Different religious views about pacifism
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain Christian teachings on pacifism and the reasons why Christians may or may not be pacifists.
Key learning points
- Christian views differ: some are absolute pacifists, others accept limited violence under Just War theory.
- Verses like “turn the other cheek” and “live at peace” support Christian pacifism.
- Quakers reject all violence; Anglicans, Methodists and Catholics may allow it in some cases.
- Natural Law and Situation Ethics can justify peace or limited force to protect life.
- Pacifists often act through peacebuilding, protest and support for victims.
Keywords
Just War - set of rules for fighting a war in a way believed to be justified and acceptable to God
Pacifism - belief that all violence is wrong, which then affects all behaviours
Peace - the opposite of war; harmony between all in society
Violence - behaviour involving physical force which intends to hurt, kill or cause damage
Common misconception
All Christians are pacifists because Jesus taught peace and non-violence.
While some Christians, like Quakers, follow absolute pacifism, most Christian traditions accept that violence may be justified in certain circumstances, especially through Just War theory.
Teacher tip
Use the example of a real-world conflict as an example and encourage students to apply theology actively and understand the diversity within Christian responses to pacifism.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.During World War I, the feather was used as a symbol to shame men who did not enlist in the army.
Q2.Which of the following actions might a pacifist reject?
Q3.What was Bertrand Russell’s view on using force during World War II?
Q4.What is the main goal of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)?
Q5.Which of these is not an argument for pacifism?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which Christian group is known for absolute pacifism?
Q2.What does the Just War theory aim to provide?
Q3.Is this statement true or false? 'All Christians are pacifists because Jesus taught peace and non-violence.'
Q4.Which of these is not usually part of Christian pacifism?
Q5.Jesus taught, “If anyone slaps you on the right , turn to them the other also.”
Q6.Jesus said, “Put your back in its place.."
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about pacifism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about pacifism, 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.