set of rules for fighting a war in a way believed to be justified and acceptable to God

belief that all violence is wrong, which then affects all behaviours

the opposite of war; harmony between all in society

behaviour involving physical force which intends to hurt, kill or cause damage

Different religious views about pacifism

Religious education

The meaning and significance of peace, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation

Violence, including violent protest

Contrasting religious views about violence

Reasons for war

Religion as a cause of war and Holy War

The Just War theory

Terrorism

Pacifism

Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence

Weapons of mass destruction

Different religious views about weapons of mass destruction

Religion and peace-making

Religious responses to victims of war

The work of Christian Aid for victims of war

In this unit pupils examine ideas of violence and how some religions justify war in terms of holy or just war. They will move on to examine specific ideas such as nuclear war and terrorism. Finally they will examine the role of religion in finding and making peace.

Religion, peace and conflict

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which Christian group is known for absolute pacifism?

What does the Just War theory aim to provide?

False – Some Christians accept limited violence.

True – All Christians must reject all violence.

False – Christians are required to support war.

Is this statement true or false? 'All Christians are pacifists because Jesus taught peace and non-violence.'

Which of these is not usually part of Christian pacifism?

Jesus taught, “If anyone slaps you on the right {{}}, turn to them the other {{}} also.”

Jesus said, “Put your {{}} back in its place.."

During World War I, the {{}} feather was used as a symbol to shame men who did not enlist in the army.

Which of the following actions might a pacifist reject?

He believed force was never justified under any circumstance.

He accepted using force against Hitler to prevent greater evil.

He fully supported all wars without exception.

What was Bertrand Russell’s view on using force during World War II?

To promote the use of nuclear weapons for defence.

To support military expansion and nuclear power.

To encourage nuclear disarmament and peace activism.

What is the main goal of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)?

Peaceful methods lead to lasting solutions.

Violence is the quickest way to solve problems.

Which of these is not an argument for pacifism?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Different religious views about pacifism

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.