Religion and Peace

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Religion and peace ”Analyse the principle teachings about peace in two religious traditions and explain how these two religious traditions guide the individual in achieving inner peace and describe how they both contribute to world peace” The basic definition of peace is “freedom from war and violence” , however this definition doesn’t incorporate all the aspects and divisions of peace. Peace is more accurately described as the presence of justice and a profound sense of serenity and wellbeing. Leonardo Boff said: “We must live the truth. We must be just, our integrity transparent. We must be peacemakers. It is not enough simply to confront external violence. We must also dig out the roots of violence in our own hearts...” Boff’s truths about how we should live and what we should strive towards are reflected in the core teachings of Christianity and Islam. While they are vastly different religious traditions, they still strive for the preservation of justice, and the attainment of inner peace. Both refer to themselves as religions of peace, and contain numerous references to peace throughout their sacred texts. While analysing this topic consideration must be given to the attainment of valid translations of the sacred texts and writings, due to difficulties in assessing the validity of such writings and the impact of interpreter’s preconceptions, the teachings of these religions will be interpreted in a broader sense. The New Testament is the main source of Christian ethical teachings, and contains numerous references to peace, confirming the centrality of peace to Christians. This can be seen in the Paul’s letters to the romans, which helps emphasise the need for world peace, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom 12:18). Paul reinforces the message of Jesus’ from his sermon on the mount, “Blessed are the
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