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7/27/2019 Religion War and Peace Revision Pack
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/religion-war-and-peace-revision-pack 1/17
Philosophy, Ethics and Religion in
Society
Revision Guide
Religion, War and Peace
7/27/2019 Religion War and Peace Revision Pack
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From the AQA Specification
Within this topic candidates should be familiar with the key
teachings from the religion(s) studied and should be aware of
how religious leaders and other faith members have interpreted
these teachings and applied them to life in society today.
the concepts of peace and justice and the sanctity of life in
relation to war and peace;
the causes of war;
conflict, including examples of recent wars;
the reasons why religious believers might go to war,
including the criteria for ‘Just War’ and ‘Holy War’;
religious believers and pacifism;
victims of war, including refugees, those maimed;
organisations which help victims of war, e.g.
The Red Cross, The Red Crescent;
the work of a religious believer who has worked
for peace;
peacekeeping forces, e.g. United Nations, NATO;
issues such as terrorism, weapons of mass
destruction and nuclear proliferation; arguments for and against nuclear weapons,
including proliferation;
religious beliefs and teachings and modern
statements about war and peace.
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Peace
Peace is not just the absence of conflict, but also a feeling of
well-being. Even in times of conflict many people may find inner
peace***, happiness and security through their religious faith.
Justice
Some would say that without justice there can be no peace.
Real peace can only exist when people are able to live in
freedom with full human rights, including the right to follow a
religion without fear. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King
believed that if a society oppressed its people it was not a
peaceful society.
The Sanctity of Life
People use the term ‚sanctity of life‛ to suggest that life is
something sacred, something very special, and not to be trifled
with. Sometimes people argue that since all life is sacred and
God-given, it is not up to humans to take it away. How, then,
can religious believers justify killing people in a war?
Some people believe that violence against other humanbeings is always wrong. They are known as pacifists.
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The Causes of War
People go to war for many reasons: here are a few:
1) To defend their country against attack
2) To defend their beliefs, religion, way of life etc
3) To defend an ally or weaker country
4) To remove their leader (i.e. a civil war)
5) To gain more land or regain territory lost in an earlierwar
6) To gain wealth and power
7) To stop atrocities such as genocide in another country or
to depose of a dictator
Examples of Recent Wars
a) The Vietnam War of 1959-1975. The Communist North
Vietnam fought the South Vietnam government which wassupported by the USA. The North won.
b) The Falklands War of 1982. A task force from Britain
recaptured the Falkland Islands which had been overtaken
by Argentina who claimed it belonged to them
c) The Iraq War
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The terror attacks of 2001 (universally known as 9/11)
are seen by some as the reason George W. Bush took a
greater interest in Iraq, calling for an end to production of
'weapons of mass destruction' in 2002.
UN weapons inspectors entered Iraq, but found no
compelling proof of the existence of weapons of mass
destruction.
In the UK, Tony Blair claimed that War was necessary to
remove weapons of mass destruction.
This claim was later found to have been based on
unreliable intelligence. Tony Blair then focused on the
importance of removing Saddam Hussein from power. In 2002, America formed a 'coalition of the willing' and,
before weapons inspectors could finalise their work, they
attacked in March 2003. In 2004, Kofi Anan said that the
resolution to go to war was contrary to the UN Charter and
illegal.
The decision to go to war has been heavily criticised by
many (although Bush was re-elected in 2004 as was Blair
in 2005).
The invasion of Iraq led to an occupation and the eventual
capture and then execution of President Hussein.
February 2009, newly elected U.S. President Barack Obama
announced an 18-month withdrawal window for combat
forces, with approximately 50,000 troops remaining in the
country "to advise and train Iraqi security forces and to
provide intelligence and surveillance"
Connsequences of War
Good Ones
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Freedom from an occupying force, the replacement of a
corrupt government etc.
Bad Ones
Death of both military and civilians, destruction of a country’s
economy, disease, famine, refugees etc.
Sometimes religions believe fighting a war is justifiable if it is the
only course of action to prevent a real evil. This kind of war is
known as a ‚Just War‛
Just War
Some people consider all wars to be wrong. Others, however,
believe that there are certain times when it is the right thing to
do.
Basing his theory on the teachings of 4thcentury scholastics St
Ambrose and St Augustine,*** St Thomas Aquinas in the 13th
century suggested five conditions for a Just War.
Before going to war (‚Jus ad Bellum‛) *** these conditions
had to be met.
1. There must be a just cause (e.g. self-defence)
2. A proper authority (e.g. a government) must authorise it.
3. There must be a good intention (e.g. the overthrow of a
dictator) and fighting should stop when that has been
achieved.
4. There must be reasonable chance of success.
5. It must be the last resort – all other channels for
preventing war must be attempted prior to war.
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Once war is taking place (‚Jus in Bello‛) *** two further
conditions must be met.
1. Proportional means must be used. A tank should not be
used, for instance, when a soldier with a gun will suffice.
2. Innocent people should be protected at all times.
3. ***There have also been many examples of activities that
contravene 'jus in bello'. The most notorious example is the
treatment of prisoners in Abu Ghraib, where Iraqi prisoners
were beaten, tortured, abused and humiliated. Critics claimthat the way the war has been fought has resulted in
numerous un-necessary deaths.
Holy War
A Holy War is conflict between one group and another who the
first group deems to be unbelievers. Holy Wars have included
The Israelites capturing those in the Promised Land
Christians going on Crusades to the Holy Land to face the
Muslims
Saddam Hussein in 1990 called for Holy War against the
USA
But …
Do religions (organisations of tolerance) have the right to
conquer and convert other people?
Might a number of religions share the same Truth?
How can peace-promoting religions justify war.
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Christianity and War and Peace
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, taught that we should
Love our neighbours as ourselves (Mark 12: 33) but also
to
Love our enemies (Matthew 5: 43)
Not seek revenge – ‚turn the other cheek‛ (Matthew 5:
39)
Remember that ‚Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will
be called children of God‛ (Matthew 5: 9)
BUT …
Jesus, was not a pure pacifist.
Yes, he told one of his disciples to put away his sword
when the Romans came to arrest him …
But … he saw the need for weapons as a form of defence
to be used as a last resort: ‚Whoever has no sword must
sell his coat and buy one.‛ (Luke 22: 36) ***
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Some Christians agree with the idea of a Just War, according
to the lines laid out by Thomas Aquinas.
Bishop Oscar Romero, *** for example, campaigned for
justice in El Salvador and encouraged the country’s
peasants to fight for justice. He was known as a
liberation theologist.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Christian minister during
WW11, took part in a plot to assassinate Hitler.
Some Christians are pacifists.
The Society of Friends (The Quakers) is a pacifist
Christian denomination.
Martin Luther King (a Baptist) and Bruce Kent (a
Catholic) were also pacifists and encouraged non-violent
protest.
Islam and War and Peace
The very word Islam comes from a root word meaning peace***. Whenever Muslims meet the first thing they say to each
other is ‚Peace be with you.‛ While peace is the ideal, Muslims
however recognise that sometimes fighting might be necessary to
bring about peace and justice. This fight for justice is known as
‚jihad‛*** (‚striving‛ in English).
Jihad
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The Greater Jihad = the personal inner struggle against evil
The Lesser Jihad = a military struggle against those who
oppose Islam
‚Strike terror into the enemy of Allah‛ states the Qur’an 8:
61
There are eight rules that govern a lesser jihad
1. Must be started and controlled by a religious leader
2. Must have a just cause
3. The intention must be good, not evil4. Must be a last resort
5. Must never be in order to gain land or fought in anger
6. Killing must not be indiscriminate
7. Innocent civilians should not suffer
8. The environment should be protected as much as possible
Forgiveness is very important to Islam. Only Allah can
truly forgive but ‚Paradise is for those who curb their
anger and forgive their fellow men‛ (Qur’an 3: 134)
The Hadith encourages Muslims to ‚hate your enemy
mildly; he may become your friend one day‛ ***
Pacifism
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A pacifist is someone who is against war. There were 16,000
pacifists in the First World War, known as conscientious objectors
***
Does this mean they are cowards? - NO – many still help in
times of war. For example they will drive ambulances, become
stretcher bearers.
Two famous pacifists are the Hindu Mahatma Gandhi and the
Baptist minister Martin Luther King Jr. Both protested against
injustice, both went on marches. Both went to jail for theirbeliefs. Both were assassinated. The Buddhist Dalai Lama ***
also believes in a non-violent response to the oppression by
China of the people of Tibet.
The Quakers (The Society of Friends) are a Christian pacifist
denomination, committed to non-violence. They work with the
UN to promote peace and work to promote human rights and
support of refugees
‚Never take revenge- leave it to God’s anger.‛
For Quakers – war can NEVER be justified
***Turning the Tide is one way Quakers work for peace. It
aims to show how cycles of conflict can be broken throughnegotiation and non-violent strategies.
Pacifists believe:
1) Every person is worthy of respect
2) War damages lives and the environment
3) Killing goes against the teachings of Scripture
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(e.g. ‚Blessed are the peace-makers for they will be
called Sons of God‛ – Matthew 5: 9)
4) Using violence is sinking to the other person’s level
5) Negotiation – not war - is often the best way to end a
dispute
Helping the Victims of War
War has many victims, besides those injured and killed, Survivorscan have long-lasting physical and mental injuries. Cities are
destroyed, homes lost, families separated and children orphaned.
Organisations such as the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red
Crystal *** are neutral and ain to ensure respect for human life
and health; they work to prevent and alleviate suffering without
discrimination based on nationality, religion, race, class or political
opinion.
The Red Cross
Was started by Henry Dunant in 1859 after he witnessed how
soldiers had been left dying on the battlefield. His aim was to
establish voluntary relief organisations and treaties to protect
neutral medical staff and field hospitals.The international Red Cross and Red Crescent has about 97
million volunteers worldwide. All members are seen as neutral.
Their aim is to protect human life and health; and to prevent
and alleviate suffering without any discrimination based on
nationality, religion, race, class or political opinions
Irena Sendler*** – Roman Catholic member of the Polish
resistance. She offered Jews food and shelter and helped create
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over 3,000 false documents so Jewish families could avoid
arrest.
She smuggled children out of the Jewish ghettoes and placed
them safely with families or in catholic convents.
“Every child saved with my help is a justification of my existence on
this Earth, and not a title of glory.”
Refugees
People who flee their countries to escape war. They may be
forced to live in refugee camps and have very basic provisions.
If the neighbouring country is poor it finds it difficult to help.The Red cross and crescent support refugees.
Peacekeeping Forces
The Security Council of the United Nations was created in
1948 to ensure peace throughout the world. Peace-keeping
forces*** from the UN are stationed throughout the world
today. The UN does its best to protect civilians and ensure
aid is given where needed.
Organisations such as War Child, started by Brian Eno and
Nigel Osborne *** work to provide medical care, food,
education and social welfare programmes to war zones
throughout the world.
NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) was created
in 1949: it is a military alliance of countries support each
other if they are attacked.
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Non-violent protest
Showing disapproval without damaging property or causing
any threat.
Marching in silence as a demonstration
Making a stand using entirely peaceful means
Terrorism and WMD
Terrorism is the ‚unlawful use of extreme violence‛ ***usually against innocent civilians to achieve a political goal.
Recent examples of terrorism include the attacks on the World
Trade Centre in New York on September 11 2001, and the
suicide bombings in Baghdad.
Terrorists use bombs, kidnapping, hijacking and shooting to
fight for their cause. They often claim that they are forced to
act as they do because it is the only way to remove what
they see as an evil political or religious system.
An act of terrorism is not open warfare. It may be confined
to one nation, or be worldwide.
September 11th, 2001
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) are weapons that can
kill large numbers of people all at once. They can be
Biological (e.g. infecting a water system with bacteria)
Chemical (e.g. Napalm in the Vietnam War)
Nuclear (e.g. the atomic bomb that destroyed
Hiroshima)
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Biological and Chemical warfare are banned by international
agreement, although there is evidence that some countries have
continued to experiment with these forms of warfare.
Some think nuclear weapons are necessary because they act as
a deterrent***, since they pose such a massive threat. Others,
however, like the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)
believe they pose an unacceptable risk to humanity, and cannot
be justified for any reason.
Nuclear warfare
War which uses nuclear weapons will kill civilians not only by the
immediate impact and heat from the nuclear explosion, but also
through the long term effects like radiation sickness and cancer.
Example – Hiroshima Japan WW11. America dropped two
bombs which they claimed ended WW11 more quickly, and
saved lives as well as take them. This however, is
debatable; many say the war was about to end so dropping
the bomb was morally wrong.
Two-thirds of Hiroshima was destroyed. Over a third of a
million people were killed. Within three miles of the
explosion, 60,000 of the 90,000 buildings were demolished.
People are still suffering from the affects today.
Arguments for Nuclear Weapons
They act as a deterrent
If you dispose of them you leave your country
vulnerable.
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Arguments against
CND – The campaign for Nuclear Disarmament a group set
up to protest against nuclear weapons. They believe they
are a threat to humanity
The PROLIFERATION (growth and spread )of nuclear
weapons makes the chances greater that irresponsible
governments or terrorists might obtain them.
The use of them could never be ‘just’ because the damageis so great.
All religions oppose the use of nuclear weapons and
support disarmament. Nuclear weapons are seen as evil
as they will destroy the environment and life on this planet.
Proliferation – Nuclear proliferation is a term now used to
describe the spread of nuclear weapons.
Trident – The nuclear load carried by a single Trident submarine
(Britain has several) is equivalent to 8 times the total fire
power used during the whole of World War 11 and the explosive
capacity to destroy all the major cities of the northern hemisphere.
MAD – (Mutually assured destruction) – The Deterrence Theory,
you will not attempt to destroy us, because you would bedestroyed as well, and nor will we attempt to destroy you,
because we would be destroyed by you.
‘Son of Star Wars’ - Military satellites are used which are
capable of detecting and destroying enemy missiles. Described
as shooting a bullet with a bullet. Supporters say the system is
needed to protect the US against ‘rogue’ states with nuclear
weapons such as Iran, Iraq and North Korea, and guards against
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any accidental launch of missiles. So far, it has not proved to
be at all effective, despite trillions of dollars of investment.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
With 189 State parties, it has more signatories than any other
treaty of its kind. All States are now party to it apart from India,
Israel and Pakistan.
Aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapon
technology and to further achieve the goal of nuclear disarmament.
Sample Exam Questions
(a)What is meant by a ‘Holy War’? (1 mark)
(b)Give two reasons why countries might go to war. (2 marks)
(c) ‘No one who is religious can be a terrorist.’ What do you
think? Explain your opinion. (3 marks)
(d) Explain why some religious believers are prepared to fight
in a war. (6 marks)
(e)‘Wars do not solve problems; they only create them.’
Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that
you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer
to religious arguments in your answer. (6 marks )