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Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three possible causes of terrorism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 3
Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three possible causes of terrorism. (b) Describe Christian attitudes to apocalyptic warfare (nuclear). (c) Explain how reli... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three possible causes of terrorism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three possible causes of terrorism.
Answer
Possible causes of terrorism include:
- Emotional reasons, such as fear and hatred of others, which can motivate individuals to commit acts of violence.
- Belief that violence is an appropriate response to a given situation, viewing it as a necessary means to achieve change or express grievances.
- Religious extremism, where individuals interpret their beliefs in a way that endorses violence and conflict.
Step 2
Describe Christian attitudes to apocalyptic warfare (nuclear).
Answer
Most Christians hold that warfare, including the use of nuclear weapons, should be justified only under strict criteria: namely, as a last resort. Many believe that nuclear weapons, given their capacity for indiscriminate destruction, contradict the teachings of Christ regarding peace and love for neighbor.
According to the Bible, Christians are urged to promote peace (Matthew 5:9), and many denominations oppose nuclear armament as fundamentally incompatible with Christian values. Groups like the Quakers advocate for disarmament and view nuclear weapons as a moral failing.
Step 3
Explain how religious teachings have influenced Christians working for peace.
Answer
Religious teachings, particularly those found in the New Testament, emphasize the call for Christians to be peace-makers, as stated in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38-44). This has led many Christians to engage in non-violent resistance and advocacy for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
For example, Christians involved in organizations like Pax Christi implement teachings of love and reconciliation, often drawing upon scriptural guidance to influence their work for peace and social justice.
Step 4
'It is important to fight against social injustice.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
The fight against social injustice is fundamentally rooted in Christian teaching, which emphasizes love for one’s neighbor and the pursuit of justice as inherent to faith. Many Christians argue that social injustice undermines the very foundation of community and human dignity, as supported by biblical teachings such as Isaiah 1:17. Further, churches worldwide engage in activism and humanitarian efforts to address issues related to poverty, discrimination, and inequality, viewing these actions as a reflection of God’s call to love and serve others through our actions.