Islamic and Christian teachings about harmony and tolerance

Christians:‘Do to others what you would have

them do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets’

‘Greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for friends’

‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy’

‘Forgive them farther for they don’t know what they are doing’

Islam:‘No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he

desires for himself’‘And fight in the cause of god those who

fight with you, but to not go over the limits: god does not love the aggressors’

‘Permission to fight is given to those who are attacked, because they have

been wronged’

Conscience- Something that helps a person choose from right or wrongJust War- A war that is justified according to certain conditionsPacifism- A belief that all violence is unacceptableNon-violent Protest- Showing disapproval for something in a peaceful wayReconciliation- Making up after a conflict

Religion and Conflict

PacifismPeople that believe that any form of violence is

unacceptable. Modern day pacifists include: Martin Luther king, Gandhi and

the Dalai Lama.

Reconciliation

Just War

Jihad

Making up after a quarrel or dispute. Zacchaeus was a tax collector that charged everyone too

much. Jesus questioned him and he payed back 4 times what he owed. This proves that we

should forgive and give second chances.

A Muslim Jihad is a personal fight against evil.

A greater Jihad is a way Muslims make personal effort to follow Allah’s commands

and to fight evil on a personal level (e.g. Fasting)

A lesser Jihad is to defend Islam and to come to the aid of anyone attacked for

practicing Islam

The war must be for a just cause War must be declared by a lawful authority War must only be fought to bring about

good War must be a last resort There must be a reasonable chance of

success Only necessary force should be used Only legitimate targets should be attacked

(e.g. not schools or hospitals)

The just war theory was developed by the philosopher, Thomas Aquinas. The

conditions that must be followed to make a war just are:

Christian symbols for expressing their faith Salvation army uniform

Cross/crucifix

Fish

Religious ExpressionCommunity- A group of people with something in commonEvangelism- How some religious faiths share their beliefs with othersFaith- A belief in a particular religionIdentity- How someone belongs to a religious faithPilgrimage- A journey to a significant religious placeSacred- Something so special it should be respected

Muslim symbols for expressing their faith

Hijab

What is worn at the mosque

Star and crescent symbol

How do symbols express faith Shows readiness for worship

Follows what the holy text says Shows what you stand for

Keeps God and your faith at the front of their minds

Symbols of faith in church Crosses and crucifixes – Represents

the death and resurrection of Jesus Stained glass windows – Tells Jesus’

teachings Alter – Shows Jesus is meeting his

people The lectern – where the bible is read.

In the shape of an eagle to represent the spread of good news

The pulpit – Used for preaching. Raised to show the importance of the

message Baptism font – Shows the entry into

God’s family.

Symbols of faith in Mosque The mihrab – On the walls to show the direction of

Makkah Calligraphy – Used to show the importance of verses

in the Qur'an Prayer mats are close together to represent equality Star and crescent – Shows how religion can give us

guidance

PilgrimagesChristians often visit Lourdes. Here, St Bernadette had visions of Mary.

Many people visit here to feel closer to god and for miracle

healing.Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. It says that all Muslims should visit Makkah. They believe it helps them

feel closer to Allah and develops the Ummah

Sharing FaithMany Christians believe that evangelism is important. They

also have religious channels to spread good news and to convert people. They may also take part in interfaith

dialogue to understand other religions.Muslims preach and get people to revert. This is because

they believe that everyone is born Muslim. They also believe that interfaith dialogue is important.

Thoughts on IVFRoman Catholics believe that only God

can give and take life. It also involves throwing away fertilised eggs and this is

not acceptable.Other denominations believe that it is acceptable as it provides happiness to

couples. They believe that the technology to do it is a gift from God.

They may also believe that the cost is not justifiable as there are many starving

children.Muslims believe that it is acceptable if

the sperm and egg are from the husband and wife. They allow it if the male has a

disease. The Qur'an also states that sperm should not be wasted. It is also important that the children know who

their parents are

Religion and MedicineConscience- An inner voice that keeps people on the right trackFree Will- The belief that humans have free choices in lifeHippocratic Oath- A promise doctors take to preserve life at all costsMedical Ethics- What is right and wrong in medicineQuality of Life- the extent to which life is meaningful and pleasurableSanctity of Life- All life is precious and only god can give or take it away

EuthanasiaEuthanasia is the painless killing of someone who is unable to do it themselves. This can be voluntary (where the person asks to be

killed) or it can be non-voluntary (Where someone kills another person to end their suffering). Tony Nicklinson was paralysed. He said he did not have a good quality of life and wanted to commit suicide. He was nit able to do it himself so he asked his family. The court said that if they did it would be murder. Tony had to kill him self slow and painfully by starvation. Many religious people are against

euthanasia and think that they should go to a hospice where they can die with dignity.

Medical EthicsWhen becoming a doctor, doctors have to sign the Hippocratic oath. This is a promise that they will do everything they can to save a human life. There have been many cases where Jehovah witnesses such as Emma Gough, have refused a life saving blood transfusion as

they believe it is going against gods plan. She later died leaving the farther to care for her children. There have been other cases where a judge has ruled that a patient should have

the transfusion against their will for the sake of their family.

AbortionRoman Catholics are completely against

abortion. This is because they believe that it is murder. They believe that only god can

give or take life.Other Christians believe abortion is

acceptable if it will effect the woman's health or she has been raped etc.

Muslims believe that only God can give and take life and abortion because of

economic reasons is not acceptable. It is accepted by some Muslims if it is to save

the mothers life.

Beliefs about DutyChristians believe they have a duty to follow the ten commandments

and to use their talents wisely.Muslims believe they should follow the 5 pillars of Islam and to follow

shari’ah law.Both religions are told their duties through their conscience and the

holy texts.

Authority- Someone or something who has authority over someone else.Duty- What is expected of someone because of their job, responsibilities or faith.Justice- Where someone is treated fairly and has equal human rights.Personal Conviction- Something a person feels strongly aboutPunishment- To make someone suffer for there wrongdoings.

Purpose of PunishmentMuslims believe that the Qur'an teaches the

difference between right and wrong. They believe that shari’ah must be followed and

Allah will judge them on judgement dayChristians believe that we have free choice

to accept or reject god’s ways. Justice is important bud Jesus says to forgive. They believe they will be judged at the end of

their lives. Both religions believe that punishment is to stop people breaking the law, to gain trust

and to protect society.

Religion and the State (Authority)

The Bible It’s the word of God

Made up of the Old and New Testaments Important for worship

Read everyday Acts as authority and guidelines

Teaches Christians how to live like Jesus Has supreme authority

The Death SentenceMuslims believe that all life created by Allah is sacred.

However they believe that it is acceptable if for a just cause.Christians believe that life is sacred. However the old

testament says ‘an eye for an eye’. Quakers are 100% against capital punishment.

The Qur’an Should be read in Arabic It’s the word of Allah

Shows Muslims how to live Made up of messages given to

Mohammed Source of Islamic law

Should be respected (e.g. rapped in cloth when not in use)

Human RightsOscar Romero is the archbishop of San Salvador. He spoke out against corruption and injustice. He held meetings that were banned by the government. He even spoke out against corrupt practices of army in

sermons