1. To consider whether religion causes terrorism
Does religion cause
Terrorism?
To consider whether religion causes terrorism

2. Key words
Persecution = harassment, oppression, ill-treatment, discrimination, torment
Terrorism = an act done to create terror, harm or fear to promote religious or political views.
Communism= the ideology that
all business and property should
be owned by the state and people
Paid equally.

3. Watch the following and write down one key word for each clip…
Watch this (to 3 minutes 45)
This lady has escaped a group called the ‘Westboro Baptist Church’ that claims to be Christian.
Why do you think other Christian groups have rejected this group and denounced their teachings?

4. Is it just religion that has terrorism?
Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias De Colombia (FARC) A militant communist group wanting communism to be brought to Columbia.
Primarily operating in Spain and France ETA is a Basque nationalist and separatist organization founded in 1958 to promote Basque culture with the goal of establishing an independent Basqueland. ETA is accused of committing attacks on politicians, judges, journalists, businessmen, and tourists, killing over 829 people.

5. Formed in 1969 NPA is the Communist Party of the Philippines’ armed wing. It operates in rural areas and commits heinous crimes.
Shining path – a militant group in Peru who want to overthrow the government to bring in communism

6. So if it’s not just religion that causes terrorist groups, what is it?
Ideas could include – greed, human nature, power, discontent. Pupils can discuss history of certain areas and countries and why that has led to terrorism in some countries.

7. We see a lot in the news about religion causing terrorism
And conflict, but it’s easy to forget that people can be
persecuted because of their religion as well, by other religious and non-religious
people.
Task – look at the examples of religious persecution. Colour in the ones you knew about in green and the ones you didn’t know in red.
Extension – imagine you are a religious person being persecuted for their belief. Explain how you think they must feel.

8. So why do you think someone persecutes someone because
Of their religion?
Ideas could include – greed, human nature, power, control, misinterpretation of religious texts, discontent. Pupils can discuss history of certain areas and countries and why that has led to terrorism in some countries.

9. What do you think is the key thing for living peacefully with
Everyone is going
to write one key word to answer this question on your paper and then hold them up. You may be asked to explain your word.
What do you think is the key
thing for living peacefully with
people you disagree with?

10. watch this
Task – in pairs you are going to create a debate about how religion and belief influences the world. One person is going to come up with the negative things that may come from religion and one partner is going to produce the positive things that can come out of religion. Who would/could they turn to? Where would they go for some support/comfort?

11. Task – Create a leaflet page on how to live in a diverse society peacefully
- what examples can you use?
- What rules would you have?
- How can you teach people to live peacefully?

12. Does religion cause Terrorism?
To consider whether religion causes terrorism or can be a force for peace?