Lesson video

Hello, my name's Mrs. Rawbone, and I'm your RS teacher today.

I'd like to welcome you to this lesson on Terrorism.

In today's lesson, you will be able to explain what terrorism is and explain how Christians and others respond to it.

Key words we'll be using today are peace, terrorism, and violence.

Peace is described as the opposite of war, harmony between all in society.

Terrorism is the use of violence and threats to intimidate others.

It's used for political purposes to build fear in the ordinary population and to secure demands from Governments.

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

Our lesson today will form two parts.

We'll be looking at terrorism and at responses to terrorism.

So let's look at terrorism for the first part of our lesson.

The word terrorism comes from Latin, from terrere, meaning to frighten.

The modern term actually developed during the French Revolution when the Government used violence and executions to control opposition.

So it was originally about the Government terrorising people.

It is come to me the use of violence and threats to intimidate others used for political purposes to build fear in the ordinary population and to secure demands from Government.

So, in other words, it's come to mean people using terror to intimidate others, rather than the Government using terror to intimidate its own people.

Terrorism happens when people use violence because they want to force change for political, religious, or social reasons.

A radical sect believes their religion is under threat and opposes others' beliefs strongly.

This, coupled with intolerance, might lead to terrorism.

An example is the Ku Klux Klan, who promoted white supremacy and used violence to intimidate Black Americans and others seeking civil rights, fueling racial terror and conflict in the US.

So, what is terrorism? Take a moment, pause the video to write down your definition.

Come back when you're ready to check.

You could have said it's the use of violence and threats to intimidate others used for political purposes to build fear in the ordinary population and to secure demands from Government.

So, well done if you've managed to put across the idea that it's building fear into ordinary people.

This map shows the number of terrorist attacks in 2021.

In 2021, where was someone more likely to be a victim of terrorism? So, look carefully at the key below and work out your answer.

Pause the video, come back when you're ready to move on.

Any country shaded in a dark red colour is a place where you were more likely in 2021 to be the victim of a terrorist attack.

Terrorism can have religious causes and goals, but this is not always the case.

Looking at religious terrorist groups, we have Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

ISIS operating from 2013 to the present.

Its goal is to establish an Islamic state under strict Sharia law.

And another example, the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda from 1987 to the present.

They enforce their interpretation of Christian fundamentalist rule.

On the other hand, we have non-religious groups.

The Irish Republican Army, IRA, from the late 1960s to 1998.

Their goal was to achieve Irish independence from British rule.

And the Kurdistan Workers Party, the PKK, from 1978 to the present.

Their goal was to secure greater rights for Kurds within Turkey.

Terrorism has a long history.

The Sicarii in Judea was Zealots, who assassinated civilians seen as Roman collaborators to spread fear and provoke rebellion.

The Gunpowder Plot was then Catholic conspirators protested anti-Catholic laws and attempted to blow up Parliament and kill the king.

The Reign of Terror in France, Revolutionary leaders used mass executions and fear to suppress opposition and control the population.

Bloody Friday, the IRA planted 22 bombs in Belfast, targeting civilians to pressure the British Government in 1972.

The Oklahoma City bombing in USA, anti-Government, far-right extremist bombing killed 168 civilians in 1995, The 9/11 attacks, Al-Qaeda hijackers killed nearly 3,000 people in a coordinated attack to provoke fear and global conflict.

The London bombings in 2005.

Suicide bombers attacked the transport system, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds.

The Christchurch Mosque shootings in New Zealand in 2019.

A white supremacist gunman killed 51 Muslims. When considering terrorism, most agreed that someone's right to freely express an opinion in whatever way they wish is outweighed by another person's right to live in security and safety.

Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person." Article 19 states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression." So we can see here two human rights that could be used to support either way.

But the general view is that Article 3 outweighs Article 19.

So in the end, it's someone's safety, liberty, and security that is more important than someone's right to express their views.

What is the missing word? When responding to terrorism, governments must balance the right to freedom of opinion and with the right to life, liberty, and security.

Take a moment, pause the video, have a think about the answer, jot it down, come back when you're ready to move on.

The word that's missing is expression.

So it's not just the opinion, but it's also the expression of that opinion that's the problem with terrorism.

Well done if you spotted that word.

Terrorism raises many ethical concerns.

It deliberately targets innocent people.

It spreads fear and trauma.

It uses violence for political goals and it denies people the right to life, safety, and freedom.

There are national and international laws against terrorism.

In the UK, the terrorism Acts of 2000 and 2006 criminalised terrorism, and the preparation and encouragement of terrorism.

The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act of 2015 introduced the Prevent duty, which requires public bodies to prevent people being drawn into terrorism.

Internationally, the UN Resolution of 1373 requires that all UN member states criminalise terrorism, freeze terrorist assets, share information, and deny safe haven to terrorists.

Let's check your understanding.

Give one reason why terrorism raises ethical concerns.

There are lots here, so think carefully about which one you want to choose.

Pause the video, come back when you're ready to check your answer.

You could have said any one of the following.

It denies people the right to life.

It puts innocent people's safety and freedom at risk.

It uses violence to get political results.

It causes fear and trauma for many people.

It deliberately targets civilians.

So well done if you've got one of those ethical concerns, Aisha started writing an introduction to an essay on terrorism.

She says, "The word terrorism comes from Latin.

It means to frighten.

Today, terrorism means the use of violence and threats to cause fear, usually for political, religious, or ideological goals.

It targets innocent people and tries to force change by creating fear and disruption." I'd like you to continue her introduction by including reasons why people or groups turn to terrorism.

One historical and one modern example of a terrorist act, and two ethical or human rights concerns raised by terrorism.

So pause the video, think carefully about what you've learned so far today, write up your answer, and come back when you're ready to see what you could have said.

You could have said, "Some people turn to terrorism because they feel politically powerless or believe their religion or identity is under threat.

They may think violence is the only way to get attention or force change.

For example, the Gunpowder Plot in 1605 was an attempt by Catholic conspirators to kill King James I, and protest anti-Catholic laws.

A modern example is the 9/11 attacks in 2001, where Al-Qaeda hijacked planes to attack the United States.

Terrorism raises serious ethical concerns because it deliberately targets innocent people and denies them the right to life and safety.

It also spreads fear and trauma far beyond the immediate victims." So, well done if you manage to include those examples and the reasons for terrorism, and also if you manage to talk about those ethical concerns.

Let's move on to the second part of our lesson.

Responses to Terrorism.

Christian attitudes to terrorism 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.

And they might interpret these sources differently or emphasise one more than another.

The Bible is a source of wisdom and authority for Christians on issues surrounding terrorism.

Exodus 20:13 says, "You shall not murder." How might this Biblical teaching be relevant to issues surrounding terrorism? Take a moment, have a think, come back when you're ready to move on.

Well, it's a clear and absolute command that prohibits the intentional taking of innocent life.

Terrorism, which involves murder, is directly condemned by this commandment.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9.

How might this Biblical teaching be relevant to issues surrounding terrorism? Again, take a moment, pause if you need to, come back when you're ready to move on.

While this teaching highlights that those who seek peace align with God's will, while those who commit acts of violence do not.

Terrorism opposes this call to peacemaking and is therefore wrong.

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good," Romans 12:17-21.

So, how might this teaching be relevant to issues surrounding terrorism? Again, take a moment to have a think.

Come back when you're ready to move on.

This Passage teaches that responding to injustice or conflict with violence is morally wrong.

It promotes peace and good over retaliation and hatred.

As well as terrorism being wrong, it suggests responding to terrorism with violence is also wrong.

Which Bible verse best supports the idea that Christians should not respond to terrorism with violence? Is it A, "You shall murder?" Exodus 20:13.

B, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:17-21.

Or C, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9.

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

So well done if you chose B, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but overcome evil with good." All Christian denominations condemn terrorism.

The Catechism of the Catholic church in Paragraph 2,297 teaches "Terrorism threatens wounds and kills indiscriminately.

It is gravely against justice and charity." Pope Francis repeatedly condemned terrorism, calling it a perversion of religion.

The church supports addressing the causes of terrorism rather than using violence in response.

In May 2017, after the Manchester Arena bombing, Reverend Dr.

Roger Walton and Rachel Lampard, President and Vice President of the Methodist Conference, condemned the attack.

They urged people to reject violence and build a just and peaceful society.

They said that harming innocent people, especially children, is never acceptable.

The World Council of Churches is a global organisation of over 350 different Christian churches that promotes unity, peace, and justice.

It teaches that terrorism contradicts Christian faith, especially because it harms innocent people.

The World Council of Churches calls on churches to support victims, reject violence, and work for peace and reconciliation.

Just War theory is supported by many Christian denominations.

Terrorism directly violates it.

We have just cause, legitimate authority, right intention, last resort, reasonable chance of success, proportionality, and discrimination.

Terrorist groups act without legal or recognised authority.

They're not governments or lawful military forces.

So their actions lack moral and legal legitimacy.

So they break the rule for a legitimate authority.

Discrimination.

While terrorism deliberately targets civilians, it does not discriminate between civilians and competence.

It aims to cause fear and disruption.

This directly breaks the rule that only competence should be attacked in war.

Which other rules are broken by terrorism? Take a moment, turn, and talk to someone nearby if you can, or you can talk to me.

Come back when you're ready to move on.

Which of the following best explains most church teachings on terrorism? A, terrorism is wrong because it harms innocent people, and churches call for support for the victims, rejection of violence, and tackling its causes.

B, terrorism is sometimes necessary to defend faith, but churches stress it should be a last resort under Just War theory.

Or C, terrorism can be justified if carried out by groups with authority under just cause.

Pause if you need to, come back when you're ready to check your answer.

Excellent work if you've spotted that it's A, terrorism is wrong 'cause it harms innocent people and churches together call for support for the victims and rejection of violence, but also tackling the causes of terrorism.

Fiona is an Anglican Christian, and she's been asked about her response to terrorism.

Fiona says, "Terrorism is a cruel attack on human life and dignity.

As a Christian, I believe we must respond with love, not revenge.

I really respect Canon Andrew White, an Anglican priest who led the only Anglican church in Baghdad during the Iraq War.

Even when ISIS were attacking Christians, he stayed helped victims, spoke with fighters, and kept preaching peace.

He showed that real faith can face violence without turning to hate." So, how does Fiona think terrorism should be responded to? Take a moment, pause the video, you can look again at what she said, come back when you're ready to move on.

Niamh is a Roman Catholic.

She's been asked about her response to terrorism.

Niamh says, "When there is a terrorist attack, I feel heartbroken for the victims and the fear it spreads.

As a Catholic, I believe prayer helps us to resist that fear.

I join the livestream prayers run by the Sant'Egidio Community, a Catholic group that works for peace.

We pray for victims, for peace, and for those who cause violence.

It reminds me that faith should lead to hope, not hatred." So what does need do in response to terrorism? Take a moment, pause the video, turn and talk to someone nearby if you can, or you can talk to me.

Come back when you're ready to move on.

Alan is a humanist.

He's been asked about his response to terrorism.

Alan says, "I believe terrorism is wrong and that we should respond to it with a focus on peace.

I volunteer for Search for Common Ground, a peace-building organisation that works in conflict areas around the world.

I help update the training guides used by peacebuilders.

They work with victims, former extremists, and communities.

If we want a safe world, we must challenge hatred without becoming hateful." So, how does Alan believe we should respond to terrorism? Take a moment again, pause the video, come back when you're ready to move on.

Let's check your understanding.

Name one organisation that works against terrorism.

Pause the video, jot down your answer, come back when you are ready to check.

You could have said either of the following, Search for Common Ground, or the Sant'Egidio Community.

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

Andeep is asking Asher, who's a Christian, what he thinks about the link between religion and terrorism.

Andeep says, "Is it true that religion has linked with terrorism? For example, the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda claim to be Christian." Asher says, "Religion can be misused to justify violence.

The Lord's Resistance Army claims to be Christian, but their killings, kidnappings, and terror are condemned by Christians worldwide." Andeep responds, "So they claim to be Christian, but really they're just distorting and misusing the faith to justify their violence." Andeep is asking Iqbal, who is a Muslim, what he thinks about the link between religion and terrorism.

Andeep says, "Do you think religion can be linked to terrorism? For example, the terrorist group ISIS claim to represent Islam." Iqbal says, "ISIS' actions go against the teachings of Islam, and terrorists cannot be called true Muslims. Islam preaches peace and mercy." Andeep responds, "It sounds like Muslims condemn the use of their religion to support terrorism." For Part One of your task, I'd like you to complete this table showing how each source or example might influence Christian thinking about the issue of terrorism.

First source, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil." Romans 12:17-21.

The second source is Just War theory.

The third is the example of Canon Andrew White.

The fourth, the Sant'Egidio Community, and the fifth is Reverend Dr.

Roger Walton and Rachel Lampard, who were President and Vice President of the Methodist Conference.

Pause the video, take your time to think about how those examples would influence a Christian's thinking on terrorism.

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

You could have said, "Do not repay anyone evil with evil." This teaches Christians not to respond to terrorism with revenge or violence.

For Just War theory, this condemns terrorism because it violates Just War conditions by targeting civilians.

For Canon Andrew White, he shows that Christians can work for peace in areas affected by terrorism.

For the Sant'Egidio Community, it encourages peaceful solutions to terrorism.

And for Dr.

Roger Walton and Rachel Lampard, President and Vice President of the Methodist Conference following the Manchester bombing, their response shows that terrorism should be condemned and responded to with peace-building and not hate.

So, well done if you managed to explain the influence of each of those sources on Christian thinking.

For Part Two of our task, Sam is explaining why Christians condemn terrorism.

She's left some gaps for you to complete.

"Christians disagree with terrorism because it deliberately.

The Bible says, 'You shall not.

' All major Christian denominations condemn terrorism as unjust and unloving.

The Catechism of the Catholic church states that terror threatens." So, pause the video, think about what you've learned about Christian responses to terrorism.

Use that to develop Sam's answer.

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

You could have said, "Christians disagree with terrorism because it deliberately harms innocent people, which goes against Christian teaching.

The Bible says, 'You shall not murder,' Exodus 20:13, making it clear that taking life is morally wrong.

All major Christian denominations condemn terrorism as unjust and unloving.

The Catechism of the Catholic church states that terrorism threatens, wounds, and kills indiscriminately.

It is gravely against justice and charity, Paragraph 2,297." Excellent work if you've managed to explain and develop Sam's answer further with those examples of Christian teachings, the Bible, and beliefs.

In the lesson today, we've learned that terrorism is using violence and fear to achieve political aims. UK and international laws criminalise terrorism and require action to prevent it.

Terrorism has political, religious, or social causes and is seen as deeply unethical because it targets innocent people.

Terrorism has a long history from the Sicarii to 9/11, and the London bombings.

Christians reject terrorism as against their faith.

The Bible teaches peace, and churches call for justice, support for victims, and non-violence.

Non-religious groups like Search for Common Ground work with victims and former extremists to build peace.

Thank you very much for working with me today, and for all the effort you have put into this lesson.