Religion, Peace and Conflict - Theme D

• Peace


  The opposite of war, harmony between all in society
• Justice


  Bringing fairness back to a situation
• Forgiveness


  Letting go of blame against a person for wrongs they have done, moving on
• Reconciliation


  Making up and rebuilding relationships between two groups or sides after disagreement
• Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers"
• The Quran says "Words of peace"
• Isaiah 1:17 says to "seek justice"
• The Hadith says "Forgive others and God will forgive you"
• The Hadith says "Whoever makes reconciliation, his reward is from God"
• Violence means behaviour involving physical force which intends to hurt, kill or cause damage
• Jesus: '"Those who live by the sword die by the sword"'
• Turning the other cheek


  Even if someone uses violence against you, you should not respond with violence
• Martin Luther King Jr.: '"We must use the weapon of love"'
• Martin Luther King Jr. rejected the use of violence and advocated for non-violent methods of protest
• Violence


  Should not be used, even if someone uses violence against you. Instead, you should turn the other cheek.
• Weapon of love


  The only weapon that should be used, not weapons that cause harm.
• Imago Dei


  The Christian belief that every human being is made in the image of God, so their life is sacred and they should be treated with respect.
• Islam


  A religion of peace at its core, with a commitment to peace and the oneness of humanity.
• Everyone is created from a single soul


  An Islamic teaching that means violence should never be used against another human being, as they are all lovingly created by God.
• Jesus violently protesting


  • Overturning tables in the temple to protest commercialisation, suggesting there may be times when violence in protest is justified.
• Violence justified for self-defense


  Based on Islamic teaching in Surah 2 to fight those who fight you, and UK law allowing self-defense.
• Violence justified in a just war


  As a last resort, with a just cause, such as defending oneself or one's religion.
• Eye for an eye

  Old Testament teaching that may justify using violence for retribution or revenge.
• Terrorism


  The use of violence and threats to intimidate others, often for political purposes.
• Terrorism is condemned by both Christians and Muslims based on scriptural teachings about the sanctity of life and the importance of peace.
• Terrorism causes fear and panic in the general population, not just loss of life.
• Statistics show terrorism causes fewer deaths than COVID-19, but its impact goes beyond just loss of life.
• Muslim Council of Britain: 'The vast majority of Muslims condemn terrorism wholeheartedly and unequivocally.'
• Pope Francis: 'We cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion.'
• Catechism of the Catholic Church: 'Terrorism is gravely against justice and charity.'
• War


  Armed conflict between two or more sides.
• Causes of war


  • Greed for resources or power
  • Self-defense
  • Retaliation
  • Fighting for natural resources
  • National pride
  • Fighting against injustice and aggression
  • Protecting people
• Some causes of war may be justifiable, depending on just war theory.
• War results in victims who are harmed, killed, injured or left homeless.
• Religious groups and individuals work to help the victims of war, inspired by their faith.
• Victims of war


  Those who are harmed during a war, e.g. killed, injured, or left homeless
• Causes of war


  • Greed for resources or power
  • Self-defense
  • Retaliation
  • Fighting for natural resources
  • National pride
  • Fighting against injustice and aggression
  • Protecting people
• Some causes of war could be justifiable, others less so
• Consequences of war


  • Death
  • Homelessness
  • Poverty
  • Malnutrition
  • Illiteracy
  • Economic ruin
  • Psychological trauma
  • Poor healthcare
  • Political instability
  • Orphans
• How religious individuals and groups help victims of war


  • Donating to charities
  • Volunteering to deliver aid or provide emergency support
  • Raising awareness to get more help
  • Taking in refugees
  • Donating clothes or other items