a war believed to be sanctioned or commanded by God, often fought to defend a faith, secure religious territory, or convert others to a religion

a series of religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims in the Middle Ages, primarily over control of Jerusalem and other holy sites

understanding a religious text as using symbols or metaphors, rather than taking the words literally

Religion as a cause of war and Holy War

Religious education

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

Violence, including violent protest

Contrasting religious views about violence

Reasons for war

The Just War theory

Terrorism

Pacifism

Different religious views about 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 of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

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

Religion may lead to war through conflict over {{}}.

What does Matthew 10:34 say Jesus brings?

The Crusades centred around controlling the city of {{}}.

What influences a believer’s view on war?

Which of these was a non-religious cause of the Crusades?

Conflict often starts because of reasons like greed, {{}} or retaliation.

Which of these is usually seen as the least acceptable reason for war?

it can stop you from entering God’s kingdom

What does Matthew 19:24 say about wealth?

Which of these teachings comes from Exodus 21:23-27?

Which group rejects violence for religious motivations?

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

Religion as a cause of war and Holy War

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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