Theme D - Religion, Peace and Conflict

Question 1

What is peace?

Answer 1

The absence of disturbance, or a state of happiness and tranquility.

Question 2

What is justice?

Answer 2

A fair or right response.

Question 3

What quotation can be used to support pacifism?

Answer 3

“Nation will not take sword upon nation.” -Isaiah 2:4

Question 4

What is forgiveness?

Answer 4

Showing grace and mercy, pardoning someone for their wrongdoing.

Question 5

What is reconciliation?

Answer 5

Restoring a relationship after a conflict or disagreement.

Question 6

What do Christians believe about reconciliation?

Answer 6

It should be achieved -> however it required a conscious effort and is more than forgiveness.

Question 7

What has to happen before a protest can go ahead?

Answer 7

They often have to be planned out, requested and police informed.

Question 8

What do Christians believe about violence and protest?

Answer 8

It should always be avoided if it can be. However, sometimes it is needed to stand up to injustices, so they will be forgiving of people doing this in some cases.

Question 9

What quote could be used to support the idea of violence as protest?

Answer 9

“If there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.” -Exodus 21:23-24

Question 10

What is terrorism?

Answer 10

The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. It is often wide-scale.

Question 11

What do terrorists believe about the use of violence?

Answer 11

The killing of innocents will spread awareness of their cause, authorities will give into their demands.

Question 12

Why are many Christians against many wars and conflicts?

Answer 12

1. Violence is wrong.
2. War is often the result of greed (e.g: the pursuit of territory, money, power) which is a sin.

Question 13

What does 1 Timothy say about greed?

Answer 13

“For the love of money is the root of all evil.” -1 Timothy 6:10

Question 14

What do Christians believe about retaliation?

Answer 14

It is difficult to do in practice, but we should try to not retaliate where possible and try to opt for forgiveness/renconciliation instead.

Question 15

What quote can we use to support pacifism?

Answer 15

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” -Romans 12:17

Question 16

What do Christians believe about self defence?

Answer 16

Fighting in self-defence is considered to be acceptable as you are fighting for the lives of innocents. However, it should only be a last resort.

Question 17

In 2015, it is estimated that nine nations had how many nuclear weapons between them?

Answer 17

15,700

Question 18

What is the usual justification for nuclear warfare?

Answer 18

Some believe that it would prevent world wars from occurring due to fear of consequences.

Question 19

What do most Christians think about nuclear weapons?

Answer 19

The problem is with their use, not the devices themselves.

Question 20

Why do some people accept some countries to have nuclear weapons?

Answer 20

To use as a deterrent/intimidation technique

Question 21

What are WMDs?

Answer 21

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Question 22

What is the theory of just war?

Answer 22

A war which fits certain criteria for fairness.

Question 23

Who wrote about the morality of war?

Answer 23

St. Augustine

Question 24

Who developed St. Augustine’s theory?

Answer 24

Thomas Aquinas

Question 25

Name 5 of the 8 criteria for a Just War.

Answer 25

Wars must be: 1. Fought for the right cause 2. Started by the right authority 3. Have the right intention 4. Be a last resort 5. Have a reasonable chance of success 6. Use a proportional amount of force to the enemy 7. Must be fought by the right means (not harming innocents) 8. All criteria be met.

Question 26

Would those who support Just War be considered pacifists?

Answer 26

No - pacifists do not support war under *any circumstances*

Question 27

What is a Holy War?

Answer 27

A war fought for a religious cause or because of God.

Question 28

In the Old Testament, what is an example of Holy War?

Answer 28

The war on Amalek - “now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have.” -1 Samuel 15:3

Question 29

Why is the war on Amalek considered acceptable?

Answer 29

Because it was commanded by God, and everything that He does is just.

Question 30

Why do some Christians not believe that Holy War is justifiable?

Answer 30

They believe that Old Testament Holy War stories do not justify similar actions in modernity as Jesus came to teach peace in the New Testament.

Question 31

What are the Crusades?

Answer 31

An example of a Holy War - when the Christians came to “retake” the Holy Land from Muslim rule.

Question 32

Who/what should a Holy War be authorised by?

Answer 32

A religious leader with great authority (e.g: the Pope)

Question 33

Why do some Christians think Holy War is permissible?

Answer 33

They believe that they should defend Christianity from attack at all costs.

Question 34

What is believed will happen to those who take part in Holy War?

Answer 34

They will gain spiritual rewards and go straight to Heaven.

Question 35

What is lesser jihad?

Answer 35

A struggle or fight against the enemies of Islam.

Question 36

What do Muslims believe about Holy War and conversion?

Answer 36

It cannot be used for forced conversion.

Question 37

What do Muslims believe Holy War must be fought for?

Answer 37

Allah and the religion - NOT for a religious leader to demonstrate their power.

Question 38

What must happen for a Holy War to be declared in Islam?

Answer 38

The faith must be under direct attack, and it must be a last resort.

Question 39

What is believed about Muslims who take part in Holy War?

Answer 39

They are promised a place in Jannah.

Question 40

What is pacifism?

Answer 40

Being against war in *all contexts* - violence can never be justified.

Question 41

What is an example of a Christian denomination that is generally pacifist?

Answer 41

Quakers

Question 42

What do Christian pacifists believe is needed - and what is this defined as?

Answer 42

Peace - not just an absence of conflict, but a sense of well-being and security.

Question 43

How do Christians believe peace can be achieved?

Answer 43

Religious faith, prayer and meditation.

Question 44

What quote can be used to support ideas of peace?

Answer 44

“Blessed are the peacemakers.” -Matthew 5:9

Question 45

Why is it difficult for many Muslims to consider themselves pacifists?

Answer 45

The duty of lesser jihad - however they try to be pacifist in most contexts.

Question 46

How do Muslims believe you can avoid conflict?

Answer 46

By gaining inner peace

Question 47

How do Muslims think you can achieve inner peace?

Answer 47

Submitting to Allah and becoming part of the ummah -> solidarity and support

Question 48

What is an example of Christians supporting victims of war?

Answer 48

During WW2, Quakers would man thr ambulances and administer first aid.

Question 49

What is Caritas?

Answer 49

A Catholic organisation that helps to support the poor.

Question 50

How do Caritas support those suffering because of conflict?

Answer 50

They provide food and shelter for refugees, translators and legal aid.

Question 51

What is Christian Aid?

Answer 51

A Christian organisation that aims to end poverty.

Question 52

Name 3 ways Christian Aid helps those in need.

Answer 52

1. Work directly with victims 2. Establish basic human rights and fairness in society 3. Support local organisations 4. Raise awareness 5. Fundraise through Christian Aid week 6. Distribute envelopes with donations inside