What is War? Any conflict lasting longer than an hour between nations.
Consequences of War
Religious Teachings
Destruction of lives and property Creation of orphans/widows Refugee Crisis (People fleeing) Destroys a country’s infrastructure (roads/hospitals/schools/bridges/food transportation) Causes poverty (Eg Africa) famine and disease Nuclear Weapons destroy entire cities and causes radiation sickness and poisoning. Thou Shalt Not Kill Those who live by the sword die by the sword – Jesus in the garden – If you use violence, that is how you meet your end. Turn the other Cheek – Never respond to violence – The Pacifist approach.
Just War – War is sometimes justified – Thomas Aquinas 13th Century Justified War 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Civilian casualties must be avoided if possible. War is a last resort – All attempts at peace have failed. War must be organised by Government The world must be a better place for having fought the war You have been invaded and are defending yourselves.
World War Two is often seen as an example of Justified War (Dresden/Hiroshima could question this – The holocaust can be used as a counter) Nuclear War cannot be justified because civilians are killed.
Pacifism and Christianity In Action
The belief that all violence in wrong. Buddhism – Does not accept violence in any form. Quakers – During the First World War, Quakers joined the Red Cross rather than fight. They served in the trenches without weapons, helping the wounded.