Religion and conflict
1.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term conflict.
Conflict involves clashes and breakdowns of relationships. For example relations
between two countries breakdown and they end up going to war with each other.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might influence a persons’ attitude towards
suffering.
Some Christians believe that suffering comes as a result of ‘original sin’, it is a
punishment sent by God to make people repent their evil ways and turn back to God. The
suffering caused by people (moral evil) is the result of using our free will to make the
wrong decisions. Some Christians believe that without suffering and evil people would
not really know what good is. Suffering can show human weakness yet at the same time
help people to make a real effort to end the suffering of others (through
discipleship/vocations) i.e. by following the example of the Good Samaritan. Also Jesus
himself suffered and he showed his followers how to deal with suffering in a dignified
and faithful way and many Christians today believe they should do likewise.
c.
‘War is evil’
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this
statement.
(i)Some Christians would agree because war results in suffering and death. It is often
caused by greed and jealousy and it is mainly innocent people that suffer most during
wars. For example Amnesty International claimed that over 100,000 innocent Iraqis were
killed following the US and British invasion in 2003.
(ii)Some other Christians would disagree because they believe that in certain situations
war is necessary and justified and therefore people have a duty to fight. For example in
situations were innocent people are being tortured and killed force should be used. Or for
self defence when wrongly attacked, war is just. On this basis many Christians would
argue WWII was a just war.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions the teachings about forgiveness.
(You must state the religious traditions you are referring to)
Catholic view = The Catechism teaches that forgiveness is very important. People must
forgive one another in order to receive forgiveness from God – ‘forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those that trespass against us’. One of the sacraments is Reconciliation.
This focuses on the need to admit the wrongs we have done, repent (be truly sorry) and
ask for forgiveness. Asking and receiving forgiveness is very important otherwise
damaged relationships could never be repaired.
Quaker view = Forgiveness is also very important to Quakers as it is a demonstration of
love, understanding and mercy. They recognise that to build a better world people must
listen to one another and show compassion to those that have did wrong but wish to make
amends. Quakers seek to create a world based on justice and recognise that forgiving
someone is often the first step towards creating such a world. For Quakers justice is about
rebuilding and restoring it is never about revenge. They believe that if a person opens
their heart to God’s spirit it will guide them towards being a more loving and forgiving
person. During silent worship Quakers make a special effort to open themselves up to
God’s spirit.
This (d) question might be worded in such a way that you
are asked to ‘Explain from two different religious
traditions how an individual or a community has worked
for peace’
If using a community
Catholic view = Cafod is a Catholic organisation that works for justice and peace. Cafod
are actively campaigning for peace in some of the worst war torn countries in the world
such as Sudan and Somalia. Cafod organise prayer vigils, non-violent protests and
numerous support projects aimed at helping those most affected by war and violence.
Cafod offer advice and support to help end conflicts and build a just and lasting peace.
Cafod aims to make the Gospel message of peace and reconciliation a reality in the
world today.
Quaker view = Quakers have a programme called ‘Turning the Tide’ which carries out
work using the power of non-violence to turn the tide of injustice and oppression. This
programme aims to build an inclusive, sustainable and fair world. This programme offers
workshops, resources and advice on nonviolent activism aimed at creating a just and fair
society. Their message is that protests need not be violent. There is no need to throw
stones at the police or burn down shops in order to get a message across. Quakers pride
themselves on their passive approach to solving problems.
If using an individual
Catholic view = Oscar Romero campaigned for justice and peace in El Salvador
throughout the late 1970s. The government was very corrupt and treated the majority of
people very badly. When the people spoke out they were often beaten, imprisoned and
sometimes murdered. Some of the poor people wanted to use violence to overthrow the
government. Romero refused to support anyone that used violence. He said ‘violence was
not what God wanted’ and therefore supported non-violent protest only. He preached a
message of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Even when threatened and imprisoned
Romero continued to pray and work for peace. Romero was murdered whilst saying Mass
yet even in this final Mass Romero called upon the soldiers as fellow Christians to obey
God's higher order and to stop carrying out the government's repression and violations of
basic human rights sadly these appeals fell on deaf ears.
Quaker view = Eric Baker was a British Quaker and a peace maker who was one of the
founders of the human rights group Amnesty International. He also served as the head of
a Quaker organisation called Quaker Peace and Social Witness. The aim of this group
was to promote and practice the Quaker testimonies of peace, equality, simplicity and
truth. He was a pacifist and a conscientious objector during WWII. During the war he
worked on the Famine Relief campaign which raised funds to buy food and other basic
supplies for those suffering due to the war. While working for Amnesty International
from 1961 until his death in 1976 Baker worked tirelessly for peace in various parts of the
world. He also helped to make the world aware of many of the human rights abuses that
were taking place. Baker is remembered today as being an honest, hard working and
inspirational figure who tried to change the world for the better.
e. ‘You can’t be a true religious believer if you mix with people of other religions’
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Many Christians would disagree with this statement. Jesus himself mixed with Jews,
Romans, Greeks and other Gentiles of mixed faiths. He did not ignore or discriminate
against those with different faiths and therefore nor should his followers. In fact one of
Jesus’ last instructions to his disciples was for them to ‘go out and spread the good news
to all the peoples in all the nations’. Today many Christians support things like Christian
Unity where different types of Christians come to work and worship together. Many
Christians also work with members of other faiths such as Jews, Muslims, Hindus and
Sikhs to promote interfaith dialogue in order to build trust and friendship so that people
can work together to achieve common goals for the good of the whole community.
Some religious believers consider their faith and way of life to be superior to others.
Some Christians for example are exclusivists (they believe only Christians can go to
heaven) and this attitude may prevent them working and building meaningful
relationships with people of other faiths. Some Jews and some Muslims refer to people of
other faiths as ‘infidels’ which means non believers and they are reluctant to mix with
these people.
I think it is not only possible but desirable for people to mix with people from other
faiths. At the heart of every major world religion lays a basic teaching similar to the
Golden Rule in Christianity – ‘treat others the way you would like to be treated’. It
therefore seems to me mixing with others of a different faith is natural and very
worthwhile.
2.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term interfaith dialogue.
This involves exploring common grounds between different faith groups. For example
some Jews and Muslims talk with each other in Palestine in an effort to build trust and
friendship and hopefully reduce levels of violence and tension.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might lead some religious believers to say war
is acceptable.
Some Christians believe in the just war theory. This theory claims that in certain
situations war is necessary – war becomes the lesser of two evils. For example if the aim
of the war is to bring about justice and peace to people that are being unjustly tortured,
killed and discriminated against. Some Christians might also say the use of violence was
acceptable to Jesus in some situations. For example Jesus over turned the money lenders’
tables in the Temple – showing anger and aggression. He allowed his disciples to carry
weapons and two of his disciples (Simon & Judas) were themselves Zealots (members of
a group that used violence against Romans).
c.
‘Religious organisations should
work towards reconciliation’
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this
statement.
(i)Some Christians would agree because they believe that God wants everyone to live in
peace and harmony therefore they should work towards this end. For example the
Corrymeela Community in the north of Ireland is a Christian peace and reconciliation
organisation that promotes reconciliation between the Catholic and Protestant
communities in the hope of overcoming years of hatred and division.
(ii)Some other Christians agree because if reconciliation does not take place between
individuals, communities and sometimes nations evil wins and conflict continues. In
South Africa Archbishop Desmond TuTu was a key figure in the Truth & Reconciliation
process that went on between blacks and whites aimed at building a more peaceful and
loving future.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions how believers might take practical
action to relieve suffering.
(You must state the religious traditions you are referring to)
Catholic view = Catholics believe they have a moral duty to care for those less fortunate
than themselves –‘love your neighbour’, ‘treat others the way you would like to be
treated’ etc. Cafod is a Catholic charity that aims to overcome suffering abroad. They
raise money to feed, clothe and shelter people. They also provide long term aid by
providing education, training and technical assistance so that communities can become
self sufficient.
Quaker view = Quakers try to show their faith through practical action. They organise
and support many initiatives aimed at ending human suffering and social injustice. One
such project is Quaker Housing Trust. This is a project which supports homeless people
by giving advice, support, loans or grants that would be difficult to find elsewhere.
Through social witness they aim to help homeless people of any age, colour or creed
when they are vulnerable. They believe that without a home a person will struggle to find
God living inside them.
e. ‘Forgiveness is a sign of weakness’
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Most Christians would disagree. Jesus himself taught his followers about the need to
forgive others. When the prostitute was about to be stoned to death Jesus said; ‘let he who
is without sin cast the first stone’ which was a reminder that we are all sinners and all in
need of forgiveness. Jesus also forgave Peter for denying him and even when on the cross
Jesus cried out; ‘father forgive them for they know not what they are doing’.
Many Christians today value forgiveness because it allows for reconciliation. If
people refuse to forgive one another then hatred and bitterness take over. People will
become obsessed about getting revenge and ‘two wrongs don’t make a right’ or as Gandhi
once said ‘an eye for an eye simply leaves everyone blind’.
Some Christians think that only God has the right to forgive and that punishment is
far more important and worthwhile than forgiveness. In the Old Testament God punished
sinners. For example he destroyed the army following Moses. He also destroyed the cities
of Sodom and Gomorrah for the amount of sinning taking place there. Some Christians
believe certain sins cannot be forgiven and this is why they support the death penalty for
certain crimes. They claim to forgive murderers and rapists is not only a sign of weakness
but also irresponsible as these criminals might repeat their actions in the future.
I think having the grace to forgive is a sign of strength not weakness. As
Alexander Pope once famously remarked ‘to err is human to forgive is divine’. I want
God and others to forgive me when I make mistakes therefore it is important that I too am
willing to forgive.
3.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term just war.
This refers to a war undertaken to protect the innocent or those being violated and to
restore justice and peace. An example of a just war was WWII. The allies fought against
Nazi injustices such as the holocaust.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might inspire a person to support those that are
suffering.
Christians believe that they have a moral responsibility to help those that are suffering –
‘treat others the way you would like to be treated’, just like the Good Samaritan did. Jesus
himself cured the blind and lepers. He made the paralysed walk again and he fed the
hungry. These examples inspire many Christians to take up a vocation or career to help
people suffering i.e. nursing, charity worker or peace keeper. Even Christians that perhaps
do not dedicate their whole life to supporting those that suffer might make a special effort
at certain times of the year for example Lent. Many schools and parishes have Good
Shepherd appeals or Good Samaritan initiatives aimed at overcoming human suffering.
c.
‘Pacifism is a waste of
time’
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this
statement.
(i)Some Christians believe pacifism is a waste of time in certain situations because it will
not protect the innocent or allow for justice. This is why many Christians support the just
war theory. Evil aggressors must be stopped and ‘if you are not part of the solution then
you are part of the problem’. It was on this basis that many Christians fought against the
Nazis.
(ii)Some other Christians such as Martin Luther King believe that violence can never be
justified. They gain inspiration from parts of the Gospel such as when Jesus said things
such as ‘love your enemy’, ‘if someone strikes you on one cheek offer them the other’
and ‘he who lives by the sword will die by the sword’. These people support pacifism
rather than conflict.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions why terrorism is not acceptable.
(You must state the religious traditions you are referring to)
Catholic view = The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that it is wrong to
deliberately intimidate and hurt others. Christians are supposed to treat others with
dignity and respect and in doing so uphold the teachings of ‘love your neighbour’ and
‘treat others the way you would like to be treated’. Catholics believe the unjust killing of
people is a mortal sin because it breaks the commandment ‘thou shall not kill’. Catholic
leaders such as Oscar Romero have spoken out against those that use terror in order to
control others such as the government in El Salvador in the late 1970s.
Quaker view = From early in their 350 year history, Quakers have taken a clear stand for
peace. Their words and actions in opposition to war and in support of peace have come to
be known as 'the Quaker peace testimony'. Quakers are committed to working for peace
and justice through nonviolent social change. Quakers seek to wage peace at all levels of
society, from teaching mediation to school children to being active in disarmament. Acts
of terror go against everything Quakers stand for. Quakers will therefore condemn all acts
of terror and seek to act in non violent ways that overcome terrorism at home and abroad.
e. ‘Religious organisations aren’t likely to create peace’.
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Many Christians would disagree with this view and that is the reason why so many are
prepared to join and support various organisations based on Christian values that seek to
bring peace to various parts of the world. For example Pax Christi is an organisation
working in the Middle East that has successfully worked to bring about cease fires in
Palestine and Syria. They arrange for representatives from different sides to meet and
speak in the hope of ending conflict on a permanent basis.
The CHristian International Peace Service (CHIPS) is another organisation that has
helped to end conflicts across the world over the last 40 years. They are currently
focusing efforts on creating and maintaining peace in Uganda. They often act as
mediators to help resolve issues between different tribes and political groups.
Quaker organisations have for many years helped to establish and maintain peace in
different parts of the world. Quakers are often trusted because they do not get involved in
politics and are viewed as neutral. This gives them an advantage that most other
organisations do not have and therefore increases their chances of being successful.
Some people disagree with this statement. They feel that religious organisations may
be well intentioned but they lack the resources and authority to be truly effective. Instead
more powerful third parties are needed to bring peace such as the United Nations or
NATO. If those fighting refuse to listen then they can be forced to stop fighting by an
even greater power.
I think religious organisations can and do help to create peace across the world. Most
people in the world have a faith of some description and most faiths value justice and
peace. This means that people of faith can work together through interfaith dialogue to
build bridges and help stop needless wars and suffering.
4.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term non-violent protest.
This involves showing disapproval without damaging property or causing any threat.
Martin Luther King organised a bus boycott which was a peaceful demonstration against
discrimination.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might influence a persons’ attitude towards
peace.
Many Christians pray and work for peace in their everyday lives. In the bible it says
‘blessed are the peacemakers’ and Jesus himself told his followers to ‘love one another’.
He even said ‘love your enemy’. This is very difficult but can be very worthwhile and
rewarding. By being peaceful to your neighbour, foreigners and even your enemy helps
create the kingdom of God here on earth. Peace allows people to live without fear and this
is why Christians support and encourage peace in the world today. Where conflict does
exist Christians will try to act in ways that will bring about peace and reconciliation.
c.
‘People are the cause of
suffering-not God’
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this
statement.
(i)Some Christians would agree with this view because moral evil is the result of human
actions. Examples of moral evil include stealing, raping and killing. These acts are carried
out by people with free will. These people choose to act in this way therefore they are
responsible for the suffering caused not God.
(ii)Some other Christians might disagree with this view because natural evil causes
suffering and this is not caused by people. For example the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004
killed almost 300,000 people and left thousands more injured and homeless. This was not
caused by people. In fact some would describe it as an ‘act of God’.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions the attitude towards non-violent
protest.
(You must state the religious traditions you are referring to)
Catholic view = The Catholic Church encourages its followers to stand up and speak out
against injustice in a non violent manner. The Catechism teaches about the importance of
social justice. These teachings echo the prophets such as Amos who wrote ‘let justice roll
down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream’. Micah also wrote we
must ‘act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly’. There is no room here for needless
aggression and acts of violence because even those that you are protesting against are
children of God. Catholics try to recognise Christ in others and therefore treat them with
dignity and respect. Peaceful protests are attempts to remain dignified and respectful to
others in the hope that conflict and injustices will end and this will eventually lead to
reconciliation.
Quaker view = One of the core testimonies of the Quaker faith is their total commitment
to non violence. The Quaker way implies non-violence in thought word and deed. Most
Quakers refuse to fight in wars, and make clear their opposition to all preparations for it.
The Society of Friends (Quakers) is regarded as one of the traditional ‘peace churches’.
Quakers have a long history of seeking peaceful solutions to problems and tensions that
arise in the world. During WWI & WWII Quakers on mass refused to fight much to the
annoyance of the government, the army and many others. Some though did carry out
heroic work as front line ambulance workers risking their lives to tend to the needs of all
soldiers. Their commitment to pacifism is admired by many worldwide.
e. ‘Non-violent protests achieve nothing’.
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Most Christians disagree with this statement. There are numerous examples in history
where non-violent protests have achieved a lot. For example Martin Luther King was a
civil rights leader who refused to use violence even when he and his followers were
attacked, imprisoned and in some cases killed. Eventually their efforts were rewarded and
a civil rights bill was passed giving black people equality in the eyes of the law in the US.
Furthermore Christian missionaries throughout Africa and South America organised nonviolent protests and campaigns highlighting social injustices and in many cases
succeeded in bringing about change.
People from other faiths have also held successful non-violent protests. Gandhi on
several occasions refused to eat until those fighting in India stopped. As both sides had
such respect for him and didn’t want him to die they did as he requested. Another
example of people that use non-violent protests are Buddhist monks led by the Dali
Lama. They have gained a lot of international support for their protests against human
rights abuses carried out by the Chinese government in Tibet.
Some people disagree with the statement. Some Christians would say that in certain
situations only violent protest will work. For example Dietrich Bonheoffer was a German
Christian and a pacifist who originally thought only peaceful protests was justified.
However he eventually changed his mind and actively took part in a failed attempt to kill
Hitler. Some Christians will also say that the fact there is a just war theory itself proves
that in some cases non-violent protest will achieve nothing.
I think non-violent protests can and do achieve a lot. I believe that most conflicts in
the world can be solved peacefully. However I also feel that in certain extreme cases
physical force is needed. When this is the case only the minimum amount of force should
be used and peace restored as quickly as possible.
5.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term pacifism.
This refers to the belief that any form of violence or war is wrong. Martin Luther King
always told his followers to be peaceful even when threatened or attacked by others.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might influence a persons’ attitude towards
forgiveness and reconciliation.
Christians believe that forgiveness and reconciliation is very important because
relationships get damaged. For example trust can be broken, people sometimes tell lies
about others and in some cases people physically hurt others. Forgiveness is needed to
rebuild the relationship. Christians believe that without forgiveness a person is unable to
move on from a painful event. Forgiveness is important to create peace, particularly in
situations of conflict and war. However forgiving others is difficult and sometimes
Christians pray for the strength and courage to do this. Catholics have the sacrament of
reconciliation which focuses on the importance of saying sorry, receiving forgiveness
and rebuilding relationships.
c.
‘People who suffer
usually deserve it’
’
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this
statement.
(i)Some Christians will disagree with this view. They might refer to the phrase ‘innocent
victim’ which unfortunately we hear quite a lot. The young child killed in a house fire, the
mother paralysed in a car crash caused by another driver, or the father who loses his job
through no fault of his own are all examples of people suffering through no fault of their
own. Jesus suffered for being loving and kind as did his disciples. Other innocent victims
in history include Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and countless others.
(ii)Some other Christians will agree. They might say that people who suffer due to illness
usually cause it due to living unhealthy lifestyles e.g. drinking, smoking, poor diets etc.
Also many poor people made bad choices in life e.g. messed around in school, too lazy to
look for a decent job etc. Then there are criminals who get fined, sent to prison or even
executed, again they are responsible for their actions and therefore deserve the
punishments. Finally there are those Christians that will say all human suffering is the
result of original sin.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions the attitude towards war.
(You must state the religious traditions you are referring to)
Catholic view = The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that every effort must be
made to avoid war because of the suffering wars cause. However Catholics accept that in
some extreme cases war is sometimes necessary (‘the lesser of two evils’). In such cases
the just war theory must be followed. This outlines rules that must be followed before,
during and after the war. For example a war must be the last resort, it must be waged by a
lawful authority and it should bring about good. The war should also be winnable,
minimum force used and only legitimate targets attacked.
Quaker view = A basic belief of the Quaker way of life is their commitment to nonviolence. The vast majority of Quakers are absolute pacifists. They refuse to accept that
violence can ever be the answer. Their attitude is simply that violence of any sort
increases the amount of suffering that exists in the world and is therefore wrong. When
conflict occurs Quakers support dialogue (talking), they promote things such as
compromise, understanding, patience and forgiveness. They believe that alternatives to
war can always be found even though this may take considerable time and effort. This is
why many Quakers are actively involved in peace initiatives across the world today for
example in Palestine where they promote interfaith dialogue between Jews and
Muslims.
e. ‘If someone is suffering, it is probably their own fault’
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Some Christians believe that all human suffering is the result of original sin. In the book
of Genesis we are told that because Adam and Eve disobeyed God they were thrown out
of the Garden of Eden. As a result they inherited original sin which meant human nature
became flawed and people had a tendency to sin. The story claims that God inflicted
suffering on men and women by forcing all future men to work to earn a living and
women to experience pain through child birth. Being no longer in paradise meant that all
future generations would experience pain and suffering in life.
Other Christians would say that a lot of human suffering is the result of poor choices
made by people. Many so called ‘accidents’ could be avoided if people simply stopped
and thought about what they were doing and took the necessary precautions. For example
if people didn’t drink or speed then they wouldn’t lose their driving licences. If people
didn’t smoke they probably wouldn’t get cancer. Glen Hoddle (former England manager,
Spurs legend and devout Christian) went as far to say that all human suffering was a
punishment for sins by God. In other words the child in a wheelchair was being punished
by God for something they or their parents did! Needless to say he was sacked as England
manager for holding such views.
I think, and am sure many religious believers would agree that a lot of human
suffering is not the fault of the person suffering. For example the innocent victims killed
in a war even though they did not start the war or fight during the war. Then there are
people who are born with or develop awful diseases again through no fault of their own.
Finally there are those that suffer due to natural evil again they had no control over this.
6.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term reconciliation.
This involves bringing harmony to a situation of disagreement and discord. For example
black and white people learned to live as equals in South Africa after the Apartheid
system had ended.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might encourage a person to support non
violent protest.
Christians believe that they should follow the example of Jesus. Jesus taught a message of
love and forgiveness – ‘love one another’, ‘forgive those that trespass against you’ etc.
Even when Jesus was about to be wrongfully arrested and sentenced to death he
prevented his angry followers from resorting to violence in Gethsemane – ‘he who lives
by the sword will die by the sword’. Today Christians try to lead by example. Christians
will try to show compassion and understanding and to treat those that they are protesting
against with dignity and respect. This is because those that they are protesting against are
also children of God and they too have human rights which must be respected. Therefore
most Christians will always promote peace and reconciliation over violence and conflict.
c.
‘Reconciliation is a sign
of weakness’
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this
statement.
(i)Some Christians would totally disagree because it takes great courage to seek
forgiveness when you have done something wrong or to forgive another when you have
been wronged. The bible teaches that reconciliation is needed for people to live in peace
and harmony with one another. The Lord’s Prayer (Our father) says ‘forgive us our
trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us’. By doing this you create the
conditions for reconciliation to take place.
(ii)Some other Christians might agree in cases where a person has not apologised or does
not mean it when they have said sorry. For example in the case of a cheating husband or
wife why should their partner forgive them and be ‘reconciled’ if they have done this
thing many times before? Adultery goes against a commandment and breaks sacred
marriage vows to simply ‘forgive and forget’ would not only be a sign of weakness but
stupidity also.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions the attitude towards suffering.
(You must state the religious traditions you are referring to)
Catholic view = The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that suffering is a part of
life in an imperfect world. Our health, well being and life itself is only loaned to us by
God. God gave us life and at some point we will be called back to God. Jesus shared in
our human suffering and promised those that offer their suffering up to God the Father
will receive salvation. Sometimes suffering is a mystery however Catholics believe that
so long as they do what God wants and expects they will be rewarded for their suffering.
As Jesus said in Gethsemane ‘not what I want but what you will’. Therefore Catholics
turn to God in prayer during times of suffering and ask for strength and continued faith.
Quaker view = Quakers too accept that suffering is a part of life. One of the Quaker
‘Advices’ is to think about your own suffering and eventual death. Accept that old age
and illness is natural and prepare for this as best you can so that you do not burden others.
Quakers though will often point out that that whilst old age may bring increasing
loneliness and disability it can also bring wisdom and peace of mind. They believe it is
better to adopt a healthy attitude towards the unpleasant things in life that you have no
real control over. By remaining positive in mind and spirit a person is able to deal with
suffering in a much better way.
e. ‘War doesn’t achieve anything’.
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Many Christians would agree with the statement that is why so many are against war.
Quakers are a good example of Christians that are passive. They believe that the use of
violence in any situation is wrong because of the hurt that it causes. Quakers have
famously campaigned for peace and refused to take part in wars ever since they were
founded in 1650. They believe in peace and that people need to find an inner peace first.
They believe that when you open yourself up to God’s spirit you will find that peace.
Once you have found peace in your own life you will want others to share in this and
therefore you will campaign against all forms of conflict and war.
Some Christians would claim that Jesus himself taught us to be peaceful – ‘love one
another’, ‘love your enemy’, ‘blessed are the peace makers’, ‘he who lives by the sword
will die by the sword’ etc. Instead of fighting Christians try to promote key values such as
love, compassion, empathy, patience, understanding, forgiveness and reconciliation.
However some Christians would disagree with this claim. They might say that parts of
the bible support the use of violence. In the Old testament God is described as a ‘great
warrior’. God destroys the Egyptian army to save Moses and the Israelites. God helps
David kill Goliath on the battlefield. Furthermore these religious believers might say that
war alone stopped evil men like Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Osama Bin Laden and Colonel
Gaddafi.
I think war can achieve things but I believe the war must be just. I support the just
war theory which puts certain conditions on when force can be used and how that force
is to be used. Nobody really wants war but sometimes it is necessary.