From Jesus’ command to “love your enemies” to the idea of “holy war” is a giant leap. Yet from the Old Testament through to the Crusades and the inquisitions, Christian history is full of violence. Has Christianity been a major contributor to war?
This lesson tackles the popular belief that religion has caused all, or most, of the wars of history.
Introduce
Human Barometer Activity
Facilitate a Human Barometer activity where students indicate their perspective on the following statements:
- “Religion should never be used to justify war”
- “Christianity is a peaceful belief system”
- “Jesus was a pacifist”
- “Religion is the cause of most of the wars in history”
Reflect & Discuss
Students write a list of reasons why conflict arises amongst friends and family and then compare lists with a partner, discussing common themes.
Engage
Watch & Respond
Watch the documentary excerpt ‘Does religion cause all wars?’ (2:00) before students write a one sentence summary of the argument that the clip presents.
Display the Voltaire quote – students rewrite it in their own words and then discuss the meaning. (Does Religion Cause Wars? Slides)
Observe & Discuss
Display the graphic from the clip comparing the deaths from the Spanish Inquisition to those from the French Revolution and Stalin’s Soviet Union – invite students to offer observations and questions that arise. (Does Religion Cause Wars? Slides)
Display the Justine Toh quote and ask students to share any emotions, thoughts, evidence for and/or against, questions, hopes or fears that they may have in response to this idea. (Does Religion Cause Wars? Slides)
Bible Study
Students read Psalm 14:2-3 and 1 John 1:8-9 and answer the following questions:
- What do these verses say about the state of all humans? To what extent do you agree with this?
- With these verses in mind, how surprising is it when people act in an immoral or sinful manner?
- What hope do these verses give for humanity?
Respond
Reflect & Share
Display the Hitchens quote – students read it and write a two paragraph response to the ideas presented. Students should be encouraged to give an honest opinion on what Hitchens is saying.
Display the Human Barometer slide from earlier in the lesson ““Religion is the cause of most of the wars in history” and ask students to reflect on whether their response to the slide has changed at all.
Display the quote from the Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Discuss how the quote supports the conclusion of the clip, and the degree to which the class agrees with the quote.
Extension
- Article: Ending religion won’t end the conflict (6 min)
- Article: Antisemitism and Islamophobia are not the only things rupturing our communities (5 min)
Students read one of the articles and then compose 5-10 interview questions asking the author of their chosen article about the points they are making.