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3. Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three conditions of a Just War - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
3. Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three conditions of a Just War. (b) Outline Christian teachings about pacifism. (c) Explain why Christians have differen... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:3. 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
The conditions of a Just War, traditionally outlined by theologians, include:
- Just Cause: A Just War must be waged for a reason that is just, such as self-defense or protecting the innocent.
- Legitimate Authority: Only duly constituted public authorities may wage war, ensuring that wars are not personal vendettas.
- Right Intention: The intention behind the war should be to secure peace and justice, rather than seeking revenge or escalation of conflict.
Step 2
Outline Christian teachings about pacifism.
Answer
Christian teachings on pacifism emphasize peace over violence. Key points include:
- The Teachings of Jesus: Jesus preached love, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), promoting non-violence as a way to resolve conflicts.
- The Sermon on the Mount: This sermon underscores the importance of humility, peace-making, and reconciliation, encouraging Christians to seek peaceful solutions.
- Historical Movements: Many Christian groups, such as Quakers, advocate for pacifism, emphasizing non-violence as a core principle in imitating Christ's example.
Step 3
Explain why Christians have different attitudes to terrorism.
Answer
Christian attitudes towards terrorism vary significantly due to differing interpretations of scripture, ethical teachings, and personal experiences. Some reasons include:
- Differing Biblical Interpretations: Some Christians may cite Old Testament passages advocating for justice through violence, while others focus on New Testament messages of peace and forgiveness.
- Contextual Factors: Christians from conflict zones may view terrorism differently based on their experiences of oppression, leading to varied moral conclusions.
- Teachings on Just War: Some Christians may justify violent resistance in the face of tyranny, arguing that opposing oppressive regimes can sometimes align with Just War theory.
Step 4
"It is always possible to forgive people." Discuss this statement.
Answer
The statement suggests a universal capacity for forgiveness that can be explored through Christian teachings and philosophical perspectives:
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Forgiveness in Christianity: Central to Christian doctrine is the concept of forgiveness, as exemplified by Jesus' teachings and His act of forgiving His executioners (Luke 23:34). Many Christians believe that, irrespective of the severity of the wrongdoing, forgiveness is possible and necessary for spiritual health.
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The Importance of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is portrayed as a path to personal liberation from resentment and anger. It aligns with Jesus' encouragement to forgive not just once, but 'seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22).
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Counter-Arguments: While many argue that forgiveness should be extended to all, others point out the complexities involved in forgiving serious offenses, such as trauma or ongoing harm. This leads to debates on whether true forgiveness can be offered in every situation, especially where a perpetrator shows no remorse.
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Points of View: Different Christian denominations may interpret the concept of forgiveness variably, with some emphasizing the need for reconciliation while others highlight the emotional and spiritual journey involved.
In summary, while Christianity advocates for forgiveness as an essential virtue, the practicality and emotional process of forgiving may not always align with the belief that it is always possible, revealing a nuanced discourse surrounding this topic.