Flashcards
Peace and Conflict - 3 - Reasons for War
Cards in this deck (21)
- 1GreedA selfish desire to gain something from a country or individual e.g. land or money.
- 2Self-defenceActing to prevent harm to yourself or others.
- 3RetaliationDeliberately harming someone as a response to harming you.
- 4Greed as an explanation for WarThroughout history war has been used as a way to gain more land or territory, or even to regain land lost in a previous war. Greed can also lead countries to invade others in order to control important resources such as oil. In this way, rich and powerful countries can get richer and more powerful, potentially causing poverty in the defeated country when their main source of income has been taken away.
- 5Religious attitudes about greed as a reason for warThis is war to gain, for example, more land, more power and more resources etc. Most religious teaching would not support this as a reason. Greed comes from selfishness which are characteristics not to be approved of. Considering the numbers of soldiers and casualties of war, greed could never be seen as a justifiable reason for it.
- 6Quote from 1 Timothy (6:10) warning against greed"For the love of money is a root of all evil. Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with much trouble."
- 7Quote from the Quran (4:36-37) about avoiding greedŇGod does not like the arrogant, boastful people who are miserly and order other people to be the same, hiding the bounty (wealth) God has given them.Ó
- 8Difficulty identifying the cause of conflictGreed can lead countries to invade another country in order to control important resources such as oil. In the case of oil it is worth noting that many major oil-producing countries are governed by Islamic Shariah Law and principles. This means that any disagreement or conflict (about oil) between two Muslim countries can potentially turn into a conflict that might be interpreted as including a religious element.
- 9Self-defence as an explanation for WarWhenever one country attacks another it expects to meet some resistance from the invaded country. Most people consider fighting in self-defence as morally acceptable and believe that both individuals and nations have a right to defend their values, beliefs and way of life.
- 10Religious attitudes about self-defence as a reason for warBoth the Bible (Old Testament) and the Quran suggest that war may be necessary in self-defence. If a country or religion is under attack then conflicts are going to inevitable. It is therefore seen as entirely right and proper to defend your own country against attack. However, problems arise when the response is disproportionately large, and self defence turns into aggression
- 11Quote from Jesus in Matthew (18:15-17) about what to do if you are wronged"If your brother sins against you go and tell him his fault...If he refuses to listen, let him be to you a Gentile and a tax collector." (Sort of - he means nothing to you)
- 12Islamic attitude to fighting a war in self defenceAccording to the Quran, fighting in self-defence is permitted. However, Muslims are unlikely to agree to it unless other ways of solving the problem have been attempted and failed.
- 13Quote from the Quran (22:39) on fighting a war in self defenceŇThose who have been attacked are permitted to take up arms (weapons) because they have been wronged-God has the power to help them.Ó
- 14Retaliation as an explanation for WarAn example of retaliation as a reason for going to war is the invasion of Afghanistan following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The US government ordered military action against Afghanistan because they believed that the country was providing shelter for the Al-Qaeda terrorist group and its leader Osama bin Laden. Although the world was shocked by the 9/11 terrorist attacks some people still believed that the US and British invasion of Afghanistan was an unwelcome act of retaliation. There is a view that it has only served to destabilise the region.
- 15Attitudes to using retaliation as a reason for warAt times retaliation might be a reasonable cause of war, although it may be reactionary and disproportionate. All the major religions (Christianity and Islam included) would urge peaceful negotiation and discussion to resolve an issue because it can diffuse possible conflict.
- 16Quote from St Paul in Romans (12:17-19) on avoiding retaliation"Do not repay anyone evil for evil...It is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
- 17Quote from Jesus in Matthew (5:39) on avoiding retaliation"But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."
- 18Islamic attitude to fighting a war for justiceMuslims believe that God knows there is a human need for justice to protect innocent lives and prevent the repetition of wrongdoing within society
- 19Quote from the Quran (2:179) on fighting a war for justiceŇFair retribution (retaliation) saves life for you, people of understanding, so that you may guard yourselves against what is wrong.Ó
- 20Quote from the Quran (16:126) on avoiding disproportionate war wherever possibleŇIf you have to respond to an attack, make your response proportionate, but it is best to stand fast.Ó
- 21Quote from the Quran (42:42) on how reconciliation/ forgiveness is better than retaliationŇ...there is cause to act against those who oppress people and transgress (break the law) in the land against all justice... though if a person is patient and forgives, this is one of the greatest things.Ó