Religion, War and Peace

War; armed conflict between 2 or more groups or nations

Peace; is the opposite of war, it is people living in harmony with each other

Justice; is fairness, it is where all people have equal rights and freedom, and these are protected by laws made by governments

Sanctity of Life; is the idea that all life is valuable and special, it is a gift from God

Pacifist; someone who is against all violence and war

Terrorism; is the use of violence, especially murder and bombing, in order to achieve political aims or to force government to do something

Wars between Nations;

these are conflicts between rival countries or nations

Civil Wars;

these are conflicts between rival groups within a country

The War on Terrorism;

post-September the 11th, 2001, the USA and its allies had declared war against extreme Islamic Fundamentalists, resulting in war in Afghanistan

Nuclear Weapons; also known as atomic bombs, cause immediate destruction of all life and structure within their range

Biological Warfare; also known as germ warfare, using living disease (causing bacteria or viruses)

Chemical Warfare; use non-living toxins, such as nerve agents and mustard gas

Radiological Weapons; weapons that use conventional explosives to create bombs that can disperse (spread) radiological material

Example of a Nuclear War; Japanese City of Hiroshima, 1945

Countries that have a Nuclear Capability (power to do something) are; 

Russia, The UK, China, France, Pakistan, and India  

Nuclear Disarmament; for the world to achieve a future without the fear of complete destruction, countries must give up their Nuclear Weapons. This may be necessary for world peace.

Arguments For Nuclear Deterrent; To discourage other countries attacking and The use of other WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction) is made less likely.

Arguments Against Nuclear Deterrent;  They cost the world billions (which could be better spent) and Other countries are encouraged to develop Nuclear Capability (power to do something)

The Victims of War; 

• Children
• Women
• The elderly
• Civilians
• Soldiers

The Red Cross;

The Red Cross have an important role in times of War. They help the Victims of War in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. The Red Cross is part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters, and emergencies.

The Quakers; this is a pacifist Christian group. They follow the true teachings of Jesus and they do not use violence in any situations.

Conscientious Objectors are people who refuse to participate directly in fighting wars on the grounds of conscience (beliefs). However, they will assist in non-military ways such as relief work or as medics.

Example of a Pacifist;

 Mahatma Gandhi - For over 30 years the Hindu leader of India, Mahatma Gandhi, used a policy of non-violence and civil disobedience (refusal to obey certain laws) to disagree with British rules in India. Through actions such as protests, marches, speeches, sit-ins, and hunger strikes, he eventually got his country to independence.

After the devastation of World War 2, the countries of the world came together on the 24th of October, 1945

The United Nations main aim was International Peace

The United Nations other aims were;

• To Develop friendly relations between Nations
• Get Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
• Provide food/fight poverty/combat climate change/protect human rights

Holy War; 

Believing it is right to fight a War in the name of God.

Christianity; there are many examples of wars fought in the name of God in the Old Testament. The combatants (the people fighting in a war) believed that God was on their side and had influence over the outcomes of the battles.

Islam; for Muslims a Holy War is a Just War. If a town is attacked, everyone - men, women, children - have to fight back. 

Just War; 

Believing it is right to fight war in the interests of Justice and the greater good

1) War must be started by the Government (authority)

2) There must be a just cause for the War

3) The war must have a clear aim to promote good and overcome evil

4) War must be a last resort

5) The War must be winnable

6) The War must be concluded fairly

7) There must be a good outcome and peace restored

• 'Put away your sword. Those who live by the sword die by the sword.'
• 'Love your enemies and pray for them'
• The teachings of Christianity are peaceful, Jesus taught a message of love.

• 'Those who die in the name of Allah will be rewarded with paradise'
• One meaning of the word Islam is peace
• 'Hate your enemy mildly, for he may become your friend one day'