Religion and peace-making
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the difference between pacifism and peace-making, and give examples of how Christians and others work for peace
Key learning points
- Peace-making means working for peace and reconciliation after conflict
- Pacifists reject all violence; peace-makers may allow limited force to protect others
- Many Christians see peace-making as a duty, based on Jesus’ teaching to love enemies
- Non-religious people also support peace-making but may question religious reasons
- Peace-makers include civilians, soldiers and faith leaders using protest, aid and education
Keywords
Peace - the opposite of war; harmony between all in society
Peace-making - working to bring about peace and reconciliation
Pacifism - belief that all violence is wrong, which then affects all behaviours
Reconciliation - making up and rebuilding relationships between two groups/sides after disagreement
Common misconception
Pacifists and peace-makers are the same, both reject all forms of violence.
Pacifists believe all violence is wrong, while some peace-makers may accept limited use of force if it helps protect others or restore peace.
Teacher tip
Use video clips of real-life stories to show how peace-making looks in action
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.Christians believe that human life is sacred because people are made in the of God.
Q2.The Methodist Church teaches that weapons should be given up unilaterally if necessary.
Q3.Jesus taught that people should their enemies and not seek revenge.
Q4.What is the meaning of nuclear deterrence?
Q5.Why do some Christians support nuclear deterrence?
Q6.What ethical approach might justify possessing WMDs if it protects life?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.As well as sometimes being involved in conflict, take part in peace-making by protecting civilians and supporting local communities.
Q2.Christian is a global organisation that works to build peace by tackling the root causes of conflict.
Q3.Desmond promoted non-violent resistance to apartheid and led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Q4.Pacifists and peace-makers are the same, both reject all forms of violence.
Q5.Which of these is an example of peace-making?
Q6.What is the ultimate goal of peace-making?
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Religion and peace-making, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Religion and peace-making, 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.