FoxChild@Learn
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June 2022
Q1.1: Which one of the following is the meaning of the term ‘procreation’?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Ending a marriage B Having children C Marrying more than one person D Treating people equally
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: B Having children
Q1.2: Give two teachings about the role of parents in a religious family.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority considered for marking. All religions teach that the main role for parents is to provide a secure and stable environment for children to grow up in / provide children with all that they need to be able to grow and develop / specific traditional roles for fathers and mothers / bring them up in the faith / teach them right from wrong / to discipline children / ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child (Proverbs 13:24) / set an example to the children by living the faith / teach children to pray / worship at home or in the place of worship / encourage them to become full members of the faith / Buddhism teaches in the Sigalovada Sutta that parents have five duties: dissuade children from doing evil / persuade them to do good / give them a good education / arrange a suitable marriage partner / hand over their inheritance at the proper time / have children – ‘Be fruitful and multiply (Genesis / be role models for the children / ‘Honour your father and mother’ (Exodus 20:12) / ‘Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.’ (Ephesians 6:4) / ‘In the destruction of a family, the immemorial religious rites of the family perish. On the destruction of spirituality, impiety overcomes the whole family’ (Bhagavad Gita 1:40) / Muslims should care for their elderly parents with kindness and respect because they loved and cared for their own children when they were young (Qur’an 17:23-24) / ‘A father gives his child nothing better than a good education’ (Hadith) / ‘And you shall teach them (God’s words) to your children, to speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the way...’ (Deuteronomy 11:19) / the Guru Granth Sahib compares the relationship between God and humans as like that between a man and his son, ‘Devotees of the Lord dwell ever in peace. They have a child-like nature and remain detached from the world...God caresses them as a father does a son.’ (Guru Granth Sahib 1076:14), etc.
Q1.3: Explain two contrasting religious beliefs in contemporary British society about
contraception. In your answer you must refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain and one or more other religious traditions.
Answer:
similarities and differences within and/or between religions and beliefs First contrasting belief Second contrasting belief Contrast may mean opposing or mean different views in terms of either belief or issue. Students must refer explicitly to a belief from Christianity, so showing that they know and understand that the main religious tradition of Great Britain is Christian. The belief they choose to explain may vary according to the denomination or tradition they refer to. If students do not refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain (Christianity) a maximum of 2 marks may be awarded. Responses might focus on these contrasts - using contraception or not / types of contraception / artificial versus natural contraception / reasons behind use of contraception. Generally a distinction is seen between natural contraception which works with the woman's natural cycle and artificial contraception which, whilst more reliable than natural methods, is seen by some religious believers as going against natural law / encouraging infidelity / preventing the will of God / preventing people carrying out their religious duty / most religions would see permanent contraception, ie sterilisation, as unacceptable unless a medical necessity, etc. Those who support the use of artificial contraception see it as a way of more reliably planning families / children are able to be planned making it easier for families to cope / prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted infections / prevents transmission of genetic disorders / so reduces suffering and pain / may prevent the mother's life from being put at risk, etc. No absolute rules about contraception though most Buddhists believe it is fine to use forms of contraception that prevent fertilisation taking place / some forms such as the morning after pill may be seen as less acceptable / may be seen as a form of killing / breaks the first moral precept / all decisions involve pain - would the consequences of using contraception cause more or less pain? / principle of ahimsa / rebirth takes place at conception and contraception makes this impossible / Right Intention means contraception may be used to prevent suffering, for example, the mother's life is at risk / using it for selfish reasons is wrong, etc. All denominations permit natural contraception however some (eg Roman Catholic and Orthodox) do not permit artificial forms of contraception seeing it as against natural law / against the purpose of marriage / ‘Every sexual act should have the possibility of creating new life.’ (Humanae Vitae 1968) / Many other Christians accept the use of artificial contraception in family planning for health, financial and other reasons / seen as a matter of personal conscience / some have reservations about the morning after pill considering it abortion rather than contraception / Church of England approved the use of artificial contraception at the 1930 Lambeth Conference, ‘The Conference agrees other methods may be used, provided that this is done in the light of Christian principles.’ It is a Hindu’s dhamma to marry and have children / however there is no objection to the use of contraception provided it is non-harming / principle of ahimsa / at least one son is needed for important religious rituals so contraception may be used in a limited way until a son is born / contraception should not be used to prevent having children altogether / respect for life means a child should not be brought into the world to suffer, etc. Muslims accept the use of contraception with most accepting the use of artificial forms / though some see it as against Allah’s plans / Allah controls when birth takes place / belief that Allah gives strength to cope with any children that come along / any method that causes an abortion, eg morning after pill, would be opposed / use of artificial methods accepted by many for protecting the woman’s health / financial reasons / better ‘spacing’ of children / avoiding passing on genetic Contraception impedes the will of God / a large family is a blessing from God / ‘Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.’ (Psalm 127: 4&5) / Orthodox Jews permit contraception if the mother's life is at risk / not acceptable for social or economic reasons / or reasons of convenience / use of the pill is preferred as it does not interfere with the sexual act or destroy semen / sterilisation is forbidden as it damages the body created by God / Reform and Progressive Jews accept contraception for social reasons, eg welfare of the family / financial reasons / to protect the mother’s mental or physical health / the couple is free to use contraception of their choice, etc. No opposition to contraception / primary purpose of sexual intercourse is the union of man and woman and not procreation / Sikhs tend to follow customs of the society in which they live / no specific teachings in the Sikh holy books / natural methods preferred but up to each couple to decide / couple decide whether to use contraception for sake of mother’s health / welfare of other children / it is a sin to destroy life and interfere with God’s creative work so use of methods that cause abortion would not be supported / sterilisation permitted but only if a medical necessity, etc.
Q1.4: Explain two religious beliefs about same-sex marriage.
Refer to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching in your answer.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Relevant and accurate reference to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching – 1 mark Generally opinions within religions will vary on this topic between liberal and more traditional believers. Those who accept homosexuality may / may not accept same-sex marriage whilst those who oppose homosexuality will usually oppose same-sex marriage. Some might draw a distinction between accepting marriage but not permitting a religious marriage ceremony but holding a blessing ceremony. Credit responses about a same sex marriage ceremony e.g. use of a religious venue, promises / vows, etc. Traditionally marriage is seen as part of God’s plan resulting in procreation / raising a family / same- sex marriage is unable to produce children naturally / may be regarded as against natural law / not part of God's intention for humanity / therefore it is wrong. The reasons for marriage are as valid for same-sex couples as for heterosexual couples / marriage is more than having children / not all heterosexual marriages result in children / place for growing in love / place for companionship / comfort and help each other / right place for a sexual relationship / therefore same-sex marriage is not wrong. Sees marriage as a social contract rather than a religious duty / Buddhist teachings do not oppose same-sex marriage / key thing is that there is consent / respect / love, etc. Sees marriage as a covenant between the couple and God / to live faithfully together until death / spiritual bond of trust reflects the love of God for the Church / proper place for sex / providing secure and stable environment for the family / all of which could apply to a same-sex marriage / Roman Catholic Church teaches homosexual activity is sinful and so would not support same-sex Marriage / considered to be against natural law / ‘And with a male you shall not lie as one lies with a woman...’ (Leviticus 18:22) / Church of England does not allow same-sex marriage in church / other churches such as Quakers do allow it, etc. Sees marriage as a sacrament blessed by God / part of the householder stage / expectation of children / as children cannot be conceived naturally in a same-sex marriage Hinduism generally is against same-sex marriage / a number of Hindu mythic stories portray homosexual experience as natural and joyful so some Hindus are accepting of same-sex marriage, etc. Forbids homosexual relationships/ marriage should be between man and woman / the couple are described as being like garments for each other (Qur’an 2:187) / the Qur’an describes how Allah destroyed a city for ignoring Lut’s condemning of their behaviour / some argue that it is lust not faithful homosexual love that is condemned in the Qur’an so support faithful same-sex marriage, Orthodox Jews do not support same-sex marriage / ‘And with a male you shall not lie as one lies with a woman...’ (Leviticus 18:22) / Orthodox Jews follow Genesis ‘be fruitful and multiply’ (Genesis 1:28) / so same-sex marriage would not fulfil this duty / Liberal and some Reformed Jews accept same-sex marriage / some are willing to bless or conduct same-sex marriages in a religious Teachings make it clear that heterosexual marriage is that intended by God / the Akal Takht issued an edict condemning same-sex marriage / ‘The advice given by the highest temporal authority to every Sikh is saying that it (same-sex marriage) is unnatural and ungodly and the Sikh religion cannot support it’ (Manjit Singh Kalkatta) / other Sikhs value the love and commitment of couples and support same-sex marriage / some accept homosexuality as part of what God has created in a person so support same-sex marriage, etc.
Q1.5: ‘Religious believers should never divorce.’
Evaluate this statement. In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • should refer to religious arguments • may refer to non-religious arguments • should reach a justified conclusion.
Extra space
Q2 Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict
Answer:
In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view understanding of relevant evidence and information. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. evidence and information.
Arguments in support
• It is seen by some as wrong. • Religious couples have made vows before God eg ‘till death us do part’, wrong to break them. • Marriage is a sacrament / sacred bond. • Divorce goes against religious teachings. • Children may be badly affected by divorce. • They should try to make their marriage work, etc.
Arguments in support of other views
• Couples may drift apart and find they no longer love each other. • Mistakes are made and marriages do fail. • Couples may have irreconcilable differences so it is better to part. • Better for a marriage to end than for an abusive relationship to continue. • Children may benefit from the couple splitting as greater harm may be done by them remaining in the situation eg experiencing domestic violence / drug addiction / alcoholism. • Divorce is legal so religious believers should be allowed to do it, etc. Discourages divorce but it may be seen as the right thing to do / prevents dukkha (suffering) if couple can separate / may promote karuna (compassion) / metta (loving kindness) / ahimsa / Right Sees divorce as breaking the promises made before God / ‘God hates divorce’ (Malachi 2:16 )/ ideal is for marriage to be for life / Roman Catholics and some Protestants generally see divorce as always wrong / ‘Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.’ (Matthew 19:6) / Roman Catholics believe marriage cannot be dissolved / do not recognise civil divorce so couples are not free to remarry / Eastern Orthodox Church can end marriages and will perform remarriages but not usually for a third time / Protestant Churches recognise civil divorce and might allow remarriage in church, etc. Believes marriage to be a sacred bond that should last for life / divorce is forbidden to those of the Brahmin caste / it is allowed, though frowned upon, in the rest of society / adultery is not grounds for divorce / Laws of Manu state a woman should respect her husband even if he is unfaithful / divorce permitted is husband is cruel / if the couple are unable to have children after fifteen years of Permits divorce reluctantly / ‘Of all legal things the one Allah hates the most is divorce.’ (Qur’an) / ‘The throne of Allah shakes due to divorce.’ (Hadith) / couples must try to resolve their differences / two friends or relatives must be brought in to try and help resolve matters / couples must wait three months (iddah) staying in the same home but sleeping separately- to see if the wife is pregnant and to try and achieve reconciliation (Qur’an 4:35) / a wife can divorce her husband but must repay her dowry / if the cause of the divorce is the husband’s the dowry does not need to be repaid / the man remains responsible for supporting his children in all circumstances, etc. Permits divorce if a couple no longer love each other as ‘one flesh’ and attempts at reconciliation have failed / the Torah says a man can divorce his wife if ‘he finds something indecent about her’ / ‘shameful conduct’ (Deuteronomy 24:10) / ‘Whenever anyone divorces his first wife even the altar (God) in the Temple sheds tears’ (Talmud) / divorce is allowed by mutual consent as marriage is a voluntary agreement / reasonable ground for divorce include infidelity / impotence / financial deprivation / cruelty / irreligiousness / Reform Jews have their own get which treats men and women equally / Liberal Jews accept civil divorce alone / divorce is seen as unfortunate but does not have any stigma attached to it, etc. Believes marriage should be for life / it is a sacrament / Guru Amar Das said a couple should be ‘One spirit in two bodies’ / marriage commitment is made in front of God and so should not be broken / when a Sikh becomes a member of the Khalsa they promise to maintain a monogamous relationship with their spouse / when divorce occurs Sikhs follow the laws of the country where they are living, etc. Q2 Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict
Q2.1: Which one of the following describes the unlawful use of violence against civilians?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Forgiveness B Pacifism C Reconciliation D Terrorism
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: D Terrorism
Q2.2: Give two ways victims of war are helped by religious organisations.
Question 2 continues on the next page
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority considered for marking. Victims may be helped financially / given moral and spiritual support by the organisation / helped to find employment / provided with shelter / provided with food / provide facilities in their homes / counselling support / families helped / given prayer support / medical treatment given and paid for / mental health support / through brokering peace / provision of legal assistance / assist with visa applications / provide translators / giving charity / taking in refugees / aid convoys, etc.
Q2.3: Explain two contrasting religious beliefs in contemporary British society about
violence. In your answer you must refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain and one or more other religious traditions.
Answer:
similarities and differences within and/or between religions and beliefs First contrasting belief Second contrasting belief Contrast may mean opposing or mean different views in terms of either belief or issue. Students must refer explicitly to a belief from Christianity, so showing that they know and understand that the main religious tradition of Great Britain is Christian. The belief they choose to explain may vary according to the denomination or tradition they refer to. If students do not refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain (Christianity) a maximum of 2 marks may be awarded. Contrasts could include violence or non-violence / motivation for violence / type of violence used / against people or property. No religion promotes violence in their teachings / conflict should be avoided if at all possible / sometimes violence may be necessary in self-defence / ideas associated with the Just War theory / pre-emptive strikes / those guilty of violence should be dealt with, etc. Violence contradicts the most basic Buddhist ethical precept, which is not to cause harm / Buddhists emphasize the importance of peace and harmony / “Whoever injures with violence creatures desiring happiness, seeking his own happiness he does not gain happiness when he has passed away” The Buddha – Dhammapada 131 / Buddhism advocates non-violent forms of protest / however some Buddhists believe that there could be circumstances where violence is justifiable, eg in self-defence or to save the lives of others, etc. Christians try to avoid the use of violence / “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said, “for all who draw the sword die by the sword.” Matthew 26:52 / most Christians believe that violence is not justified / many Christians eg Quakers are pacifists / however, some Christians believe that violence is sometimes justified eg Just War / “if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” Luke 22 : 36, etc. Gandhi believed that violence is wrong and that violence should not be met with violence / his policy of satyagraha, non-violent resistance to the British in India, showed how he put Hindu principles of ahimsa into practice / sometimes religion and culture are intermixed and violence results from a clash of lifestyles or customs, eg in India and Kashmir between Hindus and Muslims / the Upanishads teach that if one has to fight, there should be no feelings of hatred or anger towards the enemy / those fighting should not use more violence than is necessary, etc. Islam teaches peace and harmony / the word ‘Islam’ comes from the root word ‘salam’, meaning peace / the common greeting among Muslims, ‘as-salamu alaikum’ – ‘peace be with you’ / “The servants of the Lord of Mercy are those who walk humbly on the earth, and who, when aggressive people address them, reply with words of peace.” Qur’an 25:63 / violence and fighting is justified in self-defence, and against those who actively attack them or in defence of the faith / most Muslims are prepared to fight in a Just War, etc. Throughout Jewish scripture there are laws and guidance to help Jews establish a peaceful society / Jews greet each other by saying ‘Shalom’ meaning peace and harmony / Isaiah prophesied that one day there will be no more violence, ruin or destruction – Isaiah 60 : 18 / Jews have used violence and fighting to survive as a nation both since 1948 and in the times of the Torah / believe that some wars are obligatory – God commanded and that they are obliged to defend themselves, etc. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak to be a religion of peace / compassion, patience and self- control are among the Sikh virtues / anger (krodh) which may lead to violence is one the five evils / Amritdhari Sikhs wear the five Ks which includes the Kirpan / Sikhs are generally prepared to use violence to defend their faith or fight for their country / Sikhs should not be the first to ‘draw their swords’ / many fought alongside the Allied troops in both World Wars, etc.
Q2.4: Explain two religious beliefs about justice.
Refer to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching in your answer.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Relevant and accurate reference to sacred writings or another source of religious belief and teaching – 1 mark Religions are opposed to injustice / campaign for justice throughout the world / those who suffer from injustice should be protected / justice is about what is right and fair / wrongdoers need to be punished in order to protect society / support for upholding the law / support for systems which bring justice such as Just War / social justice, etc. Buddhism teaches that inflicting suffering on people through war is not the way to create a just world / that way causes more suffering / non-violent methods are a better way to accomplish justice while practising generosity and letting go (non-attachment / “ ‘He abused me, he struck me, he overcame me, he robbed me.’ Of those who wrap themselves up in it hatred is not quenched.” The Buddha in the Dhammapada, verse 3 / the Buddha taught that suffering is an inevitable part of life, and that on a fundamental level the world is unsatisfactory – it cannot be made perfect / the Buddha taught that the middle way is best, accepting imperfection while doing what one can to make a better world / the Sarvodaya movement in Asia has focused on justice by creating a fair distribution of land among the poor / right action and right livelihood help in the pursuit of a just society, etc. Jesus acted against injustice by overthrowing the tables of the money changers in the temple - Matthew 21 : 12 -13 / following Jesus’ example many Christians have supported protests against wealth not being fairly distributed / many wars are fought because of injustice / many Christians support the Just War theory which lays out conditions under which fighting is justifiable, eg just cause such as restoring justice, overcoming an unjust leader or preventing genocide / the Old Testament prophets such as Amos and Micah called for people to work for justice / “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Amos 5 : 24 / “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk modestly with your God.” Micah 6 : 8, etc. Hindu scripture teaches that a natural law keeps everything in the universe working properly / it is a person’s duty to act justly and protect the weak from the strong / acting justly could be an acceptable reason for Hindus fighting in a war – to protect the weak from those misusing power / a just society does not come about by accident / the Laws of Manu has a section about the ‘logic of the fish’ which points out that the big fish will always swallow the little fish if they are not protected / in the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna advised Arjuna to fight to bring a just solution to the problem of the Kurus and Pandus both claiming the same kingdom as the aim was to restore justice, etc. Many wars are fought for the sake of justice / in Islam, ‘the Just’ is one of the 99 names for God / God has provided the laws because they help people to bring about justice on earth, and that if there is injustice, it is the fault of humans and should not be ignored / justice is often linked with equality / people should have the opportunities to thrive or resentment may build up if people see the unfairness and this can lead to conflict and war / restoring justice (just cause) may be a reason to go to war, particularly if a country mistreats its Islamic citizens / “Adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God” Qur’an 5 : 8 / “God commands justice, doing good, and generosity towards relatives and He forbids what is shameful, blameworthy, and oppressive.” Qur’an 16 : 90, The Jewish prophets such as Amos constantly warned the Jewish people about the importance of justice, especially for the vulnerable and poor in society / “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Amos 5 : 24 / “He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk modestly with your God.” Micah 6 : 8 / people should be treated equally or resentment may build up and lead to conflict / Judaism teaches that God created humans in his image and so all people are of equal value – Genesis 1 : 27 / no one should be treated with unfairness but treated with kindness and honesty / believe that if people follow the laws of the Torah they will help to create harmony and justice in society / “justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 16 : 20, / proportionality / ‘An eye for an eye, tooth for tooth’ (Leviticus 24:19-21), etc. Sikhs believe that, in the eyes of God, all people are of equal value, regardless of caste, colour, class, gender, religion or wealth / God requires them to promote justice and equality / “recognize the Lord’s Light within all, and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter.” Guru Granth Sahib 349 / so no one should be exploited and everyone should enjoy equal treatment / everyone should receive a fair allocation of community resources and human rights should be protected / where there is injustice it should be challenged / Sikhs have protested against laws they have felt to be unjust or laws that prevented them fulfilling their religious duties, eg wearing motor bike helmets / belief in karma - “The body is the field of karma in this age; whatever you plant, you shall harvest” Guru Granth Sahib 78 / those doing wrong should face justice on Earth for their wrongdoings but they also believe in reincarnation and punishment after death / many Sikhs see themselves as soldiers in the army of God, fighting for justice for the weak, vulnerable and those who are victims, etc
Q2.5: ‘Being prepared to fight a war is the best way to keep the peace.’
Evaluate this statement. In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • should refer to religious arguments • may refer to non-religious arguments • should reach a justified conclusion.
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Answer:
In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. evidence and information.
Arguments in support
• Religious teachings support legitimate governments including, for example, preparing for self- • If a country is prepared for war potential enemies will not see the country as an easy target. • Individuals should be willing to fight if called upon as the threat of retaliation will discourage • The presence of a strong military force acts as a deterrent as others will think twice about • If attacked then there is the capability of defending the country and repelling the attacker and bringing about peace. • Having nuclear weapons has prevented a major war since 1945. • Protecting the vulnerable is a religious duty, etc.
Arguments in support of other views
• Even to prepare for war would go against some people's religious principles eg preparing to take • Having strong military capabilities may result in the country deciding to attack another country and starting a war. • Power hungry leaders may become overconfident and listen to their military commanders and decide to fight. • Just having people willing to fight and a strong military force doesn’t mean that a country will not decide never to engage in war as they may feel that war is necessary to solve a dispute or put right a perceived injustice. • Better to have no army or military as then there is no danger of the country starting a war. • There are other better ways of keeping the peace, eg talking to one another or praying for divine help or being peaceful oneself are better ways to maintain peace rather than relying on military Buddhism teaches that there are no justifiable reasons for war as it expresses and encourages hateful and greedy attitudes and behaviour / the instability and resentment left after a war often leads to fighting breaking out again / the Buddha taught that peace comes from within so having a strong military presence doesn’t bring real peace / “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” – UNESCO / peaceful minds lead to peaceful speech and peaceful actions / people should cultivate compassion instead of building up weapons if they want real and lasting peace, etc. Many Christians have been prepared to join the armed forces although they wish for peace / other Christians do not support being part of the military as they are pacifists eg Quakers but believe that negotiations would be more effective than being ready for war / Isaiah looked forward to the day when there would be no more war – Isaiah 2 : 4 / “Blessed are the peacemakers” Matthew 5:9 / Christians who believe in the Just War theory, begun by St. Augustine and developed by Thomas Aquinas, may well support the idea of having a military capabilities to act as a deterrent to prevent war / as a last resort if negotiations and if all avenues fail then it may be right to go to war / “if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” Luke 22 : 36, etc. Hindus believe that they should build up good karma by working for peace and following ahimsa / the Kshatriyas were the warrior caste / it was their duty to be prepared to fight to defend the people / even when it was their duty to fight they wanted to restore peace and harmony / many would argue that the best way to keep the peace is to be in a state of inner peace which can be achieved by meditation, service and self-knowledge / most Hindus would say that acting non-violently is the right course wherever possible but sometimes this isn’t possible / however, Gandhi taught that the best way to maintain peace is through passive resistance rather than using violence, etc. Lesser jihad obliges Muslims to be ready to fight under certain circumstances / for example, if an Islamic country has been attacked Muslim armed forces should be prepared come to the rescue of the Islamic citizens / Muslims are expected to support the Just War and Holy War rules / the first Islamic Caliph and companion of Muhammad, Abu Bakr devised some rules that Muslim armies must obey / “Fighting has been ordained for you, though it is hard for you.” Qur’an 49:9 / being prepared acts as a deterrent and makes any potential attacker think twice / however, most Muslims do not support having weapons of mass destruction – Qur’an 2:195 although some may agree with having them as a deterrent / life is sacred so the possibility of indiscriminate killing of innocent children and civilians through the use of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons breach the limit of warfare, etc. Throughout history Jews have had many conflicts to gain territory and settle disputes / although having a desire for peace the history of the Holocaust and hostilities since 1948 has motivated the Jews in Israel to be ready and prepared for war / Israelis have seen some of their neighbours as threatening their security and that relative peace can only be maintained by having a strong military presence / rocket attacks and occasional attempted invasions on Israel have taken place but haven’t been very successful and a somewhat uneasy peace is maintained / peace talks have also had limited success, etc. Sikhs believe that defending themselves and others from oppression and persecution is a religious duty, including using force if required / by the time of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, it had become necessary to take up arms sometimes in defence of the faith / Guru Har Gobind, the sixth Guru, believed that the threat of military action was necessary to defend the weak and innocent / Guru Gobind Singh formed the Khalsa of faithful Sikhs who were prepared to fight / Sikh just war theory / “The sword of righteous, the bow and tongue are the fit tools to combat the charlatans.” Guru Gobind Singh / Sikhism requires each Sikh to become a saint-soldier (Sant Siphahi) – someone who prays and works for peace like a saint, but has the courage and ability to be ready to fight for peace if all other means fail, etc.