This document provides an overview of key concepts related to pacifism. It defines pacifism as the belief that violence against other humans is wrong. It notes that pacifists believe war can never be justified and that they will refuse to fight in wars. Examples of pacifist religious groups mentioned are Quakers, Buddhists, and some Christian denominations. The document explores reasons why some Christians are pacifists, such as their interpretation of Jesus' teachings of non-violence and forgiveness. Students are assigned tasks to demonstrate their understanding of pacifism through a mind map and answering practice exam questions on the topic.

1. Recall and Recap...

2. DNA-What does this picture infer?

3. Keywords for this lesson...
 Quakers
 Salaam
 Peace
 Justice
 Sanctity of life
 Pacifism
 Forgiveness
 Just war
 Holy war
 Red Cross
 Red Crescent
 Dalai Lama
 Irena Sendler
 UN
 Terrorism
 Weapons of mass destruction

4. Pacifism
Learning
intentions:
 To learn to know and
understand what
Pacifists believe.
 To explore and make a
decision on whether or
not Jesus was a
pacifist.
Success Criteria:
• Create a detailed mind
map exploring pacifism
• Answer a 6 mark
question about
Pacifism

5. What is pacifism?

6. What is pacifism? Pacifism is the belief
that violence used
against other humans
is wrong.

12. Was Jesus a Pacifist?
A Pacifist believes that violence against other
human beings is wrong.
 Using this definition colour-code the cards; for and against Jesus
being a pacifist.
 Copy and complete:
I think that Jesus was/waswas/was not a pacifist. I have made this
decision based on....
Extension: (In full sentences.)
1. What example of Jesus should Christians follow?
2. Why do you think these different aspects of Jesus could be
confusing?

13. Create a Mind Map during the following
slides
Pacifism

15. Pacifism

16. What is Pacifism?
 Pacifists believe that war can never be justified
and they refuse to fight in them
 They are ‘CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS’
this means killing is against their conscious
 Buddhists and some specific groups of
Christians are Pacifists e.g. Quakers
What other roles could a
conscientious objector do
in war time?
What other roles could a
conscientious objector do
in war time?

17. What do Pacifists believe?
 For religious Pacifists, Sanctity of Life is important. All
Pacifists believe that every person is part of the human
family and deserves respect
 Killing goes against teachings in sacred writings
 War causes suffering, bitterness, hatred and greed
 War damages the environment and wastes precious lives
 Using violence to achieve freedom is sinking to the
same level as the oppressor

18. Christian Pacifists
 The early Christians practiced non-violence
 Today Christian Pacifists follow the example of
Jesus who did not resist arrest and allowed himself
to be crucified for the love of the human race
 Christian Pacifists are willing to die, but not kill for
their beliefs
 They will not serve in the armed forces
 During World War 1 and 2 many Pacifists were put
in prison for refusing to fight

21. The Society of Friends;
 Otherwise known as Quakers, is a
Christian denomination that strongly
believes in Pacifism.
 There is also a Roman Catholic group of
pacifists called Pax Christi, which believe
in the power of prayer, reconciliation,
forgiveness, forgiveness and non-violence.

22. 4 mark question...
“Explain why some Christians are pacifists”
 Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought
about more than one point of view.
For
Against
Religious view
My view
Evaluate the
Religious view
Target: Understanding of Christian pacifism
Levels Criteria Marks
0 Nothing relevant or worthy of credit.
Level 1: Something relevant or worthy of
credit.
Level 2: Partial knowledge and
understanding, e.g. Two simple points.
Level 3: Sound knowledge and
understanding. Two Detailed points.

23. “Explain why some Christians are pacifists”
 Do you agree?
 Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought
about more than one point of view.
The examiner is asking you to look at the way a religious
person behaves. You need to include specialist language .

24. Peer marking- PURPLE PENS...!
 ‘Do not kill’ applies to all forms of killing humans, including
war / ‘blessed are the peacemakers’ – war is not peacemaking /
‘those who live by the sword die by the sword’, i.e. violence
just creates more violence / war does not fulfil ‘love your
enemy’ / creates long term suffering and misery / war leads to
even more hatred and desire for revenge / war harms the
environment as well as humans / following the example of
another Christian.
 ADD
 BUILD
 CORRECT
 BE KIND/HELPFUL AND SPECIFIC!

25. o Given two religious
views?
o Supported answer with
teachings?
o Linked back to the
question?
o Explained points?
o Highlighted specialist
language

26. Improve your answer
You could include:
1. Spelling and punctuation
2. A quote from the Bible
3. Another point of view
4. Developing your PEE

27. Homework
See the blog...

28. Plenary
Copy the triangle of learning into your book
and fill it in!
1 thing you want to learn
more about
2 key words you
have learnt about,
and their meaning
3 things you have
learnt this lesson