Aqa Gcse Religious Studies B. Religion War And Peace Key Teachings

Front 1

The Vietnam war

Back 1

From 1959 - 1975 a war took place in Vietnam in Southeast Asia. The communist government of North Vietnam, supported by other communist countries fought against the government of South Vietnam, supported by the USA and others. The North won.

Front 2

The Falklands conflict

Back 2

The Falkland islands and south Georgia are British territories off the coast of South America. Argentina claimed the Islands belonged to them. In April 1982 Argentina invaded, Britain sent a task force to protect the islanders and regain control. Argentina surrendered in June 1982. War had not officially been declared and it lasted 74 days. 907 died.

Front 3

Sanctity of life

Back 3

Life is sacred because it is God-given

Front 4

Christianity, Origen, third century CE

Back 4

"For we no longer take sword against nation, nor do we learn any more to make war, having become sons of peace for the sake of Jesus who is our leader"

Front 5

Christianity, Matthew 5:38-9

Back 5

"You have heard it said, "eye for eye, and tooth for tooth." But I tell you, do not resist and evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

Front 6

Christianity, Matthew 5:9

Back 6

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

Front 7

Christianity and pacifism

Back 7

Christian pacifists are willing to die but not kill for their beliefs. They will not serve as troops but are often willing to serve as ambulance drivers, nurses or in other non-fighting roles.

Front 8

Pax Christi

Back 8

The Roman Catholic group who promotes a culture of peace and non-violence through reconciliation and education.

Front 9

Quakers

Back 9

Members of the society of friends, a Christian pacifist denomination.

Front 10

Hinduism and peace

Back 10

Hindus believe that good karma is built up by pursuing non-violence and by working to bring peace to the world. They are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.

Front 11

Christianity and war.

Back 11

Jesus taught peace, forgiveness and overwhelming evil with good, but he also vigorously opposed wrong doing. One time he used force to drive out those who were turning the temple into "a den of thieves".

Front 12

Christianity, Exodus 21:24

Back 12

"Eye for eye, tooth for tooth"

Front 13

Hinduism and war

Back 13

Most Hindus think that war is justifiable if their country is invaded, if the lawful government has been overthrown or if people are oppressed or exploited. Protection of the innocent is the duty of the warrior caste.

Front 14

The Dalai Lama (the Buddhist spiritual leader of the Tibetan people)

Back 14

In 1950, the Chinese army invaded Tibet, and treated the Tibetan people badly. Thousands of people demonstrated on the streets calling for the Chinese to leave but the Chinese army crushed the Tibetan National Uprising. The Dalai Lama escaped to India where he is the leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

Front 15

The Dalai Lama's peaceful response.

Back 15

He refused to consider violence to win back his country. He encouraged refugees to save the Tibetan culture and way of life. Monasteries have been established in India and refugee children are taught the Tibetan language, history, religion and culture. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Front 16

Irena Sendler

Back 16

She was a Roman Catholic member of the Polish resistance in WWII. She offered Jews food and shelter and helped create false documents so Jewish families could avoid arrest. She organised smuggling Jewish children from the Ghetto and putting them into safe homes. She was nominated for the Nobel peace prize in 2007.

Front 17

What are absolutist conscientious objectors?

Back 17

People who hold this belief will not help the war effort in any way

Front 18

What are alternativist conscientious objectors?

Back 18

People who hold this belief will not fight but may help the war effort (e.g. stretcher bearers)

Front 19

Give some examples of just war conditions?

Back 19

the war must:
have a just cause

be lawfully declared by proper authority

have a good intention

be a last resort after all other ways of resolving conflict have been tried first

have a reasonable chance of success

be fought by just means and in proportion to the aims it seeks to achieve

only occur if the good achieved will outweigh the evil that led to war

Front 20

What is liberation theology?

Back 20

A Christian approach which argues for the use of violence to oppose moral injustice.