11.5 Religion & War (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Flashcards
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Define war.
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Define war.
An organised conflict, usually involving intense violence, carried out by one state (or states) against another.
Name three reasons countries go to war.
Greed, self-defence, religion, honour and retaliation.
How can greed be a reason for war?
War is used to gain land, territory or resources (e.g. oil) — as when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990, believed to be for its oil reserves.
What does 1 Timothy 6:10 warn about greed?
'For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil...' — Christianity warns against greed as a motive.
Why is self-defence seen as an acceptable reason for war?
Most people consider fighting in self-defence morally acceptable — defending the values, beliefs and way of life of one's country, and even other nations under threat.
What does Qur'an 22:39 say about fighting in self-defence?
'Those who have been attacked are permitted to take up arms because they have been wronged – God has the power to help them.'
Define retaliation (as a reason for war).
When one country commits an act of aggression and the victims want revenge on the aggressors.
Give a historical example of war begun through retaliation.
The 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks; or WWI, begun after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
What did Jesus teach about retaliation in Matthew 5:39?
'Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek' — do not respond to violence with violence.
What does Islam teach about retaliation?
It should be measured — Allah offers great rewards for choosing reconciliation over retaliation: 'if a person is patient and forgives, this is one of the greatest things' (Qur'an 42–43).
Romans 12:17 teaches: 'Do not repay anyone ______ for ______... live at peace with everyone.'
Romans 12:17 teaches: 'Do not repay anyone evil for evil... live at peace with everyone.'
Why is greed rejected by religions as a reason for war?
Greed comes from selfishness, a characteristic religions disapprove of; given the casualties of war, greed could never be a justifiable reason.
True or False?
Perpetrators of war are always honest about their reasons for fighting.
False.
They may mislead people — e.g. claiming religious or political reasons when the real motive is greed or a desire for power.
What is the general Christian attitude to war?
All Christians believe war is not a good thing and should be avoided; Christianity is a religion of peace — but they disagree on whether war can ever be justified.
Which teaching of Jesus supports Christians who reject all war?
'Blessed are the peacemakers' — those who follow peace are rewarded in Heaven; Jesus taught 'love your enemies' and to 'turn the other cheek'.
Which teachings do some Christians use to argue war can be justified?
Old Testament passages like 'take life for life, eye for eye' (Exodus 21:23-24), and Jesus overturning tables in the Temple showing violence is sometimes needed.
In what situations do many Christians accept war as justified?
In self-defence or to protect the weak and innocent, and when seen as a 'Just War' or 'Holy War' — but as a last resort.
Define a pacifist (Christian attitude to war).
A Christian who rejects violence and war of any kind, for any reason, believing war can never be condoned as innocent people will be killed.
When does Islam teach that war is justified?
When Muslims are being attacked (self-defence) — 'Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits' (Qur'an 2:190).
Can a faithful Muslim fight a war of aggression?
No — Muslims should not be the first to attack; any conflict in which they are the aggressor cannot be fought by a faithful Muslim.
Give two conflicts a Muslim should NOT be involved in.
One that takes resources from others, forces others to become Muslim, or seeks to change another country's political leadership or culture.
Qur'an 2:190 permits fighting those who fight you, 'but do not ______ limits; for Allah loves not transgressors'.
Qur'an 2:190 permits fighting those who fight you, 'but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors'.
Why do Christian attitudes to war often depend on which testament is used?
The Old Testament seems to condone war in some circumstances, while the New Testament (Jesus' teachings) strongly emphasises peace and non-violence.
What example from Muhammad's (pbuh) life shows justified self-defence?
When Makkah violated the peace by attacking one of his allies, he raised an army and fought against them.
True or False?
All Christians agree that war can never be justified.
False.
Some Christians are pacifists, but many believe war can be justified in self-defence or to protect the weak — as a last resort.
Define weapons of mass destruction.
Nuclear, chemical and biological weapons — so called because the damage they can do is devastating.
When and where were nuclear weapons first used?
In August 1945, when the USA dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (killing 84,000) and Nagasaki (killing 40,000), leading to Japan's surrender.
Define fallout.
The radioactive material spread after a nuclear explosion, which has devastating long-term effects on air, water and soil.
Give two consequences of a nuclear war.
Huge loss of life, destruction of towns and countryside, thousands becoming refugees, and long-term radiation damage to the environment.
Why do most Christians oppose nuclear weapons?
They breach the sanctity of life — only God can end life; 'You shall not murder' (Exodus 20:13); and they don't fit the Just War Theory as force isn't proportional and civilians are attacked.
Which Qur'an verse do Muslims cite against taking sacred life?
Qur'an 6:151: 'Take not life that God has made sacred' — Muslims believe in the sanctity of life and condemn life being taken.
Why do nuclear weapons conflict with the concept of Lesser Jihad?
They go against the ideas of proportionality and not attacking civilians — 'Fight... but do not overstep the limits' (Qur'an 2:190).
What is the main argument FOR a country having nuclear weapons?
They act as a deterrent — their potential to destroy the earth prevents one country attacking another, and may already have prevented wars.
Give two arguments AGAINST having nuclear weapons.
They deliberately target innocent civilians (against Just/Holy War), threaten world extinction, are uncontrollable once released, and destroy the environment.
Qur'an 2:195 warns: 'Do not contribute to your own ______ with your own hands, but do good.'
Qur'an 2:195 warns: 'Do not contribute to your own destruction with your own hands, but do good.'
How might a utilitarian argue in favour of nuclear weapons?
The bombs that ended WWII may have prevented more deaths had the war continued — a net benefit.
Why can nuclear weapons never satisfy the sanctity of life?
As weapons of mass destruction, it is impossible to guarantee that innocent individuals will not be killed.
True or False?
All Christians who oppose nuclear weapons also reject the idea of nuclear deterrence.
False.
Some Christians think the weapons are wrong but can help keep the peace as a deterrent, following 'Blessed are the peacemakers'.
Define a Just War.
A war that follows agreed rules or guidelines making it justifiable or fair — fought only when it is the only way to prevent a greater evil.
Who developed the Christian Just War rules?
St Augustine (4th century) first attempted rules; St Thomas Aquinas (13th century) wrote them in detail.
Give three conditions of the Just War theory.
It must have a just reason, be started by a proper authority, be a last resort, have a reasonable chance of success, and avoid civilian deaths.
What must the desired outcome of a Just War be?
Peace — the promotion of good over evil, using no more force than is necessary to win.
Which two international agreements govern the conduct of modern war?
The Geneva Convention (accepted by the UK in 1957) and the United Nations (founded 1945), which encourages peaceful resolution of disputes.
How does Islam's Lesser Jihad relate to just war?
There is no formal Just War theory, but the Lesser Jihad obliges Muslims to fight under strict conditions — last resort, self-defence, decided by a state leader, for a just cause, not personal gain.
What rules did the caliph Abu Bakr set for conduct in war?
No treachery, no mutilating the dead, no killing women, children or old men, no harming fruit-bearing trees, killing animals only for food, and not harming devout people such as monks.
A Just War must be a ______ ______, when every effort to resolve the conflict peacefully has failed.
A Just War must be a last resort, when every effort to resolve the conflict peacefully has failed.
Why do Christians and Muslims oppose chemical weapons even in a just war?
The damage is not proportionate and harms innocent civilians, so their use does not fit the criteria of a Just War.
Define absolute pacifist.
Someone who believes it is never right to take part in war, even in self-defence — the value of human life is too high to justify deliberate killing.
What is the difference between a conditional and a selective pacifist?
Conditional pacifists oppose war in principle but accept it may sometimes be less bad than the alternative; selective pacifists only oppose wars involving weapons of mass destruction.
Which two Christian groups strongly emphasise pacifism?
The Mennonites and the Quakers (Religious Society of Friends), who have a total commitment to non-violence.
Why do some Christians disagree with the Just War theory?
Because it defends the concept of war in certain circumstances, which could lead to a general acceptance of war.
True or False?
All pacifists refuse to help in any way during a war.
False.
Many refuse to fight but take part in activities that reduce the harm of war, such as driving ambulances.
Define a Holy War.
A war declared or waged in support of a religious cause.
Why do many people see 'Holy War' as a contradiction?
Christianity and Islam are peaceful religions, so killing in large numbers seems to go against their teachings — no such activity seems to have religious justification.
What is the general Christian view on Holy War today?
Most Christians follow Jesus' teaching that violence is not justified ('all who draw the sword, die by the sword', Matthew 26:52) and prefer the power of argument to military strength.
Give two Christian criteria for a Holy War.
It must be authorised by a religious leader of great authority, and its purpose must be to defend the Christian faith from attack.
Why is Holy War an important concept in Islam?
Through the Lesser Jihad, it defends Islam and the rights of Muslims — Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers were forced to fight to defend themselves from attackers.
Give three Islamic guidelines governing when a Holy War can be declared.
It cannot force conversion or be for financial gain; it must be fought for God (not a leader's power); Islam must be under threat; and it must be a last resort declared by a fair religious leader.
When may a Muslim refuse to go to a Holy War?
If their families cannot survive without them — Muhammad (pbuh) instructed that some remain in villages to defend the women and children.
What is promised to a Muslim killed defending Islam in a Holy War?
A place in paradise.
Qur'an 2:190 permits fighting those who fight you, 'but do not transgress limits… if they cease let there be no ______'.
Qur'an 2:190 permits fighting those who fight you, 'but do not transgress limits… if they cease let there be no hostility'.
Which Old Testament verse is sometimes used to justify religious violence?
Deuteronomy 7:2: 'when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you... you must destroy them totally... show them no mercy.'
Was a Muslim soldier allowed to flee the battlefield in a Holy War?
No — Muhammad (pbuh) instructed soldiers to remain until the battle was won; running away was considered against God as it endangered their comrades.
True or False?
Like a Just War, a Holy War in Islam must be a last resort in self-defence.
True.
As with just war, Holy War must be the last resort, in self-defence, after negotiation and diplomatic efforts have failed.
Give an example of a religious war from history.
The Crusades (11th–14th century) between Christians and Muslims, where both sides believed God was helping them to win.
Which verse has been used to suggest religion can bring conflict?
Matthew 10:34: 'Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth... I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.'
How have some extremist groups misused Islam to justify violence?
Groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIS have waged civil war and terrorism claiming a holy war — an extreme form of Islam that most Muslims strongly oppose.
What were 'the Troubles' in Northern Ireland?
A conflict (1968–1998) with tensions between Protestants and Catholics — though many see it as more political than religious — involving discrimination and violence against both.
How can religious people promote peace directly and indirectly?
Directly by working with organisations that help war victims or by protesting; indirectly by donating money to peace causes or praying for peace.
Name a Christian and a Muslim organisation that promote peace.
Pax Christi (Catholic, peaceful conflict resolution) and the Muslim Peace Fellowship (promotes peace, justice and non-violence).
Give two ways religion has been a cause of war.
Trying to forcibly convert others (e.g. pagan communities in medieval Europe), and disputes over important religious sites (e.g. holy sites in Jerusalem).
Why is Jerusalem a site of religious conflict?
It contains several holy sites important to Jews, Muslims and Christians, which has led to conflict.
Why can religion intensify a war when it is the cause?
People may feel they are defending their religion and beliefs, leading to a greater determination to defeat the enemy.
Most wars are ______ caused by religion — the reasons are often political, economic, ideological or cultural.
Most wars are not caused by religion — the reasons are often political, economic, ideological or cultural.
How is religion sometimes used in relation to war it did not cause?
As an excuse for war when there are alternative motives (e.g. greed or power) driving the aggression.
True or False?
Religion only ever causes war and never promotes peace.
False.
Religion can be a cause of war, but many religious people and organisations actively promote peace and help victims of war.
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