Just War & Pacifism

• Q1 - Conscience is the sense of right and wrong. Christians believe that it is the inner voice of God that guides you to do right
• Q2 -

  • Commandment 6 of the Ten Commandments says 'Do not kill'. This seems to clearly outlaw killing in any situation including war.
  • Many Christians are pacifists because of what Jesus taught and did.
  • Jesus told his disciples to put away their swords when he was arrested.
  • Islam comes from a word meaning 'peace'.
  • While Islam is a religion of peace, it does not have a strong tradition of pacifism. Islam teaches it is acceptable to fight in jihad.
• Q3 - Christianity:

  • Last Resort is when every other option should be tried first
  • Just Cause is when the reasons for going to war must be fair. This includes fighting to remove injustice or in self-defence.
  • Legitimate Authority is when the war must be started by proper authority (government/ruler/United Nations).

  Islam :

  • Heaven is when a Muslim who dies fighting jihad is guaranteed a place in Paradise.
  • Conversion is when once defeated, enemies must be offered the chance to convert to Islam.
  • Self-defence is that war should only be used in self defence or when Islam is under attack.
• Q4 - AGREE

  • Jesus said 77 times was the number of times to forgive (we should forgive endlessly).
  • Jesus forgave executioners on the cross
  • It eases the bitterness and allows the person to move on.
  • Muhammad forgave those who mistreated him.
  • Muslims believe that if we forgive others, we will be rewarded with Paradise.
  • Muslims believe that if we forgive others, Allah will forgive us.
  • Most important day of a Muslims life is asking for forgiveness on Hajj.
  • Gee Walker forgave her son's killer.
  • TFK has stopped teenagers turning to violence and gangs in the USA.
• Q4 - DISAGREE

  • Forgiving another person is not easy.
  • It is not natural to forgive, it is easier to hate.
  • Forgiveness is weak. They will do it again.
  • Punishments stops people from doing it again.
  • Revenge on the person who has done bad makes you feel better.
  • Some people don't deserve forgiveness after their crime and suffering they cause.