Conflict or disagreement evident throughout history
There are 4 types of war including civil, wars of liberation, wars between nation states and holy wars often in holy sites such as Israel.
There are innumerable examples of war, particularly throughout the 20th/21st Centuries.
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Christianity and War
There are a number of Biblical illustrations:
Matthew 5:9 - "Blessed are the peacemakers"
John 13:34 - "A new commandment I give unto you, love one another as I have loved you"
Matthew 26:52 - "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword"
Therefore the Bible largely promotes peace
Jesus also refused military Battle
Yet the greatest Battle wil be the Battle of Armageddon
Alternatively, some Christians belive that war can be justifiable
This can be revealed using Aquinas' Just War theory
Jus ad Bellum (conduct before war) - Just cause (e.g. to save lives of Civillians), competent authority (i.e. Government), right intention, reasonable liklihood of success
This shows how war may be a lesser of 2 evils
However, this is criticised for being impractical/often misued/outdated and unable to explain acts such as the 1945 Hiroshima bombings or the Syrian Uprising of today.
Pacifism is also widely taught in Chrisitanity
Preferential Pacifists promote peace (i.e. Pope Francis)
Absolute pacifists oppose to war on absolute terms e.g. Thomas Merton/Quakers
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Islam and War
Things to think about:
Muhammad was a military leader
He fought to promote peace
Jihad = the stuggle in the way of Allah
However, this is often misinterpreted as radical Islamism
Following the tragedy of 9/11 there came a threat of Islam and the rise of Islamaphobia
The media is largely to blame for portraying Muslims as violent extremists (i.e. today's issues) however, Islam (even Fundamentalists) are often peaceful.
Bruce (2002) asserts that Islamic fundamentalism is simply a cultural defence mechanism to protect the truth of the Q'uran.
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Buddhism and War
Buddhism is a peaceful tradition and non-violence is at the heart of their teachings
In 1989, the Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace Prize and stated that "hatred will not cease by hatred but by love alone"
Buddhist monks and nuns revere the teachings of non-violence
Values include compassion (Karuna) and kindness (metta)
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Hinduism and War
There are contrasting attitudes in Hinduism
The principle of Ahimsa reinforces respect for every soul and stresses the virtue of non-violence
However, the Caste system highlights how for some, warfare is a part of one's duty (dharma). This was revealed in the story of the warrior God Arujna who was instructed to fight since he was born a warrior
However, Ghandi was a largely influential person who strongly promoted non-violence in order to gain good karma.
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Sikhism and war
Sikhism is a warrior religion
Attitudes are based upon teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib which strongly promote human rights and virtue however, sometimes, violence is an evil necessity
The Kirpan (steel sword) is a symbol of the Guru's defence for the Khalsa (Sikh Community)
Guru Gobind Singh is a Guru who fought for the Khalsa
Therefore, Sikh's may claim that warfare can be legitimate
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Christian Actions to War
Army Chaplains, Taize, Corrymeela, Pax Christi
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Muslim Actions to War
Martyrdom, Muslim Peace Fellowship
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Buddhist Actions to War
Self immolation (setting oneself alight) in order to protest against communist China
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