Passage Comparison Activities: Peace
Objective:
To understand the different perspectives religions have about peace. To notice differences and similarities, and to explore the causes of bloodshed when so many religions believe in peace.
Materials:
You will need passages about peace from a variety of sacred texts. Some examples are shown below.
The Lesson:
See the lesson notes about The Golden Rule for ideas.
Assignment:
Read each passage from sacred texts.
Think about what each one means separately then compare them.
What beliefs do these religions hold in common based on the passages below?
Why do you think so much bloodshed has happened in the name of religion if peace is a shared belief?
- Though one man conquers a thousand times in battle, he who conquers himself is the greatest warrior. - Dhammapada (from Buddhist sacred text, Buddhism)
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. - Matthew 5:9 (from sacred text, Christianity)
- Let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression. - Qur'an 2:193 (from sacred text, Islam)
- They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. Neither shall they learn war no more. - Isaiah 2.4 (from sacred text, Judaism)
The following is not from a sacred scripture but rather from a very influential Hindu man who believed with all his heart, soul, mind and body in solving problems nonviolently. Gandhi drew his inspiration not only from Hinduism, but from the teachings of Jesus and from the Jain religion.
- Violence is the way of barbarians; nonviolence is the way of men. - Mahatma Gandhi (from an influential leader, Hinduism)
Follow-up/Assessment:
Students should be able to explain the similarities and differences between the passages. They could do a reflection in their learning log, or a more formal writing explaining the meanings of each quotation and discussing their ideas. The discussion about war opens the door to further research about that subject.