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Paper 2- Religion peace and conflict ((12.6 - The consequences of modern…
Paper 2- Religion peace and conflict
12.1 - Biblical perspectives on violence and bullying
Ideas about violence in the Bible
Jesus taught that the seeds of
bitterness
,
anger
and
jealousy
need to be
controlled
as they
may lead
to violence.
In the Old Testament, it was said that murderers would be judged, but Jesus said that those who are angry will also receive judgement.
Violence is a rejection of the ideals God wants for the world.
Cain was jealous of his brother, God said to him 'sin is lurking at the door', Cain's angry thoughts led to violence and he plotted to kill his brother.
Bullying
Words can:
destroy
a person's
self-esteem
; cause
fear
; leave a person with a
sense of powerlessness.
Comments
published on social media or the internet can bring more distress.
Bullying is a destructive form of violence.
12.2 - Forgiveness and reconciliation
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is showing grace and mercy, and pardoning someone for what they have done wrong.
"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing"
Biblical teachings on forgiveness
Peter asked how many times he should forgive his brother, 'As many as seven times?', Jesus replied 'seventy-seven times' meaning he should always forgive.
Lord's prayer 'forgive us our debts' teaching that Christians must forgive others.
Jesus forgave Peter for denying him.
The message of the parable of the Unforgiving Servant is that God only forgives those who are willing to forgive others.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the restoring of harmony after relationships have broken down.
Reconciliation leads to the peace that Jesus prayed for at the Last Supper.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you"
Reconciliation brings...
Opportunities to learn from the past.
Respect for others' religions and beliefs.
A more peaceful future.
An opportunity to live without fear.
Appreciation and acceptance of each other.
A stronger relationship.
12.3 - Justice
Righteous anger as a response to injustice
Jesus showed righteous anger
when he drove the sellers from the Temple as they had turned it into a market place.
Many Christians believe that righteous anger is acceptable
because it can be
controlled
and
channeled
into positive action.
The importance of justice
Old Testament prophet Amos
taught that creating justice is more
important
than ensuring that worship is done correctly.
Injustice
can cause people to lose their sense of
self-worth
and
self-respect
. It can
deny people dignity
because they have been treated unfairly.
Catholic Church
teaches that it's
God's desire
that everyone should be treated
fairly
.
Violent protest as a response to injustice - contrasting views
Christians
They may take part in a
peaceful march
or
procession
to make their point.
Many Christians
believe that violent protest is an
ineffective
and
damaging
way to create change, and
may result in loss of life.
Most Catholics
agree with the UK law that it's
legitimate
to
protest peacefully
, and may protest against
injustice
in public.
Other
Some people
supported violent protests
by the
suffragette
movement in the early 20th century.
The
Church took part in protests
which became violent against the
government in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2015.
Some people will
join others in protests
which they accept may lead to violence, if they believe it is the
only way
to get the
government
to take notice.
12.4 - The just war theory
Conditions for a just war
Just war criteria include...
It must be
declared by a legitimate authority.
Only
proportional force
should be used.
There must be
reasonable chance of winning
and bringing lasting
peace
.
Innocent civilians
should not be attacked.
It must be a
just cause
e.g. self-defence
It must be the
last resort
, having tried to solve the dispute.
Contrasting views on the just war theory
Opinions in British society
The
just war theory is dangerous
as it could be used to defend the concept of war. It's
outdated
and
not relevant.
We should
only support a war that meets the just war criteria
, as only then can it be justified.
Army
should only go to war when there's been a
major abuse of power
or a
serious threat
to Britain's security.
It is so much better if war can be avoided by
working together
, including the UN, to avoid conflict.
Background to the just war theory
The early Christians refused to fight in wars as they didn't believe they had the right to take someone else's life.
After 370 CE, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. Christians faced the choice of either fighting or allowing the empire to be overrun by invaders.
Jesus said, '
The one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one
'
12.5 - Nuclear war and weapons of mass destruction
Catholic attitudes to nuclear war and weapons of mass destruction
Five main reasons why the Catholic Church opposes the use of nuclear weapons and WMDs (weapons of mass destruction)
With
WMDs
the possibility of success is
small
; there are no '
victors, only victims
'.
The cost of
researching
,
building
and
maintaining
these weapons is great; it
prevents
governments from spending to
improve
people's lives.
Totally
inappropriate
to any
possible success
that may follow.
Possession
of these weapons
increases tension and fear
, making the world less safe.
Completely
indiscriminate
and have
long-term effects.
Pope John XXIII's commandments
Pacem in Terris
"We are deeply distressed to see the enormous stocks of armaments that have been, and continue to be,
manufactured … involving a vast outlay of intellectual and material resources … while other countries lack the
help they need …
Consequently people are living in the grip of constant fear …
Hence justice, right reason, and the recognition of man’s dignity cry out insistently for a cessation to the arms race
… Nuclear weapons must be banned …
The warning of Pope Pius XII stills rings in our ears: ‘Nothing is lost by peace; everything may be lost by war.’"
Contrasting views
Some people, including some
Catholics
, believe that it is
right for Britain to have nuclear weapons.
Having nuclear weapons
deters aggressive attacks
from other countries.
Having such
weapons is important for self-defence
, particularly when other countries have them.
Many
Christians
and others call for
nuclear disarmament
and may support organisations for such as the
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
Some
non-religious people and some Christians oppose WMDs
for similar reasons to those given by the Catholic Church.
Someone needs to
start the process
of disarmament:
Britain should do this.
12.6 - The consequences of modern warfare
Refugees
Many civilians
flee their country with
few possessions
and have
difficulty
in finding somewhere
safe
to
rebuild
their lives.
Many end up living in refugee
camps
in very
poor conditions.
The
Catholic Church
believes that
refugees should be welcomed and protected
by all countries. The Church actively campaigns for
governments
and
individuals
to help.
"We cannot insist too much on the duty of giving foreigners a hospitable reception. It is a duty imposed by human solidarity and by Christian charity … This must be done … that they may be shielded from feelings of loneliness, distress and despair that would sap their strength."
Many people are
unable to take in a refugee family
, and instead
give money
to a charity that helps refugees.
Environmental damage
Problem
: Modern warfare can do great damage to the environment – huge areas of land can be destroyed.
Response
: As stewards of the earth, people have a responsibility to limit any damage done to the environment.
Problem
: Using chemical weapons can affect the vegetation for
decades after a war has ended.
Response
: Popes have condemned the use of practices that ruin the environment such as the use of chemical weapons.
Civilian casualties
The
Catholic Church
teaches that it is
wrong
for civilians (non combatants) to be
attacked
or
threatened
; instead, they should be
protected
.
The
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2313
states that ‘
Non combatants, wounded soldiers, and prisoners must be respected and treated humanely.
’
Contrasting views
Some people believe that it is
acceptable to use powerful destructive weapons
as, although they may cause more civilian deaths and environmental damage, they
can end wars more quickly.
Some people argue
that Britain has
not got enough resources
to
support
lots of refugees or asylum seekers
Other people
believe that
providing asylum is the humane thing to do
and that refugees can
positively contribute
to the economy of the country to which they move.
12.7 - Religion as a reason for violence and war
War and violence in the Old Testament
The
Israelites
fought to
establish
themselves in the
Promised Land
and to
defend
the country.
It
could be argued
that they were a
persecuted
people fighting for their survival.
Exodus 21:24 says, ‘
eye for eye, tooth for tooth
’ which is often taken as meaning that it is
acceptable to return violence with violence.
When it was written it was an
attempt to reduce punishment
to only the individuals involved –
not the families or tribes
of the
offenders
, as was often the case at this time.
Holy War
For
Christians
, a
holy war
must be
approved
by a
religious leader
with great authority, such as the Pope.
It is believed that
those who take part
will gain
spiritual rewards.
The Crusades...
Took place between the
eleventh and fifteenth centuries.
Were
fought by Christians
who believed that if they died in battle they would go
straight to heaven.
Aimed to free Jerusalem
and the Holy Land from the control of the Muslim Turks.
Were
authorised by various Popes
, who believed it to be
God's will.
Religion and belief as a reason for war and violence
There is
rarely one reason for war
, although some people claim that difference in religion is one of the major causes.
Jesus taught
that the use of violence is
very rarely justified.
Causes for war include...
Religion
To gain land
Politics
To gain resources
Economics
Retalliation
Self-defence
12.8 - Pacifism
Teachings of the Catholic Church
The
Catholic Church
believes that
everyone and every nation has the right to protect itself
, but emphasises the need to use
non violent approaches
to resolve conflicts...
"
in this age which boasts of its atomic power, it no longer makes sense to maintain that war is a fit instrument with which to repair the violation of justice.
"
Pope Francis
wrote, ‘
War never again! Never again war!
’ but he has
acknowledged
that force may be necessary in self-
defence
or to
protect
the weak:
"
The Church strives for peace but does not preach radical pacifism.
"
Contrasting views
Pacifist beliefs
Some people have a
religious or moral
(though nonreligious)
belief
in the sanctity of life.
War never solves problems.
Jesus taught that
peace is better than violence.
War causes such
destruction
that problems need to be
solved through
more peaceful, humane means.
It is
always wrong to fight
, even in self defence.
Other views
Peace can only be built on
mutual respect
which is
unlikely
if one party isn’t prepared to defend itself.
A country that isn’t prepared to fight is prepared to fight is
seen as weak.
It is the
duty
of a country to
defend
its peoples.
Sometimes
all negotiations fail
and
war is necessary
to
bring about justice for the weak or to
defend against attack
.
Force
is sometimes
necessary
to solve disputes.
Christians views on pacifism
Jesus taught that it is
much better to try to bring peace than to use violence
...
‘if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.’
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’
‘all who take the sword will perish by the sword.’
12.9 - The role of religion in conflicts of the twenty-first century
The efforts of the Pope
In
2013
,
Pope Francis urged people to pray for peace
in eastern Ukraine, highlighting the number of civilian
casualties
.
In
2014
,
Pope Francis organised a meeting
of prayer between the
presidents of Israel and Palestine.
In
2014
,
Pope Francis organised a football match
in Rome’s Olympic stadium to
raise funds for children in need,
particularly those affected by war.
The work of Catholic agencies
Aid to the Church in Need
The
civil war
in Syria has
caused thousands to flee
; others have
lost their homes
and
needed shelter.
Aid to the Church in Need has
provided shelter
, blankets, medicine and food
both inside and outside Syria.
Caritas International
After the
fighting in Niger in 2015
, many people
fled
their homes and were
living under trees.
Caritas International
provided food, water and shelter,
even where the
aid workers
were themselves in
danger of being attacked.
CAFOD
After
civil war
in Sierra Leone (1991– 2002),
CAFOD set up orphanages and rehabilitation programmes
to help children who had been forced to become child soldiers get back to a normal way of life.
12.10 - Terrorism
Biblical perspectives
Paul
taught that
everyone should obey the authorities
as they have been put in charge by God.
Paul’s command
never to take vengeance
suggests that violence and terrorism is always wrong.
The
Jewish Maccabees
resorted to violent terrorist attacks against the non-Jewish power that was
trying to force them to give up their religious beliefs and practices.
Some argue
that without this action
Judaism might not have survived
and so in those circumstances these actions are
justifiable
.
Contemporary Catholic teachings
Pope Francis has said that it is
wrong to carry out acts of terrorism
in the name of God: ‘
Terrorism threatens, wounds, and kills indiscriminately; it is gravely against justice and charity.
’
What is terrorism?
In order to further their beliefs, some
individuals or groups
use a
terror campaign
with the aim of
frightening people
so that they are afraid to go about their normal daily lives.
The violence is
usually against innocent civilians
and is usually designed to
undermine governments
and force authorities to give way to
certain demands.
Terrorism in Britain
Examples of terrorism in Britain
The
IRA
(Irish Republican Army)
detonated bombs
in Warrington (1993), London (1993), Manchester (1996) and Omagh (1998).
Islamist extremists
carried out attacks in London (2005), Glasgow (2007), and in London and Manchester in 2017.
Some people believe that terrorists are
motivated by their religion.
Others say that they have a
distorted and inaccurate view of the world
and what God would want: their actions have been completely rejected by the religion they claim to represent.
12.11 - Torture, radicalisation and martyrdom
Radicalisation and its prevention
The
Catholic Church focuses on mutual respect
, so it is concerned about
radicalisation
(adopting extreme views) as it can make people
unwilling to accept any alternative views.
Radicalisation
tends to take place among
younger people who feel rejected by their society or religion.
Martyrdom
The term
martyr
is usually used to describe
Christians who have been persecuted and put to death for refusing to give up their beliefs.
Catholic martyrdom
– the
suffering or death of a martyr
– does not include people who, for example, act as suicide bombers in the name of their religion.
Torture
Some people argue that using
torture
– severe physical
or psychological pain – to
get information
to prevent a greater wrong
may be justified.
"Torture which uses physical or moral
violence to extract confessions, punish the guilty, frighten opponents, or satisfy hatred is contrary to respect for the person and for human dignity"
The Catholic Church opposes torture because...
It views it as
barbaric
.
Catholics see it as always
wrong
and
inhuman
.
It
denies the victim
their basic human rights.
International law
does not allow it even in war.
It is
illegal
.
12.12 - Conflict resolution and peacemaking
Biblical perspectives and Christian teaching
The
Bible
teaches that an end to war will be a
sign of God's Kingdom
having come on earth, so
Christians should work to help solve conflicts.
Paul asks people to
help bring reconciliation
between Euodia and Syntyche.
The
Catholic Church encourages everyone to work together
towards lasting peace built on mutual respect and trust.
The Bible teaches that
living in harmony shows that God is present.
Catholic organisations working for peace
All
Catholics
are encouraged to help with
peacemaking within their family and the local community.
The
Church
also believes in working for peace on a
global scale
(throughout the world).
Pax Christi
works in over 50 countries. It aims to get involved at an early stage of a conflict to encourage people, in order to solve disputes peacefully and fairly, rather than use violence.
Justice and Peace Commission
works in each Catholic diocese in England and Wales. It raises awareness of situations where people are deprived of their rights and needs, and campaigns against to nuclear weapons the arms trade.
Non-violent resistance
Gandhi
(a Hindu) successfully used non-violent resistance in his efforts to gain India’s independence in 1947.
Martin Luther King
, a Baptist minister, used non-violent resistance in the USA to gain equal
rights for black people.
Many Christians believe that Jesus supported non-violent protest, as he said, ‘
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
’
The
Catholic Church supports
the use of non-violent resistance in order to gain justice.