Pacifism

Pacifism and Religious Teaching Target: To understand Religious Teachings on War. To understand what is meant by pacifism.

Starter • Jesus was quite specific with his teaching on War. In the Garden of Gethsemane when he was arrested one of his disciples cut the ear off a Jewish soldier. Jesus healed the wound and said • “ Those who live by the sword die by the sword” • Watch the following clip…..

•

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVhhDRIol4g

Activation • “Thou shall not kill” (Ten Commandments) • “Blessed are the peacemakers” • “Turn the other cheek” (Matthew) • Martin Luther King showed the power of non violent protest in his fight against racism in the United States.

• Give examples of his non violent work.

Pacifism In Action • Pacifists are people who do not believe in violence under any situation.

• Quakers are Christians who believe in non-violence.

During the First World War, instead of fighting, they volunteered to join the Red Cross.

• YouTube - The Red Cross in World War One 1914 - 1918

Demonstration • Study Islam and Christianity worksheets. Read through together, underlining key teachings.

Plenary • Listen to the following discussion.

• Buddhist, Muslim and Christian members discuss pacifism. (27 minutes) • BBC - Religions - Christianity: War