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3 Religion, peace and conflict (a) Give three Jewish teachings about pacifism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
3 Religion, peace and conflict (a) Give three Jewish teachings about pacifism. (b) Describe ways in which a Jew might work for peace. (c) Explain why there are di... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:3 Religion, peace and conflict (a) Give three Jewish teachings about pacifism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Give three Jewish teachings about pacifism.
Answer
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The Teachings of the Torah: The Torah emphasizes the value of peace, particularly in verses like Leviticus 19:17-18 which encourages individuals not to hate others but to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
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The Principle of Pikuach Nefesh: This principle states that saving human life overrides almost any other religious rule, which aligns with pacifist values as it prioritizes the sanctity of life.
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Teachings from the Prophets: Many prophets, such as Isaiah, advocate for peace and the pursuit of justice, often envisioning a future where swords are turned into plowshares, highlighting the ideal of a peaceful society.
Step 2
Describe ways in which a Jew might work for peace.
Answer
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Community Involvement: Jews often participate in community organizations that promote dialogue and understanding among different faiths, fostering peace through interfaith initiatives.
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Education and Advocacy: Jewish individuals may engage in educational campaigns about the importance of peace and understanding, lobbying for policies that promote conflict resolution rather than aggression.
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Charitable Work: Supporting humanitarian efforts, including those that aid victims of conflict, demonstrates a commitment to peace and compassion in action.
Step 3
Explain why there are different Jewish beliefs about forgiveness.
Answer
Jewish beliefs about forgiveness vary due to theological interpretations and cultural practices. Some may prioritize the need for individuals to seek forgiveness actively, as outlined in traditional texts, while others emphasize God's mercy and the importance of inner reconciliation. Furthermore, different Jewish denominations may have varying teachings on the process of teshuva (repentance), affecting collective understanding of forgiveness.
Step 4
'Nuclear war may sometimes be necessary.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
The statement regarding nuclear war necessitates examination from a Jewish ethical perspective. Traditional Jewish teachings stress the sanctity of life, which contradicts the notion of warfare, particularly nuclear conflict, due to the indiscriminate loss of life it entails.
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Beliefs in Peace: Jewish doctrine advocates for peace as a fundamental value, prioritizing dialogue and reconciliation over violence.
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Interpretation of 'Just War': While some may argue that nuclear war could be justified for self-defense, others might assert that the sheer scale of destruction contradicts Jewish laws of warfare, which seek to minimize harm.
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Modern Implications: Evaluating contemporary geopolitical contexts and the devastating implications of nuclear warfare reveals a broader moral dilemma within the Jewish community. Many prioritize peace-building initiatives over the acceptance of nuclear conflict, echoing prophetic calls for harmony among nations.