Forgiveness

• Religious Teachings about Forgiveness
• Examples of forgiveness arising from personal beliefs
• Christianity:


  . When Anthony Walker was murdered in Liverpool, in a racially motivated attack, his mother said she forgave his killers due to her Christian faith
• Hinduism:


  . Gandhi was a pacifist who tried to achieve justice for others in India

  · He forgave those who were violent towards him and those who imprisoned him
• Attitudes to Peace and Conflict:
• Christianity:


  . Ten Commandments: ‘Do not kill’

  · Jesus taught us to be peacemakers

  · Jesus said that we should ‘turn the other cheek’; we should not retaliate

  . However, The Old Testament also teaches ‘an eye for an eye’ - War might be acceptable if you are attacked

  · Many Christians agree with the ‘Just War’ theory
• Hinduism


  . All life has atman (a soul which is part of God)

  . Therefore, harming another person is harming part of God (Brahman)

  · War is seen as going against the principle of ahimsa (non-violence)

  · Violence can lead to negative karma

  · Gandhi said ‘There are many causes I am prepared to die for but none that I am prepared to kill for’
• Other views


  . Violence can lead to more violence which escalates and gets worse

  · Reconciliation is very difficult once both sides have fought back However – Many people consider fighting against an evil dictator such as Hitler to be justified
• ‘Just War’ Theory - The Christian, St. Thomas Aquinas, described the conditions for a just war. The conditions are:

  . Fought for a good reason such as in self - defence or to protect the innocent

  . Must be a last resort

  · Must be a chance of success

  . Only necessary force must be used Civilians should not be attacked