people in God’s name. God would NEVER want innocent people to die and violence against others is often for selfish and greedy reasons, so people should not justify it using God. “thou shall not kill” – exodus.

Question 36

Explain two religious teachings about weapons of mass destruction. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 Marks]

Answer 36

• Wrong // kill innocent people // “thou shall not kill” (exodus) and sanctity of life
• Okay // deterrent // due to the fear of nuclear escalation people will want to act in calmer, more reasonable ways and therefore the situation may end in peace.

Question 37

Explain two religious teachings about pacifism. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 Marks]

Answer 37

• Christianity // Jesus is thought to have been a pacifist, so Christians should follow his example // Matthew – “blessed are the peacemakers”.
• Jews // nuclear weapons are okay if they are not actually used // they can be used as a form as protection and defence as people know you have them, but they should never actually be used as this could kill many innocent people // “thou shall not kill” (Exodus)

Question 38

Explain two religious teachings about justice. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 Marks]

Answer 38

• God is just and he will judge the world and justice will be served in the end // this means that evil will be repaid (and unless we can be forgiven for our sins) we will be responsible for any evil we commit
• God is just so we should be just // “but let justice roll on like a river” – Amos

Question 39

Explain two religious teachings about violent protest. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 Marks]

Answer 39

• Christians // wrong // should be peaceful protesters // not resort to violence // Jesus – “if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also”.
• Jews // violent protests are sometimes the best way to get people to listen // to remain silent is a sin // “if someone comes to kill you, rise up and kill them first” - Talmud

Question 40

Explain two religious teachings about victims of war. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 Marks]

Answer 40

-

Question 41

Explain two religious teachings about using violence. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. [5 Marks]

Answer 41

-

Question 42

“It is acceptable to do anything to win a war if ultimately it leads to a better outcome” [12 Marks]

Answer 42

For’s:
- Just War theory provides a fair motivation// many Christians and non-believers alike say that if the outcome outweighs the suffering then the war is justified

• love thy neighbour; if it saves humanity from more suffering than it causes then it is justified
• many people of faith believe that you have to fight for what is right because otherwise in the end your values and entire community will be wiped out by violence.

Against’s:
- Jesus was pacifist committed to non-violence// Micah, “You shall beat your swords into ploughshares and your spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not take up sword against nation…”

• you should not do ANYTHING to win a war as you dehumanise yourself and end up creating more bad than good

Question 43

“The best way to bring about world peace is for more individuals to become pacifists” [12 Marks]

Answer 43

For’s:
- more pacifists would increase countries desire to look at peace first//more voices and political pressure refusing to fight//Matthew “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God”

• if more individuals became pacifists, there would be less need for defensiveness and aggression in the relationships between countries//more people who are pacifists, the less people that will fight// less violent and selfish attitudes there would be less war and retaliation//Matthew “if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also”.

Against’s:

• sometimes have to fight to bring about world peace// going to war, either for self defence or to oppose evil, is a basic human responsibility//people like Hitler needed to be stopped.
• best way to bring about world peace is for individuals to work together and listen to the authorities//Paul says this in a letter to the Romans // so if the authorities say we should go to war, then we should listen and go to war.

Question 44

“There is nothing Christian organisations can do to stop war in the world today” [12 Marks]

Answer 44

For’s:
- in modern society Christian organisations have no military or financial force // can only use influence // better to leave it to the government

• most conflict does not have Christians on both sides opposing each other//so Christian view is irrelevant to one side or both
• The complexity of modern international relationships and of conflicts that break out require the diplomatic skills and insights of political experts, not Christian organisations

Against’s:
- Christian organisations still have significant political influence//means that governments will listen to pressure from large Christian organisations // e.g. the Pope in his capacity as leader of millions of Christians worldwide and as a political head of state (Vatican City) has the power and influence to help prevent war through changing attitudes

• Christianity has a crucial role to play in reducing the risk of further war by helping the victims of conflict // e.g. the provision of food, water and shelter by Caritas International to those displaced by the war in Niger // it may not be able to stop the conflict taking place but it can reduce the effects and damages (which may reduce the risk of conflict in the future)

Question 45

“The Just War Theory is the best way to limit damage that war can cause” [12 Marks]

Answer 45

-

Question 46

“War is never right” [12 Marks]

Answer 46

For’s:
- teaching about the sanctity of life – the belief that it is wrong to take life because it is holy and sacred, and that only God has the right to take life so Christians should not fight and kill others

• a war kills people, which is wrong // “thou shall not kill” – exodus
• a war almost always destroys the natural environment that God lovingly created in Genesis and therefore is wrong.

Against’s:
- war might be a just war // this is seen by many religious believers as being okay // criteria include the war being a last resort and authorised by a religious leader

• war can be the lesser of two evils // It can be justified if its purpose is to: stop atrocities or to defeat terrorists // If the consequences of war are better than the consequences of not fighting, then war is justified.

Question 47

“Religious believers should never fight in a war” [12 Marks]

Answer 47

For’s:
- Religions teach that war is an evil which should be avoided as it kills innocent civilians and ruins the environment // “thou shall not kill”

• For Christians, Jesus taught them to be peaceful and non-violent // “blessed are the peacemakers” – Matthew // therefore it is not right to fight in a war

Against’s:
- Sometimes it is seen as right for religious believers to fight if there is a just reason for a war // Just War conditions eg just cause, lawfully declared by proper authority, last resort

• May be classified as a Holy War eg fighting to protect their religion
• Could be seen as the lesser of two evils such as the only way to destroy weapons of mass destruction

Question 48

“War is the best way to solve problems between countries” [12 Marks]

Answer 48

For’s:
- Many people believe that war can be the lesser of two evils. This means that in some cases, that out of the option you have, war is the best way to solve the problem quickly and efficiently between countries. For example, Hitler was not going to listen to diplomacy and would have continued killing people if there wasn’t a war.

• In some cases, Christians and Jews believe that war is the best way to solve problems between countries if the war meets the just war theory. For example, if the war has a “just cause” or “all other means have been exhausted” then Christians might say that the war can proceed and will be the best way to solve the problem.

Against’s:
- In Christianity and Judaism there is the belief in sanctity of life. This means that all human life is holy and sacred because it is created by God, and only God has the right to take it away. Therefore, many Jews and Christians believe that war is not a good way to solve problems between countries as it kills innocent lives created by God, and as humans we do not have the right to take away life.

• A There are many other ways to resolve arguments between countries, such as diplomacy, the UN, and international negotiation. This means that instead of mass destruction, loss of innocent lives, and generations of resentment, countries can peacefully and successfully resolve their arguments. In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus says “blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” – this shows that those who resolve things non-violently are following the teachings of Jesus.

Question 49

“There are no good reasons for counties to possess weapons of mass destruction (nuclear weapons)” [12 Marks]

Answer 49

For’s:
- nuclear weapons are extremely destructive/If nuclear weapons are used, conflict may escalate and destroy the planet

• nuclear weapons are hugely expensive // it is unlikely that nuclear weapons will ever be used // money should be used to help the poor, help victims of war, etc

Against’s:
- nuclear weapons serve as a deterrent // people will not start a war due to the fear of nuclear escalation // the existence of nuclear weapons has kept the peace in Europe since end of WW2

• countries that possess nuclear weapons can be considered to be safer than those without

Question 50

“Using weapons of mass destruction is sometimes necessary”

Answer 50

For’s:
- self defence

• lesser or two evils – eg Hitler (Hiroshima finishing the world war) - prevents further war from breaking out due to fear of escalation

Against’s:
- you can always defend yourself with conventional weapons – killing many innocent civilians does not help – creates generations of resentment and destruction

• possessing WMD is okay, as it can serve as a deterrent, but countries should never use them as it destroys God’s lovingly created world which he made us stewards of

Question 51

“The best response to violence is to walk away”

Answer 51

For’s:
- Jesus turned the other cheek

• Returning violence with violence rarely helps, but instead escalates the situation
• Even if you are going to negotiate, while someone is being violent you should walk away so you can come back when they calm down

Against’s:
- If you allow violent people to do violent things unopposed, then then they will simply take advantage and it wont discourage them or others to not do it again

• For Jews, Leviticus says “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” – this means that if anyone is violent against you, then you can be violent back // it is only just to repay back force with force

Question 52

“Christians should use violence to protest unjust laws”

Answer 52

For’s:

• Sometimes Christians need to stand up for what is right and stand up agianst evil, with everything at their disposal. As unfortunate as it may seem, it is the violent protests that get heard.
• Christians are called to protect the weakest in society with whatever means are necessary, and pursue justice at all costs.

Against’s:
- Turn the other cheek

• Other ways can be used to protest against unjust laws // peaceful and lawful protests are the best way to achieve lasting change and be representative of God.

Question 53

“Helping victims of war should be a priority for Christians”

Answer 53

For’s:
- Love thy neighbour

• Jesus cared for weakest in society, widows and orphans
• Helping victims of war is also honouring God, least of my brothers you do it for me

Against’s:
- Helping victims of war is good, but most important priority is to love God. Deuteronomy “love the Lord your God with…”

• The priority should be preventing wars but working for justice and reconciliation, not just helping the victims of it, so the situation does not happen so frequently and Christians do not end up putting all their time and resources into a recurring problem with can be stopped at the source.

Question 54

“If God is on your side Holy war must be acceptable”

Answer 54

For’s:
- God’s will is supreme and if he asks us to partner with him (fighting for his will to be done) in a holy war, then we should have no moral objections to the fight

• We cannot pray “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” if we are not prepared to fight for it. Holy war is acceptable when it brings God’s kingdom closer on earth

Against’s:
- It is not for humans to decide whether God is on their side or not, that is arrogant and egotistical

• God does not need to be on your side for a Holy War to be acceptable, but instead it just has to be authorised by a religious leader (such as the Pope)
• If it is Gods will, it will be done anyway, you do not need to fight for it

Question 55

“If forgiveness happens there is no reason for war”

Answer 55

-

Question 56

“Pacifism is unrealistic and never works”

Answer 56

For’s:
- Pacifism is unrealistic because there are evil forces in this world that have to be fought with violence, otherwise evil will triumph

• Pacifism never works. History’s most evil and war-like forces (such as Nazism) have not respected appeasement, but instead only responded to violence. Therefore pacifism never works and this has been proved in past conflicts

Against’s:
- Non-violent protest (such as Martin Luther King’s leadership of the civil right movement in America) definitely works because it can move an entire society not through force but through changing their mind-sets. If no one was going to fight in a war, the governing authorities would HAVE to change their ways.

• Violent struggles often create more harm than good, and therefore their successes do not last. Going about things in a peaceful way is often more long-lasting and does not create resentment that lasts for generations.

Question 57

“There should be no wars in the 21st century”

Answer 57

For’s:
- People should follow the laws of God // Thou shall not kill // only God has the right to take life away

• War does not solve problems, it creates them. In the 21st century we should be working for peace both through religious beliefs and the United Nations
• Jesus was a pacifist, so others should be too.
• Logically, the 21st century has enough knowledge to know that historically wars have not worked, and enough diplomatic experience to negotiate before wars begin.

Against’s:
- The Just war theory has many rules that allow war, such as if the war is a last resort. It shows that sometimes you have to fight, for example Jews fighting for their God-given land (Israel)

• There are no less dictators and tyrants just because it is the 21st century // sometimes a nation needs to rise up and defend themselves // such as the people of Ukraine today fighting for their land against Russia.

Question 58

“Religion cannot end war.”

Answer 58

For’s:
- Even peaceful religions have to face the fact that not everybody else is peaceful. E.g. Christians might not want to fight others, but there may be a time where others are going to fight them. Here, conflict is inescapable. If the Christians did not fight back in this situation, they would just be completely demolished and ruled over.

• Religions are more likely to start wars than to end wars. We should not rely on religions to end wars. Religions give people the impression that they are right, fighting for a higher good (God), which makes them less likely to negotiate and compromise peacefully.

Against’s:
- If more people were Christians, the teachings of Jesus would be followed // Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers” // this would encourage people to be peaceful and therefore stop people from partaking in war.

• Religion encourages people to think about less selfish and short term goals which is more likely to make them want to negotiate and end the war.
• If people know that within their religion there is an afterlife and a judgement, they are more likely to stop fighting and hurting others as this may bring them closer to their God.