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Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three possible causes of terrorism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 3
Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three possible causes of terrorism. (b) Describe Christian attitudes to apocalyptic warfare (nuclear). (c) Explain how reli... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three possible causes of terrorism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three possible causes of terrorism.
Answer
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Emotional reasons such as fear and hate of others.
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Belief that violence is a justified response to a given situation, seeing it as a necessary means to an end.
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Religious extremism where individuals or groups interpret religious texts to justify acts of terrorism.
Step 2
Describe Christian attitudes to apocalyptic warfare (nuclear).
Answer
Many Christians believe that nuclear war cannot be justified under any circumstances, aligning with the teachings of Jesus about the sanctity of life. They argue that the potential consequences of nuclear weapons—mass destruction and loss of life—are incompatible with Christian teachings. Additionally, some express concern about the misuse of authority in justifying nuclear weapons, emphasizing the need for peace and disarmament.
Step 3
Explain how religious teachings have influenced Christians working for peace.
Answer
Christian teachings, particularly from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-44), encourage Christians to promote peace and reconciliation. For instance, the principle of 'blessed are the peacemakers' inspires believers to strive for harmony in conflict situations. Many Christians refer to these teachings as a moral guide, often engaging in initiatives that foster dialogue and understanding among different groups. Additionally, movements such as the Anglican Pacifist Fellowship embody this commitment to peace influenced by religious teachings.
Step 4
'It is important to fight against social injustice.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
The statement resonates with Christian beliefs that advocate for social justice, rooted in scripture that emphasizes the care for the marginalized. Christian teachings often highlight the importance of addressing systemic inequities, as seen in the prophetic calls for justice reflected in the Old Testament.
From a practical perspective, many churches and organizations engage in social justice initiatives, working to address issues like poverty, inequality, and discrimination as a manifestation of their faith. This fight against social injustice is viewed as integral to living out one's beliefs, reflecting the love and compassion Jesus taught.
However, the perspectives within Christianity may vary, with some emphasizing personal spiritual growth over social activism, suggesting a need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both personal faith and communal responsibility.