Holy War

In this lesson, we will focus on holy war. We will explore the history of Holy War in Christianity (Crusades, warfare in the Old Testament) and Holy War in Islam with links to lesser jihad (example of the Battle of Badr).

Holy War

In this lesson, we will focus on holy war. We will explore the history of Holy War in Christianity (Crusades, warfare in the Old Testament) and Holy War in Islam with links to lesser jihad (example of the Battle of Badr).

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. History of Holy War in Christianity (Crusades, warfare in the Old Testament).
  2. Holy War in Islam with links to lesser jihad (example of the Battle of Badr).

Equipment

You will need two different coloured pens: black or blue and another coloured pen, such as green or red.

Content guidance

  • Contains conflict or violence.

Supervision

Adult supervision suggested.

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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10 Questions

Q1.
Which of these key terms is best defined by 'the absence of conflict or war'?
Forgiveness
Justice
Correct answer: Peace
Reconciliation
Q2.
Which religion demands that injustice is responded to with violence?
Both Christianity and Islam
Christianity
Islam
Correct answer: Neither Christianity or Islam
Q3.
Which of these statements is generally considered to be true?
Christian religious teachings generally support terrorism.
Islamic religious teachings generally support terrorism.
Religious teachings generally support terrorism.
Correct answer: Terrorism is not supported by religious teachings as religious teachings generally seek to protect innocent life.
Q4.
The sanctity of life is used in both Islam and Christianity to oppose terrorism. Which of these best defines the sanctity of life?
God gives life.
Life can be taken for the cause of terrorism.
Correct answer: Life is sacred as it is a gift from God. Life therefore needs protecting, only God can take life.
Life is special to God.
Q5.
Which religious group/s generally promote a non-violent approach to conflict?
Correct answer: Both Christianity and Islam
Christianity
Islam
Neither Christianity or Islam
Q6.
Where Christians and Muslims do accept the use of violence, what conditions do they generally insist on?
That as many enemies as possible are harmed.
Correct answer: That it is the last resort and that the minimum force necessary is used.
That maximum force is used to ensure the enemy is defeated quickly.
Q7.
Which of these statements best describes how the example of Muhammad can be used to form a view on protest?
Violence should always be used.
Violence should never be used.
You should always seek to respond peacefully, however, where this is not possible you can use as much force as you want to restore justice.
Correct answer: You should always seek to respond peacefully, however, where this is not possible you can use the minimum force required to restore justice.
Q8.
According to Jesus how should Christians treat those who perform hateful actions?
With hate
With hate and violence
Correct answer: With love
With violence
Q9.
Which of these key terms is best defined by 'pardoning someone for what they have done wrong'?
Correct answer: Forgiveness
Justice
Peace
Reconciliation
Q10.
Which of these statements do Muslims traditionally believe is true?
Correct answer: Muhammad's actions in the battle of Badr give a good example as to how to conduct a conflict in such a way to enable reconciliation.
Muhammad's actions in the battle of Badr made forgiveness entirely impossible.
Muhammad's actions in the battle of Badr made reconciliation entirely impossible.
Muhammad's actions in the battle of Badr were completely unjust.

7 Questions

Q1.
Which of these best defines the term 'holy war'
A holy war is fighting for a religious cause or God.
Correct answer: A holy war is fighting for a religious cause or God. Holy wars are usually controlled by a religious leader.
Holy wars are fighting to spread the faith.
Holy wars are usually controlled by a religious leader.
Q2.
Which of these statements best reflects the generally accepted Christian position on holy wars?
Holy wars are actively pursued in Christianity today.
Holy wars are important to defend the faith and help it spread.
Holy wars are looked upon favourably.
Correct answer: The concept of holy war doesn’t really feature in current Christian thought.
Q3.
Who led the Christians in the First Crusade?
Moses
Pope Benedict
Correct answer: Pope Urban II
The Archbishop of Canterbury
Q4.
Who led the Israelites in the Battle of Jericho?
Correct answer: Joshua
Moses
Pope Urban II
Rahab
Q5.
Who created the plan for the Battle of Jericho?
Correct answer: God
Joshua
Moses
Rahab
Q6.
Which of these best defines the lesser jihad?
Correct answer: The struggle to build a good Islamic society and protect the faith. This can allow, but does not demand, the use of force, including war, in order to defend the faith.
The struggle to fight for God. Being prepared to lay down your life for the cause of Allah.
The struggle to resist the use of force in all circumstances.
The struggle to use force to protect the faith. Being prepared to lay down your life for the cause of Allah.
Q7.
Which of these statements do Muslims traditionally believe is true?
Correct answer: Muhammad's actions in the Battle of Badr give a good example as to how to conduct a conflict in such a way as to enable reconciliation.
Muhammad's actions in the Battle of Badr made forgiveness entirely impossible.
Muhammad's actions in the Battle of Badr made reconciliation entirely impossible.
Muhammad's actions in the Battle of Badr were completely unjust.

Lesson appears in

UnitReligious education / Peace and conflict

Religious education