Religion, Peace & Justice | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

What is Peace

• Peace refers to a condition of tranquility and harmony, free from war, violence, or disputes. 
• Numerous organizations, including the United Nations, strive to foster peaceful resolutions to global conflicts.
• Several factors contribute to the absence of peace worldwide, such as:
  • Criminal activities like murder or assault that escalate into violence.
  • Wars between nations.
  • Terrorist acts where groups intentionally instill fear and suffering for political or religious motives.
• Pacifists are individuals who oppose war, violence, and conflict regardless of the circumstances. 
  • In history, some pacifists, known as conscientious objectors, have declined to participate in wars. 
  • Most pacifists would never resort to violence, while others might consider it only as a last resort.
  • Certain religious individuals, such as Gandhi, who practiced ahimsa (non-violence), are pacifists.
• Many pacifists and advocates for peace emphasize non-violent resistance to oppression and injustice to foster a fair and equitable world where conflict is unnecessary.
• Both Christianity and Islam urge their followers to pursue peaceful resolutions to issues.

What is Justice

• Justice involves restoring fairness to a situation, ensuring what is right prevails.
• When justice is achieved, individuals receive what they rightfully deserve, creating a fair outcome.
• Injustice occurs when people are denied what they deserve, resulting in unfair circumstances.
• For many, both religious and non-religious, injustice arises when human rights are violated.
• In 1948, the United Nations established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, outlining fundamental rights for all, including:
  • All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
  • Everyone is entitled to life, liberty, and personal security.
  • No one should endure torture or cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.
  • No one should face arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile.
  • Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
• These rights apply universally, regardless of race, gender, social status, or birthplace, as they are inherent to humanity.
• Any violation of these rights constitutes injustice.
• All Christian denominations endorse the UN Declaration of Human Rights and advocate for eliminating injustice globally.

Religious Perspectives on Peace and Justice

• Religions aim to promote justice and combat injustice wherever it exists.
• Since many wars involve or stem from abuses of justice, religious individuals often feel compelled to oppose them.
• Numerous faiths strive for peace and the eradication of injustice.
• Justice is crucial because all people are seen as equal in the eyes of God.
• Many religious individuals believe they have a responsibility to promote peace, either directly or indirectly.

Christian Perspectives on Peace and Justice

• Christianity emphasizes the importance of addressing injustice and fostering peace whenever feasible.
• This belief is rooted in Jesus’ example and biblical teachings.
  • In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah envisioned a future of peace.
  • The Bible states, “Nation will not take up sword against nation” (Isaiah 2:4), advocating for nations to avoid conflict.
  • Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), signifying that those who promote peace are favored by God.
  • Jesus also instructed to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44), encouraging Christians to refrain from hatred, even toward adversaries.
  • He advised his followers to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:38-39) when confronted with aggression, promoting non-violent responses.
  • Christians anticipate a time when God, the ultimate judge, will resolve disputes and establish justice among nations.
  • They believe God’s judgment determines whether a person is worthy of heaven’s reward or hell’s punishment.
• Some Christians believe violence may be necessary to confront injustice, provided certain conditions are met.
• In such cases, they view war as justifiable if it aligns with God’s desire to combat injustice and protect the vulnerable.
• The Bible permits violence in defense against aggression from others.

Muslim Perspectives on Peace and Justice

• The term “Islam” translates to “peace” or “submission” to God.
• Muslims are encouraged to promote peace, even amidst criticism or hostility, based on the Qur’an and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
• The Qur’an refers to Islam as “Dar as Salaam,” or the “House of Peace” (Qur’an 10:25).
• Paradise is described as a peaceful abode: “For them will be a home of peace in the presence of the Lord” (Qur’an 6:127).
• Muslims greet one another with “Salaam alaykum,” meaning “May peace be upon you.”
• The Ummah, or Muslim community, is vital, and Muslims are urged to live harmoniously and support one another.
• One of Allah’s attributes is As-Salam, meaning “Source of Peace.”
• Peace e​ncompasses more than the absence of war—it also means the absence of corruption, tyranny, oppression, and injustice.
• By embracing Islam, Muslims find inner peace through submission to Allah’s will.
  • This inner peace fosters peaceful interactions with others.
• Peace is central to a Muslim’s life, and they should always seek amicable resolutions.
• Following Muhammad’s (pbuh) example, Muslims should opt for non-confrontational solutions when possible, as the Qur’an states, “An amicable settlement is best” (Qur’an 4:128).
• Muslims are encouraged to resolve conflicts peacefully rather than escalate disputes.
• Promoting peace is part of a Muslim’s duty as khalifah (steward of God’s creation).
• Allah, known as Ar Rahim (the All-Merciful), inspires Muslims to resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Justice is integral to peace-making.
  • Allah commands justice: “Allah commands justice” (Qur’an 16:19).
  • Muslims must ensure fairness and justice for all to enable peaceful coexistence.
  • Unjust laws can lead to unrest or even war.