Religious Attitudes to War (OCR GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Notes

11.5.2 Religious Attitudes to War

Religious Perspectives on War

Greed:

• Biblical and Qur'anic Teachings: Both the Bible and the Qur'an warn against greed.
• Examples of Greed-Driven War:

Self-Defence:

• Justification: Many Christians and Muslims believe that fighting in self-defence is justified if all other means of resolving the conflict have been exhausted.

Sacred Writings:

Christian View: "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).

• Examples of Self-Defence:
  • Defending a country against invasion or attack.
  • Defending one's values, beliefs, or way of life.

Retaliation:

• Religious Teachings:

Christianity: Jesus taught that retaliation is wrong, as seen in his teaching, "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 5:39).

Muslim View: "Those who have been attacked are permitted to take up arms because they have been wronged – God has the power to help them" (Qur'an 22:39).

Examples of Retaliation-Driven War:

Christian Attitudes Towards War

General View on War: Christianity generally emphasises peace and the avoidance of conflict. The teachings of Jesus focus on love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, suggesting that violence should be a last resort.

Just War Theory:

• Origins: The Just War Theory has its roots in Christian theology, particularly in the writings of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. It provides a framework for determining when war can be morally justified. Criteria:

• Just Cause: War can only be waged for a just reason, such as self-defense or protecting innocent lives.

• Legitimate Authority: Only a legitimate authority, such as a government, can declare a war.

• Right Intention: The intention behind the war must be to promote good or avoid evil.

• Last Resort: All other means of resolving the conflict must have been tried and failed.

• Probability of Success: There must be a reasonable chance of success.

• Proportionality: The violence used in the war must be proportional to the injury suffered.

• Discrimination: The war must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, ensuring that innocent civilians are not targeted. Pacifism:

• Some Christians, particularly those in denominations like the Quakers, adhere to pacifism, believing that all war and violence are wrong, regardless of the circumstances. They follow Jesus' teachings of "turning the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39) and "blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9).

• Christian Pacifists argue that war contradicts the fundamental Christian principles of love and compassion, and that peaceful methods should always be used to resolve conflicts. Holy War:

The concept of a Holy War is generally not supported in modern Christianity, although it was prominent during the Crusades in the mediaeval period. Today, the idea that war can be waged in the name of God is largely rejected by mainstream Christian denominations.

Islamic Attitudes Towards War

Jihad:

• Greater Jihad: Refers to the internal, spiritual struggle to live a righteous life in accordance with the will of Allah.

• Lesser Jihad: Refers to the external, physical struggle, which can include fighting in self-defense or defending Islam. The concept of Lesser Jihad is often associated with military action, but it is strictly regulated by Islamic teachings.

• Conditions for War:

  • Just Cause: War is only permitted in Islam for just reasons, such as self-defense, protecting the innocent, or fighting against oppression.
  • Last Resort: War should only be undertaken after all other peaceful means of resolving the conflict have been exhausted.
  • Proportionality: The response in war must be proportional to the harm suffered. Excessive violence or unnecessary destruction is forbidden.
  • Protection of Non-Combatants: Islamic teachings stress the importance of protecting non-combatants, including women, children, and the elderly, as well as ensuring that prisoners of war are treated humanely.
  • Legitimate Authority: War should only be declared by a legitimate Muslim ruler or authority. Peace and Reconciliation:

• Peace in Islam: While Islam allows for war under specific conditions, the overarching goal is to achieve peace and justice. The Qur'an frequently encourages Muslims to seek peace and resolve conflicts amicably.

• Reconciliation: The concept of Sulh (reconciliation) is highly valued in Islam, emphasising the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation rather than through violence.

Challenges in Applying Religious Teachings

• While many Christians aim to follow Jesus' teaching on non-retaliation in their personal lives, they may find it challenging to apply this in situations of war.
• Like in Christianity, there is strong opposition in Islam to wars that are waged for unjust reasons, such as aggression, conquest, or exploitation. The Qur'an condemns those who start conflicts without a just cause.