War and Peace - Theory
- Created by: kafferstheleprechaun
- Created on: 17-05-16 20:29
The Causes of War
- Search for Power - For example, throughout World War II, Adolf Hitler had sought domination of the entire continent of Europe.
- Wealth - Over money or land ownership
- Freedom - Or independence, e.g. the Anglo-Irish War between the IRA and British forces between 1919-1921.
- Last Resort - I.e. following prior diplomatic talks
- Defence
There are numerous examples of wars which may be referred to in exam answers - you should be able to name at least two. For example: The Falklands Conflict, World War I, World War II, The Gaza/Palestine Conflict, The Crusades of the 11th-13 Centuries, etc.
Religious Attitudes to War
Peace is the absence of conflict; and the subsequent allowance of harmony. This is much supported by pacifists - a term referring to those that refuse to participate in war or any other form of violence. The Quakers are an example of a Christian denomination that practices pacifism; in light of Jesus' example.
Some religious believers might choose to fight within a war, according to the following criteria:
Just War Theory - This was developed by Roman Catholic, Thomas Aquinas; referring to the criteria by which the Church defines a war as acceptable. The criteria are as follows:
- Good must outweigh evil caused
- Must be fought by just, proportionate means
- Must be fought in self defence
- Must be fought as a final resort (after unsuccessful previous diplomatic talks)
- Must be declared lawfully by an official authority
- There has to be a reasonable chance of success
Holy War - This is a war fought for a religious cause, declared by a religious leader.
- Must be declared by a religious leader
- Many that participate anticipate a spiritual reward
- Often fought to protect a religion, a country or beliefs.
- An example would be in the Crusades between the 11th and 13th centuries. The Christians overtook Holy Lands under Islamic rule; brutally murdering the Muslim population of Jerusalem. Pope Urban II purified the murderers of their sins.
Lesser Jihad - This is a holy war fought to protect Islamic people, beliefs and Allah's name.
- Fought as self defence
- No use of WMDs
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