3. Religion, peace and conflict (a) State three possible causes of terrorism - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 1

Jews engage in social justice through various avenues:

1. Community Service: Many Jewish organizations participate in initiatives such as food banks and shelters, reflecting the value of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

2. Advocacy: Jews often advocate for human rights and equality, promoting policies that support marginalized communities.

3. Education: Teaching about social justice issues is common in Jewish education, inspiring young people to take action in their communities.

Absolute pacifism holds the belief that violence is never justified under any circumstances. This perspective is often informed by religious texts and teachings such as the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill.'

In contrast, conditional pacifism allows for the use of force in certain situations, such as self-defense. Many conditional pacifists draw on ethical reasoning, arguing that protecting oneself or others can be morally permissible.

The necessity of reconciliation can be debated in various contexts. From a Jewish perspective, the importance of reconciliation may depend on specific situations.

1. Moral Teachings: Jewish teachings often prioritize forgiveness and the repair of relationships, reflecting the belief that reconciliation can lead to healing.

2. Situational Factors: However, when parties are unwilling to repent or acknowledge wrongdoing, reconciliation may not be achievable. In such cases, justice may take precedence.

3. Historical Contexts: Jewish history illustrates instances where reconciliation was pursued, but failed due to ongoing injustices, emphasizing that the context greatly influences whether reconciliation is deemed necessary or effective.