New
New
Year 11
AQA

Terrorism

I can describe what terrorism is and explain how Christians and others respond to it

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Terrorism

I can describe what terrorism is and explain how Christians and others respond to it

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Terrorism uses violence and fear for political aims. UK and global laws ban it and require prevention.
  2. It has political, religious or social causes and is widely seen as unethical for harming innocents.
  3. Terrorism has a long history, from the Sicarii to 9/11 and the London bombings.
  4. Christians oppose it as unfaithful to their beliefs. The Bible and churches call for peace and justice.
  5. 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.


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

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Supervision

Adult supervision required

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.
Which best describes the Just War theory?

A belief that all wars are holy and should always be supported by Christians
A view that violence is always wrong, no matter the situation
Correct answer: A Christian idea that war can sometimes be justified with strict rules

Q2.
Which Christian group has a structured commitment to Just War theory?

Anglicans
Correct answer: Catholics
Eastern Orthodox

Q3.
What does Christian pacifism usually involve?

Correct answer: Actively building peace and supporting victims
Refusing to help anyone involved in war
Supporting violent protest to stop war

Q4.
What is a key teaching from Jesus that supports pacifism?

“Fight for justice against all enemies.”
Correct answer: “Put your sword back in its place.”
“Destroy those who harm you.”

Q5.
are a Christian denomination known for absolute pacifism.

Correct Answer: Quakers, quakers

Q6.
Saint Paul taught, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

Correct Answer: peace, Peace

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the makers, for they will be called children of God.”

Correct Answer: peace, Peace

Q2.
The Bible says, “You shall not ” (Exodus 20:13).

Correct Answer: murder, Murder

Q3.
Saint Paul said, “Overcome evil with ” (Romans 12:21).

Correct Answer: good, Good

Q4.
Which is an ethical concern about terrorism?

Correct answer: It harms innocent people
It supports peaceful protest
It only affects military targets

Q5.
All terrorism is motivated by religion.

True – Terrorism always has a religious cause
False – Terrorism only comes from racial hatred
Correct answer: False – Some terrorism has political causes

Q6.
Which Christian response best matches Bible teachings about terrorism?

Avoid helping people affected
Encourage violent revenge
Correct answer: Build peace and support victims