Summative

Part 1:

4. To what extent does Christianity teach pacifism?

  Pacifism is a philosophy that was widely practiced in the Christian religion in the first few centuries of its existence. However, in 430, Augustine justified the use of violence in what he deemed just violence. He developed a theory that earthly existence consisted of the coexistence of good and evil and that in the words on Maryanne Stevens of the theology department in the Kripke Center, "Good is an aspect of evil, and evil is both a source and a possible outcome of the good it seeks to achieve." This means that it can be argued that the rejection of violence due to Christian doctrine may result in a terrible price and the use of violence may be used in the pursuance of good. This theory became rooted in Christian theology and has now been used to justify violent acts from the Crusades to self defense laws. However, Christianity itself is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the lessons of God. This allows me to say that Christianity teaches pacifism to a great extent due to quotes by Jesus Christ that only condone a pacifist way of life. The gospel writers record Jesus saying that violence and division is overcome by sacrificial love. Love thy enemy and the idea that we must not return evil for evil (fighting fire with fire) are central to the Christian ideals of love and forgiveness. Jesus lived a life without violence and encouraged this to others. This supports the idea of pacifism in the core Christian teachings. Hershberger, a Mennonite contemporary of Niebuhr’s, strongly believed that the message of Jesus forbade his followers from using violence. However, many powerful religious leaders today are still not in support of this belief. The world is changing and so are the interpretations of these texts. Popes Paul VI and John Paul II argue that pacifism is a, "a cowardly and lazy conception of life” and that we should strive for “peace at any cost,". These beliefs are increasingly prevalent in today's society and are seen in politics as well as religion. For example, the war on terrorism and the idea of fighting for what you believe. 

http://peacetheology.net/pacifism/christian-pacifism-in-brief/
http://peacetheology.net/pacifism/christian-pacifism-in-brief/
http://moses.creighton.edu/csrs/news/S91-1.html

Part II:

"Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith;
Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.
And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;
Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance." - Athanasian Creed

a) Comment on the meaning of this passage. (3)
 This passage mentions one of the core believes in the Christian faith. This is of the Holy Trinity or the fact that defines God as three entities or persons. These are God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This is why the quote says "we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity. This is because each entity is separate from the other but God encompases all three and none may be seperated from the others, hence, "Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance."

b) Explain how Christians can attain salvation. (7)
 Christians can attain salvation primarily by following Gods way and living a life of forgiveness. Humans are considered to be slaves to the original sin and are all sinners in themselves. However, through repentance and reconciliation, or feeling regret, confessing, and learning from past mistakes. A Christian must hold true to the Catholic faith and never doubt God Almighty. The Ten Commandments outline the basic rules by which all Christians should live and these should be followed to the best of ones ability. Catholics must have faith in God and seek forgiveness for their sins in order to be granted entrance into Heaven in the afterlife. They must worship the Holy Trinity and feel gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his resurrection.