Christianity:

Peace-seeking
and
Peace-making
“Father, forgive them,
they know not
what they do”
Luke 23:34
 “Many innocent people have
died—among them also
children, and this is terrible
and unacceptable. Their death
is a sign that there is not the
will to build the future,
but the will to destroy it.
I ask: Where will the hate and
vendetta lead? Do we really
think of building peace by
destroying the other?”
Pope Francis, 16 May 2021 https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/05/16/pope-francis-israel-gaza-prayer-peace-240680
 Plan for this session on the principles and
lived expression of “peace” in Christianity
• Understanding the original intention of this topic within the SoR Syllabus
• The types of questions you can expect to encounter in the Trial/HSC and a
possible way of preparing for these
• What should research and examples look like in SoR?
• The non-negotiable centrality of understanding and integrating significant
writings from sacred texts.
• The complexity of “inner” peace
• The possibility of “world” peace
• Past HSC questions
The focus of this study is the distinctive
response of religious traditions to the issue • investigate the understanding of peace and
of peace. how it is informed through significant writings
within sacred texts for TWO religious traditions
Plan, inquire into and drawn from:
draw conclusions about
– Buddhism: Sutta Pitaka, Dhammapada
– Christianity: New Testament
– Hinduism: Bhagavad Gita
Sketch in general terms; – Islam: Qur’an and Hadith
indicate the main features of
– Judaism: the Prophetic vision of peace
on Earth
• outline the principal teachings about peace in
Show by example TWO religious traditions
• demonstrate how TWO religious traditions
guide the individual in achieving inner peace
Identify issues and provide • discuss how TWO religious traditions are
points for and/or against
contributing to world peace
The aim of the Stage 6 Studies of Religion syllabus is to promote an understanding and critical awareness
of the nature and significance of religion and the influence of belief systems and religious traditions on individuals
and within society
Knowledge, understanding and skills R & P cannot achieve its
Students will develop knowledge and understanding about: potential, and therefore
• the nature of religion and belief systems in local and global contexts yours, from textbooks
• the influence and expression of religion and belief systems in Australia or hand down notes
• religious traditions and their adherents
and skills relating to:
• effective gathering, analysing and synthesising of information about religion
• effective evaluation and application of findings from research about religion
• communication of complex information, ideas and issues in appropriate forms to different audiences
and in different contexts.
Values and attitudes Students will value and appreciate:
• ethical and socially responsible behaviours which are brought about through empathy for, and acceptance of,
religious diversity
• fundamental rights of religious believers, rules and laws that promote fairness, justice and equality in society
The types of questions you need to be prepared to respond to in the
Trial and HSC Exams for R & P:
A suggested approach
• World peace in TWO traditions • Have TWO diverse examples for both
• World peace in ONE tradition communal/world and personal/inner
peace for each tradition.
• Inner peace in TWO traditions
• In the tradition you feel most confident
• Inner peace in ONE tradition
in, have THREE diverse examples so that
• World & Inner in TWO traditions you can respond well to a single
• World & Inner in ONE tradition tradition question. This might be a
different tradition for world/inner e.g.
• Open i.e. not defined by the
world = Christianity and inner =
question = you choose what you
Buddhism
use from your study to respond.
Play to your strengths!
 Examples support answering the question.
They illustrate how the teachings derived and
interpreted from sacred texts may/can
translate into actionS
Therefore …
Do not start with the example.
Do not simply describe the example
Christianity R&P = New Testament references
HSC 2020
 A model for approaching RT and R&P Responses

Sacred EVERY text reference

Texts is a teaching
WHY

WHAT Teachings

Lived
expression How
= specific examples
 Inner Peace
Personal
How does faith provide
inner strength for
individuals and
communities to maintain
hope and keep going in
challenging situations?
 “Once a person has inner peace,
then they can contribute to world peace.”

However, a deep connection can exist between personal

and communal peace for people of all faiths, especially in
the midst of complex life situations.
 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

Jesus Christ Laur Iduc

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim
release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year
of the Lord’s favour.
Luke 4:18
 Personal Peace?

What are some of the “prisons”

that people find themselves locked in?
This statue is called “Emptiness”
and it was created by a grieving
parent. It is an attempt to
describe how a parent feels after
losing a child.

“Emptiness” Albert György Bronze Statue

Lake Geneva, Switzerland
https://abcnews.go.com/Inter
national/wireStory/driver-
charged-children-killed-
sydney-sidewalk-68703875
 "I am sad. I am heartbroken but I am at
peace because I know my kids are in a
better place," she said. "My kids are right
now angels.”

“I think in my heart I forgive him. But I want the

court to be fair. I’m not going to hate him
because that’s not who we are,” she told
reporters. “It feels very unreal. I feel like I’m
still waiting for them to come home.” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-03/family-of-driver-devastated-
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/03/i-cant-hate-him- after-son-allegedly-killed-children/11925688
says-sydney-mother-of-three-children-killed-by-alleged-drink-driver
“Be kind and compassionate to one
another, forgiving each other, just as
in Christ God forgave you”
Ephesians 4:32

https://www.i4give.com/
Danny Abdallah addressing the media to launch i4Give Day
1 February 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQK0qT3mR5Q
How you might write about inner peace to lead in to this example:

Through the example of Jesus, many Christians find courage to face life’s most
complex situations in the understanding that the peace he defined is “not as
the world gives” (Jn 14:27) and is often not instantly attained. Rather, it is a
peace that comes from faith in God who shares in their suffering, exemplified
through Jesus’ words in Gethsemane, “My God. My God. Why have you
forsaken me?” (Mk 15:34). In situations of grief, illness and personal tragedy,
many Christians subsequently find inner strength through personal faith, the
hope of the Resurrection and the support of their faith communities. While
this cannot always alter circumstances, it can support a degree of inner peace
that enables life to continue in a purposeful manner.
New paragraph: link to Abdallah Family
or another pertinent, specific example
Christians must minister to those in need,
those who are marginalised
Kairos Prison Ministry Australia is an interdenominational Christian ministry reaching
out to incarcerated individuals, their families and those who work with them.

https://kairos.org.au/
2019 HSC If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere.
Marvin Gaye
How do TWO religious traditions guide individuals to find peace?
A possible way of introducing Matthew 25 and a caring ministry as part of a response:
To “find peace within yourself” is not always as easy as the stimulus may
indicate. Whether by circumstances beyond personal control or life choices
that have negative impacts on self and others, the despondency that can
overcome individuals often leaves little ability to “find peace”. In his
explanation of the Final Judgement, Jesus defined for his followers that they
must provide compassionate care for those without hope, the marginalised
who are, “hungry … thirsty … sick … in prison” (Matt 25:31-46). Many
Christians believe that by extending selfless support to others, regardless of
the reasons for their circumstances, that they encounter Jesus present in the
most vulnerable. Such is the case for Christians who are part of Kairos Prison
Ministry or any other example of Christian outreach to the marginalised.
Then a specific paragraph on the outreach of your choice.
Updated 24 Mar 2020
This ABC story in the midst of C-19
provided an example from the Uniting
Church of Australia’s Leichhardt
congregation of staying connected to
religious practices while in lockdown.
Belonging to a religious community is
integral to inner peace for many people.
A quote from one of the people in the
article to support this would work well
in a R&P response.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-24/hindu-
christian-worship-in-the-time-of-covid-19-
coronavirus/12081284
2017 HSC
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. SY MILLER and JILL Jackson
To what extent do the teachings of TWO religious traditions view the
achievement of inner peace as an important step towards achieving world peace?

Separation from loved ones in care homes and hospitals, increased mental
health issues, financial difficulties and the inability to gather in community
made it difficult for many to believe that peace “begin(s) with me” during
the Corovid-19 lockdowns of 2020. In response, Christians sought
innovative ways to remember that Christ’s death and resurrection teaches
that peace is “not as the world gives” (Jn 1:27) and that the requirement to
“visit the sick … the prisoner” (Matt 25:36-41) had a new urgency in
respect to caring for those were ill, alone and isolating. In a March 2020
ABC interview, Rev Sukumar-White of Leichhardt Uniting Church summed
up what many were feeling, "There's a sense of grief in our community and
unknowingness about the future.” Continued …
In response, Leichhardt UCA organised an outreach to older adherents
offering practical support and ensuring that they could access streamed
services to “feel like they're still connected to the community” as a
means of maintaining inner peace. Christina, a young congregant said of
her involvement in this, “I wasn’t expecting to give up so much for Lent
… but the sacrifices we are making are really important.” This
emphasises the deep connection that can exist between personal and
communal peace for Christians, especially in complex life situations.
The Complexity of “World” Peace
“At the dawn of a new year, I extend
cordial greetings to Heads of State
and Government, leaders of
International Organizations, spiritual
leaders and followers of the different
religions, and to men and women
of good will. To all I offer my best
wishes that the coming year will
enable humanity to advance on the
path of fraternity, justice and
peace between individuals,
communities, peoples and nations.”
Pope Francis 1/1/21
Christianity – World Peace A lawyer stood up to test Jesus.
Peace-making
“Teacher”, he said, “what must
in communal contexts
I do to inherit eternal life?”
“And took care of him”
 http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/
peace/documents/papa-
francesco_20191208_messaggio-53giornatamondiale-
pace2020.html

Teachings

We are guided by the Gospel passage that tells of the following conversation between
Peter and Jesus: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive
him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times,
but seventy times seven” (Mt 18:21-22). This path of reconciliation is a summons to
discover in the depths of our heart the power of forgiveness and the capacity to
acknowledge one another as brothers and sisters. When we learn to live in
forgiveness, we grow in our capacity to become men and women of peace.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/201
9/feb/04/pope-and-grand-imam-sign-
historic-pledge-of-fraternity-in-uae
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesc
o/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vatic
anevents/en/2019/2/4/fratellanza-
umana.html
 4 February 2021
United Nations First International day of Human Fraternity
During World Interfaith Harmony Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWxuljljf34
Winners of the 2021 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity:
Antonio Guterres and Latifa Ibn Ziaten

https://zayedaward.org/
 25 February 2021

Latifa Ibn Ziaten

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/02/1085152
Westminster Abbey Martyrs of the 20 th Century

Dietrich Bonhoeffer
 Dietrich Bonhoeffer
German Lutheran pastor,
theologian, anti-Nazi dissident,
and key founding member of the
Confessing Church. His writings
on Christianity's role in the
secular world have become
widely influential.
Died 9 April 1945 in Flossenbürg
Concentration Camp

https://twitter.com/elca/status/1380556877461925893?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/tdbidc
This link provided here provides
historical context of the
Sanctuary Movement. There are
numerous examples of it in the
current era, particularly in the
USA. The one that follows on
next slide is the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA). It has links to Bonhoeffer
and is an excellent example that
could also be used for Baptism.

https://sophia.smith.edu/religious-spiritual-
life/2017/03/01/sanctuary-movement-history/
 August 2019 voted to become a
Sanctuary Denomination

Being a sanctuary denomination means that we, as church together, want to be

public and vocal about this work. It will look different for everyone, but
welcoming people is not a political issue for us – it is a matter of faith
In baptism, we are brought into a covenantal relationship with Jesus
Christ that commits us to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
Following the example of Martin Luther, we believe that advocacy is a
crucial expression of baptismal identity. As a church, we have
advocated for stopping the detention of children and families for decades.
We have spoken out against family separation, sought a pathway to
citizenship for community members who have lived in the U.S. for many
years, and have taken steps to address the root causes of migration in a
way that honours the humanity in people who must flee.

https://www.elca.org/sanctuarychurch
2020 HSC
Anger and hatred will never bring peace and harmony into our world,. Be enlightened … be happy, be peaceful.
Timothy Pina
How do significant writings within sacred texts encourage peace and harmony in today’s world. Make detailed
reference to ONE religious tradition.
Many Christian adherents acknowledge that baptismal responsibility requires
them to understand and apply the example of Jesus to their lives in order to
maintain “peace and harmony” within themselves and communally. Jesus’
example proclaimed a radical love of neighbour defined in texts such as the
Parable of the Good Samaritan and the requirement to care for “the hungry …
thirsty … prisoner … stranger” in Matthew 25. These and other “significant
writings” define that Christian individuals and communities are to build the
values of the Kingdom of God including justice, compassion and mercy, within
their spheres of influence. This response will provide evidence of how
Christians may respond to such texts in order to denounce “anger and hatred”
and work for “harmony in today’s world”.
 Archbishop of Canterbury launches film series exploring
how Christians can be peacemakers NB 26/04/2021

https://difference.
rln.global/register-
your-interest

To inspire people about the potential and possibility of being peacemakers in pursuit of a
just and flourishing world. In a world which is hurting and fractured there is a need for
divides to be crossed in new and reimagined ways, as we see in the life of Jesus. Both the
film series and the recently launched Difference Course equip people to practically live this
out in their everyday relationships and encounters, teaching three habits rooted in
scripture: Be Curious, Be Present and Reimagine.”
file:///C:/Downloads/helen.smith2/Downloads/course_overvie
w_difference_v5_digital.pdf
To save you time all past HSC Religion
and Peace questions from 2007 –
2020 are provided in the following
slides. There is no excuse not to
practice writing responses!

NB: this topic was not in the older

syllabi prior to the 2007 HSC
2020
Anger and hatred will never bring peace and harmony into our world. Be enlightened … be
happy, be peaceful. Timothy Pina
How do significant writings within sacred texts encourage peace and harmony in today’s
world. Make detailed reference to ONE religious tradition.
2018 A specific text to be used for each tradition – same question at the bottom of page:
Buddhism Happy is the devotion of those who are at peace. Dhammapada 194

Christianity Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without
holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
Hinduism For one who never meditates on the Ultimate Truth there is no peace and for
one destitute of peace where is happiness? Bhagavad Gita 2:66
Islam O You who believe! Submit to peace, the religion of Islam, fully and
unconditionally. Qur’an 2:208
Judaism The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness will
be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17
Explain how an understanding of peace is expressed through sacred texts in TWO religious
traditions. In your answer, make specific reference to the TWO relevant quotations given.
2017 Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. SY MILLER and JILL Jackson (1955)
To what extent do the teachings of TWO religious traditions view the achievement of
inner peace as an important step towards achieving world peace?
2016 We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power.
Then will our world know the blessings of peace. Attributed to WILLIAM GLADSTONE 19 C British PM) th

How is this view reflected in the teachings about peace in TWO religious traditions
today?
2015 Religion can be the motivator … for bringing about peace …
To what extent do the principal teachings of TWO religious traditions act as
motivators ‘for bringing about peace’?
2014 I call on religious communities, religious leaders and people of faith to confront hostility … to
reaffirm our common humanity, and to pave the way for greater tolerance and solidarity
among all groups … Together, we can realise the enormous potential of religions to foster
true peace. BAN KI-MOON United Nations Secretary-General Religions for Peace World Assembly, 20 November 2013

With reference to the above statement, discuss how the principal teachings of ONE
religious tradition contribute to the achievement of world peace.
2013 Explain how sacred texts from TWO religious traditions guide individuals towards
achieving inner peace.
2012 How have the principal teachings on peace of ONE religious tradition guided its
contribution to the achievement of world peace?
2011 Analyse the distinctive response of TWO religious traditions to the issue of peace
by linking their relevant sacred texts to their principal teachings.
2010 Populations caught up in war naturally want it to stop, they want to live in peace,
governed by themselves, safe secure and with the prospects of a better future.
General Peter Cosgrove, ACAM; Former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, 2009.

With reference to the quotation, critically evaluate the distinctive response of

TWO religious traditions to the issue of inner and/or world peace.
2009 From Kosovo to Palestine, from Iraq to Sudan, from Ulster to the Indian sub-
continent, look carefully at any region of the world where you find intractable
enmity* and violence between rival groups. I cannot guarantee that you’ll find
religions as the dominant labels for in-groups and out-groups. But it’s a very good bet.
* intractable enmity: stubborn hatred Richard Dawkins

Considering Dawkin’s quote, evaluate the principal teachings about peace in ONE
religious tradition.

2008 To what extent are the principal teachings about peace in ONE religious tradition
reflected in that tradition’s contribution to world peace?

2007 Explain how the understanding of peace is expressed through sacred texts in TWO
religious traditions.