theme D: religion, peace and conflict Flashcards
peace
The opposite of war; harmony between all in society.
justice
Bringing fairnessback to a situation.
forgiveness
Letting go of bad feelings towards someone who has caused pain
reconciliation
Making up between two groups/sides after disagreement
becoming better
protest
an expression of disapproval, often in a public group
violence
using actions that threaten or harm others
terrorism
the unlawful use of violence, usually against
innocent civilians, to achieve a political goal
violence and protest: christian attitudes
- Teaches against violence as Jesus said ‘Blessed are the peace markers’
- Christians are told to love their enemies.
- Humans have free will and where nonviolent protest is ignored, violent protest is ignored, violent protest are used for good.
violence and protest: buddhist attitudes
- Not accepting of violence (not ahimsa and causes dukkha)
- Speaking out about injustice is compassionates (Right action and Right Speech)
- Protesting to achieve what is right is acceptable as long as violence is not used.
terrorism: christian attitudes
- Most Christians are against terrorism and prefer more peaceful ways of resolving issues
- ‘Do not kill’
- ‘Blessed are the peacekeepers’
- ‘Love your enemies and pray for them’
terrorism: buddhist attitudes
Many Buddhists believe it is important to condemn terrorism because it expresses hatred.
* A Buddhist response to terrorism should express love rather than hatred. Revenge and retaliation are no the appropriate answer
* No-one should kill, nor incite others to do so
* Goes against the 1st precept - ‘Do not harm any living thing’
reasons for war
greed
self defence
retaliation
greed in war
to gain more land, power or resources.
self defence in war
If a country or religion is under attack then it can be seen as right/ correct to defend your country
retaliation in war
Sometimes a country will be attacked and it causes retaliation.
religion as a cause of war: for
Religious can be involved in war if two different countries with
different religions are in conflict
* Religious beliefs can divide people and violence can happen
* People can interpret religious teachings for their own
advantage meaning war can happen in the name of religion
religion as a cause of war: against
Religion can bring people together, solve crises and bring peace
* True religious beliefs do not cause war – people cite religion as a cause to increase their own power.
* Religion teaches about peace and forgiveness – most religions are against violence and war
just war
A war which meets internationally accepted criteria
for fairness; follows traditional Christian rules for a Just War, and is now accepted by all other religions.
holy war
fighting for a religious cause or God, often inspired by a religious leader
just war: christian attitudes
Proposed by St Augustine in the 13th Century. The rules are
* Just cause – must not be for revenge
* Intention
* Resort (last) – all other methods have been tried first
* Authority – must be elected by a government
* Success – have a reasonable chance of winning
just war: buddhist attitudes
- Does not believe in any war
- Goes against the 1st Precept of harming others
- Hatred does not cease by hatred, hatred ceases by love
holy war: christian attitudes
- Fought for God or faith
- Must be the last resort – the enemy must have the opportunity to make peace.
- Believers are obligated to fight.
- Must be conducted fairly – just treatment of the enemy.
- Justice and peace should be restored.
holy war: buddhist attitudes
- Does not believe in
any war - Goes against
the 1st Precept of harming others - Hatred does not cease by hatred, hatred ceases by love
nuclear weapons
They devastate huge areas and kill large numbers of people. For example the US forces used atom (nuclear) bombs on the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima during the second world war causing Japan to surrender