Twenty Questions Peace and Conflict

Twenty Questions

1. What is aggression? Attacking without being provoked.

2. What is bullying? intimidating/frightening people weaker than yourself

3. What is conflict resolution? bringing a fight or struggle to a peaceful conclusion

4. What is exploitation? Taking advantage of a weaker group.

5. What does forgiveness mean? The act of stopping blaming someone and/or pardoning them for what they have done wrong.

6. What is a just war? A war that is fought for the right reasons and in a right way.

7. What is meant by pacifism? The belief that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means.

8. What is meant by reconciliation? Bringing together people who were opposed to each other.

9. What does respect mean? Treating a person or their feelings with consideration.

10. What is the United Nations? An international body set up to promote world peace and co-operation.

11. What are weapons of mass destruction? Weapons which can destroy large areas and numbers of people.

12. What is meant by world peace? the ending of war throughout the whole world (the basic aim of the United Nations)

13. Why do wars occur? Self- defense – defend country if attacked. Economic – over water, land, oil. Fear / National pride. Fight against injustice and aggression. Racial or ethnic hatred. Religious ideology.

14. What do religious organisations do to help world peace? Take part in demonstrations against war or injustice. Hold interfaith conferences. Encourage reconciliation and non-violence. Help victims who are suffering injustice. Campaign against oppressive governments. Educate all involved.

15. What are some bible quotes against war. The Bible has a message of peace. Jesus was called the ‘Prince of Peace’. Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) ‘.. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.’ (Matthew 5:39) ‘Love your enemies …’ (Matthew 5:44) ‘For all who draw the sword will die by the sword’ (Matthew 23:52)

16. Why would Christians follow the ‘just war’ theory? Jesus taught obedience should be shown to the government. St Paul told people they had a duty to obey those in authority. Sometimes violence is necessary, for example in response to invasion. There are situations where war is the lesser of two evils. It is right to have armed forces to protect nations.

17. What are the Muslim attitudes to war? Islam means peace, but to achieve peace will not be easy. It involves two types of struggle; Greater jihad and Lesser jihad. Greater jihad is an internal struggle. Lesser jihad is a just war theory. The Qur’an teaches that it is right to fight if attacked. Muhammad fought in wars and taught that Muslims should fight in just wars. The Qur’an teaches that anyone killed in a just war goes straight to Heaven.

18. What are the Islamic arguments against war? Some Muslims believe war is never the right choice because; Peace and reconciliation is at the heart of Islam and the teachings of the Qur’an. Modern weapons cannot be used in a way that is compatible with Muslim rules about fighting war. Non-violence is the only way to achieve peace. Violence leads to more violence.

19. What are the Bible teachings on forgiveness? Jesus died on the cross to bring forgiveness and reconciliation between humanity and God. Reconciliation is the best way to solve conflict with family and friends. Love your enemies… (Luke 6:27) SOME THINGS ARE UNFORGIVABLE – For some Christians a conflict about a religious or moral issue where the Bible has a definite teaching cannot be forgiven.

20. Muslim teaching on forgiveness and reconciliation? Muhammad taught people should forgive and be reconciled with those who have offended them. The Qur’an says ‘If a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from God.’ (Surah 42:40) One name given to Allah is ‘the compassionate and Merciful’ showing Allah forgives people and Muslims should too. On the Day of Judgment it is believed Allah will show mercy and forgiveness to those who have done the same towards others.