Christianity: love thy neighbour as yourself
Islam: not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself
The concept of peace is open to many interpretations
Peace goes beyond an absence of war
Justice is integral to establishing peace
Harmony involves acknowledgement and acceptance of differences
Within each religious tradition there are often differing interpretations of the application of believe to particular issues of peace
Sacred Texts
Authoritative writings define the origins and characteristics of a religious tradition. Provide the foundation for all religious interpretations of peace
Inner Peace
How sacred texts and principal teachings assist the quest for inner peace
Principal Teachings
Guidelines for ethical living
Support for adherents in their personal and communal lives
Norms for the contribution of religious traditions to local and global peace
World Peace
How the teachings found in sacred texts contribute to an adherents knowledge on how to respond to world peace
Religious traditions and world peace
Major traditions all promote peace, each does so according to its particular sphere of influence
Within traditions there are a range of interpretations of the right actions
Communal peace is often associated with the structural inequalities that occur as a result in injustice in societies
International organisations such as World Conference of Religions for Peace – ‘respecting religious differences while celebrating our common humanity… stopping war, ending poverty and protecting the earth.’
Christianity
Sacred texts: New testament
Jesus sought to redefine the ancient Hebrew texts (such as the 10 commandments) to:
Beatitudes
Commandment to love
In doing so he challenged the norms of the social context
Jewish word for peace, Shalom, engulfs all parts of an individual’s life
Harmony, commitment to share this harmony with others  ultimate expression of peace
Justice, mercy, compassion and respect for the dignity of the human person
Foundational principles
Example from new testament
Link to principal beliefs
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
Christians called to be stewards of Creation, respect and care for all life
The teachings of Jesus emphasise respect, unity and reconciliation
Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace, And the God of love and peace will be with you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11
Seek reconciliation over retaliation, death of Jesus was the ultimate symbol

The peace of god is beyond the peace of this world
(kingdom of god)
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world – John 16:33
Salvation was achieved as a result from Jesus’ death. Eternal life, perfect peace

Jesus provide a new and radical interpretation of the Mosaic law
You have heart is said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… for God makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous – Matthew 5:43-45
Ultimate teaching - equality of all people created in Gods image
Christianity and peace for the individual
“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
Must have the right intention for prayer
Through genuine engagement in prayer, Christians seek peace in their lives
Scripture in both personal and group – Bible Study
Spontaneous prayer – relating to the action of the Holy Spirit
‘aids’ for prayer – rosary beads
Find commitment to a particular church community assists in a quest for personal peace
Provides both spiritual and practical support
Meditation allows one