How do Christianity and Islam, through their teachings and organisations, contribute to world peace?
Analyse the contribution of Christianity and Islam to world peace, demonstrating how the teachings and the work of religious organisations guide adherents in achieving world peace
A focused answer to the world peace dot point of the Religion and Peace study in Studies of Religion II. Covers how the teachings of Christianity and Islam and the work of religious organisations contribute to peace and justice in the world.
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What this dot point is asking
NESA wants you to analyse the contribution of two traditions (here Christianity and Islam) to world peace, showing how their teachings and the work of their organisations guide adherents toward peace in society and among nations. This is a Studies of Religion II topic (not in Studies of Religion I). The focus here is specifically world peace, as distinct from inner peace. Analyse means weighing the contribution, including both the constructive role and honest limitations, and grounding teachings in sacred texts.
The answer
What world peace means
World peace is peace in society and among nations: the end of conflict and the presence of justice, reconciliation and right relationships between peoples. Both traditions teach that world peace is not merely the absence of war but the establishment of justice, and that it flows from individuals at peace with God working for the good of others.
Christian teaching and contribution to world peace
Christian teaching grounds peacemaking in scripture.
- The Beatitudes bless the peacemakers (the Gospel of Matthew).
- Teachings on love of enemies and reconciliation call adherents away from retaliation.
- The prophets and the call to justice link peace with care for the vulnerable.
Christian organisations translate this into action: agencies working for reconciliation, refugee support, the relief of poverty and advocacy for justice, and church leaders calling for an end to conflict. Many denominations issue statements and run programs promoting peace, disarmament and human dignity.
Islamic teaching and contribution to world peace
Islamic teaching grounds peace in justice and submission to God.
- The Qur'an presents peace as the goal and links it to justice and care for the vulnerable.
- Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and charity address the inequality that breeds conflict.
- The example of the Prophet Muhammad models reconciliation and the protection of the vulnerable.
Muslim organisations work for relief, development, justice and interfaith understanding, applying these teachings to the conditions of peace in the world.
Analysing the contribution
A balanced analysis weighs both sides. On the constructive side, the teachings and organisations of both traditions have advanced reconciliation, relief of suffering, advocacy for justice and interfaith cooperation, and have inspired adherents toward peacemaking. Honestly, religious difference has at times been used to justify conflict, and adherents do not always live up to the teachings. The net contribution is best judged through the concrete peace-building work of organisations and individuals, which shows religion as a significant force for world peace when its teachings on justice and reconciliation are put into practice.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of NESA exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
2022 HSC20 marksIt is inner stillness that will save and transform the world. (Eckhart Tolle) With reference to the stimulus, analyse how TWO religious traditions encourage adherents to seek peace in order to transform the world.Show worked answer →
A 20-mark response. The stimulus links inner peace to transforming the world, so connect inner peace to world peace across TWO traditions (Christianity and Islam).
Christianity.
- Teaching: peace begins with the individual reconciled to God ("Peace I leave with you", John 14:27), then flows outward ("Blessed are the peacemakers", Matthew 5:9).
- Action for the world: organisations such as Pax Christi and church advocacy work for justice, non-violence and reconciliation in conflicts.
Islam.
- Teaching: peace (salam) flows from submission to Allah; the greater jihad is the inner struggle that then shapes just action, and "in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest" (Qur'an 13:28).
- Action for the world: organisations such as Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief work for justice and relief, transforming communities.
Analyse the link in the stimulus: in both traditions, inner stillness or peace with God is the foundation that empowers adherents to work for a transformed, more peaceful world. Sustain this judgement and use both traditions in depth for the top band.