Religion as a cause of war and Holy War
I can explain how religion can be a cause of war, using the Crusades as an example, and evaluate different Christian, Muslim, and non-religious attitudes towards Holy War.
Religion as a cause of war and Holy War
I can explain how religion can be a cause of war, using the Crusades as an example, and evaluate different Christian, Muslim, and non-religious attitudes towards Holy War.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Religion may lead to war for reasons including defending its existence, conflict over land, trying to convert others.
- Matthew 10: 34-40 suggests that God should come before all others and people should be willing to fight in His name.
- The Crusades are an example of Holy War between Christians and Muslims fought over controlling Jerusalem.
- Many humanists believe that this type of war is wrong due to the reason behind it and the loss of life.
- Christians have a range of views depending on which texts and examples they prioritise.
Keywords
Holy War - a war believed to be sanctioned or commanded by God, often fought to defend a faith, secure religious territory, or convert others to a religion
Crusades - a series of religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims in the Middle Ages, primarily over control of Jerusalem and other holy sites
Symbolic interpretation - understanding a religious text as using symbols or metaphors, rather than taking the words literally
Common misconception
The Crusades were only about religion.
Religion was a big reason for the Crusades, but they were also about gaining land, power, and wealth. Wars often have multiple overlapping causes, not just one simple reason.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Religion as a cause of war and Holy 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: Religion as a cause of war and Holy War, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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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.
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Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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Adult supervision recommended
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