Myths about teaching can hold you back
Learn why
Lesson 8 of 14
- Year 11
Holy War
In this lesson, we will focus on holy war. We will explore the history of Holy War in Christianity (Crusades, warfare in the Old Testament) and Holy War in Islam with links to lesser jihad (example of the Battle of Badr).
Lesson 8 of 14
- Year 11
Holy War
In this lesson, we will focus on holy war. We will explore the history of Holy War in Christianity (Crusades, warfare in the Old Testament) and Holy War in Islam with links to lesser jihad (example of the Battle of Badr).
These resources will be removed by the end of the Spring Term 2026.
Start using our brand new teaching resources now. Designed by teachers and subject experts, with real classrooms in mind.
The older resources below were created for lockdown learning during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- History of Holy War in Christianity (Crusades, warfare in the Old Testament).
- Holy War in Islam with links to lesser jihad (example of the Battle of Badr).
Equipment
You will need two different coloured pens: black or blue and another coloured pen, such as green or red.
Content guidance
- Contains conflict or violence.
Supervision
Adult supervision suggested
Licence
This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.
Loading...
10 Questions
Q1.Which of these key terms is best defined by 'the absence of conflict or war'?
Which of these key terms is best defined by 'the absence of conflict or war'?
Forgiveness
Justice
Reconciliation
Q2.Which religion demands that injustice is responded to with violence?
Which religion demands that injustice is responded to with violence?
Both Christianity and Islam
Christianity
Islam
Q3.Which of these statements is generally considered to be true?
Which of these statements is generally considered to be true?
Christian religious teachings generally support terrorism.
Islamic religious teachings generally support terrorism.
Religious teachings generally support terrorism.
Q4.The sanctity of life is used in both Islam and Christianity to oppose terrorism. Which of these best defines the sanctity of life?
The sanctity of life is used in both Islam and Christianity to oppose terrorism. Which of these best defines the sanctity of life?
God gives life.
Life can be taken for the cause of terrorism.
Life is special to God.
Q5.Which religious group/s generally promote a non-violent approach to conflict?
Which religious group/s generally promote a non-violent approach to conflict?
Christianity
Islam
Neither Christianity or Islam
Q6.Where Christians and Muslims do accept the use of violence, what conditions do they generally insist on?
Where Christians and Muslims do accept the use of violence, what conditions do they generally insist on?
That as many enemies as possible are harmed.
That maximum force is used to ensure the enemy is defeated quickly.
Q7.Which of these statements best describes how the example of Muhammad can be used to form a view on protest?
Which of these statements best describes how the example of Muhammad can be used to form a view on protest?
Violence should always be used.
Violence should never be used.
You should always seek to respond peacefully, however, where this is not possible you can use as much force as you want to restore justice.
Q8.According to Jesus how should Christians treat those who perform hateful actions?
According to Jesus how should Christians treat those who perform hateful actions?
With hate
With hate and violence
With violence
Q9.Which of these key terms is best defined by 'pardoning someone for what they have done wrong'?
Which of these key terms is best defined by 'pardoning someone for what they have done wrong'?
Justice
Peace
Reconciliation
Q10.Which of these statements do Muslims traditionally believe is true?
Which of these statements do Muslims traditionally believe is true?
Muhammad's actions in the battle of Badr made forgiveness entirely impossible.
Muhammad's actions in the battle of Badr made reconciliation entirely impossible.
Muhammad's actions in the battle of Badr were completely unjust.
7 Questions
Q1.Which of these best defines the term 'holy war'
Which of these best defines the term 'holy war'
A holy war is fighting for a religious cause or God.
Holy wars are fighting to spread the faith.
Holy wars are usually controlled by a religious leader.
Q2.Which of these statements best reflects the generally accepted Christian position on holy wars?
Which of these statements best reflects the generally accepted Christian position on holy wars?
Holy wars are actively pursued in Christianity today.
Holy wars are important to defend the faith and help it spread.
Holy wars are looked upon favourably.
Q3.Who led the Christians in the First Crusade?
Who led the Christians in the First Crusade?
Moses
Pope Benedict
The Archbishop of Canterbury
Q4.Who led the Israelites in the Battle of Jericho?
Who led the Israelites in the Battle of Jericho?
Moses
Pope Urban II
Rahab
Q5.Who created the plan for the Battle of Jericho?
Who created the plan for the Battle of Jericho?
Joshua
Moses
Rahab
Q6.Which of these best defines the lesser jihad?
Which of these best defines the lesser jihad?
The struggle to fight for God. Being prepared to lay down your life for the cause of Allah.
The struggle to resist the use of force in all circumstances.
The struggle to use force to protect the faith. Being prepared to lay down your life for the cause of Allah.
Q7.Which of these statements do Muslims traditionally believe is true?
Which of these statements do Muslims traditionally believe is true?
Muhammad's actions in the Battle of Badr made forgiveness entirely impossible.
Muhammad's actions in the Battle of Badr made reconciliation entirely impossible.
Muhammad's actions in the Battle of Badr were completely unjust.