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What is the distinctive response of Christianity and Islam regarding peace? Peace is generically defined as either “freedom from disturbance” or “a state or period in which there is no war” (anon, dictionary.com, 22/5/17). The concept of peace is however of a much more complex and faceted nature, and can have an astronomical effect on individuals and more broadly the world.

The religious traditions of Christianity and Islam share a common understanding and response to peace and recognize its broad and multifaceted nature, influenced through their principle teachings. The religious traditions respond to these principleteachings directly through the promotion of the attainment of inner and world peace (board of studies, 2011 HSC, sample answers). For both religious traditions, peace is regarded as a virtue and an overall sense of wellbeing, not merely an absence of violence and conflict. Inner peace and world peace are foundational elements that are strongly rooted in Christian and Islamic beliefs and sacred texts, the New Testament and the Qur’an and Hadith respectably. Through these texts and beliefs Christians and Muslims are taught to live at peace with themselves, and others both within their own communities and in the wider human family. (SOR2 and peace booklet) The Christian understanding of peace comprises of both inner and world peace. The primary meaning of peace is recognized as working in an active manner towards inner peace within the individual and towards positive relationships with God and with other people (understanding faith, chapter 48, part1, page 2). The New Testament understanding of the word ‘peace’ is inextricable from that of Judaism, whereby it is epitomized by the state of peace that existed in the Garden of Eden, where human beings lived in an idyllic condition and communed regularly with God. (Excel, HSC SOR 1 & 2, Paul Bulmer, Katherine Doret, pg. 186). The notion of perfect peace was lost when Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis 3), however the coming of Christ has the potential to restore peace, whereby peace is found in him. When Jesus returns he will bring everlasting physical and spiritual peace on Earth for Christian adherents (anon, bankstowntafehsc.doc, 22/5/17, pg. 1).

The Bible, more specifically the New Testament is the authoritative and esteemed writing that defines the origins and characteristics of the Christian religious tradition. It provides the foundation for all Christian religious interpretations of peace (Lawrence E. Sullivan, Encyclopedia Britannica, Christianity, 4-3-2017). The New Testament is the normative text for Christian adherents, and is widely considered to be the principle and foundational source of teaching for all Christian adherents. Peace is a frequent and pervasive theme whereby it can be discovered in passages including Luke 2:14 and Matthew 5:9, through the announcement of the birth of Jesus and in the teachings of Jesus. The New Testament and its included actions and understandings teach adherents to live at peace with themselves and others, ensuring and maintaining inner and global peace. Through this section of the Holy Bible it is evident that Jesus was considered to be the Prince and source of peace (Isaiah 9:6), whereby Christian adherents are encouraged to model their “peacemaking” on his example in order to achieve inner and worldly peace, (SOR and peace booklet), “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The New Testament provides comprehensive teachings and principles on achieving, maintaining and responding to inner and world peace, through a Christian viewpoint.

The principle beliefs and teachings of Christianity provide an understanding of the distinctive response to peace for adherents. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, forgiveness is available to the repentant sinner, allowing them to

be at peace with God which is the very foundation of ‘inner peace.’ (Excel, HSC SOR 1 & 2, Paul Bulmer, Katherine Doret, pg. 187). It is a symbol that adherents are required to seek reconciliation rather than causing conflict in times of adversity, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” (Corinthians 14:33) Additionally, Salvation is necessary to attain peace, through recognition that God is both imminent and transcendent, thus they are able to attain eternal peace with God, “in me you may have peace” (John 16:33). As humans are created in the image of likeness of God, all life should be respected and cared for and thus by adherents acting as stewards of creations they are able to attain peace. It is thus evident that the importance of peace is paramount in Christian principle beliefs and provides the tradition with a distinctive response. (Excel, HSC SOR 1 & 2, Paul Bulmer, Katherine Doret, pg. 186)

Inner peace is defined as an internal quality of calmness and security which puts the mind at ease and fills the adherent with a sense of tranquility and assurance, and is at the heart of the New Testament. Christian adherents can achieve inner peace through living out their vocation as disciples of Jesus Christ and directing their lives towards following in his footsteps and teachings (board of studies, 2012 HSC, sample answers). Jesus’ own life is perceived to be a model of living in peace and Christian adherents are encouraged to base their lives on his example, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:6). Peace was a central element to the teachings of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament. His teachings highlighted the notion that inner peace was Gods gift to mankind and that it comes from being reconciled with God through Jesus (anon, religion and peace HSC recommendations doc, 23/5/17); “peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace I give to you. I do not give it as the world gives. Do not be worried and upset. Do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Another belief is that the peace of God goes beyond the world, thus it is imperative that individual adherents obtain inner peace to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven whereby adherents are instructed to, “live in peace and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11). Consequently, for adherents to achieve inner peace they must submit and faithfully devote themselves to the will of God, as peace was established by God as the instigator of creation, “for God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Christianity guides the individual to inner peace through the percept, “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). As evidenced individuals can obtain inner peace as promised by God; “the peace of God which is beyond all understanding will guard your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7) if they live faithfully according to the requirements of the Gospel and submit to the will of God by placing their faith and trust in him (SOR and peace booklet). As a consequence of this adherents are rewarded with inner peace from the influence of the Holy spirit in the lives of Christians; “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) Additionally, adherents must maintain integrity and fidelity, free from turmoil and inner conflict. This is representative of Jesus’ life and ministry whereby he faced numerous temptations, whereby accepting these temptations would erode a sense of inner peace as it amounts to a lack of integrity. Christians. Therefore, will find guidance in the example of Jesus’ life and ministry and submission to God, which will assist them in achieving inner peace (SOR and peace booklet).

Inner peace and these aspects are accomplished through numerous methods including prayer and confession. Prayer is a vehicle through which Jesus is able to nurture and sustain the relationship with God ( SOR and peace booklet) Adherents are strongly encouraged to participate in prayer to obtain a sense of peace and serenity through communion with God,

“but whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your father who is in secret, and your father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6) Prayer in either a communal or personal setting enables the Christian to sustain and nurture their relationship with God and draw meaning and understanding concerning day to day life. (Oxford textbook, pg. 396) Within Christianity there is no universal form of prayer, however Matthews Gospel teaches the necessity of right intention when praying. For example, some Christians such as Orthodox may utilize candles, votive lamps or icons as forms of prayer to direct the person praying to inner calmness and peace. (understanding faith, chapter 48, part 3, page 2). Jesus taught to seek reconciliation and forgiveness from God, which can be achieved through a variety of ways. Adherents to the Catholic denomination often engage in confessions to their priest or pastor, who is then, using Christian principles from the Bible and Jesus’ actions as resources, able to help oneself find inner peace (Excel, HSC SOR 1 & 2, Paul Bulmer, Katherine Doret, pg. 187). This notion is highlighted through Matthew 6:12 whereby adherents are instructed to “ forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

World peace or peace on Earth is an ideal state of freedom, peace, and happiness among and within all nations and people. (anon, Wikipedia, world peace, 29/5/17) The Christian tradition, encompassing its churches and adherents makes significant contributions to the development of world peace including public statements and organizations. (SOR and peace booklet). In the Christian sacred text, the Bible, Jesus’ ‘Golden Rule,’ is to “do unto others as you would have done unto you,” which in relation to peace refers that one must act peacefully to receive peaceful treatment in return. (2011 HSC Studies of religion, sample answers, 29/5/17) Additionally, the foundation of world peace is based upon the Greatest commandment of “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and “Love your enemies and pray for your prosecutors” (Matthew 5: 43-44)). Christians believe that through these fundamental actions and by achieving peace with others and in relationships, world peace is achievable (SOR and peace booklet). These actions are also a reflection of one of the key teachings of Christianity which is to respect all humans, as everyone is equal, this includes one’s enemies. The core belief of Christianity is the belief in one God, the creator. As the instigator of creation, God commands humanity to live in peace, which is undeniably evident in the statement of “ may peace be with you,” a significant action in Christian church proceedings. (2011 HSC Studies of religion, sample answers, 29/5/17). The idea of aiming for world peace is highlighted in St Paul’s writing to the Jews in Rome which stated that peace was an obligation to being a Christian and that followers were not to seek revenge against those who oppose or oppress them: ‘If your enemy is hungry, you should give him food…resist evil and conquer it with good”. (Romans 12:20-21). The New Testament, unfortunately, falls short on giving unequivocal prohibition on warfare. Consequently, the just war theory emerged, with the primary focus of maintaining overall peace and avoiding world conflict. The theory sought to provide guidelines under which it was morally acceptable to engage in warfare, however the primary aim of world peace must be recognized and addressed when forming a decision. Christian adherents are however guided to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 6:39), instead of engaging in warfare, as it is detrimental to the establishment and maintenance of world peace.

The Christian understanding of world peace is highlighted in public statements by notable Church leaders as well as influential Christian organizations. These leaders, with the aim of world peace in mind, have made public appeals for peace in times of conflict, to influence adherents to contribute to the achievement of world peace. For

example, in June 2014, Pope Francis, alongside notable people of authority in Palestine and Israel, gathered in the Vatican to pray for peace in the Middle East and throughout the world, as well as to discuss and highlight the responsibility of individuals in achieving such peace (Understanding Faith, chapter 48, part 4, page 1).

A well known organization that strongly contributes to world peace is the international group Paxi Christi, which was established as the International Catholic Movement for Peace after the Second World War to promote the harmonious rebuilding of Europe. (Oxford SOR textbook, 397). Using Christian principles and understandings they have pioneered to achieve peace at an international level for decades. (SOR and peace booklet).

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preparation for the third millennium, the notable organization established a manifesto for a culture of peace and non violence, which contained 6 principles which it invited adherents to follow. (Pax Christi international: manifesto for a culture of peace and non violence. 1999) Through these initiatives they aim to maintain world peace where members work for human rights, security, disarmament and economic justice (Understanding faith, chapter 48, part 5, page 2).

Another organization is the National Council of Churches of Australia (NCCA), which is an ecumenical organization associated with the World Council of Churches. Their campaign “Act for Peace,” is the international aid agency of NCCA that works with local organizations around the world to save and improve lives impacted by catastrophes and conflicts. These initiatives attempt to achieve world peace through its promotion alongside positive action plans to support people affected by conflict and disaster ( Oxford SOR textbook, 397). As Exodus 23:6 states “do not deny justice to your poor”; this passage is consistent with what the NCCA stands for, which is helping people help themselves as humanity works for peace (Understanding faith, chapter 48, part 5, page 2). Evidently, the Christian tradition strives to achieve world peace through its promotion, public statements and Christian organizations that work towards it.

As evidenced, the nexus between inner peace and world peace is defined by Jesus’s teachings, Christian principles and the greatest commandment to love God and love neighbor. (board of studies, 2011 SOR HSC sample answers, 29/5/17)

Peace in Islam comprises of both inner and world peace, both of which are key components of the traditions sacred texts and principles. Peace is perceived as the ultimate submission to the will of Allah and is express through the Five Pillars (board of studies, 2011 SOR HSC sample answers, 29/5/17). For Muslim adherent’s peace is not a single dimensional or individual concept. Frist and foremost peace must be at rest with one’s own desires and ambitions and having a balance, and then, secondly, to have peace with the world and others (SOR and peace, Islam booklet). The Qur’an is the fundamental text for all Muslims, and highlights the fact that paradise is considered to be the ultimate peace, driven by the individual, with the umma (community) of less significance. Within the Islamic tradition, the Qur’an is of the utmost importance and contains the revelation of Allah, as revealed to the Prophet Muhamad. The term Hadith refers to the collection of traditions of the words and deeds of Muhammad, which is used to assist adherents in determining their actions to achieve peace. It is viewed separately and subordinate to the Qur’an (anon, Waverley portal, summary points 29/5/17). The principle beliefs of Islam are outlined in these sacred texts, with the first core belief stating that Allah is the one and only creator of humankind. In the Hadith (1625) it states that “if anyone harms other, God will harm him,”

implying that peace is the way one must live, as that is what Allah intended. Since Allah created everything, everything deserves to be treated with the respect one would show Allah. The common origin of Adam and Eve means that all people share an inherent unity which is to be expressed through harmonious relationships, as outlined in the Hadith (13) “he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself”. This reinforces the ideal of treating all people peacefully (Cambridge university press, 2011 HSC exam solutions, 29/5/17) The five pillars are part of the basis of Islamic religion and each one relates to a principle teaching concerning peace, and are all outlined in the sacred texts of Islam. The Qur’an and its teachings are profoundly based on peace and kindness, either directly or indirectly. Evidently, the Islamic tradition understands that peace comprises of both inner and world as supported by the sacred texts of the Qur’an and Hadith.

The Islamic understanding of peace is strongly influenced by its principle teachings. Adherents must believe in Tawhid, meaning the oneness of God, as well as submit to the will of Allah to attain inner peace. This is possible by living a “rightful and lawful life…come all of you into submission and follow not in the footsteps of the devil” (Qur’an 2:208). The ideal society, according to the Islamic tradition and the Qur’an is “Dar al Salaam” which means the house of peace, further demonstrating the central focus of peace in Islamic teachings. (Qur’an 10:25) (SOR and peace booklet). Confusion regarding ‘Jihad’ in Western cultures, has lead to a greater difficulty for adherents to attain peace. The notion of ‘Jihad’ refers to the “struggle” to overcome obstacles in submission to Allah and attain inner and world peace. This can be either an internal or external struggle, however acts of aggression or violence are not permitted “As far as Islam is concerned… it does not provide any cover or justification for any act of violence”. (Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, alislam.org, 30/5/17) Evidently, the principle teachings provide Islam’s distinctive response to peace and provide adherents with guidelines on how to attain inner and world peace. For Muslim adherent’s inner peace is twofold, whereby they must firstly be at peace with Allah, and then at peace with oneself. The concept of peace in Islam is inextricable from the notion of submission to Allah, whereby once the adherent submits to the will of Allah peace is found, “I have submitted My whole self to Allah” (Qur’an 3:20). In conjunction with this, Muslims understand that inner peace is not possible outside this relationship with Allah, therefore submission is the only way of attaining peace. (SOR and peace booklet, sample answers) The Qur’an, sets out various paths to follow in the adherent’s pursuit to obtain inner peace by submission to Allah. Most notably is the Five Pillars of Islam, whereby engaging in them ensures the attainment of inner peace for the adherent. (2013 HSC SOR marking guidelines, board of studies, 29/5/17) Each pillar requires both an internal and spiritual commitment, alongside an outward action or sign.

For example, the fourth pillar of Islam involves voluntary fasting and is known as Sawm. The period of fasting is for the month of Ramadan and requires adherents to fast for all the hours of daylight. During this rite Muslims are required to read the Qur’an, as doing this results in them engaging in the concept of peace and bringing them to an understanding of peace expressed in the sacred text. Additionally, the sacred texts encourage an individual to seek inner peace and give adherents an appreciation of the importance of finding inner peace. (2013 HSC SOR marking guidelines, board of studies, 29/5/17). The act of fasting also enables self discipline which is an important companion to achieving inner peace as it ensures that adherents put aside selfishness and self, “Oh you

who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you many learn piety and righteousness" (Qur’an 2:183) The second pillar of Islam, referred to as Salat, requires adherents to engage in ritual pra...