Terrorism
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what terrorism is and explain how Christians and others respond to it
Key learning points
- Terrorism uses violence and fear for political aims. UK and global laws ban it and require prevention.
- It has political, religious or social causes and is widely seen as unethical for harming innocents.
- Terrorism has a long history, from the Sicarii to 9/11 and the London bombings.
- Christians oppose it as unfaithful to their beliefs. The Bible and churches call for peace and justice.
- Groups like Search for Common Ground build peace with victims and former extremists.
Keywords
Peace - the opposite of war; harmony between all in society
Terrorism - use of violence and threats to intimidate others; used for political purposes to build fear in the ordinary population and to secure demands from Government
Violence - behaviour involving physical force which intends to hurt, kill or cause damage
Common misconception
All terrorists are religious or act because of religion
While some terrorists misuse religion, not all terrorism is religiously motivated. There are political, racial and ideological causes too (e.g. Oklahoma City bombing, KKK, white supremacist attacks). Religious usually terrorism and promote peace.
Teacher tip
There are some difficult issues here surrounding the links between religion and terrorism. It would be helpful to show clips such as the #notinmyname campaign.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which best describes the Just War theory?
Q2.Which Christian group has a structured commitment to Just War theory?
Q3.What does Christian pacifism usually involve?
Q4.What is a key teaching from Jesus that supports pacifism?
Q5. are a Christian denomination known for absolute pacifism.
Q6.Saint Paul taught, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Jesus said, “Blessed are the makers, for they will be called children of God.”
Q2.The Bible says, “You shall not ” (Exodus 20:13).
Q3.Saint Paul said, “Overcome evil with ” (Romans 12:21).
Q4.Which is an ethical concern about terrorism?
Q5.All terrorism is motivated by religion.
Q6.Which Christian response best matches Bible teachings about terrorism?
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Terrorism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Terrorism, 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.