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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: There must be a good reason to go to war, such as self-defense or protecting others from harm.
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Legitimate Authority: Only duly constituted authorities can declare a war, ensuring that the decision is made within a legal and moral framework.
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Right Intention: The intention behind waging war must be to achieve peace and promote good, rather than for personal gain or revenge.
Step 2
Outline Christian teachings about pacifism.
Answer
Christian teachings on pacifism emphasize the importance of peace and non-violence. Key points include:
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Jesus' Teachings: Jesus taught love for enemies (Matthew 5:44) and emphasized forgiveness over violence.
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The Sermon on the Mount: Advocates turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), promoting the idea that retaliating is not a Christian virtue.
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Historical Context: Many Christian denominations, such as Quakers, actively promote pacifism, believing that war contradicts the message of Christ.
Step 3
Explain why Christians have different attitudes to terrorism.
Answer
Christians' attitudes to terrorism vary widely due to:
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Interpretation of Scripture: Different interpretations of Biblical texts can lead to diverse views on violence in the name of faith.
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Cultural Context: Cultural backgrounds and experiences influence how individuals perceive acts of terrorism, with some viewing them as unjustifiable regardless of context.
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Moral Dilemmas: Some Christians may feel justified in using violence as a response to extreme injustice, while others strictly adhere to non-violence.
Step 4
"It is always possible to forgive people." Discuss this statement.
Answer
The statement invites a deep exploration of forgiveness from a Christian perspective:
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Christian Teachings on Forgiveness: Christianity emphasizes forgiveness, illustrated by Christ's forgiveness on the cross (Luke 23:34). This perspective argues that forgiveness restores relationships and is vital for personal peace.
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Conditions for Forgiveness: However, some argue that forgiveness is contingent upon the offender's remorse. The notion of ‘forgiving but not forgetting’ complicates this idea, suggesting people may need time to heal.
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Practical Implications: Situations such as trauma or betrayal can hinder the ability to forgive. Evaluating viewpoints from various Christian traditions may provide insight into these complexities.
In conclusion, while the ideal of forgiveness is universal in Christianity, practical application varies significantly among individuals, influenced by personal experiences and beliefs.