Religion and Peace

Religion and Peace New Testament statements The Prophetic Vision of Peace on Earth Principal Teachings of Christianity and Judaism How 2 traditions guide the individual in achieving inner peace How 2 traditions contribute to world peace

Peace is not an absence of the darkness of war... It is the presence of the light of hope

‘ War as a method of settling international disputes is incompatible with the teaching and example of Our Lord Jesus Christ’ Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops

Religion and Peace New Testament statements: Colossians 3: 12-16

Religion and Peace New Testament statements The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:3-10 Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Be at peace with one another: Mark 9:50

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ Matthew 5:9

Religion and Peace: The Prophetic Vision of Peace on Earth 'What is hateful to you, do not to your fellowman. That is the law: all the rest is commentary.' Talmud, Shabbat 31a

‘ The Lord has told you what is good. What is required of you is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God’ Micah 6:8 Religion and Peace: The Prophetic Vision of Peace on Earth

‘ And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.’ Isaiah 2:4 Religion and Peace: The Prophetic Vision of Peace on Earth

The Ultimate Deliverer of peace is God: the God of infinite loving kindness Religion and Peace: The Prophetic Vision of Peace on Earth

Made in God’s image the people are called to walk in God’s way: to fulfill the halachah. A person who does this at all times is considered a Chasid: a saintly person. Religion and Peace: The Prophetic Vision of Peace on Earth

Jesus said: ‘Love one another’ It’s as simple and as challenging as that!

Religion and Peace

Religion and Peace: Principal Teachings: Judaism “ Thou shalt not kill” Exodus 20:13

Peace Expressed in Sacred Texts

Investigate and record from the Christian Scriptures [the Gospels, the writings of Paul] and the Hebrew Scriptures, passages that refer to Peace. In your answer refer to the Jewish concept o f Shalom and the link between peace, suffering and discipleship in the four Gospels.

World Religions and Peace for the Individual...

Religion and Peace New Testament statements: The individual Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid: John 14.27

Religion and Peace New Testament statements: The individual I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world: John 16.33

Religion and Peace The individual: inner peace through Daily prayer: Our Father Bible reading: lectio divina Reading of devotional literature Prayer before an icon Cultivation of virtues: mercy and compassion The Beatitudes

Religion and Peace The individual: inner peace through Joining reflection, discussion retreat groups Nurturing the soul through sacramental liturgy and worship: Penance, Eucharist Joining web-based discussion groups Taking part in peace reallies and demonstartions, Signing petitions for peace

With reference to specific examples, demonstrate how two religious traditoins assist their adherents to achieve inner peace

Religions and World Peace

Religion and Peace New Testament statements: The world Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the world. I have not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father… Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. …Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. …Those who find their life will lose it and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10: 34-40

Religion and Peace New Testament statements: The world Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No I tell you, but rather division.” Luke 12.51

Peace Child Israel An initiative to unite Arab and Israeli young people to build a future full of peace

Heart to Heart for Peace A Multi-faith Pilgrimage ~ 2004

Journey of Promise NCCA Sponsored Youth Program ~ 2004

International Day of Innocent Children Who Are Victims of Aggression

Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam – Oasis of Peace

Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam – Oasis of Peace In 1972, on a barren hill, halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem began an experiment in peaceful co-existence between Jewish and Arab Israeli citizens

There is no path to peace; peace is the path.

The Peace Prayer of St Francis ~ an interpretation for the modern world

Creator God, give us awareness of the massive forces threatening our world. Where there is armed conflict, let us stretch out our arms to our brothers and sisters. Where there is abundance, let there be simple lifestyles and sharing.

Where there is poverty, let there be dignity and constant striving for justice. Where there is selfish ambition, let there be humble service. Where there is injustice, let there be atonement. Where there is despair, let there be hope in God’s Word.

Where there are wounds of division, let there be unity and wholeness. Help us to be committed to the building of the Kingdom, not seeking to be cared for, but to care; Not expecting to be served, but to serve others; Not desiring material security, but placing our security in Your Love.

For it is only in loving imitation of You, O Lord, that we can discover the healing springs of Life to bring about New Birth on our earth and Hope for the world. Amen. — Melba Grace, Philippines —

Muslim, Jewish Christian Prayer for Peace O God, you are the source of life and peace. Praised be your name forever. We know it is you who turn our minds to thoughts of peace. Hear our prayer in this time of talk of war. Your power changes hearts.

Muslim, Jewish Christian Prayer for Peace Muslims, Jews and Christians remember, and profoundly affirm, That they are followers of the one God, Children of Abraham, brothers and sisters together.

Muslim, Jewish Christian Prayer for Peace Enemies begin to speak to one another; Those who are estranged join hands in friendship; Nations seek the way of peace together. Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these truths by the way we live.

Muslim, Jewish Christian Prayer for Peace Give to us: Understanding that puts an end to strife; Mercy that quenches hatred, And forgiveness that overcomes vengeance Empower all people to live in your law of love. Amen

Evaluate the contribution of two religious traditions to world peace. In your answer incorporate relevant examples to illustrate how belief is translated into action.