New
New
Year 11
AQA

Religion and peace-making

I can explain the difference between pacifism and peace-making, and give examples of how Christians and others work for peace

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Religion and peace-making

I can explain the difference between pacifism and peace-making, and give examples of how Christians and others work for peace

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Peace-making means working for peace and reconciliation after conflict
  2. Pacifists reject all violence; peace-makers may allow limited force to protect others
  3. Many Christians see peace-making as a duty, based on Jesus’ teaching to love enemies
  4. Non-religious people also support peace-making but may question religious reasons
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Religion and peace-making, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use video clips of real-life stories to show how peace-making looks in action
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Christians believe that human life is sacred because people are made in the of God.

Correct Answer: image, Image

Q2.
The Methodist Church teaches that weapons should be given up unilaterally if necessary.

Correct Answer: nuclear, Nuclear

Q3.
Jesus taught that people should their enemies and not seek revenge.

Correct Answer: love, Love

Q4.
What is the meaning of nuclear deterrence?

Using nuclear weapons to win wars
Correct answer: Owning nuclear weapons to prevent attacks
Giving up all nuclear weapons immediately

Q5.
Why do some Christians support nuclear deterrence?

To punish enemy countries
To show military strength to other nations
Correct answer: To prevent war and protect life

Q6.
What ethical approach might justify possessing WMDs if it protects life?

Correct answer: Natural Law
Revenge Ethics
Victory Ethics

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
As well as sometimes being involved in conflict, take part in peace-making by protecting civilians and supporting local communities.

Correct Answer: soldiers, Soldiers

Q2.
Christian is a global organisation that works to build peace by tackling the root causes of conflict.

Correct Answer: Aid, aid

Q3.
Desmond promoted non-violent resistance to apartheid and led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Correct Answer: Tutu, tutu

Q4.
Pacifists and peace-makers are the same, both reject all forms of violence.

True – Both fully reject any use of force
Correct answer: False – Pacifists reject all violence, but peacemakers may allow some
False – Peace-makers believe in violence to solve all problems

Q5.
Which of these is an example of peace-making?

Fighting for victory
Refusing to forgive
Correct answer: Campaigning for justice

Q6.
What is the ultimate goal of peace-making?

To win conflicts
Correct answer: To restore harmony and heal relationships
To punish those who cause war