Section 3: Peace and Conflict Revision Guide
SECTION 3: Peace and Conflict
REVISION GUIDE
There are six main topics to know for this unit
“Success is a
habit – not
luck”
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The Causes of War
The United Nations
Just War Theory
Attitudes to War
Attitudes to Bullying
Attitudes to Forgiveness
A study
guide to
help every
pupil to
potentially
achieve an
A*!
GCSE Section 3 EXAMINATION SPECIFICATION
 Tick each section after thoroughly revising it and knowing it!
 If you are having trouble with a particular section put a star instead to
remind you to look at it again before the examination!!!
HINT
Remember for
‘C’ questions if
you cannot
develop four
ideas, really
develop 3 or
really (really)
explain 2 or
write a text
book entry for
1!
 Keywords – aggression, bullying, conflict resolution, exploitation,
forgiveness, just war, pacifism, reconciliation, respect, The United
Nations, Weapons of Mass Destruction, World Peace
 Give reasons for why war occurs, using examples from current
conflicts
 Describe how the UN works and give an example.
 Explain how religious organisations promote world peace.
 Outline the nature and importance of the Just War Theory.
 Explain different Christian attitudes to war.
 Outline Muslim attitudes to war.
 Outline attitudes to how religious conflicts occur within families
and how they might be resolved.
 Outline Christian and Muslim attitudes to bullying.
 Explain Christian and Muslim teachings on forgiveness and
reconciliation.
Section 3: Peace and Conflict Revision Guide
Keywords
Aggression:
Attacking without being provoked
Exploitation:
Taking advantage of a weaker group
Conflict Resolution:
Bringing a fight or struggle to a conclusion
Reconciliation:
Bringing together people who were opposed to each other
The United Nations:
An international body set up to promote world peace and co
operation
Weapons of Mass Destruction:
Weapons which can destroy large areas and numbers of people
World Peace:
The ending of war throughout the world (the basic aim of the
UN)
Forgiveness:
Stopping blaming someone or pardoning them for what they
have done wrong
Just War:
A war that is fought for the right reasons and in a right way
Pacifism:
The belief that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means
Bullying:
Intimidating or frightening people weaker than yourself
Respect:
Treating a person or their feelings with consideration
Section 3: Peace and Conflict Revision Guide
These notes have been written in bullet points to help you revise. However, you must answer in
full sentences and paragraphs in you examination.
Always develop each example, feature or opinion you describe or explain to maximise points to
achieve an A*!
Why do Wars occur?
The main factors which cause nations to go to war with each other are:
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Self defence
Natural resources
Long standing racial or ethnic hatred
Protecting people from persecution
Think to yourself:
Do you think it is ever
right to go to war?
You need to be able to
give two reasons for this!
Darfur
2003 – 2007 and Ongoing
2 sides: Arab Government vs. Non Arab Liberation
Movements
Darfur is in Sudan (a country in Africa). This year, over
1000 people have been killed due to the ongoing civil war.
Over 2.5 million people have been affected, losing their
homes and their land.
The Sudanese government has been accused of mass
killings and violations of human rights.
1. Environmental Reasons – years of drought have meant food and water resources have become
scarce. So, nomadic tribes have been forced to move south onto farmland owned by other people
who are also struggling to survive.
2. Long Standing Ethnic Hatred – between the Arabs and non Arabs. The Sudanese Government has
been accused of oppressing non-Arabs and favouring Arabs.
3. National Pride – South Sudan has recently become independent. The fight for it to become
independent contributed to the civil war as many people wanted Sudan to remain as one country.
4. Remote Location – the lack of communication and transport links in this part of Sudan meant it was
extremely difficult for people to become aware of the situation and the problem soon escalated out of
control.
Section 3: Peace and Conflict Revision Guide
The United Nations
A global organisation set up after World War 2. Its main aim
is to bring world peace.
Arms control & disarmament
Trade Restrictions
The UN has negotiated several
treaties where countries agree to
reduce the number and type of
weapons they have (especially
WMDs)
The UN can place trade sanctions
on aggressive countries,
preventing it from selling certain
products – putting global
pressure and financial pressure
onto the country to resolve its
problems.
Peacekeeping Forces
Military Action
The UN can send soldiers to an
area of conflict to prevent
violence from breaking out or
escalating. Their main task is to
protect civilians. Soldiers are
neutral and can only shoot in self
defence.
Members of the UN must vote for
this and it is used as a last resort.
In 1991 UN force successfully
drove out the Iraqi forces from
Kuwait.
Success
Failure
 UN peacekeeping forces have been  Not all wars have stopped
successful in two out of three
 The UN was unable to stop the
peacekeeping efforts
Rwandan genocide in 1994
 The number of wars has reduced
 The UN was too slow to prevent
 Human rights abuses have been
the mass killings in Darfur in 2003
reduced
Section 3: Peace and Conflict Revision Guide
Religious Organisations and Peace
Religious organizations campaign non-violently for world peace by:
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Encouraging reconciliation
Teaching forgiveness
Encouraging opposing sides to talk to each other
Encouraging non-violent protests
Speaking out against human rights abuses
The World Council of Churches
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Founded after world war 2 and encourages
all Christians to work together
It teaches about God and attempts to heal
divisions between people of different
nations
It encourages those involved in disputes to
talk to one another and achieve
reconciliations
Central to its ideas is the belief that Jesus
taught the need for forgiveness, peace and
unity among all people
Islamic Relief
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Founded in 1984 it works to help victims of
war
It helps those suffering as a victim of war
across the world
It has worked in Bosnia, Somalia and Iraq
Muhammad helped the weak and
vulnerable – Muslims believe they should
follow his Sunnah
Just War Theory
A war that is fought for the right reasons and in a right way
St Augustine (a Christian) suggested certain conditions which would allow a religious believer to fight
in a conflict – known as the Just War Theory.
For a war to be just there must be:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Reasonable chance of success
A just cause (i.e. resisting aggression and injustice)
The methods must be fair and reasonable (i.e. no WMDs)
It’s main aim must be peace
Innocent civilians must not be targeted
It must be a last resort (i.e. tried other non-violent methods first)
Problems with the just war
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Both sides in the war may claim their cause is ‘just’ (e.g. Hitler claiming what he did was
right, just as the allied forces would have claimed their reasons were just)
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Recently it has been manipulated by skilful leaders to justify their actions and suggest that
what they have done is God’s will (e.g. President Bush declared the USA was a force of good
when invading Iraq)
Section 3: Peace and Conflict Revision Guide
Christian attitudes to War
Agree with war
(If it is just)
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Many Christian Churches accept the JUST
WAR THEORY and would argue God would
also support such wars (e.g. World Wars,
Gulf War and Falklands War)
Disagree with war
Pacifists refuse to fight in wars – e.g. Quakers
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Decalogue forbids killing: “You shall not
commit murder”
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Jesus was called the Prince of Peace – he
taught to turn the other cheek and to love
your enemies
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Jesus taught to obey the lawful government
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St Paul said people must obey those in
authority – as God establishes all authority
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Nuclear weapons can cause unimaginable
suffering on innocent people
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Jesus told his disciples to: “sell your cloak
and buy a new sword” if you did not have
one!
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The belief in sanctity of life
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The belief that pacifism is a positive
commitment to peacemaking and peace
building
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Some Christians would argue sometimes
war is the lesser of two evils (i.e. the result
of not going to war would be much worse)
Greater Jihad:
Personal struggle which
Muslims should face
within themselves to
make them a better
Muslim
E.G: doing good deeds,
visiting the mosque,
helping the poor,
contributing to the
ummah
Muslim attitudes to War
Muslims believe that there are certain circumstances where the use of violence is
permitted (see Lesser Jihad) and they should fight because:
* The Quran teaches to fight if they are attacked
* Muhammad fought in wars himself – Muslims follow Muhammad’s Sunnah
* Many Hadiths (Muhammad’s teachings) permit Muslims to fight in just wars
* The Quran teaches that anyone who dies in a just and will go straight to heaven
Lesser Jihad:
Physical war or
struggle
- Just cause
- Last resort
- Minimum suffering
- Aim should be
peace
- Authorised by a
Muslim authority
A growing number of Muslims believe that war is never the right response
because:
* Peace, reconciliation and forgiveness is at the heart of Islam
* Modern weapons (especially WMDs) will almost always result in innocent
civilians being killed – going against Muslim rules about fighting in war
* Violence leads to more violence – war only increases hatred between both
sides
* Non-violent methods are the only way to achieve peace in the end
Section 3: Peace and Conflict Revision Guide
Religious Attitudes to Bullying
Christians
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Bullying is without just cause so against all
Christian teachings
Every individual has been created by God and in
his own image – bullying would be mistreating
God’s creation
Jesus taught the Golden Rule
Jesus taught to protect the weak and vulnerable
– this links with Parable of the Sheep and
Goats
God will judge everyone on the Day of
Judgement – this includes how Christians have
treated one another (i.e. not been bullies)
Muslims
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Bullying is without just cause so against all
Islamic teachings
Every individual has been created by Allah and
in his own image – bullying would be
mistreating God’s creation
Muhammad taught to protect the weak and
vulnerable – Muslims follow his Sunnah
God will judge everyone on the Day of
Judgement – this includes how Muslims have
lived their lives and treated one another (i.e.
not been bullies)
Religious Conflicts in Families
Religion and religious issues can cause conflict within a family, whether that family
is religious or not.
1. Religious Beliefs - The child could become more religious than its parents, could convert to a
different religion or could become atheist.
2. Social Behaviour – Such as drinking or taking drugs and socialising with members of the
other sex may cause conflict within families
3. Moral Issues – Such as sex before marriage, contraception, homosexuality, abortion can all
cause conflict within families
4. Jobs and careers – For example, choosing to become a soldier could cause conflict if your
parents are pacifist or choosing to become a vicar could cause conflict with some parents
(low paid, against beliefs etc)
Can religion help solve conflicts?
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Families could pray to God for help, support and guidance. Praying together as a family
could bring people closer together.
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Teachings of forgiveness and reconciliation are at the heart of most religions (e.g. Jesus
taught to turn the other cheek and love your enemies)
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Religion teaches relationships between family members should be based on mutual love
respect and responsibility. For example, Christianity teaches that children should
honour their parents.
Section 3: Peace and Conflict Revision Guide
Christians & Forgiveness
1) The Bible teaches that people should forgive those they have had an argument or fight
with.
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you”
Unforgiveable Sins
Jesus taught people to forgive “seven times seventy seven times”
The Lord’s Prayer says: “Forgive everyone who sins against us”
2) Jesus died on the cross to bring forgiveness between God and humanity.
Therefore, Christians should forgive others.
If there is a definite
Bible teaching and
you go against
Christian beliefs,
some would argue
these are
unforgivable.
3) Treat people how you would like to be treated – the Golden Rule.
Nobody is perfect and if you would like to be forgiven, you must also be willing to forgive
others.
4) God is benevolent and forgives people for their sins.
Therefore, Christians should also forgive others – they also believe God will help them to
forgive others when it is difficult.
Muslims & Forgiveness
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One of Allah’s name is “Allah the merciful”
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On the Day of Judgement Allah will forgive those who have shown forgiveness to fellow
Muslims
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Muslims follow Muhammad’s Sunnah and Hadiths – he taught you should forgive people
and be reconciled with those who have offended you
Unforgiveable Sins
Working against
Islam and denying
Islamic principles –
e.g. Danish cartoon
drawings of
Prophet
Muhammad (2005)
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There are many teachings in the Quran about the importance of
forgiveness: “If a person forgives … his reward is due from God”,
“Give justice to the person who was unfair to you” and “Don’t feel
envy against the other”.
Section 3: Peace and Conflict Revision Guide
Past Exam Questions
7. (a)
What is a just war?
(2)
(b) Do you think it is always possible to forgive?
Give two reasons for your point of view.
* (c) Explain, with examples, some of the ways in which the UN
works for peace.
(4)
(8)
(d) "All disputes should be settled by peaceful means."
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
(i)
Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(3)
(ii)
Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(Total for Question 7= 20 marks)
8. (a)
(b)
What is forgiveness?
(2)
Do you think wars are always bad?
Give two reasons for your point of view
(4)
* (c) Choose one religion other than Christianity and explain why followers
of that religion believe in the importance of forgiveness.
(8)
(d)
"Bullies should be excluded from school."
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
9. (a)
(i)
Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(3)
(ii)
Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
What is respect?
(Total for Question 8 = 20 marks)
(2)
(b) Do you think more needs to be done to prevent bullying?
Give two reasons for your point of view
* (c)
(d)
Explain the different Christian attitudes to war.
(4)
(8)
"If people were more religious, there would be less bullying."
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
(i)
Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(3)
(ii)
Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
(Total for Question 9 = 20 marks)