Theme E: Religion + peace
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies revision on Theme E: Religion + peace. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B 1RB0 specification. This bank has 7 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 7)
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Question 1
Just War Theory says a war is justified if it...
- A) Has a just cause + is a last resort + is fought by legal authority + has proportionate response
- B) Makes lots of money
- C) Conquers other lands
- D) Punishes religious minorities
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Answer: Has a just cause + is a last resort + is fought by legal authority + has proportionate response
Origins: Augustine + Aquinas (Christian theologians). Criteria: (1) JUST CAUSE (defend against aggression, not for resources). (2) RIGHT AUTHORITY (legitimate government, not just any group). (3) RIGHT INTENTION (peace, not revenge or gain). (4) PROPORTIONALITY (response matched to threat). (5) LAST RESORT (other means tried). (6) REASONABLE CHANCE OF SUCCESS. (7) NON-COMBATANTS PROTECTED. UN charter draws heavily on these.
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Question 2
Pacifism is...
- A) Belief in war
- B) Belief that war + violence are always wrong
- C) Joining the army
- D) Being lazy
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Answer: Belief that war + violence are always wrong
Pacifists refuse military service ('conscientious objectors' in WWI + WWII; often imprisoned). Christian pacifists cite Jesus' teachings: 'turn the other cheek', 'blessed are the peacemakers'. Famous: Quakers (Religious Society of Friends - founded 17th c. as peace church), Mennonites, Martin Luther King Jr, Gandhi. Buddhists. Often accept defensive use of force, but no offensive war.
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Question 3
Holy war refers to...
- A) A war fought for religious reasons / on God's behalf
- B) A friendly competition
- C) A wedding
- D) A negotiation
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Answer: A war fought for religious reasons / on God's behalf
Examples: CRUSADES (1095-1291 - Christian attempt to recapture Holy Land from Muslims), the Spanish Reconquista, Jihad (defensive military jihad in classical Islamic law). Modern view: many religious leaders + scholars reject the concept - violence in God's name is contradictory. Some extremist groups still invoke 'holy war' rhetoric to justify terrorism.
Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?
4 more questions on Theme E: Religion + peace — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Religious Studies spec.