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Religion, peace and conflict (a) Give three Jewish teachings about pacifism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 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 diff... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer: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 sanctity of life: Judaism teaches that all life is precious and should be protected. This principle underscores the importance of avoiding violence.
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Pursuing peace: The Talmud states, "He who follows after peace should be deemed great" (Psalms 34:14). This highlights the commitment to seeking peace in relationships and communities.
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The call for justice: Judaism encourages the pursuit of justice, which can lead to peace. Micah 6:8 commands believers to 'do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.'
Step 2
Describe ways in which a Jew might work for peace.
Answer
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Community engagement: Many Jews work for peace by engaging in community service, helping to build stronger, more peaceful societies.
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Interfaith dialogue: Participating in discussions with people of other faiths promotes understanding and tolerance, contributing to peace.
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Activism: Some Jews actively advocate for social justice issues, understanding that peace is often linked to equity and justice for all.
Step 3
Explain why there are different Jewish beliefs about forgiveness.
Answer
Jewish beliefs about forgiveness vary primarily due to interpretations of scripture and differing cultural contexts.
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Sources of authority: Different Jewish denominations interpret the Torah and Talmud in varied ways, leading to diverse beliefs about the importance and process of forgiveness.
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Personal vs. communal forgiveness: Some beliefs emphasize individual forgiveness, while others focus on communal aspects, highlighting different paths to reconciliation.
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Influence of tradition: Historical practices and traditions also shape views on forgiveness, leading to a rich tapestry of beliefs across various Jewish communities.
Step 4
'Nuclear war may sometimes be necessary.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
Introduction
The statement regarding nuclear war raises profound questions about morality, ethics, and the interpretation of Jewish teachings.
Arguments for the Statement
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Self-defense: Some argue that in extreme cases, nuclear weapons serve as a deterrent, ensuring national security and protecting civilians.
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Historical context: History shows instances where nuclear weapons ended conflicts, prompting some to consider their necessity in dire situations.
Counterarguments
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Sanctity of life: Judaism teaches about the value of all human life, making the idea of nuclear war fundamentally conflictive with these beliefs.
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Pursuit of peace: Jewish teachings emphasize peace and reconciliation, suggesting that any means that lead to massive destruction contradict the ultimate goal of peaceful coexistence.
Conclusion
The debate remains contentious, but from a Jewish perspective, many argue that peaceful solutions should always be sought first, with nuclear considerations being a last resort.