1. L/O: To explore Christian attitudes to the use of violence and pacifism.

2. Soldiers and Murder “Love towards oneself remains a fundamental principle of Christian morality. Therefore it is legitimate to insist on respect for one’s own right to life. Someone who defends their life is not guilty of murder, even if they are forced to deal their aggressor a lethal blow. If a man in self-defence uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful; whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defence will be lawful.” From the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1.Explain why the Catholic Church teaches that defending your own life by killing another does not make a person guilty of murder. 2.How do you think this teaching will affect a Christian’s view on soldiers going to war?

3. Gandhi (Hindu advocate for non- violence) “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.” Discuss: In what way could non-violence be used as a weapon? To what extent do you agree with Gandhi’s view?

4. Pacifism Pacifism: This is the belief that any use of violence is wrong; peace should be the central value that people pursue. Conscientious Objector: Someone who refuses to fight in a war on the basis of conscience.

5. Conscientious Objection “Question Time” Role Play St. Maximilian: Stanley Jones: Quaker Representative: Jonathan D. Lace: Question Time Audience:

6. “Violence should never be used to solve a problem.”

7. Jesus and the Money Lenders Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “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.’”