Unit 1 - Religion and Conflict Flashcards
What are the Islamic teachings of harmony and tolerance?
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.
What are causes of conflict?
- 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
What are the Christians views on agreeing with war?
- 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.
What are the Christians views against war?
- 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.
What are the criteria for a just war for Christianity?
- 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.
What are the rules of holy war for is Islam (jihad)?
- 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
What does the organisation corrymeela do to work towards peace?
- 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
What does the interfaith organisation neve shalom do to work towards peace?
- 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
What are Christians view on harmony and tolerance?
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.
How did Martin Luther King advoid war in Christianity?
- 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
His did mahatma Gandhi avoided war in Hinduism?
- 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
Why do some Christians believe in pacifists?
- 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
What is pacifism?
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
Give an example of a church committed to pacifism?
The Quakers
What to Christianity believe about forgiveness?
- 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