Religion, Peace and Justice

2. Religion, Peace and Justice For each topic you will need to know a range of Christian views as well as your own viewpoint • This module covers 5 main areas: Fist we need to know what Christian denominations we are discussing

3. The Christian Denominations Christian do NOT all believe the same thing and are divided into different groups depending on faith and establishment The Roman Catholic Church • This denomination is a traditional group of Christians who believe in Natural Law: doing what God intended in a natural way. Up until the C16th Catholics were the dominant group of Christians in Europe. Catholics are controlled by the Pope in Rome Protestant Churches • These are the Christian groups that developed after Martin Luther’s debate in 1517. • These are modern Christians who have re-interpreted the Bible and have a different view to the Roman Catholics. • These Christians are NOT controlled by the Pope.

4. Just War Criteria • No one likes war but that does not mean that it cannot be justified sometimes. • Some people feel that, at times, war is the only option left Just War: a war that is justified using certain criteria established by Tomas Aquinas in the 13th century • The criteria fits into two categories: • Jus ad bellum – when it is right to go to war • Jus in bello – how a war should be fought

5. Just War Criteria

6. Pacifism • Although a lot of people would agree that war should be a last resort, some Christians do not believe that war and violence is acceptable at all. • These people believe that violence can be solved through peaceful approaches and a calm attitude. Pacifism: a rejection of war and violence in preference of using peaceful methods. Violence fuels violence • Throughout history we have seen a number of pacifists but the two most notable are from recent history (20th Century) Mahatma Gandhi: a pacifist living in India during British Occupation Martin Luther King Jr: a pacifist living in USA during black segregation

7. Conscientious Objectors • History saw a rise in conscientious objectors during the 20th century when going to war was made to be a legal requirement Conscientious Objector: a person who refuses to go to war, even if that means breaking the law, due to their conscience and personal beliefs • There are a number of reasons why someone might be a conscientious objector:

8. Conscientious Objectors • People who refused to go to war during the 20th century were seen as suspicious • One man, Albert Rowland, was watched by the police, arrested, had his home ransacked and was put in prison for his role as a conscientious objector during the second world war. Although some were put in prison, others performed jobs for the war effort that did not involve violence

9. Punishment • When people commit a crime there are consequences of their actions, this can range from a fine, to community service to a period of time spent in prison. In this country we aim to achieve 5 things by using punishment • Christians believe that God will judge all humans when they die but we must also punish people in this life if they have sinned

10. Punishment • Capital Punishment is a contentious issue. Some people feel that it is the only solution for certain crimes, whereas others think that we do not have the right to take someone’s life “If any of you is without sin, let him throw the first stone at her” • The Christian view on capital punishment fits into two sections:

11. Social Injustice • There are people all over the world today whose lives are directly affected by social injustice Social injustice: a situation where people are treated badly due to corrupt governments and restricted human rights • There are people in prisons who do not know why they are there or how long they will be kept. There are people who have been arrested and imprisoned due to them exercising their freedom of speech. There are people who are being tortured and executed.

12. Social Injustice • During the 20th century a policy was developed in order to help people who were being treated unfairly. This was called Liberation Theology. It is predominant in South America. Liberation Theology: God is seen as a liberator. People use the example of Jesus to stand up for what is right even if it means breaking the law • Oscar Romero was Archbishop of El Salvador. • He encouraged his congregation to stand up to the military rule and do what they thought was right. • He was assassinated in his Church during mass: this only encouraged his followers to continue their fight for justice

13. Social Injustice • Amnesty International is an organisation that was developed in 1961 by Peter Benenson (a British lawyer) in response to two students being arrested and imprisoned for toasting their freedom. Amnesty International: a world wide organisation that helps and supports people who have their human rights restricted • Anyone can join the organisation and help to raise awareness • They tackle areas such as false imprisonment, torture inquiries, talking to people on death row • They are a peaceful organisation and do not advocate violence

14. Exam Practice Question Religion, Peace and Justice – this exam question is worth 24 marks • What is pacifism? (1) • Give two examples of what Christians might consider to be social injustice (2) • Why would a Christian support the use of prisons? (3) • What are Christian attitudes towards war? (6) • “The death penalty is the only way to tackle criminals”. Discuss this statement. Give different, supported viewpoints including a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity (12) Remember: Part E is an ESSAY question and must be written in an essay style with PEE paragraphs in order to attain all 12 marks