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GCSE RE

Peace and Conflict Revision Booklet

Knowledge and Understanding This booklet is designed to help you with your preparation for the GCSE exam. In the booklet is information on the topic of Peace and Conflict.

How to answer the questions?

Knowledge and understanding on its own will not ensure that you get a good GCSE grade. The most important thing to learn is how to structure your answers to the questions in the exam. Within the booklet you will find possible exam questions. You should complete these questions; exam practise is VERY IMPORTANT!!

What is in the Folder?

The folder will cover the following topics:

1. Key Concepts 2. Violent Protest and Terrorism 3. Causes of War 4. Holy War and Just War 5. Victims of War 6. Weapons of Mass Destruction 7. Pacifism and Peace-making 8. Forgiveness and Reconciliation 9. Contrasting Beliefs (with reference to the main religious tradition of Great

Britain) 10. Glossary 11. Exam Technique 12. WAWOS – 12 mark questions 13. Practice Questions

Peace

and

Conflict R

evision

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Key Concepts You need to know the key teachings from Christianity and Islam on peace, justice, forgiveness, reconciliation and conflict.

Justice This means fairness, making right and fair a situation that has been unjust. Religion is meant to bring justice to the world. Some Christians will fight for justice under the conditions of Just War. While God desires peace, he also desires that humans should live in freedom and with justice. Muslims believe in Jihad, the striving for justice. This means that armed conflict is allowed to protect the good of all people.

Peace This is the aim and goal of all people, as it means to live in harmony and without fear. Many religions talk about a time to come where there is peace. It may be the Kingdom of Heaven or paradise. Having peace on Earth (no wars) is a step towards that.

Reconciliation Reconciliation is making up after a conflict. Most religious people will try to work towards this after a war.

Forgiveness This is the belief that we can move forward in our relationships with others if we can forgive their wrong doings. It is a central teaching of Christianity and important in other religions too.

Conflict Before war starts, there are always conflicts. Conflict is disagreements, armed conflict is the actual fighting. Religious people may get involved to try and solve disagreements, but they may also be involved in fighting if they feel they have no other options.

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Key C

oncepts

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Violent Protest and Terrorism

Christianity Christianity teaches non-violence. Jesus taught his followers to turn the other cheek in the face of violence. Christians are taught to love their enemies and love each other. However, God gave humans free will and choice and sometimes non-violent protest is ignored, so violence may be used to force change for the good.

Islam Islam means peace and Muslims should act in a peaceful manner, but violence may be used in self-defence. Muslims have a duty to protest about anything unfair.

Terrorism

Terrorism is the unlawful use of extreme violence, usually against innocent civilians, to achieve a political goal. The object is to achieve maximum publicity and terrify the public. Terrorists target the country that they blame for injustice or oppression, but it is innocent people who are the victims. Not all terrorists are religious believers. However, religious terrorists are motivated because they believe that God will reward them for what they see as his will.

2. V

iolent Prote

st and

Terrorism

“Blessed are the peace-makers, for they will be called the children of

God. (Bible)

“Then Jesus said to him, “put away your sword, those who live by

the sword, die by the sword.” (Bible)

“If anyone killed a person, it would be as if he killed all mankind.”

(Qur’an)

“Hate your enemy mildly, for he may become your friend one day.”

(Hadith)

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Do religions support violent protest and terrorism?

Yes No

There have been a number of terrorist attacks in recent years. The people carrying these out have claimed they are religiously motivated. For example, the Twin Towers; Charlie Hebdo in Paris.

Both Christianity and Islam believe that the murder of innocent people is wrong. “Thou shalt not kill.” (Christianity) Muslims believe that killing one person is like killing all of mankind.

We have studied two examples of terrorism: 9/11 and Anders Breivik from Norway.

“With guns you can kill terrorists, with

education you can kill terrorism.”

2. V

iolent Prote

st and

Terrorism

Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen, her crime was to try and go to school.

"9/11" is the name given to four terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaeda, an Islamist extremist group.

It occurred on the morning of September 11, 2001. The attacks killed 2,977 people.

On 22 July 2011, Anders Breivik bombed government buildings in Oslo, this resulted in eight deaths.

Ninety minutes later Breivik dressed in a police uniform. He boarded the ferry to the island of Utøya, the location of the Norwegian Labour Party's youth camp, and killed 69 adults and teenagers.

Breivik is a right wing extremist with anti-Muslim views and a deep seated hatred of Islam. He believes that feminism and women’s equality is destroying Europe. He considers the Labour party in Norway to be too “soft” on immigration.

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The Causes of War When countries disagree and cannot resolve their differences by peaceful means, they sometimes resort to armed conflict or war.

Wars can be caused by a number of reasons for this unit we have focussed on three:

Does religion cause war?

Yes No

It is true that religions are involved in war. Examples include; Israel v Palestine (Jews v Muslims) and the Syrian Civil War (Sunni v Shi’a Muslims).

Religious beliefs have divided people. For example: When Sikhs broke with Hinduism to form a new religion, many died in the violence. In Yugoslavia, Christians were responsible for the genocide of Bosnian Muslims.

Both Christianity and Islam believe that the murder of innocent people is wrong.

Many of these wars are blamed on religion when really politics, greed and retaliation are to blame.

Many religious people work extremely hard to bring aid, help refugees and bring peace during wars. These people are the true representatives of religion.

Greed

• This is a war to gain, for example, more land, more power of more resources.

• Most religious teaching would not support war for this reason.

Self-Defence

• Religious holy books like the Old Testament of the Bible and the Qur'an describe wars.

• If a country or religion is under attack the holy books suggest that it would seem right to defend ourselves.

Retaliation

• At times, a country will be attacked in a way which provokes retaliation.

• For example, the Iraq War is seen by many as a retaliation by the USA for the 9/11 attacks.

• Religions would say that peaceful negotiations are better than retaliation as they can diffuse the situation rather than make it words.

3. C

ause

s of War

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Christianity and Just War Some Christians believe that fighting is justifiable if it is the only course of action that can prevent a real evil.

Christian thinkers have developed conditions for a Just (fair) War.

For a war to be “Just” these conditions must be met:

It must have a just cause e.g. self-defence

It must be lawfully declared by a proper authority (e.g. the government)

It must have a good intention (e.g. to promote good and prevent evil)

It must be a last resort

It must have a reasonable chance of success

It must be fought by just means (e.g. not use excessive force, protect civilians, care for prisoners of war etc.)

The good achieved must outweigh the evil that would be caused if the war was not fought.

Islam and Lesser Jihad (Holy War)

Muslims believe in jihad (an Arabic word meaning to struggle). The greater jihad is the fight to overcome temptation in their own lives. The lesser jihad is military struggle in the defence of Islam, self-defence and justice.

The Qur’an gives those who are attacked permission to fight back.

A lesser jihad must:

Be started and controlled by a religious leader

Have a just cause

Be a last resort

Keep suffering, including that of innocent civilians, to a minimum

Protect trees, plants and crops

Not be fought to gain territory or as an act of aggression

Aim to restore peace and freedom

Enable the release of all prisoners of war

Those Muslims killed in lesser jihad are seen as martyrs who will enter paradise.

4. J

ust War

“Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Bible)

“The person who struggles so that Allah’s word is supreme is the one serving Allah’s cause.” (Hadith)

"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors.” (Qur’an)

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Victims of War There are many consequences of war and many victims:

Soldiers die

Civilians die

People are taken captive

Civilians are displaced, becoming refugees

Children become orphans

Infrastructure is destroyed e.g. schools, hospitals, drains, roads

War costs money

People are injured

Famine and disease Most religions want to help victims of war. They follow the Golden Rule, which is to treat others as we would want to be treated:

We have studied some organisations that help victims of war:

The Trinity

5. V

ictims of W

ar

“None of you truly believe until he wishes for his brothers what he

wishes for himself.” (Prophet Muhammad pbuh)

“Treat others as you would like them to treat you.” (Jesus)

Christian Aid Christian Aid is a relief charity that works to alleviate poverty, inequality, famine and disease. They respond to disasters, including helping victims of war. An example of their work is in the Syrian Crisis. They are working to help refugees from the war by:

Providing shelter

Providing clean water and food

Providing education for refugee children

Negotiating with governments and the UN to bring about an end to the war.

Islamic Relief In line with Islamic teachings on the

value of every human life, we

provide this assistance to the

whoever needs us most, regardless

of race, religion or gender.

“Whoever saves the life of one, it is

as if he saved the life of all

mankind.” (Qur’an).

Islamic Relief are working to help

those affected by war by:

Providing shelter, food and

water, healthcare and education

in the long term.

Looking after refugees and

sponsoring orphans of war.

Providing medical supplies and

food inside Syria.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) These are weapons that can kill very large numbers of people at once.

They include:

Biological weapons – that spread bacteria and viruses that lead to large numbers of people dying.

Chemical weapons – When chemicals are released into the air that cause choking, paralysis or burning.

Nuclear weapons – bombs that cause massive loss of life and destruction. They also lead to dangerous radioactive fallout for years afterwards.

Arguments in favour of WMD

They act as a deterrent

If other countries have them, then we must have them too.

Arguments against WMD

They are an unreasonable threat to humanity because they can kill such large numbers of people.

Terrorists might get hold of them and use them.

The amount of destruction goes against the principles of Just War, which says we must not harm innocent civilians and children.

They cost enormous amounts of money to build and then maintain. This money could be put to better use e.g. to combat world poverty.

All religions are against the use of WMD.

However, some accept the existence of nuclear weapons if used as a deterrent. If the intention is to stop others attacking a country and the government has no intention of using them.

6. W

eapons of M

ass D

estruction

“Though the monstrous power of modern

weapons acts as a deterrent, it is feared that

the mere continuance of nuclear tests,

undertaken with war in mind, will have fatal

consequences for life on earth. Nuclear

weapons should be banned. (Roman Catholic

Church.)

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We have studied some examples of the use of WMD Hiroshima and Nagasaki This picture was taken just after around 60,000 people in the Japanese city of Hiroshima died as the result of an atom bomb (an early form of nuclear weapon) being dropped on it by US forces fighting in the Second World War. The death toll rose to around 140,000 in the months that followed as many more died as a result of radiation. Three days later, another atom bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Six days later, Japan surrendered which effectively marked the Second World War. Many people supported the use of the atomic bomb because it brought the end of World War 2. However, many people were horrified at the number of innocent Japanese civilians, mainly women, elderly and children, who died in the bombings. Napalm A Napalm bomb was dropped on Vietnam by the USA. The chemical mixture creates a jelly-like substance that, when ignited, sticks to practically anything and burns up to ten minutes. The effects of napalm on the human body are unbearably painful and almost always cause death among its victims. Air raids that used napalm were much more devastating than flamethrowers; a single bomb was capable of destroying areas up to 2,500 square yards. Agent Orange Agent Orange was a chemical weapon used by the USA in Vietnam. Thousands of innocent people died or were left permanently disfigured by its burning effects. The chemical infected the landscape and more than 50 years on, people are still being affected with birth deformities, cancers etc.

6. W

eapons of M

ass D

estruction

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Pacifism and Peace-making Christian Pacifists

The early Christians practised non-violence and would not take revenge on their persecutors. Christian pacifists today follow the example of Jesus who did not resist arrest and allowed himself to be crucified for the whole human race.

Christian pacifists are willing to die, but not to kill for their beliefs. They will not serve as troops, but are often willing to serve as ambulance drivers, medics or other non-fighting roles. During World War 1 and World War 2 Christian pacifists were put in prison for refusing to fight.

Quakers are an example of a branch of Christianity that refuse to take part in any wars or violent conflict. Quakers have declared: “We utterly deny all outward wars and strife, and fighting with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretence.”

Conscientious Objectors

In the past, many pacifists have conscientiously objected to fighting in wars.

However, this does not mean they are cowards. Many have been imprisoned or even put to death because of their beliefs.

Others have won medals for their bravery in rescuing wounded soldiers as members of the medical crews.

Islam and Peace-making

When the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was alive, the Muslim community had to defend themselves by fighting. If they had not they would have been killed. Allah ordered Muslims to fight back when attacked, so holy war became a duty for Muslims. However, Muhammad (pbuh) gave the example of making peace with his enemies after battle and Muslims should follow this example too.

7. Pa

cifism a

nd Pe

ace

-making

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Bible)

“Love your enemies and pray for them.” (Bible)

“Hate your enemy mildly, for he may become your friend one day.” (Hadith) “To those against whom war is made, permission is given to fight.” (Qur’an)

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Forgiveness and Reconciliation

After a period of war or conflict, it is very difficult for people and nations to forgive others for the wrongs committed against them.

Nations rarely apologise for their actions during a war, or forgive other nations. However, reconciliation does appear to happen over time.

It is a Christian teaching to forgive. In the Lord’s Prayer it says, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” Christ died on the cross to forgive everyone for their sins. Therefore, Christians believe they have a duty to forgive.

Eric Lomax is an example of a Christian who was able to forgive the horrors of war.

Eric Lomax was a British soldier who was tortured by

the Japanese whilst a prisoner during the Second

World War. The prisoners were forced to build the

Burma railway, also known as the Death Railway.

The prisoners were treated terribly, many were

repeatedly tortured, their bones were broken and they

were forced to work in terrible conditions with

insufficient food and quarters.

One of Eric’s constant torturers was Nagase Takashi, an interpreter. “At the end of

the war, I would have been happy to murder him.” Eric told the New York Times

in 1995.

However, because of his Christian faith, Eric felt the need to seek Nagase out and

he tracked him down and arranged a meeting.

When they met, Nagase greeted him with a formal bow. “I took his hand and said

in Japanese, “Good morning Mr Nagase, how are you?”

He was trembling and crying and he said over and over again: “I am so sorry, so

very, very sorry.”

Eric had gone to the meeting with no sympathy for his former torturer, however,

because Nagase was so obviously sorry for his actions, Eric forgave him. They

have been friends ever since.

8. F

orgivene

ss and

Reconcilia

tion

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has

forgiven the inexcusable in you.” C S Lewis

“Although the just penalty for an injustice is an equivalent

retribution, those who pardon and maintain righteousness are

rewarded by God. He does not love the unjust. (Qur’an)

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Contrasting Beliefs Questions

We study four themes for the GCSE. This one being Peace and Conflict. When answering exam questions you may get a “contrasting belief” question in the themes. You should be aware of contrasting perspectives in contemporary British society on the following three issues with reference to the main religious tradition in Britain (Christianity) and one or more other religious traditions. For us, this would be an alternative Christian view or a Muslim view.

Violence

Weapons of mass destruction

Pacifism

The important bit to remember is that the beliefs should be contrasting and not similar.

Examples of questions include:

1. Explain two contrasting beliefs in contemporary British society about violent protest.

In your answer you should refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain and one or more other religious traditions. (4 marks)

2. Explain two contrasting beliefs in contemporary British society about pacifism.

In your answer you should refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain and one of more other religious traditions. (4 marks)

Contrasting beliefs about Violence

Christianity in favour sometimes: Christianity against always:

Some Christians believe that violence is acceptable in certain situations:

When Just War criteria is in place.

Using violence in self-defence.

“Greater love has no man than this, that he give up his life for his friend.” (Bible). This verse is sometimes used to refer to soldiers who lose their lives during a war.

Quaker Christians are always non-violent. They refuse to participate even as soldiers in times of war. “The Spirit of Christ will never move us to fight.”

The Roman Catholic Church says that there is dignity to being human. Inflicting violence on them, or receiving it is a denial of human dignity.

8. C

ontrasting B

elie

fs

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Contrasting beliefs about Weapons of Mass Destruction

Christianity in favour: Christianity against always:

The Roman Catholic Church does not agree with using WMD but thinks they are acceptable as a deterrent. “Lesser of two evils.”

The Quaker society utterly condemn WMD. They are pacifists, and no outward weapons are acceptable. WMD are indiscriminate and beyond control.

Contrasting beliefs about Pacifism

Christianity in favour of pacifism: Christianity against pacifism:

The Quaker Society is pacifist. They do not join armies, and refuse to take part in any violence. They are committed to peace-making.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”

Anglican:

The Church of England is not consistently pacifist. If you go to any church, you will see that soldiers have been honoured there.

The Church accepts just war theory, and war is seen as necessary in certain conditions, e.g. self-defence.

Anglican chaplains serve in all the armed forces units.

Islam against pacifism:

Muslims have a duty to fight to defend Islam and to protect the weak and oppressed.

“Those who die in the name of Allah will be rewarded with paradise.” (Qur’an)

“To those against whom war is made permission is given to fight.” (Qur’an).

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ontrasting B

elie

fs

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Glossary Civil War Armed conflict between factions with the same

country.

Conflict Disagreement which becomes more serious.

Conscientious Objector

A person who refuses to fight in a war because of their conscience.

Conventional warfare

War fought using ordinary weapons, acceptable to the Geneva Conventions.

Forgiveness Being willing to not blame a person anymore for their wrong doings.

Holy War Rules about fighting a war acceptable to Islam.

Justice Making things fair.

Just War Rules around fighting a war acceptable to Christianity.

Nuclear Weapons Bombs capable of mass destruction of infrastructure and humans.

Pacifism The belief that all violence and war is wrong.

Peace The opposite of war, when all people live in harmony.

Protest Organising and voicing disagreement with something.

Reconciliation Making up between people or groups after a conflict.

Retaliation To pay back for a harmful action.

Terrorism Use of violence or threats to intimidate, especially for political purposes. To create a state of fear in a population.

Violence Causing harm to someone.

War Armed conflict between two or more sides.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs)

Weapons which cause uncontrollable and untold damage. Examples include, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

9. G

lossary

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One mark questions You will have to choose the correct answer from the four offered. This is multiple choice. Just write down the correct answer.

Two mark questions

The two mark questions are asking you to give a brief response

Name two…..

Give two examples of…..

Do not waste time by writing too much, but write enough to answer the question.

Four mark questions

These questions are where you show your understanding of the religion you have studied, and how a person’s beliefs have an influence on their lives. It is clear that when people believe things, their thoughts, words and actions reflect this.

Clearly state how a person is influenced by their beliefs and then explain how this influences/effects a believer.

Five Mark Questions

These questions ask you to explain two beliefs or teachings from religion. You must also refer to the sacred writings in your answer.

Choose your two teachings and then explain each one.

Develop your explanations fully.

Include a relevant teaching from the Bible/Qur’an or any other book that believers see as holy.

11. E

xam T

ech

nique

Explain two religious beliefs about peace. Refer to scripture or sacred

writings in your answer. (4 marks)

Many Christians believe that we should be peaceful. Jesus said, “Blessed are the

peacemakers.” Quakers are Christians that refuse to use any kind of violence or

get involved in any kind of war. They are conscientious objectors. They believe

that Jesus taught that war is always wrong because innocent people could be

killed.

Allah has 99 names and one of them is As-salaam, which means the source of

peace. Muslims believe that if everyone followed the commands of Islam there

would be no war or conflict. Every Muslim should work towards peace and only

go to war if there is no other option.

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12 mark questions

For GCSE RE you have to demonstrate you can react to a statement. This means that you can consider what the statement says, present arguments to agree and disagree and come to a conclusion of what you think of the statement.

Use WAWOS to answer 12 mark questions:

W: WHAT?

I think that the statement is saying.............

A: AGREE

I agree...

I disagree...

I can see both sides...

W: WHY

...because...

Another reason I have...

Some Christians/Muslims might think...

In the Bible/Qur’an it says...

Muhammad (pbuh)/ Jesus said that .....

O: ON THE OTHER HAND

Some people might say...

Some Muslims / Christians might think...

In the Qur’an / Bible it says...

Jesus / Muhammad (pbuh) said that......

Not everyone agrees because...

S: SUM UP/SO.....

This is the conclusion bit. You must include one.

In summary, I think that...

In conclusion, it is clear that...

At the end of the day my view is ...

12. W

AW

OS – 1

2 m

ark

s

Aim for at

least two

arguments on

each side –

well explained

with evidence

and examples.

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Peace and Conflict

1. Which one of the following is not a reason for war?

A) Self-defence B) Greed C) Retaliation D) Forgiveness (1 mark)

2. Give two religious beliefs that show that violence is wrong. (2 marks) 3. Explain two contrasting beliefs in contemporary British society about weapons of mass destruction. In your answer you should refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain and one or more other religious traditions. (4 marks) 4. Explain two religious beliefs about justice. Refer to scripture or sacred writings in your answer. (5 marks) 5. ‘War is never right.’ Evaluate this statement. In your answer you:

• should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • should refer to religious argument • may refer to non-religious arguments • should reach a justified conclusion. (12 marks)

12. Pra

ctise Q

uestions