Contrasting religious views about violence
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Christians, Muslims, and non-religious people respond to war, including different beliefs about when (if ever) violence can be justified.
Key learning points
- There are a range of potential negative outcomes of war, including loss of life and damage to the environment.
- Christians may quote Matthew 5:9 when arguing that violence is wrong and Christians should avoid it.
- Muslims may cite Surah 2.190 when justifying violence as a response to persecution.
- Islam allows conflict, but it should not transgress the limits.
- Many people, both religious and non-religious, believe that conflict should only ever be a last resort.
Keywords
Conflict - a serious disagreement or fight, which can be between people, groups, or countries; can sometimes lead to war
Persecution - unfair treatment of people, often because of their religion, beliefs, or identity; some religious teachings allow self-defence if people are being persecuted
Last resort - the final option when every other choice has been tried or is not possible
Common misconception
Christians and Muslims do not think about conduct in war.
Both Christianity and Islam think about possible limits and boundaries for war. Both religions aim for peace but accept war in limited conditions.
Teacher tip
When discussing war and religion, students may link to real world events in the news or social media. This can aid relevance but risks stereotyping. Encourage separating religious teachings from politics, showing that religion is only one factor in conflicts.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is the general Christian view towards violence?
Q2.Humanists do not support violence motivated on grounds.
Q3.'Altruism' means acting for the benefit of .
Q4.Why might some Christians see violent protest as acceptable?
Q5.Which of the below are examples of peaceful actions used to show righteous anger?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword to its meaning:
a serious disagreement or fight
unfair treatment, often because of religion, belief, or identity
the final option when every other choice has been tried
Q2.Conflict can also damage the .
Q3.Who are the 'blessed' according to Matthew 5:9?
Q4.Surah 2:190 allows Muslims to fight in response to .
Q5.Who believes conflict should be a last resort?
Q6.What limits do Christianity and Islam place on war?
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Contrasting religious views about violence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Contrasting religious views about violence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion, peace and conflict unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.