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

Jewish teachings on violence, war and terrorism

• Judaism encourages peaceful conflict resolution

  • The Torah says, ‘Seek peace and pursue it’ (Psalm 34:14) meaning that war should always be a last resort

• Judaism highlights the importance of  justice, the sanctity of life, and the overall aim of peace

• War can be permitted for self-defence, but violence that harms innocent people is always condemned

  • When force is used, it must be for a just cause and must not be excessive

    • The use of force should always aim to protect life and restore peace, not to cause unnecessary destruction

• Terrorism, which deliberately targets civilians, is seen as morally wrong in Judaism

• Psalm 10:12-18 highlights the suffering of the oppressed and calls for God to intervene against those that commit evil:

‘But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.’ (Psalm 10:14)

• This passage focuses on the protection of the vulnerable

  • Jews would interpret this by working for peace, justice, and the protection of human life themselves, even in the face of conflict

• While humans may need to defend themselves, ultimate justice belongs to God

  • Judaism teaches that although God will bring justice, people must act justly in their own actions

What have Jews done to overcome the problems of conflict?

• There are many ways in which Jewish individuals and organisations work to overcome the problems of conflict

• Many Jewish leaders and organisations have worked to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy

  • For example, various Jewish groups have been involved in discussions for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli and Palestinian peace process 

• Over time, the Jewish state of Israel has established strong defence systems, to protect themselves and to prevent conflict

• Jewish communities often focus on educating the public about the importance of peace, non-violence, and understanding

  • They work with other religious groups to prevent violence and terrorism by promoting tolerance and cooperation

• Jewish organisations, such as Magen David Adom, help victims of conflict and provide humanitarian aid

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• Jewish leaders and communities worldwide strongly condemn terrorism

Atheist and Humanist views on issues surrounding conflict

• People who don't follow a religion, such as humanists and atheists, have their own viewpoints on conflict

  • Their views may be similar to Jews that they do not agree with it, but their reasons for these views are different from Jews because they don't believe in God

  • Humanists and atheists would agree that life is valuable, to be lived to the fullest, but this is not because they believe God created it

  • They do not believe in life after death, so they feel that life is to be valued because the only life someone has is the one they enjoy on earth

    • This leads them to think that great care should be taken with human life

  • Most humanists believe that violence only causes damage and loss of life therefore is best avoided, and that war should only be used as a last resort

    • The only reason a war might be viewed as 'just' is if it is in self-defence, or in protecting others

  • Both humanists and atheists are against any conflict that is caused by religion

    • Many atheists might blame much of the world's conflict on religion

Jewish responses to Atheist and Humanist views on issues surrounding conflict

• Humanists believe in the importance of human rights and the value of human life

  • Judaism shares this view, as pikuach nefesh (the sanctity of life) is a core teaching

  • However, while humanists focus more on human reasoning to solve conflicts, Jews believe divine guidance is important in achieving peace

• Humanists and atheists want peace based on reason and practical solutions

  • Judaism also values peace (shalom) and supports peace efforts

  • However, Judaism believes that faith in God plays an important role in achieving lasting peace

• Humanists argue that war and violence should only be used as a last resort, and that solutions should be found to prevent harm

  • Judaism permits the use of force, but only when necessary for self-defence or justice

  • War must follow strict ethical guidelines to prevent harm to civilians, in line with the just war theory

• Humanists believe it is important to stand up for the oppressed and to promote equality, regardless of religious or cultural background

  • Jewish teaching would support this, as tikkun olam (repairing the world) encourages Jews to fight for justice and help the oppressed