Pacifism and working for peace Flashcards
What does peace do?
Peace helps to limit suffering and develop harmony. It provides opportunities to promote mutual respect between peoples.
What happens as conflict and war are reduced?
As they are reduced, so are the associated negative impacts like poverty, homelessness and broken families.
Where do Christians support the high value of peace?
Between God and humans through salvation, humans between each other including love for enemies, and peace between nations.
What does Isaiah 11:6 focus on?
It speaks of a time in the future when absolute peace will once be restored.
What is pacifism?
The belief that there should be no use of military force whatsoever - whether the cause is just or not is irrelevant.
What methods do pacifists use to resolve conflict instead of war?
Peaceful methods like sanctions, protests and boycotts.
What teaching do Christian pacifists focus on?
‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44)
Quote describing the story where Jesus gave himself up for death when faced against his own enemies, the Romans.
‘When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. (Luke 22:49-51)
What does Paul teach in the New Testament (Romans 13)?
He teaches the Early Church that governments should be respected as they carry God’s authority to rule. So any rebellion against the state is an act of rebellion against God.
What is conditional pacifism?
An alternative standpoint: from this perspective, it is the bad consequences of war and violence that make them unacceptable.
What would conditional pacifists argue?
That there are times when an act of war will be less bad than the alternative consequences. In such cases the act of war is considered necessary.
Which Christian denominations advocate (support) pacifism?
The Brethren, the Amish and the Quakers.
Which Christian denominations accept force in necessary circumstances?
The Anglican Church and the Catholic Church accept force as a necessary last resort.
