Violence, including violent protest
I can explain what Christians and humanists believe about violence and violent protest.
Violence, including violent protest
I can explain what Christians and humanists believe about violence and violent protest.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Most Christians agree that violence has a negative impact and should be avoided.
- Humanists generally oppose violence and do not support violence that is motivated by religious grounds.
- Humanists and Christians may accept violence for altruistic purposes.
- Jesus displayed righteous anger, where the goal is to restore to God's design and intention.
- Violent protest may be justified as righteous anger by some Christians.
Keywords
Violence - the use of physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill
Righteous anger - anger about something morally wrong, with the aim of making things right in a fair and just way
Altruistic - doing something to help others, even if it’s personally difficult, without expecting a reward
Common misconception
Righteous anger always leads to violent protest.
Many Christians and humanists believe righteous anger can be shown through peaceful actions like marches, speeches, or campaigns. Violence is only considered by some, and only in rare cases when all peaceful options have failed.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Violence, including violent protest, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Violence, including violent protest, 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.
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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.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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