Religious Education
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Topic 10 - Religion, Peace and Justice
Read the summary of the content below and then follow the links to further revision materials at the bottom of the page.
--For definitions, put key terms into google advanced search--
Key Terms
*Just War *Thomas Aquinas *Conscientious Objector *Pacifist *Quaker/Society of Friends *Ahimsa *Non-Violent Protest *Retribution *Deterrence *Reformation *Vindication *Capital punishment * Social injustice
Key Themes
You will need to know about the following four areas:
- Christian Attitudes to War: The Bible has verses that seem in favour of war (eg Psalm 18:37-39) and verses that are against them (Matthew 5:9). In all the modules it is important to note that not all Christians believe exactly the same thing. The Old Testament may say that war is ok, but Jesus says in the New Testament that it is not. You need to know Thomas Aquinas’ ‘Just War’ Theory and why ‘conscientious objectors’ have such strong beliefs (see also ‘non-combatants’).
- Christian Attitudes to Violence: Explore the Quaker’s approach to non-violence and the ‘Quaker Declaration, 1660’; also explore why Christians are pacifists (email your teacher if you want the information sheet) and know the example of Jesus Christ and non-violent activists like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson.
- Xian Beliefs About the Treatment of Criminals: Punishment has five objectives as follows: Retribution, Deterrence, Protection, Reformation and Vindication. As Xians believe that Jesus Christ died to forgive them of their sins, they believe that forgiveness is very important (see John 8:7). Forgiveness for offenders is very important – this pretty much rules out any potential for allowing Capital Punishment.
- Xian Responses to Social Injustice: Xians believe that everyone was created equal by God. Because of this, Xians try to ensure that everyone has equal human rights – the lack of human rights is called ‘social injustice’. If ‘a sparrow that falls dead is noticed by God’ (Matthew 10:29), then social injustice should be addressed by Xians as God obviously notices that too. Many Xians see worship (to God) as meaningless unless follow it up by helping others. Remember that Xians are not always a bunch of ‘do-gooders’! They would be willing to break the law and put their lives at risk if others were to potentially benefit (look on the Internet for Norman Kember – a Christian peace activist who went to Iraq to help and tell people about Jesus)
Sample Question:
- Describe what Christians mean by a ‘Just War’ (8 marks)
- Explain how Christians might respond if they see other people being treated badly by a government (7 marks)
- ‘Sometimes using violence is the only way to solve a problem.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
If there are any problems or you have a question, email us at RLA (Mr Ainslie), PJC (Mr Chester) or EAT (Miss Taplin) ‘…@hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk’ Good luck!
Other Revision Materials
Religion Peace and Justice PowerPoint
Religion Peace and Justice Revision
