Topic 2 - Religion, Peace and Conflict Flashcards
What do Christians teach about violence
Violence rejects what God wants for the world – people need
wellbeing and inner calm
Jesus taught that wrong thoughts can lead to wrong actions
What happens in the story of Cain and Abel
Cain was angry and jealous with his brother, Abel
Cain’s angry thoughts led to him killing Abel
This is not what God wants: ‘What have you done?’
What dies the Church teach about Bullying
- A form of violence
- Words can destroy self-esteem
- Cause fear and powerlessness
- Comments on social media bring more distress
What did Jesus teach about forgiveness
- We should forgive 70 X 7 times (unlimited times)
* God forgives us, so out of gratitude, we should forgive others.
What happens in the story of the unforgiving servant
- the king forgives one of his servants after he wasn’t able to lay off his debt.
- The servant goes out of the castle feeling much gratitude until he meets someone who is in debt to him
- He goes to the man and demands for his money just after being forgiven
- When the king hears about this he throws the man in prison
What can we learn from the story of the Lost Son
- God forgives those who are truly sorry
- God loves us, even when we sin
- We should forgive others
What do catholics teach about forgiveness
Quotes
- ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’ (our father)
- Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Mt 5:43-44)
What did jesus teach us to do before workshiping God
Jesus taught that people should be reconciled to each other
before praising God
What does reconciliation bring?
- Respect for other people’s beliefs
- A stronger relationship
- Appreciation and acceptance
- Peace
Quote supporting reconciliation
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you’ Matthew 5:23
What is Justice
Justice: Fairness for all people
Why is creating justice important for christians
Creating justice is important for Christians because injustice leads to a lack of self-worth
Give an example of someone who fought injustice peacefully (and what they were fighting for)
MLK
He fought racial injustice in america and was a key leader in the first civil rights movement. He organised peaceful protests and even helped Rosa Parks boycott busses.
Give an example of someone who fought injustice violently (and what they were fighting for)
Nelson Mandela
He fought Aparthide in South Africa. He realised peaceful protests wouldn’t work so he decided a violent protest was necessary. He didn’t plan on murdering anyone but he likely did as he bombed government buildings
What is righteous anger
Anger against an injustice
Jesus’ teachings on righteous anger
- Jesus taught anger should be avoided if possible
- But Jesus showed righteous anger (cleansing of Temple)
- Most Christians believe righteous anger is acceptable if it is because of an injustice
- Must be positive action to improve a situation
Is violence protest acceptable?
Christian views
Most Christians are against violent protest because….
- It is illegal
- It is ineffective
- Innocent people can die
- Peaceful protest works (MLK)
Is violence protest acceptable?
Contrasting views to the christian view
- It is sometimes necessary - to make a government take notice
- For example, the suffragette movement in Britain
Why might going to war be a problem for Christians?
- Taking human life goes against the commandment ‘do not murder’ and the Sanctity of Life
- However, the Catholic Church teaches that it is sometimes necessary to go to war e.g. to protect innocent people.
- They follow the Just War Theory…a set of conditions (rules) that must be met for a war to be justified…
Who devised the just war theory?
St. Thomas Aquinas