Religion Peace and Conflict

Question 1

What is a central message in Jesus’ teaching?

Answer 1

The importance of forgiveness.

Question 2

What must Christians do if they want God’s forgiveness?

Answer 2

They must forgive others.

Question 3

What is forgiveness?

Answer 3

Showing grace and mercy, pardoning someone for what they have done wrong.

Question 4

What did Jesus say while being crucified about forgiveness?

Answer 4

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NRSV)

Question 5

Name two biblical teachings on forgiveness.

Answer 5

Peter is forgiven for denying Jesus; Jesus says to forgive “seventy-seven times.”

Question 6

What does the Lord’s Prayer teach about forgiveness?

Answer 6

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)

Question 7

What does the parable of the Unforgiving Servant teach?

Answer 7

God only forgives those willing to forgive others. (Matthew 18:23-35)

Question 8

What is reconciliation?

Answer 8

Restoring harmony after relationships have broken down.

Question 9

How did Pope Francis emphasize reconciliation?

Answer 9

He called for reconciliation and respect between religions.

Question 10

What does Matthew 5:24 say about reconciliation?

Answer 10

Be reconciled with others before offering a gift to God.

Question 11

Name two things reconciliation brings.

Answer 11

A stronger relationship; appreciation and acceptance of each other.

Question 12

Give two examples of the consequences of modern warfare.

Answer 12

Civilian casualties; environmental damage.

Question 13

What does the Catholic Church teach about civilians in war?

Answer 13

It is wrong for civilians (non-combatants) to be attacked or threatened.

Question 14

How does modern war affect civilians?

Answer 14

Many civilians become refugees or lose their homes and possessions.

Question 15

What does Populorum Progressio 67 say about refugees?

Answer 15

It stresses the duty of giving foreigners a hospitable reception.

Question 16

What environmental damage can warfare cause?

Answer 16

Huge areas of land can be destroyed; chemical weapons can ruin vegetation.

Question 17

How does the Catholic Church respond to environmental damage from war?

Answer 17

Calls for stewardship of the Earth; condemns the use of chemical weapons.

Question 18

Give two contrasting views on accepting refugees.

Answer 18

Some believe there are enough resources; others believe countries have a duty to help.

Question 19

What is a “Holy War”?

Answer 19

Fighting for a religious cause or God, usually led by a religious leader.

Question 20

What are two causes of war besides religion?

Answer 20

Economics and politics.

Question 21

What does Jesus say about anger and violence?

Answer 21

Being angry with a brother or sister makes you liable to judgment. (Matthew 5:21-22)

Question 22

What does Exodus 21:24 say about violence?

Answer 22

“Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” – sometimes misinterpreted to justify retaliation.

Question 23

What is the Catholic view on Holy War today?

Answer 23

Holy war does not fit with current Christian beliefs; Christians should argue peacefully.

Question 24

What were the Crusades?

Answer 24

Holy wars aimed to free Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Muslim Turks, authorized by Popes.

Question 25

What did the prophet Amos teach about justice?

Answer 25

Creating justice is more important than ensuring that worship is done correctly.

Question 26

How can injustice affect people?

Answer 26

It can cause people to lose self-worth and dignity, e.g., Black people during apartheid in South Africa.

Question 27

What quote from Deus Caritas Est supports justice?

Answer 27

"Building a just social and civil order... an essential task which every generation must take up anew."

Question 28

What event shows Jesus using righteous anger?

Answer 28

Jesus drove sellers out of the Temple because they made it a marketplace (John 2:13–17).

Question 29

Why do many Christians believe violent protest is wrong?

Answer 29

It can create more damage, is ineffective, and may result in loss of life.

Question 30

Give an example of a time Christians used violent protest.

Answer 30

Protesters against the government in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2015.

Question 31

What are chemical and biological weapons?

Answer 31

Chemical weapons harm humans and destroy nature; biological weapons use organisms to cause death.

Question 32

What did Pope Benedict XVI say about WMDs?

Answer 32

"With WMDs, the possibility of success is small; there are no 'victors,' only victims."

Question 33

What is a quote from Pacem in Terris about nuclear weapons?

Answer 33

"Nothing is lost by peace; everything may be lost by war."

Question 34

Why do some support Britain having nuclear weapons?

Answer 34

For deterrence against attacks and for self-defense if others have them.

Question 35

What is the aim of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)?

Answer 35

To promote nuclear disarmament and eliminate the threat of WMDs.

Question 36

How did early Christians view violence?

Answer 36

Many early Christians refused to fight, seeing violence as wrong.

Question 37

Who are famous Christian pacifists?

Answer 37

Martin Luther King Jr., Quakers (Society of Friends), early Christians like Martin of Tours.

Question 38

What is the Catholic Church's stance on force?

Answer 38

Force may sometimes be necessary to protect the weak or in self-defense but should be limited.

Question 39

What teaching supports solving conflict through non-violence?

Answer 39

"The Church strives for peace but does not preach radical pacifism." (Youcat 398)

Question 40

What Bible quotes encourage pacifism?

Answer 40

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Question 41

What do pacifists believe about war and violence?

Answer 41

It is always wrong to fight, even in self-defense; peace must be sought by peaceful means.

Question 42

What do others believe about war and violence?

Answer 42

Force is sometimes necessary to defend people and bring about justice.