theme b: religion, peace and conflict Flashcards
(59 cards)
what is violence?
a rejection of the ideals God wants for the world
how can people face life’s challenges?
people need a deep feeling of wellbeing and an inner calm (the peace that Jesus gives) to face life’s challenges
quote about being mean to eachother in the bible:
‘if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement’
quote about bullying (bible)
‘with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God’ (mouths)
what is forgiveness?
showing grace and mercy, and pardoning someone for what they have done wrong
teachings on forgiveness in the bible:
‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’
what is reconciliation?
the restoring of harmony after relationships have broken down
what does reconciliation lead to?
peace
reconciliation brings:
-a stronger relationship
-appreciation and acceptance of each other
-a more peaceful future
-opportunities to learn from the past
what is justice?
being fair
what did the prophet amos state?
creating justice is more important than ensuring that worship is done correctly (‘but let justice roll down like waters’)
what do christians think about righteous anger?
its acceptable because it can be controlled and channelled into positive action, which can improve a situation
christian opinions on peaceful protest
-most catholics agree with the UK law that it is legitimate to protest peacefully
-they may take part in a peaceful march or procession to make their point
-many christians believe that violent protest is an ineffective and damaging way to create change, and may result in loss of life
christian opinions on violent protests
-some people will support violent protest in some circumstances providing no people are harmed
-some people will join others in taking part in protests which they accept may lead to violence, if they believe that it is the only way to get the government to take notice and end injustice
-the church took part in protests which became violent against the government in the democratic republic of congo in 2015
who devised the just war theory?
st augustine & st thomas aquinas
just war theory
a set of criteria that a war needs to meet before it can be justified
background to the just war
theory
the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one (bible)
just war criteria:
-must be the last resort
-must be a just cause
-there must be a reasonable chance of winning and bringing lasting peace
-it must be declared by a legitimate authority
-only proportional force should be used
-innocent civilians should not be attacked
what is a WMD?
a weapon of mass destruction
why are catholics against nuclear weapons?
-they are completely indiscriminate and have long-term effects
-they are totally disproportionate to any possible success that may follow
-with WMDs the possibility of success is small;
-the cost of researching, building and maintaining these weapons is great; it prevents governments from spending to improve people’s lives
-possession of these weapons increases tension and fear, making the world less safe
pope john XXIll on WMDs
-people are living in the grip of constant fear’
-‘nuclear weapons must be banned’
-‘nothing is lost by peace; everything may be lost by war’
catholic opinions in support of nuclear weapons
-having nuclear weapons deters aggressive attacks from other countries
-having such weapons is important for self-defence, particularly when other countries have them
catholic opinions in opposition of nuclear weapons
-many christians call for nuclear disarmament & may support organisations such as the campaign for nuclear disarmament (CND)
-someone needs to start the process of disarmament: britain should do this
the catholic church on civilian casualties
the catholic church teaches that it’s wrong for civilians to be attacked or threatened; instead, they should be protected
