Christian attitudes towards peace

• The importance of justice, forgiveness and reconciliation to peacemaking

  Christians believe that justice, forgiveness and reconciliation are essential to peacemaking.
• What did Jesus say about peacemakers in Matthew?

  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
• What does Jesus instruct regarding love for enemies in Matthew?

  To love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
• What was Jesus' response when the disciples drew swords during his arrest?

  He rebuked them, saying, “All who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
• What action did Jesus take after rebuking the disciples during his arrest?

  He healed the ear of the High Priest’s servant.
• What title is given to the Messiah that reflects peace?

  Prince of Peace.
• What does justice mean?

  Justice means fairness.
• What did the Prophet Isaiah say about the time of the Messiah?

  “They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks.”
• What does Isaiah say will happen between nations in the time of the Messiah?

  Nations will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
• What characterizes a just society?

  A just society has laws applied without bias, protects human rights, and shares resources fairly.
• What does the Bible say about justice according to Amos?

  The Bible says, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
• What lesson does the parable of the Good Samaritan teach?

  “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
• How does the Bible describe God in relation to justice according to Isaiah?

  God is described as “A just God and a saviour.”
• Who does Jesus refer to as 'neighbour' in the parable of the Good Samaritan?

  Everyone, including those you might consider your enemy.
• What did Saint Paul write about living in peace?


  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
• Why do Christians believe it is important to work for justice?

  Christians believe it is important to work for justice to put Jesus’ teachings about concern for the poor and vulnerable into practice.
• What can happen if a society and its laws are unjust?

  Civil unrest can develop, and people may not obey the law.
• How many times does Saint Paul emphasize living at peace with everyone in the provided material?

  Four times.
• What feelings may arise if people feel they are not being treated justly?

  People are likely to become resentful, which can lead to conflict.
• How do the teachings of Jesus and Saint Paul align regarding peace?

  Both emphasize the importance of loving others and living peacefully.
• What are the key components of justice in a society?

  • Fair application of laws
  • Protection of human rights
  • Fair sharing of resources (food, money, housing)
• What are the key teachings of Jesus regarding peace and love in the provided material?


  • Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew)
  • Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew)
  • Violence is never the answer (Matthew)
  • Jesus is referred to as the 'Prince of Peace' (Isaiah)
  • Love your neighbour as yourself (Luke)
  • Live at peace with everyone (Romans)
• What are the consequences of injustice in society?

  • Development of civil unrest
  • Disobedience to laws
  • Resentment among people
  • Potential for conflict
• Forgiveness


  ➢ Forgiveness means to stop blaming someone for the wrong they have done. Forgiveness is a central teaching of Christianity.

  ➢ The Lord’s Prayer is recited regularly by many Christians. In it, Christians ask God to, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”

  ➢ When the disciple Peter asked how many times he should forgive a person who kept sinning against him, Jesus replied, “Seventy times seven.” (Matthew) He meant we should always forgive.

  ➢ Even when he was dying on the cross, Jesus prayed for his executioners, saying “Father, forgive them.” (Luke
• Reconciliation


  ➢ Reconciliation means restoring a broken relationship, bringing together people who were opposed to one another. Christians believe that conflict can only be resolved and a lasting peace achieved if forgiveness and reconciliation take place. Without reconciliation, old resentments are likely to resurface and it will be impossible to move forward.
• A Christian group working for peace today: Pax Christi


  Pax Christi was founded in 1945 to try to bring about reconciliation between French and German Catholics in the aftermath of the Second World War. Today, Pax Christi is an international organisation which tries to promote peace based. They do this by:

  • Visiting schools, universities and youth groups to run peace education days.

  • Campaigning for an end to nuclear weapons.

  • Campaigning against the use of armed drones in conflicts, which often result in civilian deaths and the destruction of property.