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4. Peace and Conflict (a) Outline three Christian teachings about peace - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
4. Peace and Conflict (a) Outline three Christian teachings about peace. (b) Explain two reasons why a conflict might be described as a Just War. (c) Explain two ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4. Peace and Conflict (a) Outline three Christian teachings about peace - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Christian teachings about peace.
Answer
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Peace is seen as an 'enterprise of Justice.' This teaching emphasizes the idea that true peace can only be achieved in a just society where all individuals are treated fairly.
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Pope Francis emphasized the message "Pray for Peace," which highlights the importance of prayer and reflection in achieving peace in both personal and communal contexts.
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The Bible instructs followers to 'Pursue peace with all men' (Hebrews 12:14), indicating that Christians should actively seek to maintain and promote peace in their relationships.
Step 2
Explain two reasons why a conflict might be described as a Just War.
Answer
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A conflict can be considered a Just War if it aims to restore peace and protect innocent lives. For instance, if a war is waged to prevent genocide or oppression, it can be justified as a means to achieve a greater good.
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Another reason is that a Just War is fought with the right intention, meaning it should not be for selfish or vindictive reasons. For example, if the aim is to defend a nation or its people from aggression, it renders the conflict more justifiable.
Step 3
Explain two Christian responses to the problems caused by conflict.
Answer
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Christians are taught to avoid any situation that might involve conflict, as seen in Exodus 20:13 where the teaching is that killing is wrong. This reflects a fundamental principle of valuing human life.
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Additionally, Jesus taught the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31) and advocated for conflict resolution through non-violent means. Christians are encouraged to promote peace and reconciliation through understanding and forgiveness.
Step 4
Evaluate the statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments for the statement include:
- Supporting the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction contradicts the principle of valuing life, as Christians are called to love and protect one another.
- Furthermore, Christian teachings emphasize peace and reconciliation over violence, aligning with messages from Jesus about loving one's enemies.
Arguments against the statement might include:
- Some may argue that in a world where threats exist, nations must have deterrents to protect their citizens, thus supporting the acquisition of such weapons for defensive purposes.
- Others may contend that the existence of weapons could potentially prevent larger conflicts, as nations are deterred from engaging in outright war due to the catastrophic consequences of such weapons.
In conclusion, while there are arguments both for and against the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction, the overarching Christian principle of promoting peace and safeguarding human life remains paramount.