Theme D part 2
- Created by: Sia11
- Created on: 17-04-21 13:44
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- Theme D
- Terrorism
- Christianity opposes terrorism. Although there have been terrorist groups claiming to be Christian (eg the Klu Klux Klan) they are going against all the key principles of their religion eg the sanctity of life, the 10 Commandments, agape, forgiveness, pacifism.
- Jesus taught pacifism (see peace and violence sections). Injustice should be tackled peacefully/adhere to Just War.
- Muslims oppose terrorism. Although there have been terrorist groups labelling themselves as Muslim, they are breaking the conditions for war and violence laid out in Shariah Law.
- The Quran says “whoever takes a life, it is as if they took the life of all mankind.” Violence must be in self-defence, not harm innocent people, women or children and be a last resort.
- Suicide attacks are sinful as the Quran says “do not kill yourself” and Hadith condemn soldiers who end their lives. Martyrs (shahid) do not aim to die.
- The Quran says “whoever takes a life, it is as if they took the life of all mankind.” Violence must be in self-defence, not harm innocent people, women or children and be a last resort.
- No religion supports terror, since it usually involves loss of innocent life.
- some people argue that those who are carrying out acts of terror for political aims should not be seen as terrorists but as desperate people resorting to extremes to make a change.
- For example, Nelson Mandela was regarded as a terrorist for using bombs to challenge Apartheid. That said, he targeted buildings of the government, not civilians.
- some people argue that those who are carrying out acts of terror for political aims should not be seen as terrorists but as desperate people resorting to extremes to make a change.
- Christianity opposes terrorism. Although there have been terrorist groups claiming to be Christian (eg the Klu Klux Klan) they are going against all the key principles of their religion eg the sanctity of life, the 10 Commandments, agape, forgiveness, pacifism.
- Holy war
- Historically, people of many religions have fought ‘Holy Wars.’ They believed God was fighting on their side and used scripture to justify these wars.
- EG The Old Testament has many examples of Holy Wars being fought in the name of God eg Joshua’s army bring down the walls of Jericho on God’s commands.
- Although arguably about territory and sovereignty, the Troubles in Ireland were seen as a division between those fighting on the side of Catholic Christianity against Protestant Christianity.
- EG The Old Testament has many examples of Holy Wars being fought in the name of God eg Joshua’s army bring down the walls of Jericho on God’s commands.
- The Quran teaches that Allah helped Muslims during the Battle of Badr. At the time of the battles fought by Muhammad and his followers, Islam was under threat and needed to defend itself.
- These could be seen as Holy Wars as they were fighting for the cause of Islam. Crusades were later fought between Muslims and Christians who both saw God as on their side.
- The Quran says ‘fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits.’
- Today, pretty much all Christians reject the idea of Holy War. It is not seen as morally right to start a war over religion. Just Causes of war would always be related to protecting sacred human life eg if a tyrant is in control of a country or your country is being invaded.
- Fighting for God or the cause of religion is not seen as acceptable. Many Christians are pacifists (eg Quakers) who would say that all war is wrong and God’s message is one of peace, not starting wars.
- “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
- Historically, people of many religions have fought ‘Holy Wars.’ They believed God was fighting on their side and used scripture to justify these wars.
- Nuclear weapons
- Most Christians are against the use of nuclear weapons/ using them as deterrence. The mass loss of life goes against the Just War principles of distinguishing between civilian and soldier and it is hard to justify how this could be proportionate.
- The Catholic Church said “though the monstrous power of modern weapons act as a deterrent…nuclear weapons should be banned.”
- Muslims are also against the use of nuclear weapons.
- The Quran says “do not contribute to your own destruction” which nuclear could do.
- They say it goes against our role as khalifah due to long term damage to the environment and loss of life and breaks the “limits” set by jihad by being unable to distinguish between civilian and soldier. The Quran says “do not contribute to your own destruction” which nuclear could do.
- Some Christians argue that nuclear weapons should be allowed as a deterrent .
- This is because it protects sacred life effectively. Arguably, by having a nuclear deterrent, peace is kept since countries are put off causing war.
- This in turn saves many lives which might otherwise be lost if aggressors felt more able to attack.
- This is because it protects sacred life effectively. Arguably, by having a nuclear deterrent, peace is kept since countries are put off causing war.
- Most Christians are against the use of nuclear weapons/ using them as deterrence. The mass loss of life goes against the Just War principles of distinguishing between civilian and soldier and it is hard to justify how this could be proportionate.
- Victims of war
- Victims of war are affected in many ways:
- Loss of life
- Grief of families
- Injury - perhaps leading to inability to work
- Mental health (PTSD)
- Destruction of infrastructure
- Cost to government
- All religions follow some form of the ‘Golden Rule’ – to treat others as you would like to be treated. This means they would try to help those in need.
- All life is sacred and should be protected so helping refugees is vital. It is unfair for generations to miss out on education so breaks principles of agape and equality.
- The Parable of the Good Samaritans teaches Christians to help anyone in need and Jesus commanded followers to “do the same” as the Samaritan.
- In Just War you have duties after war to help rebuild cities and support victims of war. Prophet Muhammad helped victims of war, such as women and orphans by finding places for them to be looked after.
- The Parable of the Good Samaritans teaches Christians to help anyone in need and Jesus commanded followers to “do the same” as the Samaritan.
- All life is sacred and should be protected so helping refugees is vital. It is unfair for generations to miss out on education so breaks principles of agape and equality.
- Christian Aid was originally set up after WW2 to help rebuild cities destroyed across Europe. Today it works across the globe to help victims of war.
- Their main fundraising event is Christian Aid Week, where they collect money in red envelopes sent out to people’s houses.
- Their slogan is ‘we believe in life before death’ and they try to increase the life chances of victims of war in the here and now.
- They try to tackle causes of war too and say this need has “never been greater.”
- Their slogan is ‘we believe in life before death’ and they try to increase the life chances of victims of war in the here and now.
- Their main fundraising event is Christian Aid Week, where they collect money in red envelopes sent out to people’s houses.
- Victims of war are affected in many ways:
- Terrorism
- Muslims oppose terrorism. Although there have been terrorist groups labelling themselves as Muslim, they are breaking the conditions for war and violence laid out in Shariah Law.
- The Quran says “whoever takes a life, it is as if they took the life of all mankind.” Violence must be in self-defence, not harm innocent people, women or children and be a last resort.
- Suicide attacks are sinful as the Quran says “do not kill yourself” and Hadith condemn soldiers who end their lives. Martyrs (shahid) do not aim to die.
- The Quran says “whoever takes a life, it is as if they took the life of all mankind.” Violence must be in self-defence, not harm innocent people, women or children and be a last resort.
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