Religion and peacemaking (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
Religion and peacemaking
What is peace?
Peace represents the absence of war or conflict and stands as a fundamental concept within Christianity. Catholics look to Jesus as the ultimate example of a peacemaker, following his teachings and actions.
When war occurs, it creates devastating consequences for victims who may suffer the loss of their families, homes, possessions, health, livelihoods, and in the worst cases, their lives. Understanding these impacts helps us appreciate why peace is so essential to Christian teaching.
Catholic teachings about peace
The Catholic Church places great emphasis on peace as both a divine gift and human responsibility. This understanding comes from several key sources that guide Catholic thinking about conflict resolution and peaceful living.
Biblical teachings on peace
Jesus provided clear guidance about how Christians should approach peace and conflict. He taught that believers should extend love even to those who oppose them, as recorded in Matthew's Gospel:
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
This radical teaching challenges followers to break cycles of hatred and revenge.
Biblical Foundation for Peace: The Beatitudes
Jesus declared: "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9), establishing peacemaking as a blessed calling for Christians. This teaching shows that those who work for peace are following God's will and will receive divine blessing for their efforts.
Christ also promised peace to his disciples, telling them: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace" (John 16:33). This suggests that true peace comes through relationship with Jesus rather than merely through the absence of conflict.
The commandment to "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Mark 12:31) provides a foundation for peaceful relationships within communities.
Church doctrine on peace
Catholic teaching emphasises that God desires humanity to live in peace and harmony. The Old Testament contains prophecies about a future perfect Kingdom of God where war will no longer exist, reflecting this divine intention.
The official Catechism of the Catholic Church explains this connection between peace, justice and love: "Respect for and development of human life requires peace ... Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity" (CCC 2304).
This teaching shows that peace cannot exist without fairness and compassionate care for others.
Catholic individuals and peace
Throughout history, many Catholic individuals have dedicated their lives to promoting peace and resolving conflicts. Their examples demonstrate how faith can inspire practical action for peace.
Betty Williams (1943-2020): Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Williams became a significant figure in peacemaking when she co-founded the Community of Peace People, an organisation focused on bringing peace to Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Her work involved:
- Organising petitions for peaceful solutions
- Leading marches to promote non-violent resolution
- Building bridges between divided communities
In recognition of her efforts, she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1976, highlighting the international recognition of her contribution to peace.
Thomas Merton (1915-68): Monk and Peace Advocate
Merton served as a Catholic monk who became deeply involved in the peace movement during the mid-20th century. His contributions included:
- Writing numerous letters to the Vatican Council
- Advocating for Catholics' right to be conscientious objectors
- Promoting passive resistance over violence
Merton strongly opposed the use of weapons and violence, arguing that only peaceful methods could genuinely achieve lasting peace, believing that violence only creates more violence in return.
Victims of war
War creates profound suffering for innocent people, affecting them in multiple devastating ways that challenge our understanding of human dignity and rights.
The Devastating Impact of War on Innocent People:
- Displacement and loss of home: Many people are forced to flee their homes with only minimal belongings, often becoming refugees in other countries where they face uncertainty about their future
- Family breakdown: Armed conflict frequently results in the death of family members and loved ones, leaving many children orphaned and families torn apart by loss and separation
- Economic hardship: War destroys sources of income and employment, leaving people unable to provide for themselves and their families' basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare
- Psychological trauma: The experience of living through war can cause lasting mental and emotional damage that affects people long after the fighting ends
Supporting victims of war
CAFOD's mission
CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) serves as the Catholic Church's official overseas aid charity. The organisation works extensively to help people affected by war and natural disasters across the world.
CAFOD provides essential emergency aid including food, clean water, shelter, and cooking equipment for refugees who have fled conflict zones. Beyond immediate relief, the charity supports longer-term recovery by helping communities rebuild their lives.
CAFOD's comprehensive approach includes:
- Supporting child soldiers through education and counselling programmes
- Facilitating dialogue between conflicting groups
- Helping communities find peaceful ways to resolve differences
- Providing both immediate emergency relief and long-term development support
Catholic Christian actions and teachings
Catholics are encouraged to respond practically to the suffering caused by war through various means that reflect their faith in action.
Charitable giving: Donating money or goods to organisations that help war victims demonstrates the Christian value of caring for those in need.
Raising awareness: Volunteering to educate others about the difficulties faced by war victims helps build understanding and support for peace efforts.
Providing shelter: Housing refugees and helping them recover from their traumatic experiences reflects the Christian duty to welcome strangers and care for the vulnerable.
The Golden Rule Foundation
This approach to helping others flows from Jesus's fundamental teaching known as the Golden Rule:
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." (Matthew 7:12)
This principle guides Catholics to consider how they would want to be treated if they were in similar circumstances and to act accordingly. Christians believe they have a moral duty to help others, particularly those who are suffering, stemming from Jesus's teachings about love, compassion, and service to those in need.
Key Points to Remember:
- Peace is more than just the absence of war - it requires active work for justice and charity
- Jesus taught radical love, including loving enemies and praying for persecutors
- Catholic individuals like Betty Williams and Thomas Merton have made significant contributions to global peace efforts
- War creates devastating impacts including displacement, family loss, poverty, and trauma
- Catholics are called to practical action in supporting war victims through charity, awareness-raising, and direct help, following the Golden Rule