War and Peace

War and Peace

1. Key Words

   • Just war- a war which the Christian churches define as acceptable. This must fit a certain criteria.
     • Just War Theory developed by St Thomas Aquinas: Must be lead by authority, done for the right reasons, avoids killing the innocent, promotes good over evil and is a last resort (ARIEL)
   • Pacifism- the belief that it is unacceptable to take part in war and any other form of violence
   • Quaker- member of the Society of Friends, a tradition that does not have ministers or a written statement or beliefs
   • Terrorism- when groups use violence or the threat of violence to achieve their aims.
   • Nuclear war- a war in which nuclear weapons are used
   • Nuclear proliferation- the increase in the number of states that have the potential to use nuclear weapons

2. Key Quotes

   • "Blessed are the peacemakers"
   • "Thou shall not kill"
   • "Those who live by the sword, die by the sword"
   • "An eye for an eye"

3. Causes of war

   • to defend their country against attack
   • To defend their beliefs, religion, freedom
   • to defend an ally or a weaker country that was unfairly attacked
   • to remove their own leader (civil war)

4. Christian reponses

   • A large majority oppose to terrorism
   • Christianity is based on love and peace
   • Show respect for the life of each individual

5. Key Organisations/Figures

   • Quakers
   • The Mennonites
   • Ghandi
   • Thomas Aquinas