Judaism & Conflict (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Note

The nature and causes of conflict

• Many Jews believe that conflict should be avoided, but sometimes it is necessary

  • Although peace is promoted, Judaism allows for Milchemet Mitzvah (obligatory war) in situations such as self-defence

• Jews believe that war should be a last resort

  • The Torah emphasises justice and peaceful resolutions before violence 

    • The book of Deuteronomy states: ‘When you approach a city to fight against it, offer it terms of peace’ (Deuteronomy 20:10)

• Judaism teaches that there are many different causes of conflict 

  • Injustice and oppression – Tzedek (justice) is a key Jewish value, and conflict often arises when people are treated unfairly

  • Religious and cultural differences – Misunderstandings or intolerance between different faiths and cultures can lead to conflict

  • Land and territory – Disputes over land, particularly in Israel and Palestine, have been a significant source of conflict

  • Power and politics – Struggles for political control and leadership have led to historical conflicts, even within Jewish communities (e.g., the Maccabean Revolt)

  • Moral and ethical disagreements – Differences in beliefs about justice, human rights, or religious laws can lead to division and conflict

Jewish teachings and responses to the nature and causes of conflict

• There are many different Jewish teachings related to conflict

• Judaism teaches that peace is important and that conflict should be avoided whenever possible

• ‘Seek peace and pursue it’ (Psalm 34:14)

• ‘They shall beat their swords into plowshares’ (Isaiah 2:4) 

• However, Judaism teaches that war is sometimes necessary

  • The concept of a Milchemet Mitzvah (obligatory war) exists in Jewish law, such as self-defence

• Judaism teaches that justice leads to peace 

  • Tzedek (justice) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) are key principles in preventing conflict

• Jews respond in many different ways to conflict

  • Some Jews are actively involved in interfaith dialogue, where they engage with other religions to prevent misunderstanding and promote peace

  • Charitable groups like Tzedek and World Jewish Relief help reduce poverty, a cause of conflict

IMAGE REQUIRED

Illustrator - Please add. This is the official logo of the organisation so I do not think it needs to be altered. 

• There are also organisations which focus on peacebuilding initiatives, such as Jewish Voice for Peace and Seeds of Peace, who promote reconciliation

• Some Jewish leaders and groups work towards diplomatic solutions in global conflicts

• Schools and synagogues teach about non-violence, justice, and coexistence

Situation ethics and conflict

• Situation ethics, developed by Joseph Fletcher, is a Christian ethical theory that focuses on agape (selfless love) as the guiding principle in moral decisions

  • Instead of following fixed rules, each situation is judged individually to determine the most loving action

• Situation ethics teaches that there are no absolute rules

  • Situation ethics does not strictly forbid or permit conflict; it depends on what brings the most loving outcome

• In situation ethics war can be justified in some cases

  • For example, if going to war prevents greater suffering, then it may be the most loving choice

• Since agape love promotes human well-being, peaceful solutions should always be sought first

• If killing one person saves many others, a situation ethicist might justify it (for example preventing terrorism)

• Each conflict must be judged individually rather than by fixed rules like ‘war is always wrong’ or ‘violence is always justified’

Jewish responses to situation ethics

• Judaism and situation ethics share some similarities in prioritising moral responsibility over rigid rules

  • Like situation ethics, Judaism considers context and moral reasoning in conflict

    • Jewish law (Halakhah) allows for flexibility in extreme situations, because of the principle of Pikuach Nefesh, which permits breaking religious laws to preserve life

  • Judaism teaches that peace (Shalom) is the ideal, just as situation ethics seeks the most loving outcome

    • Verses like Isaiah 2:4 (‘They shall beat their swords into plowshares’) promote peacebuilding efforts

• However, Judaism and situation ethics also differ in key ways regarding conflict

  • Judaism is based on divine commandments (Mitzvot), whereas situation ethics prioritises agape love over all rules

    • Jewish teachings require adherence to laws even when emotions suggest otherwise

  • While situation ethics may oppose war in many cases, Judaism allows Milchemet Mitzvah (obligatory war), in some situations, such as self-defence or protecting Israel

    • This means war is sometimes seen as necessary, not just as a last resort

  • Judaism teaches that some actions (e.g., murder) are always wrong, whereas situation ethics argues that even killing might be justified if it is the most loving action

Humanist and atheist attitudes to conflict 

• Humanists and atheists do not follow religious teachings but base their views on reason, ethics, and human well-being

  • Their attitudes to conflict vary but generally emphasise peace, justice, and reducing harm

• Humanists believe that moral decisions should be based on reason and empathy

  • Humanists believe in solving conflicts through negotiation, diplomacy, and human rights rather than religious or absolute rules

• Humanists believe that they should be pacifists where possible

  • Many humanists prefer peaceful solutions and oppose unnecessary violence

• However, humanists believe that war is sometimes necessary

  • If war can prevent greater suffering (for example stopping genocide), humanists may justify it as the lesser of two evils

• Humanists focus on human rights and justice 

  • Humanists often support international organisations (for example the UN) that promote peace and justice

• Atheists have no single set of beliefs, but may have common perspectives on conflict

• Atheists would argue that there is never any religious justification for war

  • Unlike some religious traditions, atheists reject the idea of ‘holy wars’ or fighting for religious reasons

• Atheists are more likely to use scientific and rational approaches to conflict

  • Many atheists argue that conflict should be resolved through logic, diplomacy, and understanding

• Many atheists would believe in ethical relativism

  • Meaning that morality depends on the situation, meaning conflict can be justified if it prevents greater harm

Jewish responses to humanist and atheist attitudes to conflict 

• Judaism shares some common ground with humanist and atheist perspectives on conflict, such as valuing peace and justice

  • Judaism, like humanism, highlights the importance of peace 

  • Both Judaism and humanism stress justice and protecting the vulnerable

    • Jewish teachings support humanitarian aid and diplomacy to resolve conflicts

  • While Judaism allows war in some cases, it prefers peaceful solutions first, aligning with humanist views

• However, there are also key differences that exist in the role of God and religious law in moral decision-making

  • Judaism sees moral laws as divinely given (Mitzvot), whereas humanists and atheists base morality on reason and human well-being

    • Jews may argue that without divine authority, moral views on conflict could be inconsistent

  • Some wars are considered religious duties in Judaism, whereas humanists and atheists reject wars based on religious belief

  • Judaism teaches that God will bring ultimate justice, while humanists and atheists believe humans alone must resolve conflicts

• Judaism agrees with humanists and atheists that peace, justice, and diplomacy are essential in resolving conflicts

  • However, it differs in that morality comes from divine law rather than human reasoning alone

• Jews may respect secular approaches but believe that true justice and peace come from following God’s commandments