Life is a test- develop as good people by
helping others dealing with sufferng
through religion
God knows the answer but humans do not; we should
follow Jesus, pray and help those who suffer (parable
of the Good Samaritan)
Free will leads to evil and suffering-
we choose to hurt others.
Evil- exists as a being(the devil or Satan)
If there was no evil, we wouldn't know
what good is. It makes us realise
human weakness and try to be forgiven
for our sins, as well as learning to grow
spiritually/morally
Story of Job- a Chrstian man
who struggled, but always kept
his faith and belief
Christian Aid- helps poorer nations & refugee
victims of disasters in 60+ countries.
Christian basis- stewardship. Example,
helping famers in Senegal.
Some Christians are pacifists- as Jesus taught to love your
neighbour and turn the other cheek; follow the example of him
Others believe in the Just War theory- as Jesus didn't condemn soldiers, and Christians
are allowed to fight in wars( need armed forces to protect innocents.
It is their duty to bring reconciliation
and peace between people in conflict.
They should forgive those who hurt
them as- Jesus died on the cross to
bring them forgiveness so they
follow his example and it's also a
Golden rule
Corrymeela
Key Concepts
Conflict- confrontation
between people. E.g. because
of relationships or law
Just War- a war justified
according to agreed
conditions. E.g. if it's a
last resort/ for a just
cause
Pacifism- the belief that any form
of violence or war is unacceptable.
E.g. Martin Luther King was a
pacifist.
Non-violent protest-
making a stand using
entirely peaceful means.
E.g. through a march
Reconciliation- making up after a
quarrel or dispute and working
together again. Religions teach about
forgiveness as it leads to progress
Interfaith dialogue- different faith groups
talking to each other, to smooth out
understandings. E.g. in a Church
Islam & suffering
The word "Islam" means peace, but it is
accepted for Muslims to fight if they are
attacked.
Life is a test- Shaytan
has permission to use
evil to tempt humans to
betray Islam
God created humans to look after the Earth and
gave them Islam to teach them how to
Teaches that people who are suffering should
be treated with compassion.
Judgement Day- Allah will judge who goes to hell and heaven
Most believe in a "just war"- this is called Jihad for them; a struggle for God
Qur'an says Muslims must
fight if attacked, and they are
allowed to. Muslims will go
straight to heaven if they die in
Jihad.
Allah is compassionate, merciful and forgiving.
Judgement Day- if you want forgiveness, you must give
it to others. Qur'an teaches to forgive. But not to
forgive those who work against Islam.
Just War Conditions
Only way that justice can
be achieved, started by an
elected government, begun
as a last resort, just
methods are used, no more
force than necessary,
innocent civilians protected,
end of war brings better
situation, clear possibility of
winning