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Outline three Christian responses to the problems caused by conflict - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
Outline three Christian responses to the problems caused by conflict. Explain two teachings about Jesus as a peacemaker. Explain two reasons a Christian may suppor... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline three Christian responses to the problems caused by conflict - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Christian responses to the problems caused by conflict.
Answer
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Forgiveness: Many Christians believe in the power of forgiveness as taught by Jesus. They may refer to passages like Matthew 6:14-15, which emphasize the importance of forgiving others.
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Peaceful Resolution: Christians are encouraged to seek peaceful solutions to conflict, following Christ’s teachings in Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers."
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Engagement in Dialogue: Some Christians advocate for dialogue and negotiation, promoting understanding and reconciliation rather than warfare.
Step 2
Explain two teachings about Jesus as a peacemaker.
Answer
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Blessed are the Peacemakers: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that peacemakers are blessed, which underscores the importance of actively seeking peace in both personal and communal contexts.
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Turning the Other Cheek: Jesus taught the principle of loving one’s enemies and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), which illustrates the call to respond to aggression not with violence but with grace and understanding.
Step 3
Explain two reasons a Christian may support Holy War. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.
Answer
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Defense of Faith: Some Christians believe that defending their faith against persecution is justified, invoking scriptural references such as Ephesians 6:12, which calls the faithful to 'fight not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.' This can be interpreted as a call to protect the church.
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Restoration of Justice: Christians may argue that engaging in a Holy War can be seen as a means to restore peace and justice, citing Romans 13:4, which states that government authorities are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Step 4
"No war is a Just War." Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
The statement "No war is a Just War" can be critically evaluated from various angles.
Arguments For:
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Moral Implications: Christian teachings often emphasize that killing is inherently wrong, as stated in Exodus 20:13, 'You shall not murder.' This perspective holds that no situation justifies taking a life.
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Consequences of War: Historically, wars have led to immense suffering, contradicting the Christian call to love and care for one another.
Arguments Against:
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Just War Theory: This theory, rooted in Catholic teaching, suggests that war can be justified if it meets certain criteria, such as being declared by a legitimate authority and having just cause (St. Augustine).
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Defending the Innocent: Some Christians argue that going to war may be necessary to protect those who cannot defend themselves, reflecting the command to love one's neighbor.
Conclusion: Ultimately, the evaluation of this statement hinges on individual interpretations of scripture and the complexities of moral philosophy in situations of conflict.