Introduction to Religion and Peace (HSC SSCE Studies of Religion): Revision Notes
Introduction to Religion and Peace
Understanding the paradox of religion and peace
A fundamental tension exists within religious practice concerning peace. Religions teach peace and ethical living, yet throughout history they have also been associated with violence and warfare. This creates a significant paradox that students must understand when studying religion and peace.
The Central Paradox: Religions simultaneously promote peace as a core teaching while being historically associated with conflict and violence. This contradiction is not merely historical accident but reflects deeper complexities in religious practice and human nature.
The dual nature of religion
Religious traditions exhibit two seemingly contradictory characteristics:
Religion as a force for peace:
- Provides inner strength and spiritual calm (as Nobel Prize-winner Alexis Carrel noted: 'Religion brings to man an inner strength, spiritual light and ineffable peace')
- Offers ethical frameworks for peaceful living
- Aims to create tranquility within individuals and communities
- Teaches adherents to seek peace on Earth
Religion as a source of conflict:
- Has been used to justify wars and violence throughout history
- Can be misused for political goals (Catholic theologian Hans Kung observed: 'Religion often is misused for purely power political goals, including war')
- May promote otherworldly values (such as heaven) over earthly concerns
- Allows for violence in certain circumstances to protect the faith or its members
The dual nature of religion doesn't mean religions are inherently hypocritical. Rather, it reflects how religious teachings can be interpreted differently depending on context, and how human institutions may diverge from foundational teachings.
Two contradictory human desires
The study of religion and peace reveals two opposing impulses that exist within human nature:
- Warfare - the human tendency to engage in conflict, particularly sophisticated international warfare, often carried out in the name of religion
- Inner peace - the desire to find calm and tranquility, especially during conflict or turmoil, frequently sought through religious practice
These competing desires reflect the tension between our capacity for both violence and compassion, making the study of religion and peace particularly relevant to understanding human behavior.
Key questions to consider
When studying this topic, students should reflect on these critical questions that probe the relationship between religion, peace, and violence:
Reflection Questions:
- How can religions ensure their peaceful teachings prevail over violent interpretations?
- Would eliminating all war and violence make the world better, or is violence sometimes justified against injustice and oppression?
- How violent would the world be without religion?
- Why do religious adherents sometimes become violent despite teachings promoting peace?
These questions have no simple answers but encourage deeper analysis of the complex relationship between religious belief and human action.
Defining peace
Peace is a complex concept that extends beyond simply the absence of war. Understanding peace requires examining both external and internal dimensions, recognizing that true peace operates at multiple levels of human experience.
External peace (social peace)
External peace refers to the visible, measurable aspects of peace in society:
- The absence of war and armed conflict
- The absence of preparation for war
- Tranquility within the social order
- Peaceful functioning of communities
This dimension of peace is what most people think of first—the state of not being at war. However, many religious traditions argue that external peace alone is insufficient.
Internal peace (inner peace)
Internal peace encompasses the psychological and spiritual dimensions that are less visible but equally important:
- Quietness of heart
- Absence of a troubled mind
- Calmness of the individual soul
- Understanding of the mind or heart of God
Most religious traditions teach that internal peace is either equally important as external peace or is actually the foundation upon which external peace must be built. Without inner peace, external peace may be fragile and temporary.
Religious perspectives on peace
Different traditions use various terms that reflect their understanding of peace, demonstrating how the concept is embedded within each tradition's worldview:
- Judaism: Shalom means both 'peace' and serves as a greeting, reflecting how peace is woven into daily interaction
- Islam: The word 'islam' connects to salm (peace) and slm (submission to God's will), linking the concepts of peace and submission to divine authority
These linguistic connections reveal how deeply the concept of peace is integrated into the very identity of these religious traditions.
HSC examination requirement
HSC Study Requirement: Students must study TWO religious traditions and their teachings about peace. This comparative approach allows for analysis of similarities and differences in how traditions understand and pursue peace.
When preparing, ensure you can:
- Explain each tradition's definition of peace
- Compare how they approach achieving peace
- Analyze their sacred texts and teachings on peace
- Evaluate their practical peace-building efforts
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
The Religion and Peace Paradox:
- Religion exhibits a paradox: it teaches peace but has been associated with violence throughout history
- Understanding this paradox is central to studying religion and peace
Dimensions of Peace:
- Peace has two dimensions: external (absence of war, social tranquility) and internal (inner calm, quietness of heart)
- Most religious traditions emphasize the importance of both dimensions
HSC Requirements:
- Students must study TWO religious traditions for the HSC examination
- Comparative analysis of different approaches to peace is essential
Critical frameworks
The Religion and Peace Paradox:
Religious teachings promote peace ↔ Religious adherents engage in violence
This paradox must be examined when studying any religious tradition's approach to peace. Consider why this gap exists and how traditions attempt to bridge it.