1. War and Peace Causes of war 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Consequences of war
Positive:
Negative:
Holy War
Most people find the idea of Holy War a contradiction. However, in ancient times people believed God was on their side and had called them to fight their enemies. There are many stories of Holy Wars in the Old Testament.
Holy Wars:
have a religious aim or goal.
They are authorised by God or a religious leader.
Those taking part think they will get a spiritual reward e.g. heaven
May be used to defend their religion, to defend other followers being persecuted or to spread their faith
Just War Principles
All religions believe in peace not war . However, there are some times when it is necessary to go to war. St Thomas Aquinas came up with a theory 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
St Paul said Christians should obey their rulers as they have been given power by God. Therefore if the government says to go to war they must.
War and Peace
Buddhism, War & Peace (see textbook p.331)
The message of Buddhism is of peace not war. Buddhist believe their actions have consequences for their future rebirths. War is often the result of the three poisons (ignorance, hatred & greed). Some teachings are: *
Christianity, War & Peace
Jesus taught a message of love and Christianity has a strong pacifist tradition. However, Christians accept that there are circumstances when it is a necessary evil. Some reasons are: 1. 2. 3.
Christianity teaches: *
Quakers
Conscientious Objectors
Should religious people go to war?

2. Nelson Mandela (Christian)–
Use of violence
Gandhi (Hindu) –
Nelson Mandela (Christian)–
Is violence ever justified?
Pacifism
Reasons for Pacifism 1. 2. 3. 4.
Reasons against Pacifism
Explain the following Bible quotes:
“The Lord is a warrior”
“Blessed are the peacemakers”
“An eye for an eye…a life for a life”
“Love your enemies”
“Violence is never acceptable”
Reasons for using violence 1. 2. 3. 4.
Reasons against using violence
My Opinion:
Peace is a state of harmony where justice exists for all and freedoms are respected.
Martin Luther King
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
How do religious believers help victims of war? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Muslim Aid