War and Conflict Flashcards
What is a Holy War?
Fighting for a religious cause or God, probably controlled by a religious leader.
What are features of a Holy War?
- supported by the Old Testament
- must be authorised by a religious leader with great authority e.g. the Pope in Roman Catholicism or an Archbishop.
- to defend the faith
- rewards in Heaven if you are killed in a Holy War.
- rejected by most modern mainstream Christian groups.
Christian teaching about supporting war
“If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” - the Bible, Luke 22:36
-however, it is sometimes symbolic meaning that you have to work hard to defend.
“All who draw the sword die by the sword” - Matthew 26:52
A Christian teaching supporting war
All who draw by the sword bow by the sword - the Bible, Matthew 26:52.
What Christian teachings disagree with the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction?
Many Christina’s believe that God have humans the duty of “stewardship” over the world. It is our job to take care of it and not let it be harmed.
“If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also”- Matthew 5:39
What Buddhists teachings disagree with the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction?
“Abstain from causing harm to all living things” - The First Precept
The Dalai Lama visited Hiroshima to speak against nuclear weapons. He said “the whole world is one entity, one body”.
Reasons for Trident?
Britain has never been attacked with nuclear weapons since we have maintained Trident.
Makes us an important country so other are more likely to listen
Other countries know that if they attack Britain they would be harmed too
Reasons against Trident?
The money spent on Trident could instead be spent on education, the NHS and public services.
Of Britain was attacked with nuclear weapons launching Trident wouldn’t save us, it would just harm more innocent people.
While we maintain Trident other countries will be afraid to get rid of their nuclear weapons in case we attack them.
What is pacifism?
The belief of people who refuse to take part in war and any other form of violence.
What is a peacemaker?
A person who works to establish peace in the world or in a certain part of it.
Christian teachings to inspire people to be a pacifist?
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” - Matthew 5:9
“Thou shall not kill” - The sixth commandment.
What Buddhist teachings would inspire someone to be a pacifist?
“Abstain from harming any living thing” - The First Precept.
Right Livelihood - the step of The Noble Eightfold Path that requires Buddhists to live in a way which does not cause suffering.
Christian teachings to help victims of war?
“Love your neighbour as yourself” - Mark 12:31
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells the story of a man who find a stranger that has been left to die and helps him, even though they are from different countries. - Luke 10:25-37
Buddhist teachings that encourage people to help victims of war?
Right Action - a step of the Noble Eightfold Path which calls on Buddhists to act in a way which reduces suffering.
Karuna (compassion) - one of the Four Qualities of Love taught by the Buddha.
