a weapon of mass destruction which uses a nuclear reaction to cause widespread damage and loss of life

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)

Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence

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

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Nuclear weapons are weapons of {{}} destruction that cause large-scale damage.

The {{}} is one of the countries that keeps nuclear weapons for deterrence.

What is the main purpose of nuclear weapons today?

The UK signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Which of these is true about the UK and nuclear weapons?

It creates peace through fear, not real agreement

What is one argument against nuclear deterrence?

War should always be avoided with no exceptions

Which belief is linked to Just War theory?

By supporting peaceful protest and victims

How do Christian pacifists usually respond to conflict?

Which Christian group rejects all violence in every situation?

Christians cannot care for victims of war

What is a common misunderstanding about Christian views on pacifism?

{{}} Law teaches that our purpose is to preserve life, but force may sometimes be needed to protect it.

{{}} Ethics focuses on doing the most loving thing, which may sometimes involve limited violence.

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

Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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