Religion, Peace and Conflict

The importance of peace in Christianity

“They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks” - God wants humans to live peacefully

The important of peace in Islam

“The servants of the Lord of Mercy are those who walk humbly on earth, and who, when aggressive people address them, reply, with words of peace” - Those who choose peace are correct in their actions

God’s forgiveness in Christianity

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” - God’s nature is forgiving so you should forgive others in the same way

God’s justice in Islam

“Stand up firmly for justice, as a witness to God, even against yourselves” - stand up for what is right and fair, no matter any circumstance

God’s justice in Christianity

“For he sends rain on the just and the unjust” - Bible

God’s forgiveness in Islam

“Allah is Forgiving and Merciful” - Muslims should shows grace and mercy in their actions by surrendering to God’s will

Reconciliation in Christianity

“Leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” - making a decision to rebuild a relationship is the best solution and should be prioritised

Reconciliation in Islam

“But whoever pardons and seeks reconciliation, then their reward is with Allah” - restoring friendly relations meaning you have a closer relationship with Allah.

Christians’ attitudes to violence/violent protest

“We believe that as Christians, we are called to follow the way of Jesus in loving our enemies and becoming peacemakers” - non-violence and loving each other, 11th commandment

Islam’s attitudes to violence/violent protest

In 2015, Muslims in Palestine threw missiles at the Israeli army over the shooting of a 13-year-old boy - Muslims have a duty to protest over anything unfair

Buddhists’ attitudes towards violence or violent protest

• Goes against the Five Moral Precepts

• Ahimsa is the Buddhist principle of non-violence

Quaker attitudes towards violence or violent protest

• Will never support the use of violence(pacifism)

  “The Spirit of Christ will never move us to fight”

Christian’s attitudes to terrorism

• “Blessed are the peacemakers”

• “Treat others how you would like to be treated” - goes against Jesus’ teachings of peace

Muslim attitudes towards terrorism

• “Do not take life, which is sacred”

• “Islam” means “peace”

Buddhists’ attitudes towards terrorism

Ahimsa - the Buddhist principle of non-violence

Christian’s views on nuclear weapons/WMDs

• Roman Catholic - acceptable as a deterrent

• Quaker - All outward weapons are unacceptable. “The spirit of Christ will never move us to fight”

Buddhist views on nuclear weapons/WMDs

Goes against the moral precept of not hurting other sentient beings as these bring death and suffering on a massive scale

Hindu views on nuclear weapons/WMDs

Goes against the teaching of Ahimsa as they affect humans, animals and nature for a long period of time

Terms of the Just War Theory

1) The war must be declared by the government of a country.

2) It must have a just cause

3) It must have a good chance of being successful and bringing about peace

4) The fighting must be in proportion

5) It should have been the last resort.

6) It should have a just intention. The good achieved by the war must outweigh the evil that led to it.

Christians views on greed

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” - Christians should be grateful for what they are given as Jesus will guide them in the right direction.

Christians views on retaliation

“If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them to other cheek also” - Never respond violently in any situation

Christians views on self-defense

“uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” - Morally acceptable as they have a right to defend their values and beliefs

Muslims views on greed

“God does not like arrogant, boastful people” - What people have is enough to live their life well.

Muslims views on retaliation

“If you have to make an attack, make it proportionate, but it is best to stand fast” - Muslims have the right to guard themselves against wrong.

Muslims views on self-defense

“Those who have been attacked are permitted to take up arms because they have been wronged - God has the power to help them” - If you are making the right decision, Allah will help you as He is omnipotent

Christian arguments supporting holy war

“If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” - Stand up for your faith and prepare for difficult times

Christians arguments against holy war

“Blessed are the peacemakers” - Holy War goes against key teachings like pacifism and forgiveness.

Muslim reasons to help a victim of war

“Whoever saved a life, it would be as if they saved the life of all mankind” - influenced by key principles such as compassion and empathy

Christian reasons to help a victim of war

• Golden rule

• “The parable of the Good Samaritan” - compassionate Samaritan helps to save a wounded man’s life.

Christian religious organisation

Caritas: roman catholic charity who serve the poor and promote charity and justice.

Muslim religious organisation

Islamic relief: Short-term aid during emergencies, non-profit and inspired by Allah’s benefience