G7: Belief Systems: Justice and Violence

Teachings about karma explain that our past actions affect us, either positively or negatively, and that our present actions will affect us in the future.

Non-violence is at the heart of Buddhist thinking and behaviour.

There is no unified Buddhist policy on capital punishment.

The main Christian view of war ethics is contained in the doctrine of the Just War.

Christians argue both for and against the death penalty

Compares Christianity and Islam

While the majority of Muslims see their religion as one of peace, sometimes Muslims have taken up arms against enemies when they or other Muslims have been persecuted.

In the Islamic worldview, justice denotes placing things in their rightful place

Judaism does not regard violence and war to promote justice as always wrong.

Anyone reading the Old Testament list of 36 capital crimes might think that Judaism is in favour of capital punishment, but they'd be wrong.

Judaism teaches that humans must not destroy life but preserve it.

Forgiveness is important in Judaism and is a duty, or a mitzvah.

Many Jews believe that, by showing kindness, people can try to heal the world.

Nonviolence is an ancient principle of Hinduism.

Hinduism opposes killing, violence and revenge, in line with the principle of ahimsa (non-violence).

Like most religions Hinduism includes both teachings that condemn violence and war, and teachings that promote it as a moral duty.

Nonviolence has long been central to the religious traditions of India especially Hinduism.