The Bible and The Qur’an

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Through examining the beliefs derived from the sacred texts of Christianity and Islam, it has become evident that there is a significant relationship between beliefs and the notions of inner and world peace within a religious tradition. Inner peace refers to the ways in which the sacred texts and principal teachings structure an individual’s quest to achieve personal peace and satisfaction. World peace is also achieved through the sacred texts and teachings however, it is the ways in which these teachings contribute to peace on both national and international scales (King, 2009). Through these sacred texts, principal beliefs and organisations within Christianity and Islam, a greater understanding of the notions of peace within a religious tradition is provided. The principal beliefs of Christianity and notions of peace are expressed through the sacred text, The Bible, in particular the New Testament. The Qur’an and Hadith are the sacred texts of Islam, which also educate the faith with notions of peace. These sacred texts define the origins and characteristics of a religious tradition, providing the overall foundation for religious interpretations of peace. Therefore, religion and peace is a very integrated ideology as the religious beliefs and principals of a faith form the basis on which further notions of inner and world peace can be formed within a religious tradition.
Within Christianity, the adherents are called to display an attitude of peace as they live their lives in accordance to their beliefs and principal teachings which are presented throughout the Bible. The New Testament is the normative text for all Christians as it is used and understood among all Christian groups as the “principal and foundational source of tea...

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... to achieve personal peace (King, 2009). The notion of world peace is also thoroughly expressed throughout the scriptures as adherents are told to “Live at peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14) and to “Live peaceably with other Christians” (Ephesians 4:3) so that all can live in peace and harmony (Noble, 2009). There are several Christian organisations that work to put these visions into action, aiming to make the world a peaceful place. Such organisations include the Pax Christi, National Council of Churches ‘Act for Peace Campaign’ and the Religions for Peace Organisation which seek to achieve interfaith unity (Religions for Peace, 2014). Through examining these aspects of Christianity, it has become evident that the principal beliefs and sacred texts are essential to the faith as they form the overall basis on which notions of inner and world peace are formed.

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