Religion & Violence (OCR GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Notes

11.3.1 Religion & Violence

Causes of Violence and Lack of Peace

Violence and the absence of peace in the world stem from a variety of factors. Criminal activities, such as murder and assault, directly contribute to violence in society.

These acts of crime create fear, insecurity, and instability, disrupting the peace within communities. Another significant cause of violence is war, where nations engage in armed conflict, often leading to widespread devastation, loss of life, and suffering. War is usually driven by political, territorial, or ideological disputes, and it can perpetuate cycles of violence that are difficult to break.

Terrorism is another major contributor to violence and the lack of peace. Terrorist activities involve deliberate acts of violence by groups or individuals who seek to instil fear and achieve their objectives through the use of force.

These objectives are often rooted in religious or political ideologies, and the impact of terrorism is profound, as it targets both individuals and societies at large, disrupting everyday life and sowing fear.

Religious Perspectives on Violence

Condemnation of Violence: Most religions condemn violence and advocate for peaceful conflict resolution.

Justification of Violence: Some religious followers might accept violence as justified under certain circumstances, such as in self-defense or to protect others from harm.

Christianity: The concept of a "just war" allows for the possibility of using force under specific conditions to prevent greater evil.

Islam: While Islam condemns unjust violence, it recognises Lesser Jihad, which permits the use of force in self-defense or to protect the Muslim community.

Pacifism and Conscientious Objection

• Pacifism: The belief that all forms of violence and war are wrong under any circumstances. Pacifists advocate for non-violent methods of conflict resolution.
• Conscientious Objectors: Individuals who refuse to participate in war due to their pacifist beliefs. They may face legal penalties, social stigma, and personal hardship for their stance.
• Historical Examples: During World War II, some conscientious objectors were imprisoned for refusing to fight, demonstrating their commitment to non-violence.

Violent Protests and Religious Views

• Right to Protest: Protesting is a fundamental democratic right that allows individuals and groups to publicly express their views.
• Peaceful vs. Violent Protests: While many protests are peaceful, some can turn violent if there is a clash between protestors and authorities or differing groups.
• Historical Examples:
  • Martin Luther King Jr.: Led peaceful protests during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, advocating for the rights of black Americans through non-violence.
  • Emily Davison: A suffragette who died during a protest at the Epsom Derby, highlighting the potential for violence in protests advocating for social change.
• Religious Opposition to Violent Protests: Most religious teachings promote peaceful resolutions and are generally opposed to violent protests, emphasising the importance of dialogue and understanding.

The Right to Protest

Violence and Protest

Christian Views on Protest:

• Peaceful Protest: Christians generally believe that it is acceptable to protest for what is right, as long as it is non-violent.

• Religious Views on Violence:
  • Christianity: No religion, including Christianity, promotes violence. However, religious teachings may differ on when violence might be justified.
  • Islam: In Islam, violence is only permitted in self-defense or in defence of the faith. It is only justified against those who actively fight against you.

Rejection of Retaliation:

Jesus rejected the Old Testament teachings that focused on retaliation, such as the principle of "an eye for an eye."

Instead, he introduced a new approach, emphasising non-retaliation and forgiveness.

• Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also" (Matthew 5:38-39). This teaching encourages Christians to respond to aggression not with violence, but with patience and love, thereby promoting peace and reconciliation.

Terrorism

• Christian Teaching:

Bible Quote: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil... if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:17-19)

• Interpretation: Christians are encouraged to seek peaceful resolutions and avoid retaliation, promoting living in peace with others.

Islamic Attitudes to Violence

Civilized Society:

Islam teaches that violence should be avoided unless absolutely necessary and only under specific, justified circumstances. Muslims believe in living within a civilised society where violence is only permissible under legal authority, such as self-defense or protecting others from harm. The use of violence without just cause is considered sinful, and any Muslim who acts violently towards another Muslim is seen as acting against the unity of the Muslim community (Ummah)

Muslims believe that violence should only be used under legal authority and with just cause. Unjust violence is considered sinful.

Condemnation of Unjust Violence:

The Qur'an condemns the unjust taking of life, emphasising the sanctity of life. For example, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:32), it states that killing an innocent person is like killing all of humanity.

Jihad: Jihad means "struggle" and can refer to:

• Greater Jihad: The internal struggle to live a righteous life.
• Lesser Jihad: The external struggle to defend Islam and the Muslim community, which can include using force in self-defense or protecting the religion from attack. Violence as a Last Resort:

Islam teaches that violence should be a last resort and only used when all other options have failed, with the aim of restoring peace and justice.

These notes provide a balanced understanding of the relationship between religion and violence, with an emphasis on the ethical considerations and religious teachings that guide followers in addressing conflict.