having nuclear weapons with the aim of deterring/preventing other states attacking for fear of retaliation and nuclear war (possibly leading to Mutually Assured Destruction)

weapons which cause widespread, indiscriminate damage (e.g. nuclear, chemical, biological)

Different religious views about weapons of mass destruction

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

Different religious views about pacifism

Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence

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 of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Christians believe human life is {{}} and should never be treated as disposable.

Jesus taught, “{{}} are the peace-makers” (Matthew 5:9), encouraging peace.

What do Methodists believe about nuclear weapons?

Owning nuclear weapons to prevent attacks

Destroying all nuclear weapons immediately

What is a key Christian teaching used to argue against WMDs?

True – Some Christians believe possessing WMDs is acceptable if it prevents wars

False – All Christians completely reject possession of WMDs, even for deterrence

False – Some Christians ssupport using WMDs to quickly win wars

Some Christians may accept the possession of WMD as a temporary deterrent if it helps prevent war and protect life.

{{}} weapons use a powerful reaction to cause widespread destruction.

{{}} weapons use toxic substances made by humans to harm the body.

The {{}} Conventions aim to protect civilians and limit suffering in war.

Why is secrecy about weapons of mass destruction a major issue?

They can be easily hidden by small groups

What is a key danger of some weapons of mass destruction in terrorism?

Biological weapons can never spread diseases

Which of these is a common misunderstanding about weapons of mass destruction?

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

Different religious views about weapons of mass destruction

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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