Peace and Conflict Flashcards
(93 cards)
1
Q
What is violence?
A
Using actions that can threaten or harm others.
2
Q
What are christian beliefs on violence and anger?
A
- Christians believe that God made the world ‘very good’.
- Christians believe that anger is an integral part of human nature, and that if not controlled, it can lead to violence.
- For Christians, violence is the rejection of the ideals God wants for the world.
- Christians believe that violence should nearly always be avoided.
3
Q
What Biblical story teaches christians about violence?
A
Cain and Abel (Genesis 4: 5-1)
4
Q
What is the story of Cain and Abel?
A
- Cain and Abel were the children of Adam and Eve.
- Cain was jealous of his brother Abel and his angry thoughts led to him killing Abel.
- When Cain killed Abel he rejected God’s ideals and God says “What have you done?”
5
Q
What are 2 quotes about anger and peace?
A
“If the seeds of bitterness, anger and jealousy are not controlled…. they will destroy relationships between people…” - CCC
“Peace I leave you, my peace I give you” (John 14: 27).
6
Q
What is bullying?
A
A form of violence that deliberately intimidates a person through words or physical actions.
7
Q
What bible quote refers to bullying?
A
“But no one can tame the tongue - a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” - James 3
Message: Choose to use your actions and words in a positive way. For “blessing”, not for “cursing.”
8
Q
What are the effects of bullying?
A
- Destroys recipient’s self-esteem.
- Gives recipient a sense of powerlessness.
- Forces recipient to live in a state of fear.
- Can lead to physical self-harm and even suicide.
9
Q
What is forgiveness?
A
Showing grace and mercy; pardoning someone for what they have done wrong.
10
Q
What role does forgiveness play in Jesus’ teachings?
A
Forgiveness is a central message in Jesus’ teachings:
- When being nailed to the cross, he forgave his executionists, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”.
- After the resurrection, he forgave Peter for his denial of him.
11
Q
What bible quote from Matthew talks about forgiveness?
A
“Forgive us as we have done wrong, as we forgove the wrongs done onto us.”(Matthew 6:12).
12
Q
What did Jesus famously say to Peter on how may times he should forgive?
A
“Not 7 times, but I tell you, 70 x 7 times”
Meaning: You should forgive infinitely.
13
Q
What are the disadvantages/limits of Forgiveness?
A
- You can never tell if the person is truly sorry.
- Bitterness and anger, if supressed, could lead to violence.
- Only God can forgive infinitely.
- You can only forgive if the person is around or alive.
14
Q
What are the benefits of Forgiveness?
A
- Allows the forgiven to move on with their life.
- Benefits mental health on both sides.
- Justice is about forgiveness and not punishment.
- Enables forgiver to let go of pain.
- One of the ‘Kingdom values’ for establishing God’s Kingdom on earth.
15
Q
What is reconciliation?
A
The restoring of harmony after the breakdown of a relationship.
Also a sacrament in the Catholic Church.
16
Q
What bible quote refers to reconciliation/making peace?
A
“…go at once and make peace with your brother” - Matthew 5
17
Q
What does Pope Francis teach about reconciliation?
A
“Without reconciliation, there can be no peace, and without peace, people will live unsecure lives in fear.”
18
Q
What 6 things does reconciliation bring?
A
1) Learning from the past.
2) A more peaceful future.
3) A respect for other people’s beliefs.
4) An opportunity to live without violence.
5) Appreciation and acceptance of others.
6) A stronger relationship.
19
Q
What is justice?
A
Bringing about what is right and fair according to the law, or making up for a wrong that has been committed.
20
Q
What is injustice?
A
A lack of justice.
21
Q
What does the Catholic Church teach about justice?
A
-They teach that creating justice is important for all christians because it is essential to spreading God’s Kingdom (authority and rule) on earth - one of the ‘Kingdom values’.
22
Q
What Old Testament quote from Amos talks about justice?
A
“let justice flow like a stream and righteousness like a river that never goes dry.”
Meaning: Don’t be distracted by other things and actively fight for justice, freedom and righteousness.
23
Q
What is righteous anger?
A
Anger against an injustice; some christians use the term to describe anger that they believe is acceptable.
24
Q
What are Christian beliefs about righteous anger in repsonse to injustice?
A
Some christians believe that in *certain situations, righteous anger can be used to help bring about justice.
*should be a last resort
25
When did Jesus show righteous anger?
When he drove the sellers from the Temple.
26
What does the Catholic Church teach about violent protest? Where did the church support violent protesters?
- Peaceful protest should be exasperated.
- But, in order to prevent a greater injustice, it is acceptable for violence to be used to bring an end to that injustice.
E.g the catholic church supported violent protesters in the Democratic Republic of Congo, against a government who were unjustly delaying elections.
27
What was the Apartheid in South Africa?
The Apartheid was a system of government that segregated black and white people. It was a system in South Africa from 1948 to 1990 that heavily oppressed the human and civil rights of black south africans.
28
What is Nelson Mandela's story? How did Mandela put an end to the Apartheid?
Imprisonment:
- Mandela took part in several bombings of important places and as a result was sentenced to life in prison.
- He remained in prison for 27 years and endured long periods of solitary confinement and torture.
- During this time, Mandela had become the focal point for a global campaign to put an end to the apartheid regime.
Release:
- In 1990, Mandela was released.
- He took part in negotiations that ended the racist apartheid system.
- He became South Africa's first democratically elected President.
- He won the Nobel Peace Prize.
- He will forever be known as one of the most significant civil rights activists of all time.
29
What did Mandela famously say about education?
"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."
30
How did Martin Luther King influence the fight for the civil rights of black people in America?
- Martin Luther King peacefully protested and led the civil rights movement from 1960.
- They protested the segregated bus stops, toilets and restaurants.
- They protested about police harassment and violence and the fact that black people weren't allowed to vote.
- King's motivation was to achieve an equal society and to stop the persecution and prejudice of black american citizens.
31
How do Martin Luther King's actions influence Christians today?
King showed the world that civil rights for black people could be achieved by non-violent methods.
Counter-point: Racial discrimination continued and still exists today.
32
What is war?
Armed conflict between countries or groups within a country.
33
What 3 quotes summarise the Old Testament's view on war?
Overall the Old Testament supports war:
- "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth"
- "The Lord is a warrior"
- "The Lord is on your side"
34
What 3 quotes summarise the New Testament's view on war?
Overall the New Testament is against war:
- "Love your neighbour"
- "Blessed are the peacemakers" - one of the beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount
- "Put your sword away"
35
Why might countries/groups go to war?
- To gain power
- To gain land
- To gain resources (e.g oil)
- To defend innocent people
- Retaliation / Revenge
- To stop a dictator / defend human rights
- To defend allies
- Political differences
- Religious differences
- Self-defence
36
What is the Just War Theory?
A set of criteria that a war needs to meet before it can be justified - devised by St Thomas Aquinas.
(Theory - not a law!!!!!)
37
What are the aims of the Just War Theory?
To limit the use of war and to remember the humanity of the enemy.
38
When was the Just War Theory devised?
13th century by St Thomas Aquinas.
39
What are the 6 criteria for a Just War according to the Just War Theory?
1) Be started and controlled by proper authorities.
2) Have a just cause.
3) Be for the right intention.
4) Be a last resort.
5) Be in proportion - benefits must outweigh damage.
6) Have a reasonable chance of success.
40
What is nuclear war?
War that makes use of nuclear weapons - create a nuclear reaction in order to kill large numbers of people and devastate huge areas of land.
41
What are Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)?
Nuclear, biological and chemical weapons able to cause widespread devastation and loss of life.
42
What are chemical weapons?
Weapons that use toxic chemicals to harm humans and destroy the natural environment. (Banned under international law!)
43
What are biological weapons?
Weapons that use living organisms to cause disease or death.
44
What are Catholic views on Nuclear Weapons and WMD?
- "There can be no such thing as a just war in the nuclear age." (Pope John 23rd)
- Nuclear weapons are indiscriminate and therefore the affects are disproportionate to any possible success.
- Posessing WMD increases global tension.
- Nuclear weapons damage the environment.
45
What are some contrasting views on Nuclear Weapons and WMD?
- They are necessary for defence.
- They can act as a deterent, without the intention to use them (MAD - Mutually Assured Destruction)
- Many see 'Trident' as an important symbol of Britain's role in the world.
- The use of bombs on Japan during WW2 brought a swift end to the war.
46
What are the 3 main consequences of modern warfare?
1) Civilian Casualties
2) Environmental Damage
3) Refugees
47
What does the Catholic Church teach about civilian casualties?
The church believes that anyone who is not involved in war must not be threatened or attacked.
48
What does the Catholic Church teach about environmental damage?
- Catholics believe that as humans, we are the 'stewards' of the planet.
- We should condemn the damage done to the natural world by modern warfare.
49
What does the Catholic Church teach about refugees?
The Catholic Church teaches that refugees should be welcomed and protected by all countries.
50
What are some contrasting views on the consequences of modern warfare?
Some people believe that civilian casualties, environmental damage and refugees are necessary for a war to be brought to a swift end.
51
What is a 'Holy War'?
A war where there is fighting for a religious cause or God; it is controlled/approved by a religious leader.
52
What 3 wars/conflicts have been caused for religious reasons?
- The Crusades
- The Troubles in Northern Ireland
- Current unrest in the middle east.
53
How is holy war portrayed in the Old Testament? How representative is this of Catholic beliefs?
- Some say that the Old Testament is full of violent war, waged on the behalf of God.
- Conflict may be necessary to defend your faith.
Previous religious conflicts portrayed in the Bible must be put into context with the period.
54
What 4 conditions are there for a war to be considered holy?
1) Fought for a religious goal.
2) Approved/controlled by a religious leader.
3) Believed that God is on your side.
4) Believed that all fighters on both sides will go to heaven.
55
What were the Crusades?
The Crusades are the best known example of Holy War.
- Between the 11th and 15th centuries, various Popes called upon christians to go to the Holy Land, Jerusalem, to free the holy places.
- The Popes wanted Jerusalem free from the control of Muslim Turks.
- Christians were promised that as they were fighting for God, they would go straight to heaven if they died.
56
Does the concept of Holy War feature in Christian teaching today?
Holy war does not feature in christian teaching today.
However, christians are encouraged to stand up for their faith through the power of argument.
57
What is Pacifism?
Pacifism is the belief that war or violence is always wrong and should never be used.
58
What are some reasons in favour of Pacifism?
- Jesus taught that violence was wrong.
- Martin Luther King and Ghandi proved it possible to use non-violent methods.
- Wars never settle disputes.
- War demoralises people and the innocent suffer.
59
What are some reasons against Pacifism?
- A pacifist nation would be vulnerable to harm from other nations.
- Do Not Kill refers to murder, not killing in war.
- Jesus was not afraid to use force when throwing out the sellers from the Temple.
- Wars can bring out the best human instincts as well as the worst.
60
What does the Church say about Pacifism?
- Pacifism is not an official teaching.
- It contradicts the belief in righteous anger.
- But the church teaches that individuals and nations should use non-violent methods to resolve conflicts/disagreements.
61
What does Pope Francis say about Pacifism in relation to conflicts? What Pope Francis quote outlines his belief?
- Pope Francis encourages non-violent protests and peaceful conflict resolutions.
- However, he is not a Pacifist as he acknowledges that there are times when force has to be used in self-defence or to defend the weak (righteous anger).
Pope Francis says:
"The Catholic Church strives for peace, but does not preach complete pacifism."
62
Why do some christians believe that that Jesus was a Pacifist - give the quote?
-Jesus tells us that "if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also."
63
What is a conscientious objector?
Someone whose conscience tells them to object war.
64
Who are the Quakers? What is their stance on Pacifism?
The Quakers are a non-conformist christian denomination.
- They are a pacifist group who recognise that there is evil in the world, but say that it cannot be overcome through any violence.
- They believe christians should use 'weapons of the spirit' (e.g love, truth and peace).
65
Who was Dietrich Bonhoeffuer?
- Dietrich Bonhoeffeur was a christian minister who was originally a pacifist.
- He preached non-violent protest against Hitler.
- But, once he realised what was happening to the German Jews, he changed his views, joining conspirators working to assassinate Hitler.
- He was later imprisoned and executed after the plot failed.
66
What did Dietrich Bonhoeffeur come to realise?
He eventually realised that although violence is evil, there are worse evils which can only be dealt with by force.
67
How does the church help in 21st century conflicts?
3 MAIN WAYS
1) Efforts of the Pope
2) Catholic Organisations
3) Individual contributions
68
How does the Pope help in conflict?
Weekly: The Pope leads the crowd in Vatican Square in prayer on a weekly basis.
Individual Efforts:
- Pope Francis organised a meeting of prayer between Presidents of Israel and Palestine in 2014.
- Also in 2014, Pope Francis organised an international football match in Rome to raise funds for children around the world in need.
69
How have Catholic Organisations (CAFOD and Caritas International) help in conflict?
- CAFOD established orphanages in Sierra Lenoe for children separated from their parents as a result of the civil war.
- Caritas International rushed to the aid of victims of a conflict in Niger.
70
How do individual contributions help in conflict?
- Donations
- Volunteering
- Support through prayer
71
What is Terrorism?
Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence against innocent civilians, in order to achieve a political goal.
72
What are the 2 aims of Terrorism?
1) To frighten people so they are afraid to go about their daily lives.
2) To force governments to give way to demands.
73
What does the Catholic Church teach about terrorism?
The Catholic Church opposes the use of terror in any situation, particularly when it is in the name of God.
74
What does the CCC and the Bible say about Terrorism?
"Terrorism threatens, wounds and kills indiscriminately. It is gravely against justice and charity." - CCC
Bible:
- "everyone should obey the authorities, as they have been put in charge by God." - Paul
- "never take vengeance"
75
Who were the Jewish Maccabees? How do they link to ideas of terrorism?
- The Jewish Maccabees were a group of Jewish people.
- They resorted to violent terrorist attacks against authorities who were trying to force them to give up their faith.
-If they had not resorted to violence, the entire Jewish faith might have not survived.
76
What happened at the London 7/7 bombings in 2005?
- A series of coordinated, Islamist suicide attacks (from extreme interpretations of Islamic Holy Books - e.g the Qu'ran) that took place on the 7th of July 2005.
- The attacks targeted everyday commuters on both the London Underground and on a bus.
Casualties:
- 56 people were killed (including 4 bombers)
- 784 injured
Motive:
-The group wanted the UK to pull its armed forces out of Afghanistan and Iraq, demanding that the UK stopped financially supporting the US and Israel.
77
What happened at the Omagh bombings on 15/8/98?
-On the 15th of August 1998, a car bombing was carried out by members of a group known as the Real IRA (RIRA) - who opposed the IRA's ceasefire and the Good Friday Agreement.
Target:
-They targeted a courthouse and later apologised as they did not mean to kill innocent civilians.
Casualties:
-29 people died - deadliest single incident of the Troubles.
300 injured
Motive:
-They wanted to put pressure on the British government to withdraw from Northern Ireland.
78
What is Radicalisation?
The process by which someone adopts extreme views on religious, social or political views.
79
What does the Catholic Church say about Radicalisation?
- They reject radicalisation as it encourages tension in the world and can lead to terrorism.
- God gave us free will, so people should not have evil imposed on them by others.
80
What is Torture?
Torture is any act by which severe physical or psychological pain and suffering is intentionally inflicted on a person.
Could be as punishment OR to force information out of someone.
81
What does the Catholic Church teach about Torture?
-Torture should be rejected as it is inhumane and denies the victim of their basic human rights.
82
What is a CCC quote on torture?
"Using torture is contrary to respect for the person and human dignity." - CCC
83
What are some reasons that justify the use of torture?
- Could save many more lives.
- The person receiving torture may have tortured many people. "Eye for an eye..."
- The torturer may be under orders from above them.
84
What are some reasons gainst the justification of the use torture?
- It is banned under international law.
- It goes against the 'Sanctity of Life'.
- No one life is less significant than 10 others.
- Torture goes against God's will.
85
What is Martyrdom?
The suffering or death of a martyr (a person who suffers death for their beliefs or faith).
86
What are the Catholic Church's views on martyrdom?
- The Catholic Church views martyrs with the highest esteem.
- Many if not most of the Saints in the Church are martyrs as they were willing to die for their faith.
87
Do the Catholic Church believe that suicide bombers are right to view themselves as martyrs?
No.
They believe that those people have interpreted their faith in an evil and distorted way.
88
What is Peacemaking?
Trying to establish peace.
89
What is Conflict Resolution?
Creating peace between 2 parties that have been at war or in a dispute with eachother.
90
What is non-violent resistance?
Resisting a government without using violence and instead using peaceful protest or non-cooperation.
91
What does the Catholic Church say about Peace?
- One of the 'Kingdom values'.
- 'Blessed are the peacemakers'
- Classic example of 'love your neighbour'
92
Who are Pax Christi? What do they believe about War? What do they believe about establishing peace?
Pax = Peace - Christi = of Christ —> Peace of Christ
-Pax Christi are a peace organisation that believes that war and violence are not inevitable.
- They want to create a culture for peace through education.
- They regularly visit schools, universities and colleges to run workshops and host talks.
- The teachings central to them are 'Love you neighbour' and 'Do not kill'.
93
Who are The Justice and Peace Commission? What do they work to do in regards to nuclear weapons?
-The Justice and Peace Commission are a peace organisation, working within each diocese of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, that works to reduce violence and tension.
- They campaign against nuclear weapons.
- Their main aim is to remove war by firstly, removing the causes of war.
