A Level Religious Studies - Idiot's Guide to Pacifism

-
PACIFISM
What is it?
 Pacifism is the belief that any violence, including war, is unjustifiable under any circumstances, and that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means. A conscientious objector is “A person who for reasons of conscience objects to serving in the armed force.”
Christian Teachings
“Do not kill.”
“Love your enemies.”
“Put away your sword. All who take the sword die by the sword.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
“Love your neighbour as yourself.”
“God gives life and only God should take life away.”
Agape – Christian love.
“If anyone hits you on the right cheek then offer him the left also.”
Stewardship – War can destroy the planet.
Sanctity of life – All life is sacred, precious and special.
The Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists.  Around the world, he is recognised as a symbol of peace.  When the Chinese invaded his country, he was forced into exile.  Despite this injustice, he does not condone physical fighting against the Chinese.  He says that hatred and violence will lead to more hatred and more violence. He believes peace will exist when everyone respects each other.
Buddhist Teachings
“I will act towards others exactly as I would act towards myself” (Udana-varqa)
"Avoid killing, or harming any living thing." This is the first precept. Karuna is compassion.
Dietrich Bonhoffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Christian living in Germany during the rise of the Nazi Party.  He believed in pacifism and helped found the Confessing Church, which spoke out against the human rights abuses of the ruling Nazis.  He felt that he had to be prepared to sacrifice his principles and even his life.  He believed that helping the oppressed was a test of faith.  He defied Nazi rule by helping Jews escape death camps and worked to overthrow the Nazi party. Even though he thought killing was wrong, he was part of a group who wanted to kill Hitler for the greater good.  He was executed for treason by the Nazis.
The Quakers
The Quakers are a Christian, pacifist group.  As a Church, they believe they are following the true teachings of Jesus by maintaining a completely pacifist stance.  They have a Peace Testimony that makes it clear that they will not use violence in any circumstances.  It says that they denounce all violence, no matter what form it is in.  They oppose all wars and fighting with weapons, for any end or under any pretence whatsoever. They think that all relationships should be loving, whether it be between friends or between two countries.  During wars, they mediate for peace between the nations at war.  They also do non-combat work such as training to be, and acting as medics for any side, and doing work with refugees and victims of war.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Level Business Studies - Responding to a fall in industry capacity utilisation

-
Many car manufacturers are expected to respond to a fall in overall capacity utilisation in the industry by cutting prices. To what extent is cutting prices a good way for any business to respond to a fall in the overall capacity utilisation in its industry? Capacity utilisation is the percentage of total capacity that is actually achieved in a period of time. The extent to which cutting prices is a good way for a business to respond to a fall in capacity will depend on the price elasticity. This essay will look at whether it is good for all businesses or not. Cutting prices would lead to the product becoming more accessible. Reducing overall capacity utilisation means that the business will have higher costs as demand is lower; goods being sold will not have their revenue spread across the fixed costs. A Daihatsu car may work to combat this because a car is a luxury product and is price elastic, meaning that demand will change as the price does. A fall in selling price will mean
Read more

A Level Geography - TNCs and Globalisation Essay

-
Image
Assess the role played by TNCs in the globalisation process (12 marks) Transnational companies (TNCs) are companies that have parts of their business in different parts of the world. This can be due to a country having cheap, flat land and also because wages can be low for those who are employed by the business. Having workplaces abroad has both positive and negative effects which we be explored, and will be weighed up to make a judgement on the overall role TNCs play in the globalisation process. When a TNC invests in a less economically developed country or a developing country, it does so because it is able to benefit from cheap workers. Often, places do not have a minimum wage like the United Kingdom does, meaning that they can be worked hard by the company to ensure heightened efficiency. However, because costs are low initially, it means that profit will increase which means that the company can reinvest and expand their branch. This can have negative effects on th
Read more

A Level Religious Studies - Globalisation Revision Sheet

-
Image
What is Globalisation? Globalisation is a process of global integration of economies, politics, products, ideas and other aspects of culture. This interconnectedness has grown massively over recent decades as a result of improved transport links and trade deals, as well as legislation. Advantages of globalisation ·        Globalisation has the potential to make the world a better place for people to live in, giving the unemployed jobs and through trying to eliminate poverty. ·        It provides developing countries with capital and technology meaning the likelihood that they will develop increases. This creates conditions where democracy and respect for human rights can flourish. ·        Socially, we have become more open, accepting and tolerant towards one another. ·        Transnational companies that invest in plants in other countries will provide employment for the people in those countries which can help them get out of poverty. ·        Global
Read more