Perspectives on Violence, Justice, Forgiveness & Reconciliation (AQA GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Note

Biblical perspectives on violence

What are biblical perspectives on violence?

• The Christian Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred and violence should be avoided wherever possible

• Catholic views on violence are shaped by biblical teaching, especially the life and teachings of Jesus

Violence in the Old Testament

• In the Old Testament, there are examples of violence, often linked to war, punishment and justice

  • Violence is sometimes shown as a response to sin or injustice

  • God is portrayed as a judge who punishes wrongdoing

    • An example of this is the teaching “An eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:23–27), which promotes a response from those who have been wronged

  • Nowadays, many Catholics believe that these teachings belong to a specific historical context

    • They believe that some teachings are not seen as guidance for Christians today

    • They focus on the need for justice, not revenge

Challenging violence in the New Testament

• In the New Testament, Jesus clearly challenges violence and promotes peace

• There are many biblical teachings that support this view

  • Jesus taught to “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44) and to “Turn the other cheek” (Sermon on the Mount)

    • These teachings show Catholics that violence goes against Christian love

    • They also teach that forgiveness is better than revenge

    • Christians should respond to conflict peacefully

  • Catholics use the example of Jesus when faced with violent situations

    • Jesus did not use violence, even when arrested

    • He accepted suffering rather than fighting back

    • This makes Jesus the key role model for Catholic attitudes to violence

• Catholics also believe in the sanctity of life

  • The Bible teaches that life is God-given and should be protected at all costs

    • Killing or harming others is morally wrong

    • This may influence how Catholics respond to violence

Is violence ever justified?

• Although peace is the ideal, Catholics believe that violence can be justified in some situations

  • It may be justified only as a last resort

  • It could be used to protect innocent life

  • It may be justified under strict conditions (just war theory)

Concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation

How important are forgiveness and reconciliation for Catholic Christians?

• For the Catholic Church, forgiveness and reconciliation are central to Christian life

  • Catholics believe they are essential for restoring relationships with God, others and the Church

The biblical importance of forgiveness

• The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a key Christian duty through the teachings of Jesus

  • Jesus taught that people should “Forgive seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22)

    • This shows that there should be no limits to how much someone should forgive

  • Jesus also taught how important it is to “Love your neighbour” (Matthew 22:39)

    • This means that that it is important to love everyone, even those who have wronged you

• The teachings of Jesus influence the beliefs and practices of Catholic Christians who believe that:

  • Christians must forgive others, even when it is difficult

  • Forgiveness reflects God’s mercy

The sacrament of reconciliation

• Forgiveness and reconciliation are crucial ideas in Catholic Christianity

• The sacrament of reconciliation shows the importance of forgiveness in Catholic practice

  • Reconciliation involves confessing sins to a priest, saying sorry (contrition) and receiving absolution (forgiveness from God)

  • Reconciliation as a sacrament matters for many different reasons

    • It restores friendship with God

    • It brings spiritual healing and peace

    • It also allows Catholics to receive Holy Communion

Reconciliation with others

• Forgiveness is not just personal and private — it also has significance in relationships with others

  • Catholics believe forgiveness should lead to healing broken relationships, restoring trust and promoting peace in families and communities

  • Catholic teaching stresses how forgiveness can help end cycles of violence and supports peace and justice

  • Catholics believe that revenge goes against Christian love and particularly the teachings of Jesus

• However, Catholics recognise that forgiveness can be difficult

  • Forgiveness can take time and is not always straightforward

  • Serious harm may need protection and justice

  • Forgiveness does not mean ignoring wrongdoing

However, Catholics are still encouraged to aim for reconciliation

Concept of justice

Why is the concept of justice important for Catholics?

• Justice for Catholics means fairness, equality and right relationships

• It involves treating people in the way that God intended

• Justice is not just legal fairness but moral fairness

• Catholics believe that justice comes from God

  • Humans must act justly because they are created by God

• Catholics believe humans are made in the image of God (imago Dei)

  • This gives every human equal value and dignity

  • This means that no one is more important than anyone else

  • Therefore, discrimination, exploitation and oppression are unjust

  • Justice means protecting the rights of all people, especially the vulnerable

  • Fighting injustice could include issues relating to poverty, racism, exploitation and the denial of basic human rights

• Catholics believe injustice is often caused by society and that wealth should be shared fairly

• Catholics look to biblical teachings for guidance on issues of justice

  • The Old Testament states that God demands justice for the poor and oppressed

    • Prophets in the Old Testament criticised unfair leaders and systems

    • The Bible states, “Seek justice, defend the oppressed.” (Isaiah 1:17)

  • In the New Testament, Jesus challenged injustice by helping the poor, sick and excluded

    • He also challenged leadership acting unjustly and treated women and outcasts with dignity

  • Jesus taught that justice is linked to love and that loving others means treating them fairly

Different perspectives on injustice and violent protest

What are the different perspectives on injustice and violent protest for Catholics?

• Catholics believe that it is wrong not to challenge injustice in the world

  • They believe that it is important to protect the poor and vulnerable

  • They also believe that it is necessary to promote fairness and human rights

• Catholics respond to injustice in many different ways, including prayer, charity, campaigning, peaceful protest and political action

• Most Catholics believe that violent protest is wrong

  • This is because violence causes suffering, breaks peace and often harms innocent people

  • Catholics support non-violent protest because of the teachings of Jesus

    • Jesus taught love over hate and that violence creates more injustice

    • This follows the biblical teaching, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9)

• However, although the Church opposes violence, some Catholics argue it may be justified in extreme situations

  • They may support this if there are times of oppression, where no other methods are working, and to defend innocent people

  • However, this should always be a last resort