Unit 3: Violence and Conflict Flashcards
What are Christian teachings about violence in the Old Testament?
- Violence is present in the Bible from the very beginning
- The first person to die in the Bible is Abel, who was murdered by his brother Cain, out of jealousy and anger
- It’s from Cain’s own sinful heart that violence comes and God condemns Cain’s sinful action and punishes him
- Murder’s forbidden in the Bible
What is the 6th Commandment?
‘You shall not murder.’
Where does God allow the use of violence in the Old Testament?
- God allows the use of violence within the context of wars
- These wars, fought by the Israelites, are ordered by God
- The wars are either to claim or to protect the land that God has promised to them
- Look forward to a time of peace
- E.g. The Battle of Jericho
Scripture where God commands His people to prepare for war
Joel 3:9 'Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all fighting men draw near and attack.'
Jesus’ teachings: Sermon on the Mount (relating to Unit 3)
- In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus speaks of the peacemakers being blessed
- He teaches his followers to love their enemies, to pray for those who persecute them and to turn the other cheek in response to violence
- Some Christians believe that Jesus’ teaching makes it wrong to use violence in any context, so they always look for peaceful solutions
- This belief is known as pacifism
Jesus’ teaching: Righteous anger
- Jesus himself reacted violently when he came across the traders and money changers in the temple at Jerusalem
- He overturned the tables and drove them out, raged by their corrupt practices
- Some Christians suggest that this means there are times when violent reactions to injustice and corruption may be necessary
Case Study: Mark Duggan
- In 2011 Mark Duggan was shot dead by police as they tried to arrest him
- He was shot since it was suspected he had a gun in a shoebox in his car
- At the scene an illegal gun was found
- Shooting followed by public protests and riots
- During the riots many churches stayed open all night and helped local residents who lost their homes because of the riots
- Demonstrate God’s love in a practical way
Why do some Christians serve in the armed forces?
- Those who are part of the forces believe that their service helps to bring peace, protect innocent civilians and challenge evil in the world
- In Psalm 82:3 it says
- ‘Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.’
- Violent conflict is a part of achieving this scripture
What is pacifism?
Pacifism is the belief that any use of violence is wrong.
What denominations are pacifist?
- Jehovah’s Witnesses
- Plymouth Brethren
- Amish
- Quakers
Charleston Church Shooting (Case Study)
- Dylann Roof killed people in the middle of a Bible study at an African Church
- 21 year old Roof killed 9 people in one family
- The judge had sympathy for the white murderer, since he had mental illness
- The daughter, who’s mother was shot, miraculously forgave him
- Hate crime, didn’t stop, had mental illness
- He was laughing
The relationship between religion and politics
- Some Christians argue that it’s wrong to get involved in politics
- The authorities are appointed by God so should be respected and trusted
- Other Christians say that their focus should be on preaching the Gospel (Evangelical Christians)
- This is because in Matthew 28:19 it says, ‘Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations’
What Christian group doesn’t get involved in politics?
The Plymouth Brethren, they also abstain from voting
Why do some Christians argue that there’s a moral obligation for them to be involved in politics?
- They believe it’s important to stay informed about government decisions
- Speak up if there appears to be any form of injustice
- Voting is a part of each Christian’s involvement in the UK
- Vote will best fit with Christian values
- Serve God and effect change
What is Utilitarianism?
Choosing happiness for the greatest number of people possible.
'the greatest good for the greatest number.'
