Different religious views about weapons of mass destruction
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain different Christian responses to weapons of mass destructions.
Key learning points
- WMDs break Just War principles by causing indiscriminate, excessive harm and not protecting civilians.
- Bible teachings like “Do not murder” and “Blessed are the peace-makers” support opposition to WMDs.
- Church views differ: Methodists reject all WMDs; others may allow deterrence as a step toward peace.
- Ethical theories like Natural Law and Situation Ethics are used to judge whether possession is ever right.
- Some Christians accept deterrence if it protects life and fulfils government duty to defend citizens.
Keywords
Disarmament - reducing or eliminating weapons
Nuclear deterrence - having nuclear weapons with the aim of deterring/preventing other states attacking for fear of retaliation and nuclear war (possibly leading to Mutually Assured Destruction)
Weapons of mass destruction - weapons which cause widespread, indiscriminate damage (e.g. nuclear, chemical, biological)
Common misconception
Christians agree that no country should possess any weapons of mass destruction.
While Christians oppose the use of weapons of mass destruction because it contradicts teachings like the sanctity of life, some may accept their possession as a temporary deterrent if it helps prevent war and protect life.
Teacher tip
Highlight how Christian views on WMDs have developed by comparing earlier tolerance of nuclear deterrence (e.g. during the Cold War) with more recent calls for disarmament from churches like the Catholic Church.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1. weapons use a powerful reaction to cause widespread destruction.
Q2. weapons use toxic substances made by humans to harm the body.
Q3.The Conventions aim to protect civilians and limit suffering in war.
Q4.Why is secrecy about weapons of mass destruction a major issue?
Q5.What is a key danger of some weapons of mass destruction in terrorism?
Q6.Which of these is a common misunderstanding about weapons of mass destruction?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Christians believe human life is and should never be treated as disposable.
Q2.Jesus taught, “ are the peace-makers” (Matthew 5:9), encouraging peace.
Q3.What do Methodists believe about nuclear weapons?
Q4.What does nuclear deterrence mean?
Q5.What is a key Christian teaching used to argue against WMDs?
Q6.Some Christians may accept the possession of WMD as a temporary deterrent if it helps prevent war and protect life.
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about weapons of mass destruction, 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 weapons of mass destruction, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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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.