Theme D Speed Test: Religion, peace and conflict

What is the definition of justice?	Fairness - making right and fair a situation that has been unjust
What is some christian scripture about justice?	‘Let justice roll like a river’ - Amos 5:24 Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:35) Heaven and Hell - judgement ‘For I the Lord, love justice’ - Isaiah 61:8
What is some Buddhist scripture about justice?	Refrain from wrong speech Kamma & samsara cycle Right action
What is the definition of conflict?	A disagreement (before any fighting starts)
What is some christian scripture about justice?	‘Hatred stirs up conflict but love covers all wrongs’ - Proverbs 10:12 Jesus’ suffering helps christians overcome conflict and helps to prevent it (Agape love)
What is some Buddhist scripture about justice?	4 noble truths Caused by 3 poisons (Tibetan wheel of life)
What is the definition of forgiveness?	Able to move forward a relationship with someone who had done wrong to us, by accepting their apology
What is some Christian scripture about forgiveness?	The lost/prodigal son Agape love ‘If you do not forgive others their sins, your father will not forgive your sins’ - Matthew 6:15 ‘Father forgive them’ -Matthew - Jesus said while on cross - way of God showing forgiveness for humanity Grace - humans should forgive others as they have been forgiven by God ‘The Peter came to Jesus and asked ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother and sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered ‘I tell you not seven times, but seventy seven times’ - Matthew 18:21
What is some Buddhist scripture about forgiveness?	3 jewels (Sangha, Buddha, Dhamma) ‘To the Buddha for refuge I go, to the Sangha for refuge I go, to the Dhamma for refuge I go’ ‘He abused me, he struck me, he overcame me, he robbed me. Of those who wrap themselves up in it, hatred is not quenched’ - Dhammapada
What is the definition of war?	Armed conflict between 2 or more sides to resolve issues between them
What is some Christian scripture about war?	All humans made ‘imago dei’ ‘Love thy neighbour’ - Matthew 22:24 Agape love
What is some Buddhist scripture about war?	Metta and karuna (loving kindness and compassion) Against the 1st moral precept (Do not harm living things) Ahimsa - non violence to all living things
What is the definition of peace?	To live in harmony without fear (aim and goal of all people)
What is some Christian scripture about peace?	Heaven = ultimate peace Sermon of the Mount - ‘blessed are the peacemakers - they will be called the children of God’ - Matthew 5:8
What is some Buddhist scripture about peace?	Meditation = inner peace (e.g samantha/virpassina) 8 fold path - right mindfulness Enlightenment - ultimate peace 6 perfections

Protest, Violent Protest and Terrorism

What is a protest?	An expression of disapproval, often in a public group
What does UK law say about protest?	Uk allows individuals and groups to protest in public to demonstrate their views If it includes a march the police must be notified in advance and can alter the route or apply for a court order to ban it if it may intimidate or become violent
Who was Ghosananda?	Cambodian monk In 1990’s led a series of non-violent marches through his country to encourage reconciliation and peace after decades of civil conflict He believes violent acts should be condemned but hatred should not be shown towards the person who commits them
What did he say about being good?	‘If I am good to someone,he or she will learn goodness and in turn, will be good to others’
Who was Thich Quang Duc?	Mahayana Buddhist monk In Vietnam in the 1960’s - trying to get rid of Buddhism Catholics were allowed and they didn’t suffer He protested for equality - set himself on fire
What did he say about why he set himself on fire?	‘I want to sacrifice myself, I will die, but many generations after me will freely practice Buddhism’ ‘Before closing my eyes and moving towards the vision of the Buddha, I respectfully plead to the president to take a mind of compassion towards the people of the nation and implement religious equality’
Who was Martin Luther King?	Christian Pastor and Leader of Civil Rights movement Organised peaceful rallies to protest about racial and social inequalities He was assassinated in 1968 Equal rights legislation was passed into US law
What did he say about injustice?	‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’
What is a violent protest?	An angry response and disagreement that may begin peacefully however it can develop into riots. The aim could be to threaten and intimidate
What were the 2011 riots?	Rioting in London + other towns and cities across the UK Sparked by police shooting dead a local man in Tottenham A peaceful march in response took place followed by rioting, lotting and criminal damage
What is a terrorist?	When a person(s) resorts to spreading terror and fear amongst the public in an attempt to raise awareness of their cause
What is a freedom fighter?	A person who takes part in the revolutionary struggle to achieve a political goal
Who was Osama Bin Laden?	Planned the attack on the twin towers in America
Why was he a terrorist?	Caused great harm to the USA people through an incredibly violent act, inciting fear. Did it for revenge instead of political intervention
What teachings mean a Buddhist is against terrorism?	1st moral precept (Do not harm living things) Terrorism causes dukkha 4 sublime states - karuna 8 fold path - right action 3 poisons - lead to and fuel hatred Ahimsa ‘My religion is simple, my religion is kindness’ - Buddha ‘One should cultivate loving kindness to the world’ - Pali Canon
What teachings mean a Christian is against terrorism?	10 commandments - Exodus 20:13 ‘Thou shalt not kill’ God is omnibenevolent Matthew 22:40 ‘Love thy neighbour’ Humans made ‘imago dei’ Agape love Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:35) ‘Let justice roll like a river’ - Amos 5:24 Hatred stirs up conflict but love covers all wrongs’ - Proverbs 10:12

Reasons to go to war

Why is greed a reason to go to war?	To gain more land or recover land lost in a previous war Resources (e.g oil or wealth)
Why do Buddhists disagree with Greed being a justifiable reason to go to war?	4 noble truths (suffering is inescapable) Dependant arising Kamma - increases bad kamma Do not steal (5 moral precepts)
Why do Christains disagree with Greed being a justifiable reason to go to war?	‘For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs’ - 1 Timothy 6:10 ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; For I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink’ - Matthew 25:35 Rich man and Lazarus
What was the Falklands war?	10 week war between Argentine and the UK 907 people were killed during 74 days of conflict, 649 Argentinian and 255 British servicemen and women 3 British civilians also killed War causes because of greed for extra territories
Why is self-defence a reason to go to war?	People have a right to defend their values, beliefs and way of life
Why do some Buddhists disagree with self-defence being a justifiable reason to go to war?	Ahimsa ‘My religion is simple. My religion is kindness’ - The Buddha Dependant Arising - self-defence goes on to cause more suffering 3 poisons Karuna and metta
Why do some Buddhists agree with self-defence being a justifiable reason to go to war?	Taking a life could be justified if it saves the lives of others & reduces their suffering
Why do Christians disagree with self-defence being a justifiable reason to go to war?	‘If someone slaps you on the left cheek turn to them the right cheek also’ - Matthew 5
Why do some Christians agree with self-defence being a justifiable reason to go to war?	‘eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him.’ - Leviticus 24:20
Why is retaliation a reason to go to war?	Wars can be fought against a country that has done something wrong
Why do Buddhists disagree with retaliation being a justifiable reason to go to war?	Another word for vengeance or hatred so is one of the 3 poisons - unskillful action Metta and karuna Right intention Kamma ‘My religion is simple. My religion is kindness’ - Buddha
Why do Christians disagree with retaliation being a justifiable reason to go to war?	‘But when I tell you do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also’ - Matthew 5:39 ‘Do not repay anyone evil for evil’ - Romans 12:17
What are the conditions to the Just War theory?	War must have just cause The intention must be to defeat wrongdoing and promote good Action must be proportional - no excessive force and innocent civilians not harmed Reasonable chance of success Declared by a recognised authority Last resort - all other means for resolving the issues must have been attempted
What do some Christians not support the Just War theory?	Believe it is better for there to be no war It defends the concept of war in certain circumstances which could lead to a general acceptance of war

Holy War

What is a Holy War?	Fighting for a religious cause or God - often inspired by a religious leader Has to be declared by a religious leader and those taking part believe that they will gain spiritual rewards by fighting for God
What were the crusades?	Fought between Christians and muslims in the 11th - 15th centuries Declared by Various Pope’s to regain control of the Holy Land, Jeruslamen Christian crusaders were told their sins would be forgiven, so even if they died along the way they could access heaven
What happened in the Japanese Buddhist war?	20th century Japanese Buddhist monks supported violent aggression towards China and Korea Provided army chaplains and conducting rituals in the belief they would help ensure victory Monks believed they were helping to ensure the survival of the Buddha’s teachings
What is some Buddhist scripture to disagree with Holy war?	Dukka 3 poisons Ahimsa ‘People should choose the religion that brings them the most happiness’ - Buddha Metta and karuna 8-fold path - right action,intention,livelihood ‘My religion is simple. My religion is kindness.’ - Buddha Dependant arising 1st moral precept 3 jewels - Sangha - everyone should come together 4 noble truths 6 perfections - morality and generosity ‘Hatred will not cease by hatred, but by love alone.’ - Dhammapada

Modern Warfare

What are Biological Weapons?	Weapons that have living organisms or infective material that can lead to disease or death
What are some advantages of Bio Weapons?	Protection Cheap Can be operated remotely
What are some disadvantages of Bio Weapons?	Can cause widespread damage to humans No way to know for sure who is developing them Quick Indiscriminate
What are chemical Weapons?	Weapons that use chemicals to poison, burn or paralyse humans and destroy the natural environment
What are some advantages of Chemical Weapons?	Protection Damage limited to a specific area Cheap Can be operated remotely
What are some disadvantages of Chemical Weapons?	Can cause widespread damage to humans Made illegal in 1993 by the Chemical Weapons Convention
What are Nuclear Weapons?	Weapons that work by a nuclear reaction to devastate huge areas and or kill large numbers of people
What are some advantages of Nuclear Weapons?	Can be used as a deterrent to stop countries being attacked Makes people feel safer having them Prevents world wars
What are some disadvantages of Nuclear Weapons?	They are indiscriminate and can kill many people, including innocent civilians Can cause widespread environmental damage that can last many years
What do Buddhists say about modern warfare?	Against 1st moral precept (Do not harm living things) ‘Overcome the angry by non-anger; overcome the wicked by goodness’ - Dhammapada ‘When conflicts arise they should be settled through dialogue, not the use of force. We need to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons with the ultimate aims of a demilitarised world’ - Dalai Lama ‘For the people the basic thing to do is not remove nuclear weapons but to remove the fear, anger and suspicion in us. If we reduce them reconciliation is easy’ -Thich Nhat Hanh
What do Christains say about modern warfare?	Exodus 20:13 ‘Thou shalt not murder’ ‘Faith groups in the Uk are united in the convection that any use of nuclear weapons would violate the sanctity of life and the principle of dignity core to our faith traditions’ - Steve Hucklesby on behalf of Uk churches The Christian campaign for Nuclear disarmament (CCND) aims to help campaign for the permanent elimination of nuclear weapons ‘Do not repay anyone evil for evil’ - Romans 12:17-19

Religious responses to victims of war

What effects can victims of war suffer from?	Illness Injury Death Poverty Loss of loved ones PTSD Lack of resources Disability Homelessness Orphaned children Lack of access to medical attention
What do the red cross do?	Started in June 1859 Neutral independent helpers for any side and all people
What is the Geneva Convention?	1964
What does the Tazi Chi Foundation do?	Organise medical care and bone marrow donation Establish schools Respond to international disasters and provide environmental protection
Where have they worked?	Ukraine war and humanitarian appeal Nepal disaster response Pakistan floods Turkey support for Syrian war refugees
What are some religious principles that support their work?	Ahimsa ‘Help the poor and educate the rich’ - Tzi Chu Help overcome the 3 poisons
What do Christian Aid do?	Humanitarian work Long-term development support for poor countries worldwide Tackle injustice
Where have they worked?	Haiti earthquake Afghanistan crisis East Africa hunger crisis Ukraine humanitarian appeal
What are some religious principles that support their work?	Every equal in the eyes of God ‘imago dei’ ‘Love thy neighbour’ - Matthew 22:40 Agape love The Great commision

Pacifism and Peacemaking

What is pacifism?	The belief that war and violence are unjustifiable and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means
What is the Buddhist approach to pacifism?	Buddhist teachings strongly support pacifism 1st moral precept (Do not harm living things) Karuna and metta (compassion and loving kindness) Pacifism can come through meditation Right attitude
What is the parable of the saw?	If a bandit tears you limb from limb with a saw A true Buddhist would not give way to hatred and would respond in the light of Buddhist principles
What is Engaged Buddhism?	If Buddhists are to achieve true inner peace, they must work together on changing the structure of society that influences people's mental states and behaviour. Inner and outer change go hand in hand
Who is Thich Nhat Hanh?	Buddhist Vietnamese Monk Combined traditional meditative practices with non-violent protest emphasising how meditation can help dissolve anger
What did Thich Naht Hanh say about dissolving anger?	‘We have to breathe deeply and consciously. Otherwise we might panic, or fight with the police, or do something to express our anger at the lack of humanity’
What do Christian pacifists believe pacifism is about?	Following the way of Jesus
What are the key beliefs of the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship?	Jesus’ teachings are incompatible with the waging of war The Christian Church should never support or justify war Christian witness should include the opposing the waging or justifying of war
What is the pledge that all APF members have to agree to?	‘We believe that as Christians we are called to follow the way of Jesus in loving our enemies and becoming peacemakers.’
What did the Quakers do in WW1 and WW2?	Become conscientious objectors - refuse to fight Many joined non-combatant roles such as doctors, nurses, cooks and mechanics E.g Friends Ambulance unit
What other Christian Scripture supports pacifism?	‘Love thy neighbour’ - Matthew 22:40 Agape love God is omnibenevolent Sheep and goats/ Matthew 25:35 The Good Samaritan 10 commandments Humans made ‘imago dei’