Thematic Studies: Religion, Peace and Conflict

What you'll learn

This revision guide covers the AQA GCSE Religious Studies theme of Religion, Peace and Conflict. You'll explore religious attitudes towards war, violence, terrorism and peacemaking, drawing on Christianity and one other religion (typically Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism or Sikhism). This theme examines how religious believers respond to conflict situations through teachings, sacred texts and contemporary practice.

Key terms and definitions

Pacifism — the belief that all violence and war is wrong and that conflicts should be resolved peacefully, held by groups such as Quakers and some Buddhists

Just War Theory — a set of conditions (such as just cause, legitimate authority, proportionality) that must be met for a war to be considered morally acceptable

Holy War — fighting for a religious cause or God, believed to be sanctioned by God, with combatants potentially receiving spiritual rewards

Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) — weapons capable of killing large numbers of people and/or causing great damage, including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons

Reconciliation — the restoring of harmony after conflict; bringing together those who were opposed, a key aim of peacemaking

Terrorism — the unlawful use of violence, usually against civilians, to achieve political or ideological aims through fear and intimidation

Conscientious objector — a person who refuses to serve in armed forces or bear arms on moral or religious grounds

Nuclear deterrence — the possession of nuclear weapons to discourage attack, based on the principle of mutually assured destruction (MAD)

Core concepts

Religious attitudes to violence, war and peace

Christianity and peace

• Jesus taught "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9) and commanded "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44)
• Early Christians were largely pacifist, refusing military service in the Roman Empire
• The Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) remain committed to pacifism, running peace programmes globally
• Other Christians accept war as a last resort if it meets Just War criteria
• Christian organisations like Pax Christi promote non-violent conflict resolution

Islam and peace

• The word 'Islam' derives from the Arabic root for peace (salaam)
• The Qur'an states "God does not love aggressors" (Qur'an 2:190)
• Muslims greet each other with "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you)
• Greater jihad (inner spiritual struggle) is considered more important than lesser jihad (physical struggle)
• Muslims are commanded to respond to greetings of peace and seek reconciliation

Arguments against violence

• Sanctity of life: humans are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and life is sacred
• The Ten Commandments forbid murder (Exodus 20:13)
• Violence creates cycles of revenge and further suffering
• Non-violent resistance (as practiced by Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr) can be more effective
• Religious teachings emphasise forgiveness over retaliation

Arguments accepting some violence

• Defence of the innocent may require force (the 'lesser evil' principle)
• Protecting one's nation or faith community may be a duty
• Some injustices cannot be resolved through dialogue alone
• Religious texts contain examples of divinely-sanctioned warfare

Just War Theory and holy war

Conditions for a Just War (developed by Augustine and Aquinas)

A war must meet strict criteria to be morally justified:

Jus ad bellum (right to go to war):

• Just cause: fighting a wrong or defending the innocent
• Legitimate authority: declared by proper governmental authority, not individuals
• Right intention: aim must be peace, not revenge or conquest
• Probability of success: reasonable chance of achieving aims
• Last resort: all peaceful options exhausted
• Proportionality: benefits must outweigh harm caused

Jus in bello (right conduct in war):

• Discrimination: only military targets attacked, civilians protected
• Proportionality: minimum force necessary used
• Fair treatment of prisoners of war and wounded

Christian applications

• Many Christians accept Just War Theory as a framework for moral decision-making
• Catholic Church teaching upholds these principles while advocating for peace
• Some argue modern warfare (especially nuclear) can never meet Just War criteria
• Others claim intervention in genocide (e.g., Rwanda, Bosnia) could be justified

Islamic concept of holy war

• Lesser jihad may involve armed struggle but has strict conditions similar to Just War
• Must be defensive: "Fight in God's cause against those who fight you, but do not overstep the limits" (Qur'an 2:190)
• Must be declared by legitimate authority
• Forbidden to harm civilians, destroy crops/trees, or harm those who surrender
• Must aim to establish justice and protect the ability to practice Islam
• The concept has been distorted by extremist groups to justify terrorism, contrary to mainstream Islamic teaching

Pacifism and religious responses

Christian pacifism

• Quakers refuse all military service, citing Jesus's teaching to "turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39)
• Sermon on the Mount presents radical non-violence: "Put your sword back in its place" (Matthew 26:52)
• Mennonites and Amish communities maintain historic peace churches
• Individual Catholics may be pacifists while the Church accepts Just War Theory
• Pacifists argue Jesus's example of accepting crucifixion shows non-violent resistance to evil

Buddhist pacifism

• First Precept forbids harming living beings
• Concept of ahimsa (non-violence) central to Buddhist ethics
• The Dalai Lama advocates non-violent resistance even against Chinese occupation of Tibet
• Buddhists focus on compassion (karuna) for all beings, including enemies

Conscientious objectors

• Those refusing military service due to moral/religious convictions
• In UK, COs in WWI and WWII faced imprisonment or performed alternative service
• Some religious groups (Quakers, Jehovah's Witnesses) officially support conscientious objection
• Modern UK has no conscription, but the right to conscientious objection is recognized in international law

Weapons of mass destruction and nuclear war

Religious concerns about WMD

• Indiscriminate killing: nuclear weapons cannot distinguish combatants from civilians
• Disproportionate: destruction far exceeds any legitimate military objective
• Environmental damage: radiation affects future generations and creation
• Violates Just War principles of discrimination and proportionality

Christian perspectives

• Catholic Church: Pope Francis called for total nuclear disarmament
• Church of England: accepts nuclear deterrence reluctantly as "lesser of two evils" but seeks multilateral disarmament
• Quakers and other peace churches: absolute opposition to all nuclear weapons
• Some Christians argue deterrence has prevented major conflict since 1945

Islamic perspectives

• Use of nuclear weapons against civilians clearly forbidden (haram)
• Destruction of environment contradicts khalifah (stewardship) responsibility
• Some Muslim-majority nations possess or seek nuclear weapons for deterrence
• Islamic scholars generally condemn use but debate possession

The deterrence debate

Arguments for deterrence:

• Has maintained peace between major powers since WWII
• Prevents conventional war between nuclear-armed states
• Demonstrates strength without requiring use

Arguments against:

• Immoral to threaten what would be immoral to do
• Risk of accidents, miscalculation or proliferation
• Resources better spent on poverty relief and healthcare
• Creates international tension and arms races

Terrorism and religious extremism

Definition and characteristics

• Terrorism deliberately targets civilians to create fear and achieve political/religious goals
• Violates Just War principles and religious teachings on protecting innocent life
• Religious extremists may claim divine sanction, but mainstream religious leaders condemn terrorism

Religious condemnations

Christianity:

• Jesus rejected violent methods to establish God's kingdom
• Christian teaching requires love of enemies, incompatible with targeting civilians
• "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52)

Islam:

• Qur'an forbids killing of civilians: "Whoever kills an innocent person, it is as if he has killed all of humanity" (Qur'an 5:32)
• Terrorism violates conditions for lesser jihad (defensive only, declared by legitimate authority, protecting civilians)
• Muslim scholars worldwide have issued fatwas condemning terrorism and suicide bombing
• British Imams issued statement: "Islam is against terrorism, extremism and fanaticism"

Causes of terrorism

Religious believers identify multiple factors:

• Political grievances and occupation
• Poverty and lack of opportunity
• Distorted religious education and selective use of texts
• Charismatic extremist leaders
• Social media radicalization

Religious responses

• Interfaith dialogue to build understanding and counter stereotypes
• Education programmes teaching authentic religious values
• Youth engagement to prevent radicalization
• Theological refutations of extremist interpretations
• Supporting victims and promoting reconciliation

Peacemaking and conflict resolution

Religious motivation for peacemaking

• Following divine commands to seek peace and reconciliation
• Imitating God's nature (God is described as "the source of peace" in Jewish and Christian liturgy)
• Building God's kingdom/just society on earth
• Reducing suffering and promoting human dignity

Christian peacemaking organizations

• Pax Christi: Catholic peace movement promoting non-violence
• Corrymeier Community: Christian reconciliation centre in Northern Ireland bringing together Catholics and Protestants
• Christian Aid: tackles root causes of conflict through development work
• World Council of Churches: promotes interfaith dialogue

Islamic peacemaking

• Muslim Council of Britain: works against extremism and for community cohesion
• Islamic Relief: provides humanitarian aid in conflict zones
• Concept of sulh (reconciliation) emphasizes restoring relationships
• Many mosques run interfaith events and dialogue programmes

Practical methods

• Interfaith dialogue: building relationships across religious boundaries
• Mediation: third-party facilitation of negotiations
• Education: teaching conflict resolution skills and challenging prejudice
• Humanitarian aid: meeting basic needs in conflict zones
• Advocacy: lobbying governments to address injustice
• Truth and reconciliation: acknowledging past wrongs to enable healing (e.g., post-apartheid South Africa)

Religious figures promoting peace

• Desmond Tutu: Anglican Archbishop who led South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• Malala Yousafzai: Muslim advocate for girls' education, Nobel Peace Prize winner
• Martin Luther King Jr: Baptist minister who led non-violent civil rights movement
• The Dalai Lama: Buddhist leader promoting compassion and dialogue

Worked examples

Example 1: 4-mark question

Explain two reasons why some religious believers are pacifists. (4 marks)

Model answer:

One reason is that some believers interpret their sacred texts as absolutely forbidding violence. For example, Christians may focus on Jesus's command to "love your enemies" and "turn the other cheek," which they believe rules out all violence including self-defence. (2 marks)

Another reason is belief in the sanctity of life. Many religious believers hold that human life is sacred because humans are created in God's image, and therefore taking life for any reason, even in war, violates God's will. (2 marks)

Mark scheme notes: Each reason needs a clear explanation (not just identification). Development or religious teaching gains the second mark.

Example 2: 5-mark question

Explain two religious beliefs about the use of weapons of mass destruction. Refer to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching in your answer. (5 marks)

Model answer:

Many Christians believe weapons of mass destruction are wrong because they cannot discriminate between combatants and civilians. The Just War principle of discrimination requires that only military targets be attacked, but nuclear weapons kill indiscriminately. The Bible teaches "do not kill the innocent" (Exodus 23:7), which Christians apply to condemn WMD that inevitably kill innocent civilians. (3 marks)

Muslims believe WMD violate the principle of proportionality in warfare. The Qur'an states "do not overstep the limits" (2:190), meaning force used must be proportionate to the threat. Nuclear weapons cause destruction far beyond any legitimate military objective and affect future generations through radiation. (2 marks)

Mark scheme notes: Need two distinct beliefs with development. One must include a source (scripture or teaching) for full marks.

Example 3: 12-mark question

"Religious believers should never fight in wars."

Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: • refer to Christian teaching • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • reach a justified conclusion. (12 marks)

Model answer structure:

Introduction: State your overall position clearly.

Arguments supporting (pacifism):

• Jesus taught non-violence: "Blessed are the peacemakers" and "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5)
• Early Christians refused military service, following Jesus who accepted crucifixion rather than violent resistance
• War violates sanctity of life and the commandment "do not murder" (Exodus 20:13)
• Quakers demonstrate pacifism is practically achievable, running relief programmes instead of fighting
• Modern warfare makes Just War criteria impossible to meet

Arguments against (accepting some wars):

• Just War Theory allows fighting to defend innocent life
• Jesus used force against money-changers in Temple (John 2), showing some situations require action
• Romans 13 says government has authority to "bear the sword" for justice
• Failure to resist evil (like Nazi genocide) may be greater sin than fighting
• Many Christians serve in military and see it as vocation of service

Conclusion: Weigh arguments and reach a justified personal conclusion, e.g., "While pacifism represents the ideal of Christian teaching, Just War Theory provides a realistic framework for imperfect world, making fighting acceptable only as last resort under strict conditions."

Mark scheme notes: Need balanced arguments (both sides), religious teaching integrated throughout, clear reasoning, and justified conclusion. Top marks require sophisticated argument and variety of views.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Confusing pacifism with passivity: Pacifism is active non-violent resistance (like Martin Luther King Jr), not simply accepting injustice. Pacifists work actively for peace through protests, humanitarian aid, and dialogue.

• Stating "all Christians/Muslims believe...": Recognize diversity within religions. Use qualifiers like "many," "some," or "most" Christians/Muslims, or specify denominations/traditions (e.g., "Catholics," "Sunni Muslims").

• Generic responses lacking specific examples: Always use named examples (organizations, figures, events) and quote sacred texts. "The Bible says be peaceful" scores poorly; "Jesus taught 'Blessed are the peacemakers' (Matthew 5:9)" scores well.

• Ignoring command words: "Explain" requires development and reasoning; "Describe" needs detail; "Evaluate" requires balanced arguments and conclusion. Answer what's actually asked.

• One-sided evaluation answers: 12-mark questions require arguments for AND against, even if you strongly agree with one side. Present opposing views fairly before explaining why you find your position more convincing.

• Forgetting to include sources: 5-mark questions explicitly require reference to sacred writings or religious authority. Identify the source in brackets (Qur'an 2:190) or name it ("The Bible teaches...").

Exam technique for Religion, Peace and Conflict

• Learn command words: "Outline" (2 marks) = brief description; "Explain" (4-5 marks) = reasons/causes with development; "Evaluate" (12 marks) = balanced arguments with justified conclusion.

• Use the PEE structure for explanations: Point (state the belief/reason), Evidence (sacred text, teaching, or example), Explanation (develop how the evidence supports your point). This ensures full development for maximum marks.

• Plan evaluation answers: Spend 2 minutes planning 12-mark questions. Note 3 arguments for each side before writing. This prevents one-sided answers and ensures coverage of all bullet points.

• Timing matters: On a typical exam, allocate roughly 1 mark = 1 minute. Don't spend 20 minutes on a 5-mark question when you need time for the 12-mark evaluation. Practice timed answers in revision.

Quick revision summary

Religion, Peace and Conflict explores how believers respond to violence and war. Key concepts include pacifism (absolute rejection of violence), Just War Theory (conditions making war morally acceptable), and condemnation of terrorism targeting civilians. Religious traditions generally prioritize peace while debating whether defensive war is permissible. Weapons of mass destruction face near-universal religious opposition for violating discrimination and proportionality. Believers engage in reconciliation and peacemaking through organizations, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian work. Success requires knowing specific teachings, sacred texts, and contemporary examples from Christianity and at least one other religion.