Religion Peace and Justice
Read the summary of the content below and then follow the links below to futher revision materials. Remember, if you get stuck, do contact your RE teacher for help and advice.
Key terms | Key themes | Key Quotes | Sample Questions | Extra Revision Materials on this topic
Key Terms
*Just War
*Thomas Aquinas *Conscientious Objector
*Quaker/Society of Friends
*Ahimsa
*Non-Violent Protest
*Reformation *Vindication
*Capital punishment *Pacifist
*Deterrence
*Social injustice
*Retribution
Key Themes
Christian Attitudes to War
The Bible has verses that seem in favour of war (eg Psalm 18:37-39) and verses that are against them (Matthew 5:9). In all the modules it is important to note that not all Christians believe exactly the same thing.
The Old Testament may say that war is ok, but Jesus says in the New Testament that it is not. You need to know Thomas Aquinas’ ‘Just War’ Theory and why ‘conscientious objectors’ have such strong beliefs (see also ‘non-combatants’).
Christian Attitudes to Violence:
Explore the Quaker’s approach to non-violence and the ‘Quaker Declaration, 1660’; also explore why Christians are pacifists (email your teacher if you want the information sheet) and know the example of Jesus Christ and non-violent activists like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson.
Christian Beliefs About the Treatment of Criminals:
Punishment has five objectives as follows: Retribution, Deterrence, Protection, Reformation and Vindication. As Xians believe that Jesus Christ died to forgive them of their sins, they believe that forgiveness is very important (see John 8:7). Forgiveness for offenders is very important – this pretty much rules out any potential for allowing Capital Punishment.
Christian Responses to Social Injustice:
Christians believe that everyone was created equal by God. Because of this, Xians try to ensure that everyone has equal human rights – the lack of human rights is called ‘social injustice’. If ‘a sparrow that falls dead is noticed by God’ (Matthew 10:29), then social injustice should be addressed by Xians as God obviously notices that too.
Many Christians see worship (to God) as meaningless unless follow it up by helping others. Remember that Xians are not always a bunch of ‘do-gooders’! They would be willing to break the law and put their lives at risk if others were to potentially benefit (for example Norman Kember – a Christian peace activist who went to Iraq to help and tell people about Jesus)
Key Quotes
- Jus ad bellum vs. Jus post bellum – St. Aquinas
- ‘Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war any more.’ (Micah 4:3)
- ‘Proclaim this among the nations: prepare for war!’ (Joel 3:9)
- ‘You shall not committ murder’ (Exodus 20:13)
- ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God’ (Matt 5:9)
- ‘And he touched the man’s ear and he healed him’ (Luke 22:51b)
- ”Put your sword back in its place’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword’ (Matt 26:51f)
- ‘Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tbales of the money-changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written’, he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers” (Matt 21:12f)
- ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…’ (Matthew 5:44)
- ‘If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone…’ (John 8:7)
- ‘If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also’
- ‘Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:3)
- ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preaceh good news to the poor. He has sent me to procelaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed’ (Luke 4:18)
- ‘Even a sparrow that falls dead to the ground is noticed by God’
Sample Questions
a) What is pacifism? (1 mark)
b) Give 2 examples of what Christians might consider to be social injustice. (2 marks)
c) Why might Christians work for peace? (3 marks)
d) What are Christian attitudes towards war? (6 marks)
e) ‘All people must be pacificists.’ Discuss this statement. YOu should include different, supported
points of view, and a personal viewpoint, You must refer to Christianity in your answer (12
marks)
If there are any problems or you have a question, email us at PJC (Mr Chester), EAT (Miss Taplin) or PJW (Mr Winter) ‘…@hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk’ Good luck! Other Revision Materials Religion, Peace and Justice Powerpoint Religion, Peae and Justice Revision Guidance Religion, Peace and Justice Wordsearch Just War Powerpoint
Mark Scheme for the following questions
a) What is pacifism? (1 mark)
b) Give 2 examples of what Christians might consider to be social injustice. (2
marks)
c) Why might Christians work for peace? (3 marks)
d) What are Christian attitudes towards war? (6 marks)
e) ‘All people must be pacificists.’ Discuss this statement. YOu should include
different, supported points of view, and a personal viewpoint, You must
refer to Christianity in your answer (12 marks)
Topic quiz! Mind Map Example Everything about the topic on one A4 sheet…