1. Key words on Peace and Justice
In teams, write down as many key words and meanings as you can think of!

2. Revision: Peace and Justice

3. The rules have been developed over centuries
St. Thomas Aquinas St. Thomas Aquinas came up with the JUST WAR theory.
This outlines the conditions under which Christians could justify gong to war.
The United Nations added to this and produced a list of reasons to justify going to war.

4. Just War theory
Aquinas’ Just War Theory principles are normally put into two categories: Jus ad bellum: Rules which state whether it is right to go to war. Jus in bello: Rules which define the correct conduct in war.

5. There are also rules on how peace should be established after the war:
Jus post bellum
There are also rules on how peace should be established after the war:
There should be just cause to end the war: the wrong has been righted. Or if it clearly can not be won.
Peace must be made by legitimate authorities.
The victor must ensure the correct people get punishment for war crimes.
Terms of surrender must be proportional to the original reasons for war.

6. Christian attitudes to war
Christian attitudes to war on the use of violence have changed over time.
Today, most Christians agree that violence and war is sometimes necessary to fight evil, and bring justice and peace to the world. Some Christians are Conscientious Objectors. A few are pacifists particularly Quakers who believe violence is wrong as God is in every living thing.
The very earliest Christians were pacifists. When Christianity became the Roman Army’s official religion, these Christians were expected to fight. Later, the Church believed it was right to go to war to defend the innocent, or if the war was a “holy war”, i.e. defending Christianity. = Holy wars e.g. The Crusades

7. Views on War Roman Catholic Church of England
The RC has a poor history of pacifism, e.g. The Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition
Today, it encourages their members to pray and work for peace.
A war should be a last resort but sometimes it is a necessary evil.
It encourages Catholics to fight evil, but allows them to use their consciences.
If someone does not want to fight on religious grounds, they are encouraged to do a non-combatant role, e.g. stretcher-bearer, nurse, etc..
War is sometimes “an unfortunate necessity”, to prevent even worse evil.
A Government has a duty to defend its people, therefore war may sometimes be right and just.
Individuals should follow their own consciences about whether or not to fight in the war.

8. Punishment aims to achieve one of the 6 following outcomes:
Protection:
Protect society from criminals.
Reformation:
Gives criminal a chance to change their ways and lead a better life.
Reparation:
Criminal needs to ‘make it up’ to the victim/ society.
Vindication:
Punishments are used to justify the law and teach people they must not break the law.
Deterrence:
Criminal is scared of the punishment, so they don’t commit crime
Retribution:
Lets society see that the criminal has been punished.

9. Capital Punishment (Death Penalty)
Capital punishment is executing someone as punishment for a specific crime after a legal trial. It is usually only used as a punishment for murder, but in some countries adultery and rape are capital crimes. However in the UK capital punishment is illegal.
Some Christians would believe in Capital Punishment because it was mentioned in the bible in the old testament. However other Christians do not agree as they believe in the sanctity of life and Jesus’ agape. Overall, Most Christians believe that they have a duty to try to protect society and reform criminals. They should condemn the crime, not seek forgiveness.

10. Liberation Theology
Some Christians believe that because Jesus came to earth to help the poor that they should follow his example. Jesus said: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me … he has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed…” (Luke 4:18). They believe Jesus came to set the poor “free” – to liberate them. In the Third World a movement called Liberation Theology began in the middle of the last century.

11. Religion, Peace and Justice
Key Words
Just War
Pacifist
Deterrence
Retribution
Reformation
Liberation theology
Violence and Pacifism
Treatment of Criminals
Treatment of criminals
Religion, Peace and Justice
War can be right
Social Injustice
War is wrong

12. Exam practice!
A01
Explain the views of one religion towards: (6 marks)
War
Justice
Aims of punishment
Social injustice
A02
Discussion (12 marks)
‘War is a necessary evil’
‘We should all be pacifists’
‘We should all be willing to fight against social injustice’
‘Criminals should be punished, not forgiven’

13. What do you think to each others plans?
Read their plan and give it two stars and a wish. Two things good about it and a target to help them improve.