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Religion, peace and conflict

Religion, peace and conflict

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Why this why now

This unit will build on some of the foundational knowledge aquired in Year 10 through studies of two chosen religions. Pupils will make links between, for example, the story of Jesus and ideas of forgiveness and peace. It will build on previous themes such as relationships and family, to see how religions interact with issues of conflict at a national and global level.

Prior knowledge requirements

  • There are many reasons a person or country may choose to go to war
  • Not everybody agrees on whether war can be justified
  • There is divergent belief within religions about whether war is ever right
  • Even when people agree that war may be necessary, not everybody agrees with the same methods

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Why this why now

This unit will build on some of the foundational knowledge aquired in Year 10 through studies of two chosen religions. Pupils will make links between, for example, the story of Jesus and ideas of forgiveness and peace. It will build on previous themes such as relationships and family, to see how religions interact with issues of conflict at a national and global level.

Prior knowledge requirements

  • There are many reasons a person or country may choose to go to war
  • Not everybody agrees on whether war can be justified
  • There is divergent belief within religions about whether war is ever right
  • Even when people agree that war may be necessary, not everybody agrees with the same methods

Religion, peace and conflict

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.

15 lessons in unit

  1. 1

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

    I can explain how Christian beliefs about peace, justice forgiveness, and reconciliation influence their responses to conflict and inspire movements for justice and nonviolence.
  2. 2

    Violence, including violent protest

    I can explain what Christians and humanists believe about violence and violent protest.
  3. 3

    Contrasting religious views about violence

    I can explain how Christians, Muslims, and non-religious people respond to war, including different beliefs about when (if ever) violence can be justified.
  4. 4

    Reasons for war

    I can explain reasons for war, such as self-defence and retaliation, and show how Christians respond to these reasons.
  5. 5

    Religion as a cause of war and Holy War

    I can explain how religion can be a cause of war, using the Crusades as an example, and evaluate different Christian, Muslim, and non-religious attitudes towards Holy War.
  6. 6

    The Just War theory

    I can explain the Just War theory, describe different Christian views, and give my opinion on whether a war can ever be justified.
  7. 7

    Terrorism

    I can describe what terrorism is and explain how Christians and others respond to it
  8. 8

    Pacifism

    I will be able to explain what pacifism is and outline arguments for and against it.
  9. 9

    Different religious views about pacifism

    I can explain Christian teachings on pacifism and the reasons why Christians may or may not be pacifists.
  10. 10

    Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence

    I can explain what nuclear weapons are and give different views on their use and disarmament.
  11. 11

    Weapons of mass destruction

    I can explain what weapons of mass destruction are and describe their types, effects and issues surrounding them.
  12. 12

    Different religious views about weapons of mass destruction

    I can explain different Christian responses to weapons of mass destructions.
  13. 13

    Religion and peace-making

    I can explain the difference between pacifism and peace-making, and give examples of how Christians and others work for peace
  14. 14

    Religious responses to victims of war

    I can explain how Christians and others respond to people affected by war
  15. 15

    The work of Christian Aid for victims of war

    I can explain how Christian Aid responds to victims of war.

Learn how you can make the best use of Oak resources

A step-by-step guide to getting started

Get more out of Oak