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Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three conditions of a Just War - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three conditions of a Just War. (b) Outline Christian teachings about pacifism. (c) Explain why Christians have different a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three conditions of a Just War - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three conditions of a Just War.
Answer
- Just Cause: A just war must have a valid reason, such as self-defense or protecting innocents from aggression.
- Legitimate Authority: Only duly constituted public authorities may wage war—this excludes private groups or individuals.
- Right Intention: The intention behind the war must be good, aiming to restore peace and order rather than seeking gain or punishment.
Step 2
Outline Christian teachings about pacifism.
Answer
Christian teachings on pacifism emphasize the principle of non-violence found in Jesus' teachings. Key points include:
- Turn the Other Cheek: In Matthew 5:39, Jesus encourages forgiveness and non-retaliation.
- Love Your Enemies: In Matthew 5:44, Christians are taught to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.
- The Sermon on the Mount: This encompasses teachings advocating for peace and reconciliation, highlighting that followers should strive to emulate Christ's example of love and compassion.
Step 3
Explain why Christians have different attitudes to terrorism.
Answer
Christians' attitudes toward terrorism vary based on interpretations of scripture, doctrine, and personal experiences. Some reasons include:
- Interpretation of Violence: Some Christians focus on the teachings of peace and love, rejecting all forms of violence, while others may justify violence in certain contexts such as self-defense.
- Historical Context: The historical experiences of Christians facing persecution may lead some to view violent actions as justified in response to oppression.
- Differing Doctrinal Views: Various denominations interpret biblical texts differently concerning moral matters, leading to diverse opinions on the justification of actions related to terrorism.
Step 4
"It is always possible to forgive people." Discuss this statement. In your answer, you should: Draw on your learning from across your course of study, including reference to beliefs, teachings and practices within Christianity Explain and evaluate the importance of points of view from the perspective of Christianity.
Answer
The statement that it is always possible to forgive people can be explored through scriptural references and theological understandings:
- The Teachings of Jesus: In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus emphasizes forgiveness, suggesting that it is the essence of Christian teaching to forgive as one has been forgiven.
- The Nature of God: Many Christians believe that God's nature is inherently forgiving, embodying the idea that forgiveness is a divine attribute that believers should imitate.
From a critical perspective:
- Human Experience: Forgiveness can be challenging and complex, often depending on the nature of the offense and the readiness of the individual to forgive. Some may argue that while forgiveness is a goal, it may not always be practical or possible, depending on emotional and psychological factors.
- Cultural Context: Different cultures have varying attitudes towards forgiveness, which can influence an individual’s perspective on the statement; not all cultures prioritize forgiveness in the same way.
In conclusion, while Christian teachings advocate for forgiveness, the reality of human emotions and societal constructs can complicate its practice, suggesting that while it is possible, it may not always be achievable.