Christianity & Issues Surrounding Conflict (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Note

Glenn Millington

Written by: Glenn Millington

Reviewed by: Angela Yates

Updated on

Christian teachings and responses to problems involved in conflict

Christianity and conflict

  • Christians believe that peace is essential because of the teachings from the Bible and Jesus' example

    • Because of these, they feel that they have a responsibility to help bring about the end of conflict across the world

    • To this end, Christians work to resolve causes of conflict, such as injustice, political issues, lack of resource shortages, and human rights abuse

  • Christians address the problems caused by conflict in various ways, influenced by Biblical teachings, church doctrines, and ethical principles

    • These responses can be seen in efforts to heal the wounds caused by violence, promote reconciliation, advocate for justice, and provide humanitarian aid

Christian responses to the problems caused by conflict

  • Christians are taught to forgive those who have wronged them, following the example of Jesus

    • In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:44), Jesus instructs his followers to ‘love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ 

    • Forgiveness can be a crucial step in healing divisions caused by conflict, allowing individuals and communities to move forward

    • After the Rwandan Genocide (1994), many Christian organisations were involved in reconciliation initiatives, helping survivors and perpetrators of violence come together to promote healing and forgiveness

  • Many Christian groups focus on bringing peace to conflict zones, both locally and globally

    • Churches and Christian organisations often mediate disputes and work for peaceful solutions, particularly in situations of war or civil unrest

    • These groups emphasise dialogue, understanding, and the peaceful resolution of differences

    • Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) are an example of Christian groups that work in conflict areas worldwide, promoting non-violence and peace through direct intervention

How Christianity has overcome the problems of conflict

How has Christianity overcome the problems of conflict?

  • Christianity has faced various conflicts throughout its history, but it has also found ways to overcome these challenges

  • In the early centuries, different Christian groups disagreed over key beliefs, leading to disputes (e.g., the split between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy)

    • Christianity responded with ecumenical councils like the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) to establish common doctrines and beliefs

    • Over time, many Christian denominations have worked for unity and dialogue, especially through organisations like the World Council of Churches

  • Throughout history, Christianity has been involved in wars and violence, such as the Crusades and the Thirty Years' War

    • In modern times, Christian leaders have advocated for peace and reconciliation, emphasising Jesus' teachings on love, forgiveness, and non-violence

    • Christian peace organisations, such as Quakers and Catholic peace groups, promote peaceful solutions and work to prevent war

  • Christianity has also addressed conflicts over issues like slavery, racism, and women’s rights

    • The abolition movement was supported by many Christians, who argued that slavery was incompatible with Christian values

    • The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, led by Christian figures like Martin Luther King Jr., used Christian principles to fight against racial segregation and injustice

    • Over time, Christianity has become more inclusive, working towards gender equality and human rights

  • Today, Christianity is a global religion, and Christians are involved in peace-building efforts around the world

    • Many Christian leaders continue to work for interfaith dialogue and cooperation, especially in regions with religious tensions

Christianity and non-religious views about the issues surrounding conflict

Atheist views towards the issues surrounding conflict

  • Atheists, or people who do not believe in God or gods, have various views on the issues surrounding conflict

    • These views are shaped by reason, and secular ethics rather than religious teachings

  • Many Atheists argue that religion can contribute to conflict

    • They point to historical events like the Crusades, the Thirty Years' War, and modern religious conflicts such as those between different religious groups

    • Atheists may argue that religious differences can fuel wars and violence, and that religious beliefs can sometimes be used to justify conflict

    • However, some atheists acknowledge that religion can also promote peace and social justice

  • Atheists generally believe that morality and ethics do not depend on religion

    • They argue that humans can create moral guidelines based on reason, human well-being, and shared human values, rather than relying on religious teachings

    • Many atheists support secular morality, where ethical decisions are made through reason, evidence, and discussion, rather than religion

      • This approach focuses on resolving conflicts through dialogue, negotiation, and mutual respect, without the need for religious authority

  • Atheists are often critical of the use of religious justifications for violence

    • For example, they may argue against the idea that war is acceptable if it is done in the name of God, as seen in some historical conflicts

    • Atheists may support secular governance, where laws and policies are based on reason and evidence, rather than religious beliefs, in order to avoid conflicts driven by differing religious views

Humanist views towards the issues surrounding conflict

  • Humanists are people who believe that a good life can be lived without religion, and that people should focus on being happy and making the most of their time on Earth

  • Humanists believe in human rights, equality, and the well-being of all people

    • They work towards peace and conflict resolution by promoting tolerance, compassion, and cooperation

  • Humanists advocate for peaceful solutions to social issues, like poverty, injustice, and discrimination, which can contribute to conflict

    • They believe in social responsibility and the importance of working together to improve society

  • They emphasise that people can make ethical decisions without religion and work towards a society where justice, equality, and human well-being are central to resolving conflicts

  • Humanists may believe that religion is responsible for or contributes towards conflict

    • They may believe that a world without religion would be a more peaceful world

Christian responses to non-religious views about conflict

What are Christian responses to non-religious views about conflict?

  • Christian responses to non-religious views about conflict often focus on the importance of faith, forgiveness, and reconciliation in resolving dispute

  • Christians might argue that peace is not only about resolving practical issues through dialogue, but also about spiritual peace that comes from a relationship with God

    • They believe that true peace comes from following Jesus’ teachings, such as loving your enemies and forgiving others

  • In contrast to secular views that focus on justice or reparation, Christians believe that forgiveness is a key response to conflict

    • The teachings of Jesus emphasise forgiving others, even in difficult situations, as a way to heal relationships

    • Christians may argue that reconciliation is more important than punishment or revenge, which might be more common in non-religious approaches to conflict

  • Christians often agree with secular views that violence should be avoided whenever possible

    • However, Christian responses to conflict also include the idea of Just War Theory, which permits war only under certain strict conditions (e.g. to protect the innocent or to restore peace)

    • While some atheists might argue against any form of violence, Christians would often see just causes for war in some situations, such as when self-defence or protection of human rights is necessary

  • Christians may challenge non-religious views that see religion as a source of conflict

    • While acknowledging that religion has sometimes caused violence (e.g. the Crusades), many Christians point out that Christianity has also been a source of peace-building, as seen in movements like the Civil Rights Movement led by Christian leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Many Christian groups work alongside secular organisations to promote justice, peace, and human rights, recognising the importance of collaboration in addressing the root causes of conflict

Worked Example

Explain two Christian responses to the problems caused by conflict

In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority 

(5 marks)

Answer:

Some Christians would respond to problems caused by conflict by praying for peace (1 mark) in the hope that God would answer the prayers by ending the conflict and protecting those who are suffering (1 mark) The ‘Lord's Prayer’ includes a petition for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, and for deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:10-13) (1 mark)

Some Christians may be involved in conflict resolution (1 mark), which may involve providing aid to those suffering from the effects of war, and acting as a voice for peace and justice (1 mark)

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Remember that conflict is not always a bad thing. Be able to explain both the positive and negative role religion plays in conflict

For example, Christianity has inspired both violence (e.g., Crusades) and peace-building (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement)

Knowing this should help you to respond to evaluation questions relating to the relationship between Christianity and conflict

You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week

Sign up now. It’s free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Glenn Millington

Author: Glenn Millington

Expertise: Religious Studies

After graduating with a degree in Theology and Religious Studies, Glenn completed a PGCE over 20 years ago. He later gained an MA in Education Studies from the Manchester Metropolitan University. More recently Glenn completed a PhD in Educational Research focusing on educational disadvantage at Edge Hill University. Glenn is incredibly passionate about developing resources to enable students to succeed in Religious Education.

Angela Yates

Author: Angela Yates

Expertise: Religious Studies

Angela graduated with a first-class degree in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Manchester. After completing a PGCE and CCRS, she taught RE for around fifteen years before becoming a full-time writer and educational content creator. Angela is passionate about creating Religious Education resources to enable students to achieve their full potential.