Unit 3: Christian attitudes to behaviours during war

Question 1

(Behaviours during war)
What is international humanitarian law?

Answer 1

• The law of war.
• Most countries have agreed to it
• Set of rules that aims to limit the effects of armed conflict
• Protects civilians during war
• Limits the type of warfare that can take place
• Forbids biological weapons
• Rules are there to regulate the behaviour of those fighting
• Torture isn’t allowed
• If a soldier surrender’s during war he can expect to be taken prisoner rather than be killed by the opposing force
• Those involved in war are often killed though and the armed forces are not put on trial for murder

Question 2

Why are these principles very important to Christians?

Answer 2

Christians try to balance Jesus' teaching to 'love your enemies' (Matthew 5:43) with standing up for the oppressed, defending the weak (Psalm 82:3), and overcoming evil.

Question 3

What is conventional warfare?

Answer 3

A form of warfare conducted by using conventional weapons.

Question 4

What is the opinion most Christians have about war?

Answer 4

• Christians don’t believe that war can easily be justified
• Unless a proposed war meets all the criteria of the just war, it should be avoided
• Bible teaches the need to aim for peace and to maintain justice
• At times war may be necessary to achieve this

Question 5

What do all Churches believe about the global community and war?

Answer 5

• All Churches believe that the global community should do all it can to ensure nations coexist peacefully
• Working on forgiveness between nations to overcome differences that otherwise may lead to war

Question 6

What do Catholics and Anglicans mainly believe about the effects of war?

Answer 6

• Catholics and Anglicans agree that war is always regrettable as it means that peaceful methods of resolving a situation have failed
• Christians have a responsibility to pray for God’s guidance and wisdom to be made known to the leaders of countries and all those involved in war