We wanted to offer some additional guidance from a faith perspective, for anyone looking to talk to children about faith and war.

We won’t repeat what is in the Barnardos resource but try to provide some reflections and reassurances to help children explore the issue through the lens of faith.

These perspectives could be explored in RE lessons.  

Christians believe that:  

Just because there are bad things happening, it doesn’t mean God wanted it to happen. God never wants wars or people to be hurt. But bad things happen. We can take hope in knowing that God is with us, and all people, when we face hard and difficult things.

If you would like to explore some Bible passages on this subject we recommend Psalm 46:1, 1 Peter 5:7, and Mathew 28:20.  

God loves everyone equally. God has no favourites. God loves all people and desires that we all live full and peaceful lives together. 

If you would like to explore some Bible passages on this subject we recommend Mathew 5:43-48, Romans 12:11, Acts 10:34, and John 3:16. 

God wants peace and justice. Even though it may feel difficult to see God in the events unfolding, God is always at work, working through people to make the world a peaceful place where everyone is treated with dignity, love, and respect. 

If you would like to explore some Bible passage on this subject we recommend 1 John 4:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.  

God mends the broken. We can see in the stories of God and Jesus in the bible, that where relationships are broken, God brings healing and restores healthy relationships. It may seem impossible now, but peace will be made. 

If you would like to explore a Bible passage on this subject we recommend Isaiah 2:4.