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War and Peace Matthew 5:38-39 Christian Pacifism “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist and evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Jesus’ teaching was revolutionary. Christians should go against their natural instinct and react with love instead of hate. Matthew 5:9 Christian Pacifism “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Sons of God.” A peacemaker actively works toward peace. Whether it's to provide peace between two people or two nations. Those who assist in such efforts will find joy in the experience of seeing people reconciled to one another and to God. Origen, third century CE Christian Pacifism For we no longer take sword against a nation, nor do we learn any more to make war, having become sons of peace for the sake of Jesus who is our leader. Christians should follow Jesus’ example. Matthew 26: 52 Christian Pacifism “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” Even when soldiers came to arrest Jesus, he told his disciples not to fight. Matthew 26:52 Christian Pacifism Jesus did not resist arrest and allowed himself to be crucified for love of the human race. Christians should follow Jesus’ example. Early Christians Christian Pacifism Early Christians practised non-violence and would not take revenge even on their persecutors. Jesus taught his followers to live and work for peace. Christian Sanctity of life Pacifism Sanctity of life: life is sacred because it is Godgiven. The idea that all life is precious and should not be destroyed, is the basis for religious attitudes towards war and peace. If life is God-given and sacred, and it is not up to humans to take it away, how can religious believers justify killing people in a war? Christian Which denominations? Pacifism Quakers – believe that every person carries the inner light of God, that there is ‘that of God in everyone.’ The Roman Catholic group Pax Christi – promotes a culture of peace and non-violence through reconciliation (forgiveness) and education. Just War Theory Christian War: acceptable against injustice Religions oppose war, but many of them believe fighting is justifiable if it is the only course of action that will prevent real evil. Over many years Christian thinkers developed condition for a Just War: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Have a just cause (such as self defence) Be lawfully declared by a proper authority (that is, the rulers of the countries involved) Have a good intention (such as to promote good and avoid evil) and once its aims are achieved it must end Be a last resort after all other ways of resolving the problem have been tried first Have a reasonable chance of success (it is wrong to send troops to certain death if there is no chance of winning) Be fought by just means (anyone not fighting in the war should not be harmed) and in proportion to the aims it seeks to achieve (excessive force must not be used) Only occur if the good achieved will outweigh the evil that led to the war. Matthew 21:12 Christian War: acceptable against injustice Although Jesus taught peace, forgiveness and overcoming evil with good, he also vigorously opposed wrongdoing. On one occasion, he used force to drive out those who were turning the Temple into ‘a den of thieves’. When faced with injustice, Christians must stand up for what is right. Matthew 5:6 Christian War: acceptable against injustice “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” In the face of injustice in society, Christians should act. John 15:13 Christian War: acceptable against injustice “There is no greater love than this, that a man should lay down his life for his friends.” In the face of injustice in society, Christians should act. Acting in self defense should be the last resort. Dietrich Bonhoeffer Christian War: acceptable against injustice Deitrich Bonhoeffer, a German Christian minister during World War II, took part in a plot to assassinate Hitler. He could not stand by while millions of Jews were murdered. Liberation Theology Christian War: acceptable against injustice Some South American Christians support ‘liberation theology’. They accept the need for fighting to overthrow unjust, oppressive governments. Exodus 21:24 Jewish/Chr istian War: acceptable “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” In Ancient times, people believed God was on their side and had called them to fight his enemies. Luke 22: 36 Jewish/Chr istian War: acceptable “Whoever has no sword must sell his coat and buy one.” Religious leaders may declare a holy war to defend their religion or their followers who are being persecuted in another country. Joel 3:9 Jewish/Chr istian War: acceptable “Call the troops to arms, declare a holy war.” Holy Wars have religious aims or goals. They are authorised by God or a religious leader. Religious leaders may declare a holy war to defend their religion or their followers who are being persecuted in another country. The First Precept “Refrain from harming others” This is ahimsa, and is a core principle of Buddhism. Buddhism Pacifism The Noble Eightfold Path Buddhism Pacifism Makes Buddhists consider others, as well as the consequences of all behaviour. Right action, part of the Eightfold Path, requires living in harmony with others Dhammapada Buddhism Pacifism “Hatred does not cease by hatred, hatred ceases by love.” To reach peace, it is important to love instead of hate. Dhammapada Buddhism Pacifism “He should not kill a living being, nor cause it to be killed, nor should he incite another to kill.” Life is sacred and must be respected. The Three Poisons Buddhism Pacifism War is often the result of the Three Poisons (greed, ignorance and hatred). Buddhism seeks to get rid of the Three Poisons which lead to suffering. Karma Buddhism Pacifism Buddhists believe their actions have consequences for their future rebirths. The message of Buddhism is one of peace, not war. To create good karma, Buddhists should seek peace. Dalai Lama Buddhism Pacifism “Peace can exist if everyone respects all others.” The message of Buddhism is one of peace, not war. Dalai Lama Buddhism Pacifism As a Buddhist, the Dalai Lama refused to consider violence to win back his country. Instead, he encouraged refugees to save the Tibetan culture and way of life and left Tibet. In his struggle for his country’s freedom, he has consistently opposed the use of violence. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Inner peace Buddhism Pacifism Violence harms both the person being violent and their victim as it destroys inner peace. Hatred affects one’s inner self and other people and should be avoided. Theravada Buddhists Buddhism Pacifism Theravada Buddhists teach that killing is always wrong. Anyone who kills will suffer consequences in this or another life, even if the intention is good. Saving the Dalai Lama Buddhism War: acceptable in self defense Some Buddhist monks were prepared to fight to protect the Dalai Lama from the Chinese, for the future survival of Buddhist teachings, community and culture. Mahayana Buddhists Buddhism War: acceptable in self defense Mahayana Buddhists believe that although killing is wrong. It is sometimes necessary to save others. However, it must be carried out unselfishly and with a willingness to accept bad spiritual consequences.