Religion as a cause of war and Holy War
Lesson details
Learning outcome
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.
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.
Teacher tip
Students may take Matthew 10:34–40 literally. Explain that Christians interpret it differently: some see it as symbolic of a commitment to God, others see it as justifying conflict. Stress that interpretations vary and that not all Christians agree.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Conflict often starts because of reasons like greed, or retaliation.
Q2.Which of these is usually seen as the least acceptable reason for war?
Q3.What does Matthew 19:24 say about wealth?
Q4.Which of these teachings comes from Exodus 21:23-27?
Q5.Which group rejects violence for religious motivations?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Religion may lead to war through conflict over .
Q2.What does Matthew 10:34 say Jesus brings?
Q3.The Crusades centred around controlling the city of .
Q4.What influences a believer’s view on war?
Q5.Which of these was a non-religious cause of the Crusades?
To help you plan your 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 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.
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.