Definition of war

War is armed conflict between two or more groups or nations.

Types of war

Conventional- using weapons like guns, tanks,etc

Civil- within a country

Nuclear- using atomic bombs

Causes of war

Land, territory Self defence Change leadership To help an ally Against terrorism Religion

Victims of war

Most wars in the modern world are fought in less developed countries with weak economies , poverty and unstable governments. Many civilians lose their homes and livelihood and may become refugees.

The Red Cross Is an international agency that aims to relieve

pain and suffering for all people involved in wars.

They provide hospitals, refugee camps, food and shelter. Principles: Impartial, Neutral, Voluntary

Terrorism

Terrorism means acts of violence that are intended to create FEAR. A terrorist is any one who plans or carries out such an act.

The purpose is to intimidate people and force governments to change in some way.

Holy War

A war fought in the name of God

A war fought between religions

e.g. wars in the Old testament of the Bible

e.g. the Crusades fought between Muslims and Christians over Jerusalem.

Pacifism

The belief that all violence and war is wrong.

Many religious believers are pacifists.

Some pacifists were conscientious objectors in WW2.

Quakers are a Christian denomination known for being pacifists.

Nuclear warfare

Nuclear bombs (atomic bombs) are WMD’s= Weapons of mass destruction.

First atomic bomb used in war was Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the USA in 1945.

An immense destructive force/ intense heat/shock wave/ radioactive fallout.

Arguments for and against.

Christian attitudes

Many Christians are pacifists.

Jesus taught “Love your Enemy”, “turn the other cheek”, “Blessed are the peacemakers”.

Jesus did not fight when he was treated violently.

Christians believe in the “sanctity of life” and the Commandment “ You shall not kill.”

Just War Theory/St Thomas Aquinas- 13th century Proper Authority- must declare the war

Just Cause- for the war, not greed or power

Good Reason- aim is to promote good over evil

Last Resort- try to resolve conflict with negotiations.

Reasonable force- risk to civilians minimised.

Good Outcome-peace restored

Buddhist teaching on war

Most Buddhists are against war because; Of Karma- every action has a

consequence. The First moral precept- “ahimsa”- do not

harm any living thing. But- some Buddhists have sacrificed themselves believing this is “right intention” and for the and for the greater good.

( Vietnam war 1967)

Religious believers who have worked for peace.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists

He was forced into exile when Chinese invaded.

He refuses to agree to fighting against the Chinese.

He says hatred and violence leads to more hatred and violence.

Buddhist monks in Tibet do peaceful protests against China