Religion, Violence, Terrorism and War Violence is an important issue in the modern world. Many people oppose violence; some wish to forgive wrongs done to them, reconcile with enemies and achieve peace; some are completely against violence, and are pacifists. However, violence does happen; in protests, and in war and terrorism. Some believe that violence and wars can be just, and/or holy. However, many believe that violence is motivated by reasons which are not just, or justifiable.
Peace, Justice, Forgiveness and Reconciliation Term Meaning Significance Examples Peace The absence of violence and war, a state of calm Many Christians believe they should work for peace, because this is God’s will. Many Christians have worked for peace, negotiating the end of wars and violence. . Some Christians believe violence is justified, or better than peace if it achieves something for God. Some Christians have put holy wars such as the Crusades above peace. Justice Fairness, getting what is deserved – morally or legally right Christians, and many others, believe that people should act justly, and if they do wrong then it is just that they will be punished. Many have believed some wars are just, e.g. fighting against the Nazis. Forgiveness Letting go of bad feelings towards someone who has caused one pain Christians believe that they should forgive people who do bad things to them; whether that means forgiving people and not going to war, or forgiving those who have fought against them. Some Christians have forgiven those who have committed acts of violence against them. Reconciliation Being reunited in a positive sense with someone one was separated from Christians believe it is good for people who have been fighting to make up; they believe many people should forgive each other and be friendly. Sometimes people who fought on opposing sides in wars forgive each other and become friendly. Religious References Jesus taught his followers that he brought them peace, and that being peaceful rather than violent was good. However, on other occasions he taught that he had not come to bring peace. Some Christians use this to justify taking part in violence, such as wars, if they feel God would approve of the cause. The Bible teaches that people should act justly; however, Jesus shows that God does not always punish humans, which would be just, but is merciful to them – and humans should be merciful to others. It is also important that humans know whether they are acting justly, as it is important not to take revenge on someone, thinking that it is justice. Jesus taught his followers to forgive, and that this was very important. He emphasised that people should keep on forgiving, and that if they did not forgive then God would not forgive them.
It is the lesser jihad which involves physical struggle for Islam, which sometimes involves violence, and is sometimes interpreted as holy war. Many Muslims work for peace and do not desire violence. They may find it deeply saddening that Islam has become closely associated with violence in the modern media, due to certain acts of violence carried out by a small number of Muslims. Islam does not allow violence for no reason, but it does allow it in some circumstances. Many Muslims believe that violence is permitted in self-defence or in retaliation for an attack. Violent Protest Not all violence takes place during war and terrorism. Some protests, where people meet in public to object to laws, or other issues, also turn violent. Some Christians feel it acceptable to violently protest against those they believe to be sinning against God; for example, those who carry out abortions. A small number of Muslims feel that violence is an acceptable way to protest; for example, against the West’s intervention in the Middle East. However, many religious people believe that violent protest is wrong, and that people should protest about issues they disagree about peacefully, and try to negotiate verbally. Some religious people who feel that violence is wrong specifically protest in non-violent ways; for example, Martin Luther King encouraged black people to sit peacefully in areas where only white people were allowed to sit, to protest against racial discrimination. CAN VIOLENCE BE ACCEPTABLE? YES NO Peaceful methods may have been tried and not worked (Nelson Mandela) Sometimes it is better to use violence in the short term to prevent further violence in the future (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) Innocent people are often killed (over 50 million civilians are thought to have been killed in WW2) People have used peaceful methods and successfully brought change (Martin Luther King helped secure rights for black people using methods) RELIGIOUS VIEWS CHRISTIANS CHRISTIANS ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ Sometimes violence is necessary as a last resort to bring peace in the long ‘Do not kill’ Violence is wrong because it can lead to killing people
‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ God wants Christians to work for peace and sometimes these weapons are a last resort to bring this in the long run. ‘Do not kill’ These weapons kill thousands of innocent people who have no chance to defend themselves. MUSLIMS MUSLIMS ‘Those who have been attacked are permitted to take up arms’ Muslims have a duty to defend their themselves if attacked and sometimes these weapons may be the last resort to do this. ‘Do not take life which Allah has made sacred’ These weapons kill thousands of innocent people who have no chance to defend themselves. Quick Questions 17. Give two examples of why countries keep nuclear weapons. (2 marks) 18. Which of these is not a type of weapon of mass destruction? (1 mark) a) Chemical b) Biological c) Nuclear d) Guns Now Try This… 19. Explain two contrasting religious beliefs about nuclear weapons, referring to Christianity and another religion. (4 marks) Contemporary Religious Peacemaking Working for Peace Christians and Muslims have worked for peace in a number of ways: Some leaders speak out about peace, urging countries and religious groups to reconcile. Helped to organise negotiations so that people involved with conflict can talk through their issues, and hopefully solve some of them. Donated money to charities which help those who have been victims of war, so that they can rebuild their lives and know a peaceful life without fighting. Protested against war. Pope Francis is a religious figure who has worked for peace. He helped to negotiate between the US and Cuba, who have been involved in conflict, and has spoken publicly promoting peace in many areas of the world, and condemning conflict. He is influenced by Christian teachings; for example, Jesus’ focus on peace and opposition to conflict. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is another religious figure who has worked for peace. He took part in a plot to assassinate Hitler during WW2. Bonhoeffer believed he was justified in trying to carry out this act of, what some people would consider terrorism because in killing Hitler, he would be saving the lives