Lesson video

Hello, my name is Mrs. Rawbone.

Welcome to this lesson on "Religious responses to victims of war." In our lesson today, we will be explaining how Christians and others respond to people affected by war.

Keywords we'll be using are compassion, refugee, and victims of war.

Compassion is a feeling of deep concern for someone who is suffering, and being moved to take action to help them.

A refugee is someone who has been forced to plead their home country due to war, violence, persecution, or disaster, and seek safety in another country.

Victims of war are those who are harmed during a war.

For example, those killed, injured, or left homeless.

Our lesson today will take two parts.

We'll be looking at victims of war and at Christian responses to victims of war.

So let's get started looking at victims of war.

War causes long-term harm to victims, including physical injury, psychological trauma, loss of homes and families, and lack of access to basic needs like food, water, and medical care.

Victims of war are people who suffer as a result of armed conflict.

They can include civilians, refugees, the wounded prisons of war, and in some cases, soldiers who've been traumatised, captured, or forced to fight.

Laura, Andeep, Jun, and Sofia are asking some ethical questions about the victims of war.

Laura says, "Who counts as a victim? If a victim is anyone who suffers, does that mean soldiers too?" Andeep says, "Is it ever justifiable to harm a civilian in war? Perhaps innocent suffering is inevitable." Jun says, "Who is responsible for supporting victims? Should it be the country that caused the harm?" And Sofia says, "What if the victim is also the enemy? Some people who cause harm in war also suffer." Which of the following people would most likely be considered a victim of war? A, a weapons manufacturer who profits from selling arms during a war.

B, a general who orders the bombing of civilian areas.

C, a child forced to flee their home because of armed conflict.

Or D, a volunteer soldier who has not been harmed or traumatised.

Take a moment if you need to, pause the video, have a think, come back when you're ready to check your answer.

Excellent work if you chose C, a child forced to flee their home because of armed conflict.

Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, that "Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person." Article 5 states, "No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment." Applying these principles, many argue the acts of war such as the use of weapons of mass destruction, indiscriminate attacks, torture, targeting civilians, and denying humanitarian aid violate these rights.

The Geneva Conventions are international treaties that set rules for the treatment of people in war.

The first was agreed in 1864, and the full updated set was adopted in 1949 after World War II.

The UK follows the Geneva Conventions.

Wounded soldiers must be treated, medical staff and hospitals must be protected, prisoners must be treated fairly, civilians must not be harmed, and occupying forces must give food and medical help.

196 countries have signed the Geneva Conventions, meaning that governments and military forces are expected to follow them.

The International Red Cross monitors how they're applied and serious violations can be prosecuted in international courts.

A YouGov survey in 2024 asked British people whether they think the Geneva Conventions are a good thing.

Have a good look at the chart.

What percentage of people asked think it is good to have rules about the treatment of people in war? If you need to, pause the video, take a moment, look carefully at the data, and then come back when you're ready to move on.

So well done if you notice that it is 80%.

Which of the following would most likely be a violation of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions during war? A, allowing civilians to evacuate safely, B, providing medical help to wounded soldiers, C, torturing prisoners of war, or D, protecting hospitals during attacks.

If you need to, take a moment, pause the video, come back when you're ready to check your answer.

Good work if you spotted it with C, torturing prisoners of war.

Prisoners of war should be treated humanely.

Faye is an atheist.

She's talking about why she thinks it's important to support victims of war.

Faye says, "I believe in dignity, compassion, and justice.

That is why I support people affected by war.

I volunteered with Refugee Action, helping with housing, legal advice, and trauma support.

War destroys lives, and I think we all have a duty to help people rebuild.

The Geneva Conventions make clear that civilians and vulnerable people should be protected during war." So what kind of support has Faye given to people affected by war? Pause the video, reread what Faye said, and come back when you're ready to move on.

Neil is a humanist.

He's talking about why he thinks it's important to support victims of war.

Neil says, "I'm guided by reason, empathy, and shared human values.

I look to human experience, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and organisations like the United Nations when deciding what is right.

That's why I support charities like Medecins Sans Frontieres who provide emergency medical care to people affected by war.

Helping others is about recognising our shared responsibility and common humanity." So which charity does Neil support and why? Take a moment, pause if you need to, come back when you're ready to move on.

Let's check your understanding.

Name one charity that supports victims of war.

Pause if you need to whilst you write down your answer and then come back when you're ready to check.

You could have said one of the following, Refugee Action or Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Well done if you've got either of those answers.

For Task A, I'd like you to complete the table below by indicating whether each statement is true or false, and explaining why.

The Geneva Conventions protect soldiers during wartime, not civilians.

People denied access to medical care during conflict can be considered victims of war under international law.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights allows for the suspension of basic rights during times of war.

And only those who are physically injured in war are recognised as victims. So think carefully.

Are these statements true or false, and why? Pause the video whilst you complete the table and come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

Let's have a look at what you could have said.

For the first one, the Geneva Conventions protect soldiers during wartime, not civilians.

This is false.

But why? While the Geneva Conventions specifically protect both soldiers and civilians, civilians must not be harmed and occupying forces must provide them with food and medical care.

For the second, people denied access to medical care during conflict can be considered victims of war under international law.

This is true.

Denying medical care breaches both the Geneva Conventions and basic human rights.

Victims of war include those harmed through lack of essential aid, not just direct violence.

For the third point, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights allows for the suspension of basic rights during times of war.

This is false.

The universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security even in war.

These rights are not meant to be suspended.

And finally, only those who are physically injured in war are recognised as victims. This is false again.

Victims of war also include people suffering from trauma, displacement, loss of family, or denial of aid.

Excellent work if you managed to work out whether those were true or false, and explain why.

For the second part of our lesson, we'll be looking at Christian responses to victims of war.

Christianity has a long history of caring for victims of war and violence.

In the 1st or 3rd century, Christians care for those who suffer under Roman persecution.

In the 4th century, the church offers sanctuary and care for victims of violence through monasteries and bishops.

In the 12th century, while the church engages in the crusades, the hospitallers provide care for the wounded on all sides.

In the 19th century, missionaries and church hospitals provide care for those in regions affected by war and colonisation.

In the 20th century, Christian chaplains serve on battlefields, churches organise food, aid, shelter, and comfort for refugees and bomb victims. Post 1945, churches and Christian organisations like Christian Aid, CAFOD, and World Vision provide long-term aid to victims of war and campaign for greater protection for those affected by conflict.

Christian responses to victims of war are informed by different sources of authority, including the Bible, church teachings, the example of other Christians, Christian ethical theories such as Natural Law and situation ethics, their conscience and ability to reason.

They may interpret the sources differently or emphasise one more than another.

Supporting the victims of war ties in with Just War theory.

Right intention.

This means it should aim for peace, healing, and justice, and not for revenge, political gain, or punishment.

So supporting the victims of war follows right intention because providing support focuses on helping people recover and rebuild their lives.

The Bible is a source of wisdom and authority for Christians when thinking about how they should respond to victims of war.

Matthew 25:35-40 says, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.

I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.

Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." This teaching shows that caring for the vulnerable is a direct act of service to Christ.

It motivates Christians to provide food, shelter, and care for the victims of war as a core part of their faith.

Luke 10:33-37, "But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was, and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

He went to him and bandaged his wounds.

Then Jesus said, 'Go and do likewise.

'" The parable of the "Good Samaritan" shows that love of neighbour means practical compassion for anyone in need, even strangers or enemies.

It teaches Christians to respond to victims of war with active help and mercy regardless of background or nationality.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Defend the rights of the poor and needy," Proverbs 31:8-9.

This verse encourages Christians to stand up for justice, especially for those who are suffering or powerless.

Victims of war such as refugees, the injured, and those who have lost everything often have no means to protect themselves or be heard.

So which Bible teaching suggests that Christians should offer practical help and compassion to anyone in need, even if they are strange or enemies? Is it A, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves?", Proverbs 31:8-9.

B, "But to Samaritan.

took pity on him.

Go and do likewise", Luke 10:33-37.

Or "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me," Matthew 25:40.

So take a moment, pause the video, come back when you're ready to check your answer.

Good work if you spotted it was B, the parable of the "Good Samaritan" because the Samaritans were enemies of the Jewish people.

All Christian denominations agree that victims of war should be treated with compassion, supported practically, and cared for with dignity.

The Catholic Church teaches that victims of war must be treated with compassion.

The catechism in paragraph 2,313 states, "Non-combatants, wounded soldiers and prisoners must be respected and treated humanely." Agencies like Caritas and CAFOD provide aid.

And Pope Francis urged Catholics to welcome refugees.

Quakers, guided by the Peace Testimony, respond to victims of war through nonviolent action and practical care.

The charity Quaker Service supports those affected by conflict in Northern Ireland.

Quakers base their response on the belief that caring for all people, especially the vulnerable, is a religious duty.

The United Reformed Church calls for compassion and justice for those harmed by war.

Its general assembly and the joint public issues team urged churches to support refugees and campaign for peace, helping victims of war is seen as part of following Christ's call to love and serve those in need.

Danielle is talking about how she has put Catholic teachings about victims of war into practise.

Danielle says, "When the war in Ukraine began, our priest asked if anyone could host a refugee family.

My children had moved out, so I had space.

I kept thinking of Jesus' words.

'I was a stranger and you welcomed me,' Matthew 25:35.

Hosting a mother and her daughter for six months felt like a real way to live out my faith.

The parish helped by donating clothes, offering lifts to appointments, and helping the daughter get into a local school." Kateryna is a Ukrainian Roman Catholic.

She's talking about her experience as a victim of war.

Kateryna says, "When the war began, my mom and I had to leave everything behind.

We were taken in by Danielle because she wanted to follow Pope Francis' call to welcome refugees.

As a Catholic myself, I believe helping victims of war is part of living out the gospel.

Jesus said, 'I was a stranger and you welcomed me,' and now I understand what that means, not just as words but as action." So how has Kateryna's experience deepened her understanding of her faith? Take a moment, pause the video, turn and talk to someone nearby or you can talk to me, and come back when you're ready to move on.

Asher is talking about how he puts Christian teachings about victims of war into practise.

Asher says, "Helping victims of war is a way to show what Christian love really means.

Not everyone can offer someone a home, but there are still so many ways to help.

I run youth fundraisers at church to support charities working in war zones and have also collected supplies for refugee families arriving in the UK.

For me, this is part of faith in action." So what does Asher mean by faith in action? Take a moment again, pause the video, come back when you're ready to move on.

Izzy is talking to Frank about Christian Aid's work with victims of war.

Izzy says, "I always thought Christian Aid was just about helping people in poverty, like giving food or building wells." Frank says, "That is part of what they do, but it's not the whole story.

Christian Aid also worked with victims of war.

They support refugees and help to rebuild communities.

I started collecting from them after learning about their work in places like South Sudan and Ukraine.

If someone's had to flee their home or lost everything in a conflict, they need help to rebuild their lives." So which Church specifically encourages members to take refugees into their homes? Is it A, the Roman Catholic church? B, the United Reformed Church? Or C, Quakers? Pause if you need to, come back when you're ready to check your answer.

Well done if you spotted it's the Roman Catholic Church.

For part one of our task, I'd like you to add sources of authority to Jacob's points about why Christians support victims of war.

His first point.

"Christians believe they should stand up for the rights of victims of war because the Bible teaches.

." His second point.

"Christians support victims of war because the Bible encourages Christians to give practical help to those in need." And his third point.

"Catholics agree we should help victims of war because Pope Francis.

." So pause the video, take your time, and think carefully about what we've learned.

Come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

You could have said for the first point that "Christians believe they should stand up for the rights of victims of war because the Bible teaches.

." "Speak up For those who cannot speak for themselves, defend the rights of the poor and needy," in Proverbs 31:8-9.

And for the second, "Christians support victims of war because the Bible encourages Christians to give practical help to those in need, like the parable of the 'Good Samaritan,' which calls for showing compassion to anyone in need regardless of background." And for the final point, "Catholics agree we should help victims of war because Pope Francis called for every parish to welcome at least one refugee family." Excellent work.

Well done if you manage to develop those sources of authority.

For part two of our task, we're going to think about the question, "Explain two religious beliefs about victims of war." And I'd like you to complete the missing parts of this answer that's focusing on Christianity.

One Christian belief is that people should show love and compassion to.

This comes from Jesus' teaching.

When it come to sporting victims of war, Christians live this out by.

Another Christian belief is that caring for the vulnerable is a way of.

In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says, "I was a stranger.

." Many support organisations like.

So take the time, think about your answer, think about how to develop those points that have been set out for you.

Come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

You could have said, One Christian belief is that people should show love and compassion to anyone in need regardless of their background.

This comes from Jesus' teaching in the parable of the "Good Samaritan." When it comes to supporting victims of war, Christians live this out by offering practical help such as food and shelter for refugees.

Another Christian belief is that caring for the vulnerable is a way of serving Christ.

In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Many support organisations like Christian Aid and CAFOD which help victims of war by providing emergency aid and long-term support to rebuild lives.

So well done if you managed to develop both of those points and to reference those sources of authority as well.

In today's lesson, we have learned that war causes suffering for a wide range of people including civilians, refugees, prisoners, and soldiers affected by trauma.

Christian beliefs emphasise showing love through action, especially by caring for those who are vulnerable or in need.

Bible teaching such as Matthew 25 and the "Good Samaritan" encourage Christians to offer support with compassion and mercy.

International agreements like the Geneva Conventions and human rights principles are designed to safeguard people during war.

Churches and Christian charities respond by providing aid, welcoming refugees, and standing up for peace and justice.

Thank you for working with me on today's lesson.

Well done for all of your efforts.