Terrorism, War, and Peace Flashcards

Terrorism

• Terrorism: Planned act causing death/harm to civilians for political gain.

• Examples:

  • Osama Bin Laden: 9/11 attacks, 2,996 deaths. Motivated by US support of Israel, troops in Saudi Arabia, sanctions on Iraq.

  • 7/7 London Bombings: Suicide bombings, 52 killed, 1000+ injured.

  • KKK: White supremacist group.

  • Saddam Hussein: Brutal leader, 250,000 Iraqis killed.

  • Guy Fawkes: Failed plot to kill Protestant king.

• Attitudes:

  • Christianity: Terrorism not tolerated; killing is a sin.

  • Islam: Terrorism not tolerated; killing is wrong; Quran 5:32.

• Forms of protest: Non-violent vs. violent.

War

• Just War criteria:

  • Morally right cause (restore peace).

  • Last resort.

  • Probable success.

  • Proportionate force.

  • Fairly fought, quick end.

  • Declared by correct authority.

  • Origin: St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.

• North Korea invading South Korea: NOT a Just War because no negotiations were made and UN didn’t approve.

• UK went to war with Germany: Just War because negotiations were made and it was done to create peace.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

• Definition: Weapons causing widespread devastation.

• Types:

  • Chemical: Toxic properties.

  • Biological: Living organisms.

  • Nuclear: Nuclear energy; Hiroshima, Japan (1945).

• Consequences: Famine, disease, displacement, orphaned children, mass death, deformities.

• Religious Reactions:

  • Christianity: Nuclear weapons should be abolished; life is sacred.

  • Buddhism: Nuclear weapons should be abolished; focus on inner peace.

Violence

• Violence: Act of harming others.

• Christianity:

  • Mostly pacifist.

  • Preference for argument, forgiveness.

  • Acceptance of violence in self-defense.

• Islam:

  • Not pacifist.

  • Lesser Jihad (military) allowed under specific rules (protect Muslims, self-defense).

  • Rules: No killing women, children, elderly, etc.; treat captives well; fulfill promises.

Holy War

• Definition: War fought for religious reasons, declared by a religious leader.

• Examples: The Crusades, The Great Wall of Jericho.

• Christianity:

  • Some believe fighting in Holy War leads to heaven.

  • Modern-day: Emphasis on compassion, reconciliation, pacifism.

  • Teachings: “Turn your left cheek,” “Blessed are the peacemakers,” etc.

Causes of War

• Greed: Overwhelming desire.

• Retaliation: Seeking justice.

• Self-Defense: Preserving safety.

Responses to Victims of War

• Importance: Humanitarian reasons, protect innocent.

• Religious Charity examples:

  • H.A.R.D: Provides basic needs.

  • Islamic Relief: Provides aid, healthcare, shelter.

  • Motivations: Mankind is a single brotherhood; life is sacred.

Pacifism

• Definition: Refusal to participate in war/violence.

• Christianity:

  • Pacifist religion.

  • Teaches against violence (“Turn the other cheek").

• Islam:

  • Not a pacifist religion.

  • Violence permitted as a last resort in specific cases.