Religion, Peace and Conflict

Question 1

Who is the first person to die in the Bible?

Answer 1

Abel

Question 2

Evidence to show murder is forbidden in the Old Testament.

Answer 2

‘Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed.’

Question 3

What is the sixth commandment?

Answer 3

‘You shall not murder’

Question 4

In what context is violence allowed in the Old Testament?

Answer 4

Wars, that should bring about peace

Question 5

Evidence to show that GOd will bring absolute peace one day.

Answer 5

‘Nation will not take up sword against nation’

Question 6

What are Jesus’ teaching of violence?

Answer 6

It is wrong to use violence at all, pacifism

Question 7

According to Jesus’ teachings, when is violence acceptable?

Answer 7

as a reaction to injustice and corruption

Question 8

Evidence to support violence in defence.

Answer 8

‘Defend the weak and the fatherless’

Question 9

Why do some Christians believe it is okay to serve in the armed forces?

Answer 9

They believe the service they bring is to help bring peace and protect innocent civillians; ‘Defend the weak and the fatherless.’

Question 10

Why do some Christians believe it is wrong to get involved in politics?

Answer 10

They believe the authorities are appointed by God so should be respected and trusted.

Question 11

Which denomination abstains from politics and voting?

Answer 11

Plymouth Brethren

Question 12

Why do some Christians feel morally obligated to be invloved in politics?

Answer 12

They believe it is important to stay informed about government decisions and to speak up if there appears to be any form of injustice

Question 13

How many Bishops are there which make up the Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords?

Answer 13

26

Question 14

What is the definition of terrorism?

Answer 14

The illegal use of violence to cause fear and intimidation for political aims.

Question 15

What are the Catholic views on terrorism?

Answer 15

Opposed

Question 16

Evidence from the Catechism to support being against terrorism.

Answer 16

‘Terrorism threatens, wounds, and kills indiscriminately; it is gravely against justice and charity.’

Question 17

What does the Catholic Church believe to be an appropriate response to terrorism involving violence?

Answer 17

an Act of Just War as a last resort to preserve innocent life in the face of indiscriminate violence used by terrorists.

Question 18

What are the Church of England views on terrorism?

Answer 18

same as Catholocism

Question 19

Jus ad Bellum

Answer 19

• War must be started by the proper authority
• Reason to go to war must be just
• Everything must be done to make sure good rather than evil comes from the war

Question 20

What are the 2 points added by Catholics to Jus ad Bellum?

Answer 20

• War must have been a last resort
• Force used must be no more than necessary to win

Question 21

Jus in Bello

Answer 21

• Civilians should not be harmed
• Appropriate force should only be used
• Internationally agreed rules on war should be obeyed

Question 22

Jus post Bellum

Answer 22

• Punish war criminals
• Help retrain police and military in a defeated country where a bad government has been defeated

Question 23

What is Holy War?

Answer 23

an argument which states physical violence is sometimes necessary to defend religion

Question 24

What are the 3 elements of a holy war?

Answer 24

• Achievement of a religious goal
• Authorisation of a religious leader
• Promise of a spiritual reward for those who take part

Question 25

Example of a Holy War in the Bible.

Answer 25

Book of Joshua; Israelites battle against those who lived on the land that God had promised them.

Question 26

What were the Crusades?

Answer 26

an attempt by Christians to reclaim the Holy Land of Jerusalem from the Muslims

Question 27

What are the Geneva Conventions supposed to be?

Answer 27

A set of rules that aims to limit the effects of armed conflict by regulating the behaviour of those fighting

Question 28

What are Christian attitudes to conventional warfare?

Answer 28

The Bible teaches them to strive for peace and justice, and sometimes war may be necessary to avoid this. Otherwise war should be avoided.

Question 29

What is apocalyptic war?

Answer 29

War that would lead to catastrophic results and widespread destruction, primarily referring to nuclear weapons.

Question 30

What did Pope John XXIII say about nuclear war?

Answer 30

‘It is impossible to conceive of a just war in a nuclear age. ‘

Question 31

What are Methodist attitudes towards weapons of mass destruction?

Answer 31

Chemical, biological and nuclear weapons should never be used, however the possession of nuclear weapons is acceptable as a deterrent.

Question 32

Why do most Christians condemn the use of nuclear weapons in war?

Answer 32

The destructive potential of these weapons means they could never be justified in a war.

Question 33

Evidence from CofE against the use of nuclear bombs.

Answer 33

‘Such weapons… could never be proportionate to the just cause and aim of war.’

Question 34

What is the meaning of technological warfare?

Answer 34

The use of developments in technology to advance weapons and means of engaging in war.

Question 35

Give an example of a weapon used in technological warfare.

Answer 35

Drones

Question 36

Why do Christians condemn the use of drones in warfare?

Answer 36

They reduce the awareness of the human cost of war

Question 37

Evidence from the Catechism to say only required force is to be used in war.

Answer 37

‘If a man in self-defence uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful. ‘

Question 38

Evidence to support war and violence.

Answer 38

'Proclaim this among the nations, prepare for war!'

Question 39

Evidence for pacifism.

Answer 39

'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'

Question 40

Evidence that the Bible supports pacifism.

Answer 40

'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.'

Question 41

What is pacifism?

Answer 41

the belief that any use of violence is wrong including any act of war

Question 42

What are some methods pacifists may use to resolve conflicts?

Answer 42

sanctions, protests, boycotts

Question 43

What is absolute pacifism?

Answer 43

the idea that there should be no violence used whatsoever even in a military aspect

Question 44

Which Christian denominations actively advocate pacifism?

Answer 44

Brethren, Amish and Quakers

Question 45

Why do the Brethren, Amish and Quakers advocate for pacifism?

Answer 45

Because of the way Jesus lived for example to accpet the violence put upon him before his crucifixtion without fighting back

Question 46

What is conditional pacifism?

Answer 46

The argument that the consequences of war are less bad than the consequences of an alternative.

Question 47

Which Denominations agree with the use of violence as a last resort?

Answer 47

catholic and anglicans

Question 48

Evidence to support that everyone should strive for peace.

Answer 48

'Make every effort to live in peace with everyone.'

Question 49

What is the CND?

Answer 49

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, an organisation that campaigns for unilateral nuclear disarmament by the UK.

Question 50

Evidence from a story for forgiveness.

Answer 50

'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.'

Question 51

What is reconcilliation?

Answer 51

the catholic sacrament which states a person can confess their sins to the priest and are given absolution, this frees them from blame and guilt before God.

Question 52

Evidence to support hating evil.

Answer 52

'Seek good, not evil,'

Question 53

Evidence to support justice amongst people.

Answer 53

'For the lord is righteous, he loves justice, the upright will see his face.'

Question 54

Evidence to support forgiveness.

Answer 54

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.'

Question 55

Evidence against revenge.

Answer 55

'Do not take revenge, my dear friends.'

Question 56

Evidence against forgiveness in the absence of repentance.

Answer 56

'if your brother sins, rebuke him; if he repents, forgive him.'

Question 57

Explain Christian injustice.

Answer 57

It is simply not just love and forgiveness, but also it demands that wrongdoing is appropriately punished and that forgiveness if offered only if the wrongdoer is repentant.

Question 58

Evidence against social injustice.

Answer 58

'When an alien lives with you in your land, do not ill treat him,'

Question 59

What is liberation theology?

Answer 59

the belief that God has the power to change situations in the world that are unjust