Violence Pacifism LO To recognise pacifism as a

Violence & Pacifism LO: To recognise pacifism as a response to aggression

A soldier’s view on why we should not fight wars as we know them… “War requires a certain belief-system among Soldiers, based on Myths and Ignorance and Propaganda…” http: //www. youtube. com/watch ? v=ow 38 i. OYXx 5 Q

Christian attitudes to war There are 3 main Christian attitudes to war: 1. Pietists… people who believe they should not be involved in politics or wars at all. They make no attempt to campaign for peace. 2. Pacifists… people who think they should be involved in politics, but not war. They believe there will never be peace until people refuse to fight. 3. Just War… people who believe war is acceptable in some circumstances.

What is the Quaker approach to war? • The Religious Society of Friends or Quakers have been committed to pacifism from their origins in the 1650 s. • To this day they are conscientious objectors and refuse to fight in wars. • However, they may be willing to be involved in medical care for those caught up in conflict.

…And Other Christians? • Some believe that pacifism is naïve and selfish. • Others extend their beliefs about pacifism to all aspects of their life. No violence can be justified. • Others say that Jesus showed violence when he threw the money lenders out of the Temple in Jerusalem, so violence can be justified. What do you think? Would a person be a better person or the world a better place without violence? Is it possible? Write down your answer. Use the arguments

Why Pacifism? • Use the information sheet (Ethics through Christianity [pg 84]) to explain why some Christians are pacifists. • ‘Religious believers should be pacifists. ’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer

Attitudes to violence & pacifism… FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST VIOLENCE (PACIFISM)

Attitudes to violence & pacifism… An evil or corrupt dictator would ignore non-violent protests. War demoralises people and the innocent suffer. Pacifism avoids the cruelty and brutality of war. Wars have brought out the best instincts in people: bravery, brotherly love and a willingness to co-operate with others. A pacifist nation would be vulnerable to harm from those nations who refuse to give up their weapons. Thou shalt not kill The commandment ‘do not kill’ refers to murder, not war. Jesus was not afraid to use force to throw out traders in the temple. Some Christians would suggest then that Jesus was not a pacifist. Jesus taught that violence was wrong and therefore a Christian must abide by his teaching. Martin Luther King & Gandhi have proved that it is possible to achieve change without bloodshed.

Attitudes to violence & pacifism… FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST VIOLENCE (PACIFISM) An evil or corrupt dictator would ignore non-violent protests. War demoralises people and the innocent suffer. Pacifism avoids the cruelty and brutality of war. A pacifist nation would be vulnerable to harm from those nations who refuse to give up their weapons. Thou shalt not kill The commandment ‘do not kill’ refers to murder, not war. Jesus taught that violence was wrong and therefore a Christian must abide by his teaching. Jesus was not afraid to use force to throw out traders in the temple. Some Christians would suggest then that Jesus was not a pacifist. Martin Luther King & Gandhi have proved that it is possible to achieve change without bloodshed. Wars have brought out the best instincts in people: bravery, brotherly love and a willingness to co-operate with others.