− issues raised by weapons of mass destruction (WMD); and − pacifism;

What are Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)?

Often called 'ABC weapons'—Atomic, Biological, and Chemical.

What are two moral challenges presented by WMDs? (i… and d…)

They are indiscriminate (cannot distinguish between soldiers and civilians) and disproportionate (the damage is irreversible and excessive).

What is the Christian response to WMDs? - Name a Christian thinker who argues for total abolition of WMDs because they threaten human survival

The Church of England (1948) and the Catholic Church (Vatican II) state that nuclear weapons and the destruction of entire cities cannot be justified. Many Christians, like John Stott, argue for total abolition of WMDs because they threaten human survival.

What is absolute pacifism?

The belief that all war and violence are wrong, even in self-defense.

What teachings is absolute pacifism based on?

It is based on Jesus' teaching to 'love your enemies' and his refusal to use violence during his arrest.

Who are some examples of absolute pacifists? (Hint: include early church figures)

The Early Church (e.g., Tertullian), Quakers, and Amish.

• Name a prominent medic conscientious objector during WW2?

• What was the name of the church he was apart of?

• Desmond Doss,

• 7th Day Adventist

What is relative (contingent) pacifism?

Argues that while war is generally wrong, it may be a last resort to stop a greater evil.

Who is a notable figure associated with relative pacifism? (Hint B…R…)

Bertrand Russell, particularly in response to Nazi Germany.

What is non-violent protest in the context of pacifism?

Pacifists often use peaceful actions to achieve justice, such as Mahatma Gandhi’s Salt March or Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil rights protests.

In 2015, the UK parliament debated bombing what country?

What British politician strongly opposed this decision stating “We are going to kill people in their homes by our bombs.”, highlighting the concern from non-combatants in modern warfare.

Syria

Jeremy Corbyn

What Old Testament prophet urges “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a ever-flowing stream.”

Amos

• What form of pacifism does the Catholic church support?

• True/False: “The RCC states that all governments must work to avoid war, but lawful self-defence is permitted once peaceful options have failed.”

• Relative

• True

What happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, what was President Harry Truman's justification for using atomic bombs, how many Japanese died, what was the alternative to dropping the bombs, and what is the explosive power of the bombs?

Between August 6-9, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs, 'Little Boy' and 'Fat Man', on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945. Truman justified the bombings as a way to 'contain communism', prevent another war, and swiftly end the war in the Pacific, resulting in approximately 120,000 Japanese deaths. If the U.S. had invaded Japan instead, it was estimated that 200,000 U.S. ground troops could have died, and the war could have lasted another year. The bombs were more powerful than 20,000 tonnes of TNT.