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GCSE AQA A Course Companion: Component 2: Religion Peace and Conflict of 2318 © ZigZag Education, 2016

RELIGION, PEACEAND

CONFLICT

Religion, Violence, Terrorism and WarViolence is an important issue in the modern world. Many people oppose violence; some wish to forgive wrongs done to them, reconcile with enemies and achieve peace; some are completely against violence, and are pacifists. However, violence does happen; in protests, and in war and terrorism. Some believe that violence and wars can be just, and/or holy. However, many believe that violence is motivated by reasons which are not just, or justifiable.

Peace, Justice, Forgiveness and ReconciliationTerm Meaning Significance Examples

Peac

e

The absence of violence and war, a state of calm

Many Christians believe they should work for peace, because this is God’s will.

Many Christians have worked for peace, negotiating the end of wars and violence.

.Some Christians believe violence is justified, or better than peace if it achieves something for God.

Some Christians have put holy wars such as the Crusades above peace.

Just

ice

Fairness, getting what is deserved – morally or legally right

Christians, and many others, believe that people should act justly, and if they do wrong then it is just that they will be punished.

Many have believed some wars are just, e.g. fighting against the Nazis.

Forg

iven

ess

Letting go of bad feelings towards someone who has caused one pain

Christians believe that they should forgive people who do bad things to them; whether that means forgiving people and not going to war, or forgiving those who have fought against them.

Some Christians have forgiven those who have committed acts of violence against them.

Reco

ncili

atio

n

Being reunited in a positive sense with someone one was separated from

Christians believe it is good for people who have been fighting to make up; they believe many people should forgive each other and be friendly.

Sometimes people who fought on opposing sides in wars forgive each other and become friendly.


Religious ReferencesJesus taught his followers that he brought them peace, and that being peaceful rather than violent was good. However, on other occasions he taught that he had not come to bring peace. Some Christians use this to justify taking part in violence, such as wars, if they feel God would approve of the cause.

The Bible teaches that people should act justly; however, Jesus shows that God does not always punish humans, which would be just, but is merciful to them – and humans should be merciful to others. It is also important that humans know whether they are acting justly, as it is important not to take revenge on someone, thinking that it is justice.

Jesus taught his followers to forgive, and that this was very important. He emphasised that people should keep on forgiving, and that if they did not forgive then God would not forgive them.

The New Testament teaches that Christians have been reconciled to God through Jesus’ death, and that Christians should reconcile with others who are in conflict with them. Many Christians believe that God does not just want them to have a good relationship with him, but also to be on good terms with others, and if Christians are in conflict with others, then this will damage their relationship with God, because he desires them to forgive.

Some believe that if everyone valued peace highly, there would be a lot less conflict in the world. On the other hand, those who enter into conflict, wars or terrorism, often claim that they are doing this to achieve peace in the long run.

Alternatively, they may argue that justice is more important, and that the people they are fighting deserve to be punished, or the people they are fighting for deserve to be liberated. Religious organisations often work towards worldwide forgiveness and reconciliation, as do many non-religious people. However, if people believe that those who oppose them with violence do not deserve forgiveness, this may result in more hard feelings, and it will be more likely that conflict will reoccur.

Quick Questions1. Which of these is a word for fairness? (1 mark)

a) Peace b) Justice c) Forgiveness d) Reconciliation

2. Give two examples of biblical teachings about peace. (2 marks)


Violence

ChristianityMany Christians oppose violence, because of Jesus’ teachings about peace – they believe that God desires peace, and so causing violence goes against this. Further, violence is often motivated by anger and hate, and Christians believe that they should not act on such feelings but seek to forgive. They believe Jesus taught not to harm enemies, but to treat them well.

However, other Christians believe that God will support them in some instances of violence. They may see war as justified, especially if they believe it is working towards a better world, including fighting against terrorism.

IslamFor many, Islam is a religion of peace– the word Islam is related to the word salam (peace). Indeed, of the two jihads (jihad means struggle), the greater jihad is an inner struggle to be good, and to fulfil the will of Allah. It is the lesser jihad which involves physical struggle for Islam, which sometimes involves violence, and is sometimes interpreted as holy war. Many Muslims work for peace and do not desire violence. They may find it deeply saddening that Islam has become closely associated with violence in the modern media, due to certain acts of violence carried out by a small number of Muslims.

Islam does not allow violence for no reason, but it does allow it in some circumstances. Many Muslims believe that violence is permitted in self-defence or in retaliation for an attack.

Violent ProtestNot all violence takes place during war and terrorism. Some protests, where people meet in public to object to laws, or other issues, also turn violent. Some Christians feel it acceptable to violently protest against those they believe to be sinning against God; for example, those who carry out abortions. A small number of Muslims feel that violence is an acceptable way to protest; for example, against the West’s intervention in the Middle East. However, many religious people believe that violent protest is wrong, and that people should protest about issues they disagree about peacefully, and try to negotiate verbally.

Some religious people who feel that violence is wrong specifically protest in non-violent ways; for example, Martin Luther King encouraged black people to sit peacefully in areas where only white people were allowed to sit, to protest against racial discrimination.


CAN VIOLENCE BE ACCEPTABLE?

YES NOPeaceful methods may have been tried

and not worked(Nelson Mandela)

Sometimes it is better to use violence in the short term to prevent further

violence in the future (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Innocent people are often killed(over 50 million civilians are thought

to have been killed in WW2)

People have used peaceful methods and successfully brought change

(Martin Luther King helped secure rights for black people using non-

violent methods)

RELIGIOUS VIEWSCHRISTIANS CHRISTIANS

‘Blessed are the peacemakers’Sometimes violence is necessary as a last resort to bring peace in the long

run.

‘Do not kill’Violence is wrong because it can lead

to killing people

MUSLIMS MUSLIMS‘Those who have been attacked are

permitted to take up arms’It is acceptable to use violence if you

have been the victim of violence.

‘Do not take life which Allah has made sacred’

Violence is wrong because it can lead to killing people

Quick Questions3. Give two examples of situations where violence may occur. (2 marks)

Now Try This…4. Explain two religious beliefs about violence. Refer to scripture. (5 marks)


…

TerrorismTerrorism, generally seen as unauthorised, non-state violence, for a political cause. Terrorism is always carried out with the intention of causing chaos and fear. Notable instances of terrorism include the attacks on the World Trade Centre on the 11th September 2001 and the bombings on London transport on 7th July 2007.

The perception of ‘terrorists’ may change over time; for example, Nelson Mandela was widely regarded as a terrorist due to his role in violent action against apartheid (racist segregation) in South Africa. Mandela began his campaign by using peaceful protest but resorted to violent methods when change did not occur. A turning point for Mandela was when 69 unarmed black South Africans were shot by police at a peaceful protest.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Christian minister who believed that God had called him to take part in a plot to assassinate Hitler during WW2. Bonhoeffer believed he was justified in trying to carry out this act of, what some people would consider terrorism because in killing Hitler, he would be saving the lives of millions of Jews and other persecuted people. Bonhoeffer was arrested and executed at Flossenberg Concentration Camp.

In September 2001, terrorist group Al’ Qaeda highjacked four American Airlines flights with the intention of using the planes to blow up high profile targets. Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre, a third was flown into Pentagon and the fourth, was taken over by the passengers held hostage and was crashed into a field. Osama Bin Laden claimed that the attacks were a retaliation for America’s interference in the Middle East. Over two thousand civilians, including children were killed in the attacks.

Is there a difference?

YES NO

A freedom fighter is only using violence to put right something

that it already wrong

Both ‘groups’ are using violence to get what they want


TERRORISTSomeone who uses or threaten to use violence to bring about change through causing fear.

FREEDOM FIGHTERSomeone who stands up against evil to protect the rights of either themselves or others

CAN TERRORISM BE ACCEPTABLE?


and not worked(Nelson Mandela)


violence in the future (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Innocent people are often killed(9/11 attacks)


(Martin Luther King)


‘Blessed are the peacemakers’Sometimes terrorism is necessary as a last resort to bring peace in the long

run.

‘Do not kill’Terrorism is wrong because it usually

involves killing innocent people.


permitted to take up arms’It is acceptable to use terrorism if you

have been the victim of violence.


Terrorism is wrong because it usually involves killing innocent people.

Quick Questions5. Which of these is not a reason an act might be classed as terrorism? (1 mark)

a) It is carried out at night b) It is violentc) It is not authorised by a government d) It is politically motivated

6. Give two examples of reasons why people may oppose terrorism. (2 marks)


?

Reasons for WarGreedMany wars may be caused by greed. Centuries ago, many different countries tried to advance their empires, or gain more land, fighting against people who lived in areas which they wished to conquer, and causing many wars. This was apparently motivated by greed for more land and more subjects, which would result in more resources and more power. The British Empire fought many wars in to expand their territory such as the Boer War with South Africa.

Both Christianity and Islam teach that going to war because of greed is wrong because focusing on greed shows that someone is not focused on God.

Self-defenceAnother reason for war is self-defence. People may fight against those who have attacked them.The UK’s part in the Second World War is often justified as being due to the need for self-defence, and also the need to defend other countries, because the UK government felt that Hitler was a threat to public safety.

Christians have mixed opinions on wars fought in self-defence. Jesus taught not to fight against people to stop them hurting

you, but to accept suffering which came one’s way. This would make them better people; not being violent to anyone. This can be seen to be an important difference between Christianity and some other religions; for example, Muhammad led Muslim soldiers into battle to defend people, showing Muslims that this was an acceptable course of action. On the other hand, other Christians have felt that wars fought in self-defence are acceptable, because they do not want innocent people to be hurt.

RetaliationSome wars are fought in retaliation; in revenge for a previous attack. Some people feel this is acceptable, because it creates a culture in which no one should want to go to war, because they will know they will receive retaliation if they do. However, in reality, this can lead to a large amount of violence if each side of a conflict wishes to keep retaliating against the other. For instance, in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, people on both sides wish to retaliate against the other, and this has led to a long conflict.

Many Christians believe that retaliation is wrong, because Jesus taught that you should not take revenge. Many Muslims however agree with retaliation because feel that it is acceptable if it will teach others not to fight against one’s country in the future, preventing loss of life.


SELF DEFENCE IS AN ACCEPTABLE CAUSE OF WAR

YES NOA country has the right to defend itself

(Britain in WW2)

A country has a duty to help a weaker ally defend itself (Britain defending

Poland in WW2)

The conflict should try to be resolved in other ways.

(Negotiations and sanctions, such as refusing to trade with particular

countries, can be effective in preventing war)


‘Blessed are the peacemakers’Sometimes it is necessary to go to war to defend yourself and bring peace in

the long run.

‘Do not kill’A war fought in self-defence would still

involve killing other people which could be wrong.


permitted to take up arms’It is acceptable to defend yourself if

you have been the victim of violence.


A war fought in self-defence would still involve killing other people which

could be seen as wrong.

Quick Questions7. Which of these is not a reason for war? (1 mark)a) Amnesty b) Retaliation c) Greed d) Self-defence

8. Give two examples of religious teachings which relate to reasons for war. (2 marks)


Just War TheoryJust War Theory is a philosophical discussion which has happened over many centuries and between many people about:1, When and why it is acceptable to go to war,

2, What it is acceptable to do within war

The Just War Theory can be summarised using the following 5 criteria:


Many people would describe Britain’s involvement in World War 2 as a ‘Just War’ because…We were defending Poland (cause), We had tried other methods of resolution first (resort), It was declared by the Prime Minister (authority), We only used as much force as we needed to (proportionality) And we did it stop Hitler taking over Europe (peace).

People remain undecided on whether all the criteria need to be met for a war to be considered ‘Just’, it may be appropriate in certain cases to allow some to be missed out.

IS THERE EVER A JUSTIFIABLE REASON TO GO TO WAR?


and not worked(Britain tried to negotiate with Hitler, but this did not work)


violence in the future (Not stopping Hitler would have led to millions

more Jews being killed in the Holocaust)

Innocent people are often killed(over 50 million civilians are thought

to have been killed in WW2)


(Martin Luther King helped secure rights for black people using non-

violent methods)


‘Blessed are the peacemakers’Sometimes war is necessary as a last resort to bring peace in the long run.

‘Do not kill’All wars are wrong because they

involve killing people – there can be no justification to take away a life.


permitted to take up arms’Being the victim of an attack is a

justifiable cause to go to war.


All wars are wrong because they involve killing people – there can be no

justification to take away a life.

Quick Questions9. Which of these criteria must violence in war fulfil according to Just War Tradition? (1 mark)

a) It does not lead to death b) It targets civiliansc) It does not surprise the enemy d) It is proportional

10. Give two examples of criteria for going to war justly (according to Just War Tradition). (2 marks)


Holy War

Holy wars are wars that are fought for God; those fighting believe that God is on their side and will reward them for their service in some way. Many holy wars have been fought to extend land for followers of a religion.

The CrusadesThe Christian Crusades from the Middle Ages are an example of a ‘holy war’, the Pope believed that God would want Christians to reclaim the Holy Land (Jerusalem etc) from the Muslims who had been living there. In return for their efforts in battle, the Pope promised the soldiers that they would be guaranteed a place in Heaven when they died. Many Christian soldiers brutally murdered Muslim men, women and children in the name of God.

Nowadays, many Christians reject the idea of holy war, believing that God does not want innocent people to be killed.

The Israel Palestine ConflictThe conflict between Israel and Palestine has been called a ‘holy war’ as both sides believe that the disputed land has religious importance to them. The Jews believe that God promised Jacob the land and the Muslims believe it is the site of Muhammad’s ascension to Paradise. For these reasons, both sides believe that God would want them to defend their claim to the land.

Religion as a Cause of WarSome people see religion and belief as a cause of war and violence in the contemporary world.Examples of contemporary violence associated with religion include:• So-called Islamic State and violence around Middle East• The conflict between Israel and Palestine• Different religious groups in many places clashing and fighting

In one respect it is true that many conflicts have religious motivations. Without religion there would be no desire for religious government; no desire for ‘holy’ land; and no reason for people to fight over religious beliefs – to try to convert others or to try to wipe out, or remove power from, those who believe different things. It is also possible that religion fuels conflict because if people believe they are doing God’s will, they will be more prepared to fight and die than if they do not believe this, and also do not believe in an afterlife.

However, it is also true that many conflicts are not motivated by religion; many more people have died in non-religious conflicts than in religious ones.


CAN A WAR EVER BE CALLED HOLY?

YES NOThe war may be to defend something

of religious importance(Israel and Palestine – the land has

significance for both religions)

Those fighting believe that God is on their side and will reward them

(The Pope promised the Crusades soldiers a place in Heaven for

fighting)

Innocent people are often killed and surely no God would want this

(Nearly 2 million people died in the Crusades)

People may claim that a war is over religion when in fact there is reason to

suspect it is over something else(People question whether the Israel Palestine conflict is really about the religious importance of the land or

whether it is just about who owns it)


‘Blessed are the peacemakers’God wants Christians to work for peace and sometimes war is the only way to

bring this in the long run.

‘Do not kill’All wars are wrong because they

involve killing people – God would not want his creations killing each other.


permitted to take up arms’Muslims have a duty to defend their

religion or places of religious importance if they are attacked.


All wars are wrong because they involve killing people – God would not want his creations killing each other.

Quick Questions11. Which of these is an example of a holy war? (1 mark)

a) The Second World War b) The 2003 invasion of Iraq

c) The Crusades d) The Seven Years War

12. Give two examples of what a fighter in a holy war might hope to gain. (2 marks)


PacifismPacifism is an interesting concept; many people are pacifists and oppose violence, believing that people are mentally and physically hurt by violence and that this is not acceptable. They may believe that violence does not achieve anything or that what it achieves is not worth the cost. They may feel that violence creates a circle of violence; those who have experienced violence may become violent to others. Some people are pacifists partly because of a belief in sanctity of life – that life is sacred because it has been given by God, and so should not be destroyed.

However, others may not be convinced of this. Some people believe that pacifists are cowardly; they are not prepared to get hurt fighting for what is ‘right’. They might also argue that pacifism can be more damaging than some violence – for example, fewer people might be hurt if a country, or group of people, defends itself violently, than if they do not defend themselves, and are all killed.

Pacifism is more accepted today than at some points in the past. Many people who are not pacifists themselves respect pacifists for their beliefs about not harming others. However, during the First World War, when there was conscription (people who fulfilled certain criteria were legally required to fight), some pacifists who refused to fight were imprisoned for disobeying the law.

ChristianitySome groups of Christians such as the Quakers, and other individual Christians, are pacifists. The teachings of the Quakers teach absolute pacifism. Quakers believe very strongly in the idea that all humans have a little piece of God inside them and therefore they see hurting another person as hurting a piece of God.

Other Christians are not pacifists. They believe that violence and war can be justified in some cases, such as to defend and protect people. They may feel that the Golden Rule sometimes justifies violence – if you would wish to be defended (with violence) from violence, then it is acceptable to do this to help others.

IslamBecause the Qur’an appears to allow violence as defence and for the cause of Allah, and because Muhammad himself went to war, many Muslims are not pacifists, though they may observe strict limits on when violence is appropriate.

However, some Muslims do stress that Islam is a religion of peace, and argue that Allah prefers peace to violence. This is reflected in the Qur’an and in the teachings of Muhammad.


Bert Brocklesby was a Christian who believed that we should live our lives as Jesus would have done. He said that he could not imagine Jesus fighting and killing in a war and so believed it was wrong to do so. He also strongly believed in the Commandment ‘Do not kill’. Bert was arrested for refusing to fight in WW1 and ultimately sentenced to death for disobedience. The sentence was never carried out.

IS PACIFISM ACCEPTABLE?

YES NOIf everyone was a pacifist, then there

would be no wars

There are other ways to resolve conflict than violence

(Martin Luther King and Gandhi)

Sometimes it is necessary to use violence to defend yourself or others

(Britain in WW2)

To allow an evil situation to continue is almost as bad as being the source of

the evil(Dietrich Bonhoeffer trying to kill Hitler to save the Jews in WW2)

RELIGIOUS VIEWSCHRISTIANS CHRISTIANS‘Do not kill’

Being a pacifist means that you would not put yourself at risk from breaking

this rule and so would be pleasing God.

‘Blessed are the peacemakers’God wants Christians to work for peace and sometimes war is the only way to

bring this in the long run so pacifism is not always the best option.

MUSLIMS MUSLIMS‘Do not take life which Allah has

made sacred’Being a pacifist means that you would not put yourself at risk from breaking

this rule and so would be pleasing Allah.

‘Those who have been attacked are permitted to take up arms’

Muslims have a duty to defend themselves if it is attacked so pacifism

is not always the best option.

Quick Questions13. Give two examples of reasons why someone might be a pacifist. (2 marks)Now Try These…14. Explain two contrasting religious beliefs about pacifism, referring to Christianity (4 marks)

and another religion.

15. ‘There is no good reason for violence.’ Evaluate this statement. (12 marks)

Argue for and against this statement. You must give religious arguments and you may give non-religious arguments. Reach a conclusion which follows from your argument.

16. Give two examples of why religion might cause conflict. (2 marks)


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Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear DeterrenceNuclear WeaponsThese are weapons that use the power of atoms to achieve destructive results. For example, they may split atoms into smaller parts, or collide atoms at a fast speed to release energy. This energy can be used to destroy by powering a bomb, for example. If radioactive components are used, these are destructive after a bomb explosion, as they may pollute the environment, and cause deformities in unborn humans and animals.

The only wartime use of nuclear bombs was the use of two atom bombs dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of the

Second World War. The results were so destructive, that use of nuclear weapons has been condemned by many, and nuclear bombs have not been used since.

Many religious and non-religious people are strongly against nuclear weapons for several reasons:

Nuclear weapons will kill and harm anything and anyone in the areas they are used, so will almost certainly harm innocent people / civilians.

They harm the environment, and future people who are not even born. Accidents with nuclear weapon use and nuclear weapon tests can be very

damaging. Using nuclear weapons cannot fulfil Just War criteria for just fighting within

war: Nuclear weapons are highly unlikely to be proportional to the reason for using them (unless used in retaliation against other nuclear weapons).

However, religious and non-religious people may accept the use of nuclear weapons in some circumstances if:

They are used in an extreme emergency They are used to retaliate against another nuclear strike They would also bring fighting to an end, saving more lives.

Nuclear DeterrenceOne use for nuclear weapons is to keep them, (hopefully) without using them, to deter other people from attacking (with nuclear weapons). The idea is that if one country uses nuclear weapons against another, they will receive a nuclear strike in return, in theory, this is meant to put countries off using nuclear weapons.

Some religious and non-religious people still disapprove of keeping nuclear weapons as deterrence. This is for the reasons that they would disapprove of nuclear weapons and also because it is very expensive to have these weapons which are not being used, and the money could be spent elsewhere.

However, others feel that they are important, because having nuclear weapons stops other countries from taking advantage, and this is better in the long run, if having such weapons saves lives.


Use of Weapons of Mass DestructionWeapons of mass destruction are weapons which have power to kill and harm large numbers of people indiscriminately (without judging between people, e.g. soldiers and civilians). They can be nuclear weapons, or other types of weapons, e.g. chemical weapons such as nerve gas (which can kill people by adversely affecting how their nerves function) and biological weapons such as anthrax (which is a potentially lethal disease caused by bacteria).

Using weapons of mass destruction is very controversial; in addition to arguments against nuclear weapons which can cause great damage instantly, it can be argued that chemical and biological weapons, which may kill those immediately exposed more slowly than nuclear weapons, disregard the dignity of those targeted, as they may die in prolonged pain. Many biological and chemical weapons are also invisible or hard to detect (if they are airborne chemicals or particles), meaning civilians may not have a fair chance to avoid them, or escape from them.

ChristianitySeveral popes have spoken out against weapons of mass destruction because of their harm to people and the environment, and because the money spent developing and maintaining these weapons could be better spent on helping society, including the poor. This reflects the opinions of many Christians, who care not only about the potential damage which weapons of mass destruction could cause if they were used, but also the harm they do by just existing.

However, some Christians may support having weapons of mass destruction, at least for the purposes of deterrence. They may believe that if they possess weapons of mass destruction, this will deter others from actually using such weapons, and so they are making the world a safer place.

Islam Many Muslims are against weapons of mass destruction because they believe using them would go against the will of Allah – using such weapons would go beyond defence, or promoting the cause of Islam, and weapons of mass destruction do not allow the victims of such attacks to defend themselves. As weapons of mass destruction also kill civilians, this would go against Islamic teaching to spare women, children and the elderly.

However, some Muslims may believe that owning weapons of mass destruction is acceptable, if they fear attack from other nations. For example, Pakistan, which is an Islamic republic, justifies having nuclear weapons to protect itself against threat from Israel and India. They may see this as acceptable because Islam allows self-defence.


ARE WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION ACCEPTABLE?

YES NOThey can be used to end a war quickly(The bombs dropped on Japan by America in WW2 ended the war)

Having them puts countries off attacking each other

They kill thousands of innocent people in one go.

(The nuclear bombs in Japan killed tens of thousands of civilians)

They do lasting damage to the environment and cause birth defects

for generations(There are still babies being born today with deformities because of

the bombs dropped on Japan)RELIGIOUS VIEWS

CHRISTIANS CHRISTIANS‘Blessed are the peacemakers’

God wants Christians to work for peace and sometimes these weapons are a

last resort to bring this in the long run.

‘Do not kill’These weapons kill thousands of

innocent people who have no chance to defend themselves.


permitted to take up arms’Muslims have a duty to defend their

themselves if attacked and sometimes these weapons may be the last resort

to do this.


These weapons kill thousands of innocent people who have no chance

to defend themselves.

Quick Questions17. Give two examples of why countries keep nuclear weapons. (2 marks)

18. Which of these is not a type of weapon of mass destruction? (1 mark)

a) Chemical b) Biological c) Nuclear d) Guns

Now Try This…19. Explain two contrasting religious beliefs about nuclear weapons, referring to

Christianity and another religion. (4 marks)


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Contemporary Religious PeacemakingWorking for PeaceChristians and Muslims have worked for peace in a number of ways: Some leaders speak out about peace, urging countries and religious groups to reconcile. Helped to organise negotiations so that people involved with conflict can talk through their issues,

and hopefully solve some of them. Donated money to charities which help those who have been victims of war, so that they can rebuild

their lives and know a peaceful life without fighting. Protested against war.

Pope Francis is a religious figure who has worked for peace. He helped to negotiate between the US and Cuba, who have been involved in conflict, and has spoken publicly promoting peace in many areas of the world, and condemning conflict. He is influenced by Christian teachings; for example, Jesus’ focus on peace and opposition to conflict.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer is another religious figure who has worked for peace. He took part in a plot to assassinate Hitler during WW2. Bonhoeffer believed he was justified in trying to carry out this act of, what some people would consider terrorism because in killing Hitler, he would be saving the lives of millions of Jews and other persecuted people. Bonhoeffer was arrested and executed at Flossenberg Concentration Camp.

Helping Victims of WarMany religious people are sympathetic to the victims of war. There can be different types of victims of war: civilians who have been killed, harmed, or lost their homes and possessions; and also those who have fought in the conflict and been damaged by it.

Christians may wish to help victims of war by: praying for them, believing that God will help them campaigning for their government to provide support to war-torn countries and/or to help refugees

who have escaped from war zones helping victims of war directly, by giving donations of clothing or food, or even giving war refugees

a place to live giving money to charities so that they can help the victims of war

Christian Aid is one charity which helps the victims of war and conflict, among other things. For example, they have helped civilian victims of war in places such as South Sudan, and the Middle East, especially including Syria.

Things they have done to help them include: Providing food and water Providing education Providing healthcare Providing everyday items, clothing and shelter

Such charities also try to help with peace negotiations, so that the situation of those who are victims of war can improve permanently. Other religions also have such charities, which help people in need; for example, Islamic Aid does similar work to Christian Aid.


IT IS THE DUTY OF RELIGIOUS PEOPLE TO HELP VICTIMS OF WAR?

YES NOAll religions teach about the importance of

helping others who are in need(This is one of the ways people can earn

their way into Heaven/Paradise)

Looking after other people is a way of showing love to God as people are his

creations.(Christians and Muslims believe that

everyone was created by God and, so they should value every person and help them if

needed)

It is not just the duty of religious people, as human beings we should all show

compassion to those in need.(Bob Geldof is not a religious believer but

still raises lots of money for people in developing and war-torn countries)

RELIGIOUS VIEWSCHRISTIANS

‘Blessed are the peacemakers’For peace to have a chance of lasting, people need to feel safe and have their basic needs so

that they don’t feel the need to cause conflict with one another.

MUSLIMSOne of the Five Pillars of Islam is Zakat which is the giving of money to the poor. As those affected by war often end up in extreme poverty, Muslims would see it as their duty to help

them.

Quick Questions20. Give two examples of religious figures who have worked for peace. (2 marks)

21. Which of these is not something charities provide for victims of war? (1 mark)

a) Weapons b) Food c) Healthcare d) Education

Now Try This…22. ‘Countries should not keep weapons of mass destruction.’ Evaluate this statement. (12 marks)

Argue for and against this statement. You must give religious arguments and you may give non-religious arguments. Reach a conclusion which follows from your argument.


AnswersReligion, Violence, Terrorism and WarQuestion Number Answer / Mark Scheme Number of

Marks1 b) Justice (1 mark)2 Those who work for peace will be rewarded (“Blessed are the peacemakers”)

Jesus taught about the importance of forgiving enemies

(2 marks)

3 War Terrorism Violent Protest1 mark per point (maximum 2)

(2 marks)

4 Christianity: Christians may oppose violence because Jesus taught that people should be peaceful and

not act badly, even if they had been attacked first Some Christians may believe violence is sometimes justified if it is the only way to bring

peace (Blessed are the peacemakers)Islam: Some Muslims may feel that violence in the name of Allah is acceptable because the Qur’an

allows violence in certain circumstances, and Muhammad went to war Violence is acceptable in retaliation or self defence (Those who have been attacked are

permitted to take up arms)

(5 marks)

1 mark per simple point, 2 marks per developed point (maximum 4), 1 mark for relevant reference to scripture

5 a) It is carried out at night (1 mark)6 It is violent / hurts people

It is not loving It often targets civilians It is not officially authorised Terrorists (often) give no warning1 mark per point (maximum 2)

(2 marks)

7 a) Amnesty (1 mark)8 Jesus taught that people should not be greedy

Jesus taught that people should not fight back against those that hurt them1 mark per point (maximum 2)

(2 marks)

9 d) It is proportional (1 mark)10

Must have a good cause Must be the last resort Must be declared by the rightful authority Use of weapons must be proportional The aim of the war should be to restore peace

1 mark per point (maximum 2)

(2 marks)

11 c) The Crusades (1 mark)12 Forgiveness/paradise

Land or artefacts which are religiously important (for the religion) New converts for their religion1 mark per point (maximum 2)

(2 marks)

13 A religious belief that violence is wrong Conscience The belief that violence does not achieve anything1 mark per point (maximum 2)

(2 marks)


Question Number Answer / Mark Scheme Number of

Marks14 Christianity:

Pacifism is good because it follows Jesus’ teachings. Jesus taught to love others and to treat them as you would want to be treated / he told his disciples not to defend him with violence.

Pacifism is not always the right approach as sometimes it is necessary to use violence to restore peace

Islam: Muslims should value peace and peaceful methods of conflict resolution, but the Qur’an

allows violence for defence and for Allah

(4 marks)

1 mark per simple point, 2 marks per developed point (maximum 4)16 Religious people may want a religious government

Religious people may want a certain piece of land Different religious people may disagree about their beliefs1 mark per point (maximum 2)

17 To use against countries which are a threat To deter other countries from attacking them1 mark per point (maximum 2)

18 d) Guns19 Christianity:

Christianity could support having nuclear weapons because it may be more loving to kill many people to save many more other people.

Many Christians are against keeping nuclear weapons as they feel it is not loving to kill many people for any reason, and popes have spoken about the destruction nuclear weapons do, just by existing and diverting money from better causes.

Islam: Islam could support having nuclear weapons, as Muslims may wish to fight for the right to

be able to worship Allah, and some Muslim countries feel they need protection, e.g. nuclear deterrence to protect against the nuclear capability of non-Muslim countries.

Many Muslims do not support keeping nuclear weapons because using nuclear weapons does not give the opposing side a fair chance, and would not allow Muslims to spare women, children, or the elderly.

20 Pope Francis The Dietrich BonhoefferAccept any relevant point, 1 mark per point (maximum 2)

21 a) Weapons22 Points and Justification For:

If they use them, this violence goes against pacifism / ahimsa / religious teachings against violence (violence is not loving…)

WMD kill and damage the environment Money spent on these could be better

spent elsewhere – popes have spoken about this

If countries keep these weapons, the ‘wrong’ people could get their hands on them

Points and Justification Against: WMD are good to have as protection It may be the most loving thing to use

these weapons to save more civilian lives in the long run

WMD save the lives of soldiers, who do not have to fight


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