Religion, Peace and Conflict

Question 1

Condemnation of violence in the bible

Answer 1

Exodus 20:13
“You shall not murder”

Exodus 21:15-18
“Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death.

“Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.

“Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.

“If people quarrel and one person hits another with a stone or with their fist and the victim does not die but is confined to bed”

Question 2

Biblical evidence of violence

Answer 2

Joel 3:9

“Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all fighting men draw near and attack.”

Question 3

What do some Christians believe about Jesus’s teachings

Answer 3

That they make it wrong to use violence in any context, so they would always look for peaceful solutions.

Question 4

Causes of terrorism

Answer 4

• Their actions have the potential to force change
• The use of terror is an appropriate response to the given situation of opposition
• They feel their culture is being attacked
• They feel they are being marginalised or having their rights diminished

Question 5

Christian attitudes towards terrorism

Answer 5

All Christians believe that the use of terror is not an appropriate solution.

Question 6

What are the views of the Catholic and Church of England towards terrorism?

Answer 6

Catholic: A just war might be an appropriate response to terrorism

Church of England: The use of lethal force as a last resort to deal with terrorists is acceptable

Question 7

Evidence of Catholic church against terrorism

Answer 7

“Terrorism threatens, wounds, and kills indiscriminately; it is gravely against justice and charity”

Question 8

What is a just war?

Answer 8

A war that meets certain criteria which make it justifiable

Question 9

What are the 3 areas covered in just war theory?

Answer 9

• Jus ad bellum: Considerations over the reasoning for the war
• Jus in bello: The actions taken in the war
• Jus post bellum: The actions taken after the war

Question 10

What are the 5 criteria covered in jus ad bellum?

Answer 10

• The war must be started by a proper authority
• The reason for the war must be just
• Everything must be done to make sure good results from the war
• The war must be the last resort
• The force must be no more than is necessary to win, and those not posing a threat (civilians, children) must not be attacked

Question 11

What do Christians believe they have a responsibility to do during a war?

Answer 11

Pray for the leaders of the countries and those involved.

Question 12

What do Catholics and Anglicans think about wars?

Answer 12

They are always regretful as it means other peaceful means have failed.

Question 13

Biblical evidence that peaceful options must be tried before a war

Answer 13

Micah 4:3
“He will judge between many peoples
and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore”

Question 14

What is a holy war?

Answer 14

A war that is believed to be fought on the behalf of God and with his support

Question 15

What are the 3 elements of holy war?

Answer 15

• The achievement of a religious goal
• The authorisation from a religious leader
• The promise of a spiritual war for those involved

Question 16

Biblical evidence of holy wars

Answer 16

Joshua 8:1
“Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the kind of Ai, his people, his city and his land”

Question 17

What did George Bush say about the Iraq war?

Answer 17

That it was a God-given mission to secure a state for the Palestinians and security for Israel. In effect, a holy war.

Question 18

What did Reverend Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State say in response to Bush?

Answer 18

“US soldiers are not Christian crusaders, and they ought not be depicted as such”

Question 19

What did Pope John XXIII say about nuclear war?

Answer 19

“It is impossible to conceive a just war in a nuclear age”

Question 20

What does the Methodist Church teach about weapons of mass destruction?

Answer 20

The use of them is condemned, but possession as a deterrent is permitted.

Question 21

What do many Christians believe about drones?

Answer 21

Drones reduce the awareness of human cost of war, as one side faces greater death tolls, whilst the other faces none. Drones make war easier and risk-free, meaning that more wars are likely to be declared.

Question 22

What force are combatants required to use in a just war?

Answer 22

The necessary force to overcome the enemy. They aren’t allowed to kill indiscriminately, or when a lesser force would overcome the enemy.

Question 23

What is absolute pacificism?

Answer 23

The belief that there should be no use of military force whatsoever, even if the cause is just.

Question 24

Why might some Christians be pacifists?

Answer 24

Matthew 5:44

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecutre you”

Question 25

What is conditional pacificism?

Answer 25

Pacifists who argue that war can be justified if the outcome of the war would be the lesser evil.

Question 26

Denominations which advocate for pacificism

Answer 26

Quakers, Amish, Brethren

Question 27

Biblical evidence of Jesus and pacifism

Answer 27

Luke 22:49-51 "And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him."

Question 28

What is the value of peace?

Answer 28

Peace helps to limit suffering, develop harmony and build respect between people. As war is reduced, so are the impacts of war. Idea of peace between God and humanity through salvation.

Question 29

What does Paul teach about forgiveness?

Answer 29

We should avoid responding with an attitude of revenge

Question 30

Lord's prayer evidence for forgiveness

Answer 30

Matthew 6:14 | "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you"

Question 31

What is social justice?

Answer 31

Justine in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities and privileges within society.

Question 32

Organisation working for social justice

Answer 32

Fair trade - distribute the money generated by food fairly to the farmers

Question 33

Biblical evidence for social justice

Answer 33

Proverbs 31:9 "Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy"

Question 34

The relationship between peace and a just society

Answer 34

- In a just society, people fell less marginalised, and are less likely to be drawn into conflict - Appropriate punishment of crime increases sense of safety - If the law can be trusted, people can report concerns rather than taking it into their own hands

Question 35

Responses to social injustice

Answer 35

Christians believe they have a responsibility to stand up for the oppressed and those exposed to social injustice, as they believe everyone is equal in the eyes of God.

Question 36

What is liberation theology?

Answer 36

The belief that God has the ability to change unjust situations. Some Christians believe this to mean that they should stand up against governments that oppress their people by holding peaceful protests or actively taking part in supporting those affected by injustice.

Question 37

Biblical evidence for forgiveness

Answer 37

Matthew 18:35 | "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart"