RS - Theme D - Peace and Conflict

• Often, the intention of a war is

  To create peace
• Many wars are fought to achieve justice
• Christians and Muslims believe that forgiveness and reconciliation should follow after a war
• Many Christians have been prepared to fight for their faith
• Others (Quakers: pacifists) believe war is always wrong
• Fighting in self-defence or defence of faith


  Can be justified
• Fighting without just cause is against God's will
• What Christians and Muslims seek through prayer and meditation


  • Inner peace
  • Tranquility
• Justice


  God will establish justice (equality of opportunity) due to injustice, conflict may result
• Forgiveness


  Christians are taught to forgive others
• Actions to establish peace and justice need to be taken
• God offers forgiveness to all who ask in faith</b>
• Reconciliation


  A conscious effort to rebuild a relationship damaged by conflict
• "He will judge between the nations": '(Qu'an)'
• "When aggressive people address them, reply with words of peace": '(Qu'an)'
• "Love thy neighbour": '(Bible)'
• The right to protest is a fundamental democratic freedom
• UK law allows peaceful protest so violence can be avoided
• Terrorism


  A more serious form of violent protest
• Christians believe protest to achieve justice is acceptable, as long as violence is not used
• No religious teachings promote violence
• In Islam, fighting is only allowed

  In self defense or in defense of faith, only against those who actively fight against you
• "Do not kill each other, for God is merciful to you": '(Qu'an)'
• "Do not repay anyone evil for evil, live at peace with everyone": '(Bible)'
• Terrorism


  The aim is to make society aware of a cause, cause fear and push authorities into giving them their demands
• No religion promotes terrorism
• Christians and Muslims believe terrorism is wrong, as it targets innocent people
• Greed and the desire to gain more land or control important resources are reasons for war
• "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil": '(Bible)'
• "God does not like arrogant, boastful people": '(Qur'an)'
• Self-defence


  Defending one's country against invasion, defending one's values and beliefs, justifiable if all other ways resolving conflict have been tried
• "Do not repay anyone evil for evil": '(Bible)'
• "Those who have been attacked are permitted to take up arms": '(Qur'an)'
• Retaliation


  Fighting against a country which has attacked you or done something wrong
• Jesus taught retaliation is wrong
• "Turn them the other cheek": '(Bible)'
• Islam teaches that God knows the need for justice so permits "just retribution"
• Torture and mutilation are strictly forbidden under Islamic Law
• Forgiveness is a better response to avoid bloodshed and be rewarded by God
• Nuclear weapons


  Devastate huge areas, kill large numbers of people