Unit 1 - Religion and Conflict Flashcards
1
Q
What are the Islamic teachings of harmony and tolerance?
A
Islam teaches, “not one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires himself”. This means want for other people the same good things you want for yourself.
2
Q
What are causes of conflict?
A
- difficulties in life e.g. Serious illness, unemployment etc
- major arguments and difference of opinion
- when one person feels they are not valued
- when a person is betrayed
3
Q
What are the Christians views on agreeing with war?
A
- The bible teaches that Christians should defend the weak.
- In the Old Testament God commands the people to go to war.
- Jesus told people to stand up against wrong when he overturned the tables in the temple.
- Jesus came into contact with soldiers and never said their job was against God’s will.
- It can prevent more evil and suffering.
4
Q
What are the Christians views against war?
A
- Jesus taught “blessed are the peacemakers” in the sermon on the mount.
- Jesus taught people should love their enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Some believe this rules out of war.
- When Jesus was arrested one of his disciples tried to defend Jesus. He told them to put their sword away.
5
Q
What are the criteria for a just war for Christianity?
A
- There is a just cause.
- The war is declared by a legitimate government.
- The motives are right.
- It is a last resort after negotiations have been tried and failed.
- When people are not harmed and destruction is limited.
- When there is a reasonable chance of success.
6
Q
What are the rules of holy war for is Islam (jihad)?
A
- To be fought by Muslims in self-defence or in defence of Islam
- Should not be used to try and convert people to Islam
- Should stop when the enemy wants peace
- Civilians should not be hurt
- Mercy should be shown to people conquered
- Those who die fighting in holy war will go straight to heaven
7
Q
What does the organisation corrymeela do to work towards peace?
A
- This is a Christian peace building centre and community in Northern Ireland
- It’s aim is to promote reconciliation and healing between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland after years of troubles
- Every year 6000 people take part in their programmes to help people
- They work in schools, with families, with church communities and local communities
- Look up www.corrymeela.org
8
Q
What does the interfaith organisation neve shalom do to work towards peace?
A
- This means ‘oasis of peace’
- They work in Israel in an area where Jewish and Arab families live together
- They hold activities for Arab and Jewish children to build relationships
- look up http://nswas.com
9
Q
What are Christians view on harmony and tolerance?
A
The golden rule which is “do to others what you would have them do to you”. This mean treat other people how you would like to be treated.
10
Q
How did Martin Luther King advoid war in Christianity?
A
- civil rights leader in America (1929-1968)
- led the montogomery bus boycott (1950s) after rosa parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man
- staged sit-ins and protests marches and even went to jail for his actions
- led a march to Washington to campaign for equal rights. Here he gave his “I have a dream” speech
- achieved votes for black people in 1965
- assassinated in 1968
11
Q
His did mahatma Gandhi avoided war in Hinduism?
A
- born in India in 1869, studied law in London then returned to India which was ruled by the British
- began work in 1894 to use peaceful means to persuade the British to let Indians govern themselves
- used different methods eg the salt March held I protest against the salt tax. The burning of identity passes and hunger strikes
- he used peaceful methods because he believed all life is sacred
- assassinated in 1948
12
Q
Why do some Christians believe in pacifists?
A
- humans are made in the image of God, life is precious and should not be killed
- Jesus teaches us to ‘turn the other cheek’ rather than hit back
- the 10 commandments states, ‘do not kill’ they believe this applies to war too
- many see Jesus as a pacifists because of his teachings and actions
13
Q
What is pacifism?
A
The belief that it is possible to abolish war and violence. They believe that although conflict may be inevitable, the best way to deal with it through non-violent protest such as peaceful demonstrations
14
Q
Give an example of a church committed to pacifism?
A
The Quakers
15
Q
What to Christianity believe about forgiveness?
A
- the example of Jesus eg the beatitudes where Jesus teaches that people are blessed if they work for harmony within the world
- Jesus forgave hid executioners when on the cross
- Jesus’ action eg with Zaccgaeus the tax collector
- in the Lord’s Prayer, Christians ask God, “to forgive those who have sinned against us”
- many Christians are example are examples of this eg Martin Luther King
16
Q
What do Muslims believe about forgiveness?
A
- Muslims believe that allah will always forgive someone who truely repents
- allah will reward those who forgive others
- all descriptions of allah show gentleness and tolerance
- war should only be considered in defence of Islam
- Muslims are taught that everyone should try to turn hatred into friendship by forgiveness
17
Q
What is moral evil?
A
Suffering caused by a human eg murder
18
Q
What is natural evil?
A
Evil/suffering that is caused by natural things eg earthquakes and disease
19
Q
What do Christians believe about suffering?
A
- evil and suffering are a consequence of the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. A punishment from God.
- some see life as a test; the way we react to people who need help, determines what happens to us in the afterlife
- we have free will; evil is necessary to allow us to choose good over evil
- only God knows why bad things happen
- the Old Testament contains the story of a man named job. In this story job must learn the lesson that whatever happens, God is in control
- Jesus suffered on the cross, so he understands what it is like to suffer
- suffering can make people closer to God because it prompts them to pray
- when others suffer Christians should respond by helping
20
Q
What do Muslims believe about sufferings?
A
- Muslims believe allah has a plan for everyone’s life. Suffering may be part of his plan
- humans can’t expect to know or understand the mind/ will of allah
- the qu’ran teaches that Muslims should except suffering as a test from allah
- people who respond well to suffering will be rewarded in the afterlife
- humans are created with free will, they can choose good over evil
- following the way of Satan may lead to suffering
- suffering brings Muslims closer to Allah
- Muslims are taught to help others who suffer
21
Q
How do religious believers support those who suffer?
A
- praying for the people involved that God would be close to them
- volunteering and giving their time to help others eg helping collect money for an organisation such as Christians aid. Going on a gap year overseas to help teach or care for people in developing countries
- giving money or things to help those less fortunate. This could include giving to a disaster relief, charity or simply food to feed the local homeless people
- sponsorship - many religious people sponsor people to work abroad, or they may sponsor a specific child to ensure they have education etc
22
Q
What is the Salvation Army?
A
Denomination tot he Christian church
23
Q
Which religious beliefs does Salvation Army belong to?
A
Christianity
24
Q
What are the salvation army’s aims?
A
- to lead people actively into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ
- to actively serve the community irrespective of race, belief, colour, age ore sex
- to fight for social justice
25
What are the main aspects of his Salvation Army is used?
It runs a number of projects to support the homeless, poor and toes in need
26
How does the work of the salvation army demonstrate the teachings of the religion?
It's message is based on the bible and its motivation is the love of God as revealed in Jesus Christ
27
What is a specific example of long or short term projects the salvation army do?
It has a team of outreach workers who support the homelessness the streets of towns and cities. They try to build up relationships with homeless and to offer support and advice. They organise drop in centres where rough sleepers can get food and warmth
28
What is zakah?
An annual compulsory payment of money or possessions. It is one of the five pillars
29
Which religion does zakah come from?
Islam
30
What are zakahs main aims?
By giving 2.5% of your earnings cleanses the rest of the Muslims wealth and helps to develop the feeling of community
31
What are the main aspects of zakah and how it's used?
It is specially used to help the poor, the needy, the sick, imprisoned or Muslim mission workers
32
How does the work of zarkah demonstrate the teachings of the religion?
The distribution of zakah is determined by allah in the qu'ran by the rich giving to the poor the Muslims wealth becomes pure and blessed. It also helps the giver resist greed and allow them to gain spiritual wealth
33
Give a specific example of zakah?
Many Muslims give their zakah to Islamic relief who ensure that it is used for those stipulated in the qu'ran. One of the activities of Islamic relief which zakah may use is the care for the welfare of orphans within many countries. The money allows them to attended school and assist in their education. It also works with orphan families to offer training and help their income
