Reasons for War/ Just War

Question 1

What are the 3 main reasons for war?

Answer 1

• Greed
• Self- defence
• Retaliation

Question 2

1 REASON: GREED

What do Christians think about this?

1 point + Teaching
STRENGTH…

Answer 2

1.) “money is a root of all kinds of evil”
2.) Not good enough reason to cause devestation.
3.) Strong: relies on The Sanctity of Life

-

Question 3

What war did many Christians fight in as a form of self- defence?

Answer 3

• WW2, to avoid the evil threat of Hitler spreading to all of Europe.

Question 4

2 REASON SELF - DEFENCE

How would Christians agreeing with this argue their point?

2 points + teaching

Answer 4

1.) “Love your neighbour”
2.) Want good for others.
3.) War causes less harm than current state of country/ nation
STRENGTH: protects country’s way of living.

Question 5

REASON 3… RETALIATION

How would Christians disagreeing with this statement argue their point?
STrength……

2 points + teaching

Answer 5

1.) “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek too.”
2.) Don’t let evil get the better of you
3.) Stay patient
STRENGTH: Stops the cycle of hatred- leads to harmony

Question 6

What is a “Just War?”

Answer 6

A war that meets international criteria of fairness.

Question 7

What would most Christians say about the concept of Just War?

Answer 7

• If you have tried to peacefully negotiate + didn’t work, it’s okay to fight.

Only with just war criteria (nothing selfish)

Question 8

What would some Christians say about the concept of Just War?

Answer 8

• Defends war

Pacifists would disagree

Question 9

Give 4 conditions of Just War.

Answer 9

• Last resort
• Civilians protected
• Minimum amount of force used
• Just Cause

Question 10

What is holy war?

Answer 10

A war fought for a religious cause and initiated by a religious leader.

Question 11

Give an example of a Holy War in history.

Answer 11

The Crusades was a Holy War.

Question 12

What do most Christians think about Holy Wars today?

Answer 12

They disagree with them.

They use negotiation and peacful protests

Question 13

Give a quote that discourages Holy Wars.

Answer 13

“Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword”

People can accept what attackers are doing to them and not take action.

Question 14

HOLY WARRR…

How would Christians that agree with this back up their point?
2 points + teaching?

Answer 14

1.) “The Lord is a Warrior”

God encourages people to protect their faith.

Question 15

What is justice?

Answer 15

• Justice is brining about what is right and fair.

Question 16

Why is justice important?

2 points

Answer 16

• Justice is important to create equality and not build up resentment.
• If society is just, no conflict will have to be used.

Question 17

How is justice linked to peace?

Answer 17

• If society is always JUST, there is no need for conflict - leading to peace.

Question 18

How is forgiveness linked to reconcillation?

Answer 18

• If you forgive someone, you are more likely to restore the relationship.

Question 19

God shows love to all Christians…
What does he expect them to do with that love?

Answer 19

• Share out that love and live at peace where possible.

Question 20

God is the perfect judge.
What must Christians do to follow his example?

Refer to scripture/ sacred writings

Answer 20

• Give equal rights to everyone to avoid conflict.

*Parable of Good Samaritan, everyone is neighbours regardless race.

Question 21

What is the meaning of greed?

Answer 21

• Greed is a selfish desire for something.

Question 22

What is the meaning of retaliation?

Answer 22

• Retaliation is deliberatelt harming a group of people after they have harmed you.

Question 23

What is self- defence?

Answer 23

Self- defence is acting to prevent harm from yourself/ other nations.

Question 24

What are the 2 MAIN REASONS Christians would avoid war?

Answer 24

• The Sanctity of Lfe (preserve lives)
• Mantain peace

Question 25

When would most Christians think war is acceptable overall?

Answer 25

• When the alternative to the conflict is more damaging than the conflict itself.

Question 26

JUSTICE

What do Christians say about this?
2 points + teaching

not in war, in general

Answer 26

1.) Justice is important as it avoids conflict
2.) Justice is a Christian’s duty
3.) In The Parable of Good Samaritan, you are everybody’s neighbour// everyone is equal.

Question 27

PEACE

What do Christians say about this?
3 points + teaching?

Answer 27

1.) Try to keep peace if possible
2.) God shows love, we should show love too.
3.) Pray for tranquility
“Blessed are the peacemakers”

Question 28

FORGIVENESS

What do Christians say about this?
2 points + teaching

Answer 28

1.) “Be forgiving to each other in the same way God forgave you in Christ.”
2.) Duty in Christianity
3.) Forgive to prevent war/ forgive after war

Question 29

RECONICILIATION

What do Christians say about this?
3 points + teaching

Answer 29

1.) Try to do it after conflict
2.) “Love your enemies”
3.) Jesus died to restore relationship with God and humankind, we should follow this.
4.) Help victims of War (Red Cross.)

Question 30

JUST WAR

Why is fighting in a just war a strong argument?

Answer 30

–> Country can defend themselves
–> avoids future conflict
—> Allows you to take action