Theme D — Religion, Peace and Conflict

Holy War

The First Crusade was launched in 1095/1096 — the 11th century — by Pope Urban II's call at Clermont.

Sources of Wisdom and Authority — Key Quotes

Dharam yudh ("war in defence of righteousness") is the Sikh concept of a justified war: it must be a last resort, fought for a just cause and not for revenge, gain, or conquest, with minimum force and no harm to civilians.

Just War Theory and Criteria

Thomas Aquinas developed the classical Christian Just War Theory in Summa Theologica (13th C), building on Augustine.

Nuclear Weapons and Deterrence

The Catholic Church under Pope Francis has called for nuclear disarmament — declaring the possession, not just the use, of nuclear weapons immoral (2017 Vatican conference).

Pacifism

A Christian may be a pacifist because Jesus taught love of enemies and non-violence — and himself accepted death rather than fight back.

Peace, Justice, Forgiveness, Reconciliation

Peace is central in Islam — the word Islam shares its root with salaam, "peace"; the Islamic greeting as-salamu alaykum means "peace be upon you".

Reasons for War — Greed, Self-Defence, Retaliation

Most religions condemn aggressive war but allow defensive war (war against an attacker).

Religion as a Cause of War

The European Wars of Religion (16th-17th C, including the Thirty Years' War) were conflicts largely between Catholics and Protestants following the Reformation.

Religion in Peace-Making

Corrymeela is a Christian reconciliation community in Northern Ireland (founded 1965) working across the Catholic-Protestant divide.

Religious Responses to Victims of War

Catholic aid agencies like CAFOD provide emergency relief, long-term development, and advocacy on behalf of those affected by war and poverty.