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4 (a) Outline three conditions of a Just War accepted by Christians - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 4
4 (a) Outline three conditions of a Just War accepted by Christians. (b) Explain two Christian teachings about pacifism.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4 (a) Outline three conditions of a Just War accepted by Christians - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three conditions of a Just War accepted by Christians.
Answer
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Just Cause: A Just War must be fought for a valid reason, such as to protect the innocent or restore peace. Christians believe that war is only justifiable if it is for defending against aggression or protecting those who cannot defend themselves.
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Right Intention: The intention behind waging war must be good. This means that the ultimate aim should be to achieve peace and justice, not to gain power, territory, or wealth.
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Proportionality: The violence used in the war must be proportional to the injury suffered. This means that the response should not exceed what is necessary to achieve the objectives of the war, ensuring that civilian lives and properties are safeguarded as much as possible.
Step 2
Explain two Christian teachings about pacifism.
Answer
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Sermon on the Mount: In Matthew 5:9, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This implies that Christians should seek to promote peace and non-violence, advocating for dialogue and reconciliation rather than conflict.
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Love Your Enemies: Jesus emphasizes in Matthew 5:44 to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This teaching encourages Christians to respond to aggression not with retaliation, but with compassion and understanding, highlighting the value of forgiveness and peace.