AQA GCSE Religious Studies (8062) · Paper 2
☮️ Theme D: Peace & Conflict
Revision notes written to the specification, with examiner tips and the required practicals. Every point here has flashcards in the Stickwise app.
War, peace & pacifism
Core idealsPeace ('blessed are the peacemakers'), justice, forgiveness ('seventy-seven times') and reconciliation are the core ideals that aim to end conflict rather than allow it to continue.
Causes of warGreed is condemned as a cause of war, self-defence is widely accepted, and retaliation is condemned, in keeping with the teaching to 'turn the other cheek'.
Just WarJust War theory sets out conditions that must all be met for a war to be considered just: proper authority, a just cause, war as a last resort, right intention, proportionate force, a reasonable chance of success, and civilians spared from harm.
Holy war & terrorismA holy war is fighting believed to be commanded by God, as in the Crusades, or the strictly-conditioned lesser jihad. Terrorism, which targets civilians, is condemned by both faiths: the Quran teaches that killing one innocent person 'is like killing all mankind' (Quran 5:32).
Nuclear weaponsBecause nuclear weapons are indiscriminate, most churches urge disarmament. Evaluations should also include the counter-argument that deterrence has helped prevent war between major powers.
PacifismPacifists, such as the Quakers, believe violence is never justified, and conscientious objectors have served in roles such as medics instead of fighting. A common critique asks what would stop a dictator such as Hitler if no one were willing to fight.
Victims of warOrganisations such as Islamic Relief, Christian Aid, and the Red Cross/Crescent provide refuge, medicine and help with rebuilding for victims of war, and campaign for peace.
🎯 Examiner tip: 'Religion causes war' is a classic 12-mark question. Agree with examples such as the Crusades and modern extremism, then counter with the points that mainstream teaching condemns terror, that most wars are really about land or power, and that faith has also driven peacemaking, as with Martin Luther King and the Quakers, before reaching a conclusion.
Turn these notes into memory. 9 flashcards cover this topic. Short daily sessions, spaced repetition up to your exam date, quizzes with friends. Free during the beta.Practise Theme D: Peace & Conflict in the app ↗