Reasons for war
I can explain reasons for war, such as self-defence and retaliation, and show how Christians respond to these reasons.
Reasons for war
I can explain reasons for war, such as self-defence and retaliation, and show how Christians respond to these reasons.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are many different reasons a person, nation or religion may choose to enter into a conflict.
- These reasons include greed, self defence and retaliation.
- Some people, religious and non-religious, find some reasons more acceptable than others.
- Many Christians believe that going to war for greed is wrong because of Matthew 19:24.
- There are different opinions on war for retaliation based on interpretations of Exodus 21:23-27.
Keywords
Self-defence - protecting yourself or others when under attack
Retaliation - fighting back after being harmed or attacked
Justification - the reasons given to explain or defend something
Common misconception
All Christians believe in retaliation because the Bible says ‘an eye for an eye’.
Many Christians interpret this as an instruction to keep punishments fair and stop them going too far. Instead of justifying retaliation, it was about justice being equal to the harm done.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Reasons for war, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Reasons for war, 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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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.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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