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Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three conditions of a Just War - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three conditions of a Just War. (b) Outline Christian teachings about pacifism. (c) Explain why Christians have different a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three conditions of a Just War - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three conditions of a Just War.
Answer
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Just Cause: A war can only be justifiable if it is fought for a right reason, such as self-defense or to protect others from harm.
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Legitimate Authority: Only duly constituted public authorities may wage war, ensuring that the decision to go to war is made by those responsible for the common good.
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Proportionality: The violence used in the war must be proportional to the injury suffered. This means that the anticipated benefits must outweigh the expected harm.
Step 2
Outline Christian teachings about pacifism.
Answer
Christian teachings on pacifism emphasize non-violence and reconciliation. Many Christians reference the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where He advocates for turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and loving one's enemies (Matthew 5:44). The principle of 'Peace' is central in Christian doctrine, highlighting that Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
Furthermore, denominations such as Quakers uphold pacifism as a core belief, promoting peace through nonviolent means. They look to the example of Jesus' life and the belief that God desires peace for all humanity.
Step 3
Explain why Christians have different attitudes to terrorism.
Answer
Christians' attitudes towards terrorism vary due to differing interpretations of scripture and the emphasis on justice versus mercy. Some may argue that terrorism, even if politically motivated, violates the Christian principle of love and can only lead to more violence. This belief is supported by passages that advocate for love and reconciliation.
Conversely, some Christians might justify certain forms of resistance against oppressive regimes as a form of justifiable defense, interpreting the Biblical principles of justice. This disparity arises from individual perspectives influenced by historical, cultural, and social contexts.
Step 4
"It is always possible to forgive people." Discuss this statement.
Answer
Forgiveness is a prominent teaching in Christianity, evidenced by Jesus’ parables such as the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), which underscore the importance of extending grace to others as a reflection of God’s forgiveness towards us. Christians believe that to forgive is not only a moral duty but a path to spiritual liberation.
However, the statement's absolute nature may be challenged by varying personal experiences of trauma or injustice. For many, forgiveness can be a process taking time and support, rather than a straightforward act, raising questions about its feasibility in the face of deep-seated harm.
In evaluating different perspectives, Christians acknowledge the complexity of forgiveness. They emphasize that while it may be a possibility, it is deeply influenced by individual circumstances and the type of transgression. Thus, while the teaching encourages forgiveness, it is important to recognize personal struggles and the role of reconciliation and justice in fostering healing.