Name
The Last Minute GCSE RE
Revision Booklet
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Mark Scheme & Sentence Starters
Key Words for Units 3 & 8
Each Topic’s General Overview
Key Christian Teachings
REMEMBER this book is only a general overview and may not cover
everything you could be questioned on
Unit 3
Unit 8
Believing in God
Life After Death
Marriage & Family Life
Community Cohesion
Rights & Responsibilities
Environment & Medical Issues
Peace & Conflict
Crime & Punishment
 A question = 2 marks
Explain the definition; give an example if you can.
 B question = 4 marks = 2 reasons given
Explain your opinion giving 2 detailed reasons (DO NOT give one argument for and one against)
I agree / disagree firstly because…. Secondly because…
 C question = 8 marks = 4 reasons given
Firstly…
Secondly…
Thirdly…
Finally…
You will have a unit 3 and a unit 8
exam at the end of year 11. Each exam
is 4 questions (one from each topic)
within unit 3 or 8. Each exam lasts 1
hour 30 minutes.
 D question = 6 marks = 3 reasons for your opinion, 3 reasons someone may disagree with you
At some point in the answer you must explain what a Catholic response would be
I agree / disagree firstly because… Secondly because… Thirdly because….
However, someone may disagree firstly because… Secondly because… Thirdly because….
Believing in God
Matters of Life & Death
Marriage & Family Life
Community Cohesion
Q 1 or 2
Q 3 or 4
Q 5 or 6
Q 7 or 8
Agnosticism - not being sure
Abortion - the removal of a foetus from
Adultery - a sexual act between a
Community cohesion - a common vision and
whether God exists
the womb before it can survive
married person and someone other
shared sense of belonging for all groups in
Atheism - believing that God does
Assisted suicide - providing a seriously ill
than their marriage partner
society
not exist
person with the means to commit suicide
Civil partnership - a legal ceremony
Discrimination - treating people less
Conversion - when your life is
Euthanasia - the painless killing of someone
giving a homosexual couple the same
favourably because of their
changed by giving yourself to God
dying from a painful disease
legal rights as a husband and wife
ethnicity/gender/colour/sexuality/age/class
Free will - the idea that human
Immortality of the soul - the idea that
Cohabitation - living together
Ethnic minority - a member of an ethnic
beings are free to make their own
the soul lives on after the death of the
without being married
group (race) which is much smaller than the
choices
body
Contraception - intentionally
majority group
Miracle - something which seems
Near-death experience - when someone
preventing pregnancy from occurring
Interfaith marriages - marriage where the
to break a law of science and makes
about to die has an out of body experience
Faithfulness - staying with your
husband and wife are from different
you think only God could have done
Involuntary euthanasia - ending someone’s
marriage partner and having sex only
religions
it
life painlessly when they are unable to ask,
with them
Multi-ethnic society - many different
Moral evil - actions done by
but you have good reason for thinking they
Homosexuality - sexual attraction to
races and cultures living together in one
humans which cause suffering
would want you to do so
the same sex
society
Natural evil - things which cause
Paranormal - unexplained things which are
Nuclear family - mother, father and
Multi-faith society - many different
suffering but have nothing to do
thought to have spiritual causes eg ghosts,
children living as a unit
religions living together in one society
with humans
mediums
Pre-marital sex – sex before
Prejudice - believing some people are
Numinous - the feeling of the
Quality of life - the idea that life must
marriage (fornication)
inferior or superior without even knowing
presence of something greater
have some benefits for it to be worth living
Procreation - making a new life
them
Promiscuity - having sex with a
Racial harmony - different races/colours
number of partners without
living together happily
commitment
Racism - the belief that some races are
Re-constituted family - where two
superior to others
sets of children (stepbrothers and
Religious freedom - the right to practise
stepsisters) become one family when
your religion and change your religion
their divorced parents marry each
Religious pluralism - accepting all religions
other
as having an equal right to coexist
Re-marriage - marrying again after
Sexism - discriminating against people
being divorced from a previous
because of their gender (being male or
marriage
female)
than you
Benevolent - the belief that God is
all-good
Omnipotent - the belief that God
is all-powerful
Omniscient - the belief that God
knows everything that has
happened and everything that is
going to happen
Prayer - an attempt to contact
God, usually through words
Reincarnation - the belief that, after
death, souls are reborn in a new body
Resurrection - the belief that, after
death, the body stays in the grave until the
end of the world when it is raised
Sanctity of life - the belief that life is
holy and belongs to God
Voluntary euthanasia - ending life
painlessly when someone in great pain asks
for death
Rights and Responsibilities
Q 1 or 2
Environmental and Medical Issues
Q 3 or 4
Peace and Conflict
Q 5 or 6
Crime and Punishment
Q 7 or 8
Bible-the holy book of Christians
Artificial Insemination-injecting semen into
Aggression- attacking without being
Addiction- a recurring compulsion to
Church- the community of Christians (with a
the uterus by artificial means
provoked
engage in an activity regardless of its
small c it means a Christian place of worship)
Conservation –protecting and preserving
Bullying- intimidating/ frightening people
bad effects
Conscience–an inner feeling of the rightness
natural resources and the environment
weaker than yourself
Capital Punishment-the death penalty
or wrongness of an action
Creation – the act of creating the universe or
Conflict Resolution-bringing a fight or
for a crime or offence
The Decalogue– the Ten Commandments
the universe which has been created
struggle to a peaceful conclusion
Crime- an act against the law
Democratic Processes- the ways in which all
Embryo –a fertilised egg in the first eight
Exploitation-taking advantage of a
Deterrence- the idea that punishments
citizens can take part in government (usually
weeks after conception
weaker group
should be of such nature that they will
through elections)
Environment– the surroundings which plants and
Forgiveness-stopping blaming someone
put people off (deter) committing
Electoral Processes- the ways in which voting
animals live and on which they depend to live
and/or pardoning them for what they
crimes
is organised.
Global Warming –the increase in the
have done wrong
Judgement- the act of judging people
The Golden Rule– the teaching of Jesus that
temperature of the earth’s atmosphere
Just war-a war which is fought for the
and their actions
you should treat others as you would like
(thought to be caused by the green house
right reasons and in a right way
Justice-due allocation of reward and
them to treat you
effect)
Pacifism-the belief that all disputes
the punishment/maintenance of what is
Human Rights - the rights and freedoms to
Infertility –not being able to have children
should be settled by peaceful means
right
which everyone is entitled
In-vitro Fertilisation- the method of
Reconciliation-bringing together people
Law- rules made by Parliament and
Political Party-a group which tries to be
fertilising a human egg in a test tube
who were opposed to each other
enforceable by the courts
elected into power (e.g. Labour, Conservative)
Natural Resources-naturally occurring
Respect-treating a person or their
Reform-the idea that punishments
Pressure Group– a group formed to influence
materials, such as oil, coal and fertile land,
feelings with consideration
should try to change the criminals so
government policy in a particular issue
which can be used by humans
The United Nations-an international
that they will not commit crimes again
Situation Ethics- the idea that Christians
Organ donation – giving organs to be used in
body set up to promote world peace and
Rehabilitation- restore to normal life
should base moral decisions on what is the
transplant surgery
cooperation
Responsibility-being responsible for
most loving thing to do
Stewardship- looking after something so it can
Weapons of Mass Destruction-weapons
one’s actions
Social Change– the way in which society has
be passed on to the next generation
which can destroy large areas and
Retribution-the idea that punishments
changed and is changing (and also the
Surrogacy – an arrangement whereby a woman
numbers of people
should make criminals pay for what
possibilities for future change)
bears a child of another woman
World Peace-the ending of war
they have done wrong
throughout the whole world (the basic
Sin-an act against the will of God
aim of The United Nations)
BIG = Belief in God
Name:
Belief in God
What is religious upbringing?
How Religious Upbringing Lead to BIG
*Babies Baptised - Promise to bring children up to
believe in God.
- Children will believe what parents have told them
about God because their parents have authority
*Teach to pray - Direct relationship with God.
- Because parents pray Children will believe it is
not a waste of time & the normal thing to do
*Take to worship - Worshiping as a community
shows other people who believe.
*Church school or Sunday school - Teaching
children in a Christian environment.
Religious Experience
*Numinous feelings - The feeling of the presence
of something greater than yourself.
*Conversion - When your life is changed by giving
yourself to God.
*Miracles - Something which breaks the laws of
science making you think God must have done it.
*Prayer -An attempt to contact God, usually
through words.
The Design Argument
- There is lots of evidence of complex things in
the world which appear designed e.g., the eye.
- Anything that has been designed needs a
designer.
- The only thing powerful enough to design the
Earth is God.
- Therefore, God must exist!
- Seeing so many people worship in Church will
make children believe God must exist
- At school or children’s liturgy teachers will tell
children God exists & teach them bible stories
How Religious Experiences leads to BIG
- Numinous feeling - If you sense a presence greater
than yourself you will believe this is God.
- Conversion - Sensing that God wants you to
change.
- Miracles - If there is no scientific explanation the
only possible explanation is God thus He must
exist
- Prayer - Answered prayers will lead to BIG
Criticisms of the Design Argument
* No designer would have created natural evil like
volcanoes and earthquakes.
* Science can explain the appearance of design without
needing God through evolution & natural selection
making things look designed when they are not.
* The argument does not explain how things like
dinosaurs could have been part of a design plan for the
world.
* Even if the argument worked, it would only prove
that the world has a designer. This may not be God.
The Causation Argument
The Criticisms of the Causation Argument
- Everything in the world needs a cause. Anything
caused to exist must have something that caused it;
nothing can cause itself!
*If everything needs a cause then who caused God?
*If matter is eternal (cannot be created or
destroyed) then the process goes on forever.
- If you keep working backwards you will
eventually get to the cause of the Universe - the
First Cause.
*Even if there was a First Cause it would not have
to be God.
- The only thing powerful enough to have caused
the Universe is God.
* If you can argue that God does not need a cause,
you can also argue that the Universe did not need a
cause.
- Therefore, God must exist!
Scientific Explanations for the
Universe
*About 15 million years ago the Big
Bang happened and formed our solar
system.
*Gases on the Earth's surface
produced primitive life forms. These
primitive life forms lead to the
evolution of new life forms and
about 2.5 millions years ago, humans
evolved.
Scientific Explanations lead to Atheism/Agnosticism
- Science can explain where the world came from without God
- People become agnostic because there is no need for God as an
explanation anymore.
- Atheists believe that science proves God does not exist because
if he did there would be no other explanation for the world
except God, but there is (the Big Bang & evolution).
- Atheists argue that proof of dinosaur’s shows God does not exist
because why would God create and then destroy them?
How Christians Respond to Science
Evil and Suffering
+ The 6 days of creation in the Biblical Genesis story of
creation can fit with scientific understanding of
evolution because one of God's ‘days’ could be reference
to 6 time periods including millions of years of evolution.
Moral evil is evil which is caused by
humans misusing their free will. An
example of moral evil is war. War causes
massive suffering and is started by humans.
* Creationists believe the earth was created exactly as it
says in the Bible; they reject evolution as truth
*Natural evil is suffering which humans
have not caused. An example is earthquakes.
They cause massive suffering but are natural
occurrences.
* Creationists believe that fossils may have been put in
the ground by God, or humans, to trick people
How Evil & Suffering Causes People to Reject
BIG
Christian Explanations of Evil & Suffering
- If God were omnipotent (all-powerful) he would
be able to stop suffering.
- Christians believe God wants them to have the
opportunity to help those suffering as Jesus
taught.
- If God were omniscient (all-knowing) he would
know about all suffering.
- Christians believe suffering is caused by misusing
free will and so is a human problem, not God's.
- If God were benevolent (all-loving) he would want
to stop suffering.
- Christians believe that evil & suffering are a test
to prepare us for heaven or hell.
If God existed evil and suffering wouldn't but as
we know evil and suffering do exist, God cannot
exist.
- Christians believe that God has a reason for not
removing suffering but that we cannot possibly
understand it.
Unanswered Prayers lead to
Atheism/Agnosticism
When people pray they are attempting to contact
God. Many people claim to feel God when praying.
- Other people may say prayers and never feel God's
presence. This makes them think they are doing
something wrong or that He does not exist.
- If someone prays for something and it doesn't
happen they may feel their prayers are not being
answered.
- If they do not feel God's presence when they pray
they may lead to agnosticism or atheism.
Christian’s Responses to Unanswered Prayer
- If you pray for something selfish God will not
answer your prayer
- God may have different plans for you that go
against your prayer eg., God may want a sick
person to enter heaven despite prayers for good
health
- God will answer our prayers when it is the best
thing for us this might not be when we want.
- Sometimes when God answers prayers the
answer is 'no' or is different to how we would
expect.
LAD = Life after death
Name:
Matters of Life & Death
Christian Reasons for Believing in LAD
How Belief in LAD Affects Christians
*Jesus rose from the dead (resurrection), this is only
possible because there is LAD.
*Catholics believe we will be judged when we dies to we
must live a good life so that you will get rewarded in
heaven.
*St Paul teaches that people will be resurrected for LAD
in the same way Jesus was
*To live a good life you must follow God’s teachings so
Christians get baptised, seek forgiveness for sins,
worship God, pray frequently, & treat people well.
* The Creeds of the Church teach about LAD
*The Bible teaches people are made up of a body and a
soul. The soul is immortal and will live on after the
death of the body.
*Jesus taught: love your neighbour as yourself, this
means helping / being kind /showing respect to
everyone including strangers maybe by doing charity
work.
*LAD gives life meaning and purpose, e.g. living a holy
life may lead to heaven.
*LAD gives life meaning and purpose. Christians may
suffer less from depression than atheists!
Non-Christian reasons for believing in LAD
Why some people do not believe in LAD
*Near death experiences - when a person is clinically dead
then comes back to life.
- They see no evidence for God or the spiritual
world so think nothing happens when you die.
*Evidence of the spirit world - Mediums can contact the
dead and pass messages to living relatives.
- The different religions contradict each other.
If LAD were true they would all believe the same
thing.
*Ghosts - some people claim to have seen the spirits of dead
people.
*Past life experience - some people claim to remember past
lives, this is evidence of reincarnation the idea that after you
die you come back to life on earth as something else
Catholic Response
The Catholic Church rejects the evidence of mediums,
ghosts etc., as superstitions.
Causes of World Poverty
LEDCs = Less economically developed countries
MEDCs = More economically developed countries
Poorer countries have more poverty because…
- Wars – common in LEDCs & they destroy crops,
hospitals, homes & schools leading to poverty
- Unfair trade – people not paid enough in poorer
countries so rich countries make all the profits
- HIV/AIDS – common in LEDCs, people too ill to
work so no money to live off
- Lack of Education – in LEDCs fewer children are
educated so less chance of getting our of poverty
- Different religions believe different holy books,
there is no way to decide which one is true.
- All evidence of the paranormal (e.g. ghosts) goes
against what science says is possible.
- There is no physical place for people to go in
LAD… space journeys have shown heaven is not
above the clouds.
How CAFOD is trying to Remove World Poverty
Long-term plans to help people become self-supporting e.g.,
CAFOD has set up a scheme in Brazil to help homeless
children get an education & skills to earn a living.
Disaster & Emergency aid includes sending food, water,
shelter & medicine e.g. to victims of the Tsunami in Thailand
Raising Awareness, 5% of CAFOD budget spent on educating
people in Churches & school etc., about ending poverty
Speaking out for people too poor to fight for their rights
Why CAFOD is trying to remove world poverty…
+ The Gospels teach us to share our wealth with the poor
+ Jesus told us to treat everyone equally & love our
neighbours & treat others as we would like to be treated
(Golden Rule)
+ The Catholic Church says it is our duty
The Nature of Abortion
The law says that abortion is only allowed if two
doctors agree that either….
- The mother's life is at risk
- The Mother's mental health is at risk.
- The child will be born severely disabled
Abortions cannot be carried out after 24 weeks of
pregnancy unless the mothers life is in serious danger
& it is an extreme circumstance.
Why Abortion is a Controversial issue
Pro-choice vs’ Pro-life
*Many people believe that life begins at conception,
therefore abortion is murder.
*Some argue a woman should have the right to do
what she wants with her own body. An unwanted
fetus is like an unwanted tumor.
*Some believe that the time for abortion should be
reduced to 18 or 20 weeks when the fetus is less
developed
*There are arguments about whether medical staff
should have to carry out abortions.
The Nature of Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the painless killing of someone
dying from a painful disease
Voluntary euthanasia is ending the life of
someone in great pain who asks for death.
Non-voluntary euthanasia is ending the life of
someone in great pain when they are unable to
ask & you have good reason for believing they
would want you to.
British law says that that euthanasia is murder
but withdrawal of nutrition & hydration (passive
euthanasia) or withholding treatment is not
murder
Why Euthanasia is a Controversial Issue
Pro-choice vs’ Pro-life
Many want it to remain illegal because…
+ A doctor's job is to save life, not to end it.
+ A cure for the disease may be found so people
should not give up hope.
+ People might change their mind when it is too
late
Many people want it made legal because:
- Advances in medicine mean people who would
have died are now being kept alive & are too old &
ill so they should have the right to die.
- People have the right to commit suicide; they
should have the right to ask someone to help them
die.
Christian Views on Abortion
Catholics believe… all direct abortion is wrong
- Life if holy & belongs to God, only He should end it
- Life begins at conception so it is murder
- The 10 commandments states murder is wrong
- The Church points to evidence that abortion can lead
women to suffer mental health issues
- Even in the case of rape… two sinful acts (wrongs) do
not make a right so adoption is always the better solution
as it brings joy to the adopting family.
Doctrine of Double Affect = Indirect Abortion
If someone where to take treatment for an illness, e.g.
chemotherapy for cancer, to save the like of the mother
knowing it will abort the baby Catholics believe this is ok.
Liberal Protestants believe… abortion is wrong but
must be permitted in certain circumstances e.g. if the
women is raped or fetus severely handicapped.
* Jesus taught us to love your neighbor – abortion might
be most loving thing to do.
* Christianity is concerned with justice, if women were
not given the choice this would not be just.
Christian Views on Euthanasia
Catholics believe assisted suicide, voluntary euthanasia
& non-voluntary euthanasia are all wrong because…
- Life is sacred, God created it only He can take it away
- Ending someone’s life is murder, forbidden in the 10
commandments
- Catechism teaches the Doctrine of Double Affect – Indirect
Euthanasia. If painkillers are taken that will shorten
someone’s life, but they are taken only to end pain not life,
this is ok.
- Switching off life support machines is not euthanasia if the
doctor believes him/her to be brain dead.
- Refusing treatment that will cause suffering & only delays
death is also not euthanasia
Some Christians believe…
- Any form of euthanasia including switching off life support
machines or refusing treatment is wrong. They believe both
to be murder or suicide which are banned by God in the Bible
& they take these teachings literally
A few Christians believe…
- Living wills which say when someone wants to die should be
respected as this is the kindest thing to do
- Modern medicine means we cannot know what are God’s
wishes & what are mans
- Jesus said ‘love your neighbour’, ending pain is loving
Name:
Marriage & Family Life
Changing Attitudes to Marriage & Family
In the UK in the 1950's…
-People were expected to only have sex after marriage.
-People married young, in church, for life.
-Families were husband and wife and children.
- Homosexuality was a criminal offence.
- Women used to get married younger as fewer had
careers
Now in the UK…
- Most people have sex before marriage.
- Many couples live together (cohabit) rather than
marry.
- The average age for marrying has increased
enormously.
- Divorce is accepted as a normal part of life.
- The average age to get married is about 30.
- March 2014, homosexuals allowed to marry in UK.
Reasons for the Changes in Attitudes
Family Life
- Due to more cohabitation there are more families
where parents are not married.
- Increase in divorce has lead to increase in remarriage & more reconstituted families.
- More extended families as working parents rely on
grandparents for child-care.
Homosexuality
- Medical research has shown homosexuality is
normal so more people accept gay couples
- The work of gay rights groups has led to an acceptance
of equal rights for homosexuals.
- More gay celebrities, confirming it is normal
Catholic Attitudes to Divorce
Catholics do not allow religious divorce or remarriage because…
- Jesus taught that divorce is wrong: Mark’s Gospel
- The Catechism teaches that marriage cannot be
dissolved; as it is a promise to God so religious
divorce is impossible.
- There can be no re-marriage as there can be no
religious divorce. Re-marriage would be both
bigamy and adultery.
Reasons for the Changes in Attitudes
Cohabitation and marriage
- Effective contraception now available to everyone in
UK made it safer to have sex before marriage.
- The media showed sexual relationships outside
marriage as normal so more people thought sex outside
marriage was OK.
- Fewer people go to Church and are influenced by the
Christian message to save sex for marriage.
Divorce
- New laws made divorce cheaper and easier.
- Increased equality for women means that women are
no longer prepared to accept unequal treatment from
men and will divorce.
- Most divorce occur after 10 years which was the
average length of marriage 100 years ago because
women often died at child birth.
Christian Attitudes to Sex Outside Marriage
Most Christians believe it is wrong because…
1. God gave sex for the procreation of children, who
should be brought up in a Christian family. So sex
should only be in marriage.
2. The Bible says sex outside marriage (pre-marital &
adultery) is sinful.
3. Adultery is banned by the 10 Commandments.
4. Adultery breaks the wedding vows, which are a
promise to God.
5. Jesus taught that adultery was wrong & we should
follow Jesus’ teachings.
Some Christians would take a ‘relaxed’ approach and
say cohabitation is ok in long-term committed
relationships when marriage is intended.
Non-Catholic Christian Attitudes to Divorce
Most non-Catholic churches are against divorce
but allow it if a marriage has broken down and
allow divorced people to remarry because…
- Jesus allowed divorce for a partner’s adultery,
(Matthew 19:9)
- If the marriage has really broken down it is the
lesser of two evils to separate.
- They believe it is better to divorce than to live in
hatred and argue all the time.
The Catholic Purpose to Marriage
The Purpose to Marriage in the Wedding Ceremony
Church teaches God created man & women for
each other in sacrament of marriage, thus it
involved not just the husband & wife but God
too.
> Exchange of vows shows commitment & promise to love and say
faithful to one another
> Rings symbolise unending nature of marriage
> Priest emphasises that it is a sacrament (in front of God) that
cannot be broken.
> Wedding preparation course councils the couple to teach them to
support & comfort each other.
> The prayers give the couple God’s grace & strength to support
each other
> The priest asks the couple if they will accept children, and bring
them up as Christians.
Purpose of marriage…
- so couples have a life-long relationship of
love & faithfulness
- so couples have support & comfort of each
other
- fruitfulness for the pro-creation of children
- for the bringing up of a Christian family.
Christian Attitudes to Contraception
Catholics are against it because…
Christian Attitudes to Homosexuality
- The Church teaches that all sex should be unitive and
creative – contraceptive isn’t creative
- Catholics believe artificial contraception leads to
promiscuity, broken families, divorce and STD's
Evangelical Protestants believe it is wrong
because...
(1) The Bible says it is a sin.
(2) All
Churches used to teach that it is wrong, even though
some now say it is not.
Some Non-Catholic Christians allow it because…
Liberal Protestants welcome homosexuals
because… (1) The major Christian belief of love &
acceptance means it should be allowed.
(2) They
believe gay people should be open and honest not tell
lies, as stated in the Ten Commandments.
- There is nothing in the Bible that forbids the use of
contraception.
- They believe condoms are the best way to combat the
spread of AIDS/HIV.
Why Family Life is Important to Christians
* One of the main purposes of Christian marriage is to
have children & bring them up as good Christians,
introducing them to Mass etc.
* Christian teaching on divorce shows that family is too
important to be broken up.
* Without family, children would not learn right from
wrong.
* The family is very important for Christianity to
continue and grow.
* Christian children are expected to care for their
parents when they grow old, according to Jesus.
Catholics believe homosexuality is not a sin but a
homosexual sexual relationship is a sin. The Church
asks homosexuals to be celibate (not have any sexual
activity). They believe the sacraments of the church will
help them to do this. They believe this because…
(1) The Bible condemns homosexual sexual activity.
(2) The Church teaches sex should be creative and
unitive but it is not possible for homosexuals to have a
fruitful relationship (have kids).
(3) The Church teaches people cannot help being
homosexual therefore they should not be discriminated
against.
(4) Jesus taught that we should show love one another
and not judge others.
(5) The Church teaches that all people are equal and
should be treated this way.
How Parishes Help with the Upbringing of
Children
- Parishes linked to religious schools help parents keep
their baptism & marriage promises about raising
Children knowing Christian teachings on right & wrong.
- Parish runs preparation classes (such as first
communion preparation) to help parents bring children
become full members of the church.
- Runs children’s liturgies to allow parents time to
attend Sunday Worship.
- Some parishes run youth groups to help keep children
away from bad influences.
How Parishes Help families stay Together
- During Mass priest remind parents of marriage
vows.
- Priests available to help couples & give counseling or
advice.
- The Church has produced leaflets to help parishes
understand problems Christians face & tell them how to
support the church members.
- Some parishes offer financial support for example if a
parent is ill and cannot work.
CC = Community Cohesion
Name:
COMMUNITY COHESION
How Roles of Men and Women Have Changed?
- In the 1850’s women stayed at home and looked after
the children
- In 1928 The Electoral Reform Act allowed women
aged 21 the vote (same as men)
- In 1970 women received the Equal Pay Act
- In 1975 the Sex Discrimination Act made it illegal to
discriminate against women in employment
However there are still some inequalities…
- In 2010 only 23% of MPs were female
- Although men are more active at home often women
still are the most active with housework and children
raising & society still often expects this
Different Christian Attitudes to Women
Roman Catholics – men & women are equal (as Genesis
says men & women were both created in image of God).
BUT only men can be priests - they represent Jesus at
Mass & are descendants of apostles who were men.
Liberal Protestants - men & women created equal &
should have same roles in society as Jesus treated
everyone equally. Women can be ministers/vicars.
Evangelicals – men & women created equal but have
different roles St Paul taught women shouldn't speak in
Church.
The Problems of Discrimination & Racism
Why Attitudes have Changed
- During WW1 & WW2 women did the jobs of men
(because the men were fighting in war), women did
them as well as men changing general societies
attitudes
- The UK followed other countries who were starting to
show development of equal rights for women
- The Suffragette’s worked to gain equal rights by
showing that women wanted equal treatment
- The UN declaration of human rights after WW2
meant equal rights had to be accepted
Why the UK is a Multi-ethnic Society
- The UK has always been a mixed society - Celts,
Romans, Saxons etc., are all ancestors
- In 19th century the UK set up an overseas empire
leading to black communities in UK
- After WW2 a shortage of workers lead to many
different cultures working in the UK
- The extension of the EU has led to an influx of Eastern
Europeans
- One in five people in the UK are now from ethnic
minorities
Benefits of Living in a Multi-ethnic Society
Racism =prejudice (to pre-judge someone) leads to
acts of discrimination.
+ People of different ethnic groups will form
relationships and bring peace amongst groups
- Racially or religiously prejudiced employers will not
give jobs to some races or religions
- Prejudiced landlords will refuse accommodation to
certain groups
- Prejudiced teachers will stop certain groups achieving
their potential
- Prejudiced police officers will discriminate against
certain groups
+ More progress will happen due to more people with
different ideas
+ Life is more interesting with a greater variety of
food, music and culture
+ A multi-ethnic society helps people to live and work
in a world of multi-national companies and economic
interdependence
The Effects of Discrimination & Racism
Why Community Cohesion is Important
- If some groups feel they're being treated unfairly, they
will turn against society = violence & discrimination
- Without community cohesion racially/religiously
motivated violence can break out.
- Some politicians believe some young black people turn
to crime due to lack of opportunities because of
discrimination. E.g. the 2011 London riots
- 7/7 bombers were British citizens who had lost their
sense of allegiance to the UK
- Racism and discrimination can lead to groups forming
like the BNP that stir up hatred.
Government Action to Promote Community
Cohesion in the UK
- Giving money to groups that are working on CC
- Appointing cabinet ministers and judges etc., from
ethnic minorities
- Making community cohesion part of school lessons
- Passing the Race Relations Act 2010 making it
unlawful to discriminate against anyone
- In 1976 the Race Relations Act made it illegal for
discrimination against someone based on their ethnicity
- Setting up the Equality and Human Rights
Commission to monitor laws on discrimination
How the Catholic Church help promote C.C.
Helping asylum seekers and immigrant workers
by….
- translating information leaflets into various languages
- helping people find accommodation
- providing legal advice and support
- providing English Language Courses
- Celebrating Mass in other languages
How Religions Work Together to Promote C.C
- Some religions are developing interfaith marriage
ceremonies
- The problem of bringing up children is being dealt
with by encouraging children to be brought up in both
faiths
- Religions are trying to work together to share
festivals and other religious times
- By having local events for a mixture of religions such
as ‘inter-faith weeks’
- By creating inter-faith events in schools to encourage
students to consider other religious perspectives and
promote tolerance & inclusivism
- Lack of C.C. makes it impossible for people to work
together as modern societies need.
- In countries without C.C. violence becomes a way of
life.
Why Christians Promote Racial Harmony
- In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus showed
all races should love each other as neighbors
- Jesus treated people of all races equally
- St Paul taught that all races are equal as God created
them all
- The Christian Church has members form every race 70% are non-white
- The Catechism (teachings of the Catholic Church)
suggests every form of discrimination must be
eradicated as incompatible with God’s design
- St Paul said, “you are all one in Christ Jesus”
Issues for religion by multi-faith society
Bringing up children - Most religions teach that only
their religion will lead to a good life after death.
Children educated in all faiths may be tempted away
from their faith
Conversion - Many religions believe they should
convert people because their faith is the true faith.
Problems arise as trying to convert people is like
discriminating against other faiths
Interfaith marriages - For a religious wedding service,
often couples have to be of the same religion. There is
the problem of which faith to raise the children
Christian Attitudes to Other Religions
- Inclusivist (Catholics) teach Christianity has the
whole truth, other religions may have some, but either
way we should treat people with respect
- Exclusivist (Evangelicals) teach Christianity is the
only truth and other religions are false, we should try
and convert people to the truth
- Pluralist (Liberal Protestant) teach no religion has
the whole truth all religions are different paths to God
Name:
Rights & Responsibilities
How do Christians make moral decisions?
How do Christians make moral decisions?
Why some Christians only use the Bible
- the Bible is the world of God and so is God’s guidance on making
decisions.
- the Bible contains the Decalogue: guidance on adultery, stealing,
murder, lying etc.
- the Bile contains Jesus’s teachings on how to live, which
Christians should follow as they believe He is the Son of God
- the Bible contains letters from the disciples on how to live
Most Christians also look to the Church for
guidance…
- the Church is the Body of Christ (Jesus
working in today’s world) so it has the same
authority as the Bible
- God speaks to the world today through the
Church
- the Church is guided by God in making moral
decisions on moral issues of todays modern
world
- Catholic Christians believe the Magisterium
(the Pope & bishops interpretation of the
Bible) gives perfect guidance on moral
behaviour
Some Christians believe we shouldn't use only the bible…
- we need the Church to teach us what the Bible means
- some believe the Bible is only inspired by God and must be
interpreted for the modern world
- some Christians believe their conscience is the voice of God so
can be trust along with the Bible
How do Christians make moral decisions?
How do Christians make moral decisions?
Why some Christians use their conscience…
- some Christians believe their conscience is the voice
of God speaking directly to them (many Churches also
believe and teach this)
- St Paul taught that our conscience should be the final
part of making a moral decisions
- some believe the conscience is better than listening
to the Church as it comes directly from God without
other people’s interpretation
Situation Ethics = moral decisions are based on what
the most loving thing to do in any situation
- Jesus seemed to follow SE because he overruled what the
Old Testament said when he thought it was unloving (e.g.
he healed people on the Sabbath (Sunday) which was
against the OT law)
- Jesus said the greatest commandment = to love God &
your neighbor so we should do what has the most loving
results
- Christianity is a religion based on love not laws
- it is wrong to ignore the consequences of your actions
Some Christians will not use their conscience…
- as in the past people have used their conscience to
justify doing bad things
- some believe the Church and the Bible have more
authority than one persons conscience
- if everyone followed their conscience not laws the
world would be chaos
How do Christians make moral
decisions?
Using a Variety of authorities…
- Catholics would usually follow the
Church as the Magisterium applies the
teachings of the Bible and the apostles to
modern life.
- Some Christians who follow SE may go
to the Church or the Bible if they have a
difficult moral decision to make &
cannot figure out what the most loving
thing to do is. - Protestants tend to use
the Bible but this is difficult for modern
issues not in the Bible (e.g.
contraception) so they may then seek
guidance from the Church or their
conscience.
Some think following SE is wrong because…
- the Bible is God’s word & should be followed exactly
so we should follow the Decalogue & Jesus’ teachings not
our own ideas of what is most loving
- we cannot be sure of what is the most loving outcome
Human Rights in the UK
1998 the Human Rights Act was passed UK citizens the right to…
- life, liberty & a fair trial - freedom of conscience, religion & to express
your own views - freedom to take part in free elections etc,.
HR are important because…
- without HR (e.g. life & liberty) you could find yourself living in a
dictatorship
- without the right to freedom of thought & expression minority
religious groups may be banned, impressed or killed
- without the right to free elections there would be no democracy
BUT people abuse HR (e.g. prisoners claiming their HR are abused)
SOME believe not everyone has the right to basic HR e.g. we should be
able to torture terrorists to get information that could save lives
Why Christians should take part in electoral
& democratic processes
Why human rights are important for Christians
- God created life so it is sacred & holy therefore it should be
protected with HR
- Everyone is made in the image of God so we should treat
everyone fairly & equally which HR ensures
- Freedom of thought, conscience, religion & expression are
part of being a Christian – Christians must have the right to
believe what they want & tell others about it – as the Bible tells
them to
- HR ensure Christians are not disadvantaged in job applications
because of what they believe
HRs can cause a problem for Christians because…
- some Christians believe no one has the right to form a civil
partnership or for homosexuals to raise children because it goes
against God’s will
- some are against the right to marry someone of another religion
so children will always be brought up as one Christians
- HR laws can be used to suggest women should be allowed to be
priests or priests should be allowed to have children but this goes
against the Catholic Churches teachings
Every UK citizen (18+) has the right to change
government policy by: joining a pressure group,
political party, contacting an MP & voting.
People should take part because…
- we pay Taxes & VAT voting gives you control
over how much we pay & how the government’s
money is spent
- gives you a chance to effect new laws
- gives you a say in how armed forces, schools,
the NHS, maintenance of roads etc., are run
BUT some think one vote makes no difference
& all politicians make promises they don't keep
Christians must take part to ensure…
- the government upholds the right of equality, fair
treatment & other rights in line with Christianity
- to ensure the right follow one’s own religion &
freedom of expression is maintained
Christian teachings on moral duties and responsibilities
The Golden Rule: ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’ Christians should use this rule when deciding
which political party to vote for. E.g. if a party wanted to send all asylum seekers back where they came from Christians
would not think this is how they would like to be treated if they were in that situation & so should not follow this
political party
Jesus’s Parable of the Sheep & the Goats teaches that at the end of the world the Son of Man will judge everyone.
Those who are like sheep (who helped the poor & suffering) will go to heaven and those who are like the goats
(who did not help others) will go to hell.
Thus it is the duty of a Christian to help the poor & suffering and they should help parties who also aim to do this (for
example, political parties which help protect benefits, help the jobless & look after others who suffer).
The Story of Cain & Abel teaches that anyone who has material possessions and sees his brother in need but
does not pity him does not love God. So Christians have a duty to look after everyone in need & work for social
change so society becomes truly Christian.
The nature of Genetic Engineering
GE is using techniques of gene development to find
cure/prevent diseases & disabilities. Most genetic
research means changing the cell from one generation to
the next (germline gene therapy) & removing defective
genes from embryos. Recently cloning has been used to
create healthy cells to replace diseased ones (often from
embryos produced during IVF but not used).
+ive offers chance for a cure to diseases
+ive cloning using animal eggs doesn't include loss of
human life (embryo)
+ive GE is monitored by the law & can be very beneficial
-ive we don't know the long term consequences
-ive places too much power in hands of scientists
-ive if it goes wrong the effects are permanent
Different Christian attitudes to Genetic Engineering
Catholics: life begins at conception so ending life, even
in a test tube after scientific research is done, is wrong
Killing an embryo is killing a human being. The embryos
used are produced by un-Christian means (e.g. male
masturbation)
Liberal Protestants: Jesus showed that Christians
should try to cure diseases, using genetic cures are also
no different from finding drug cures. Embryos do not
become a foetus until they are fourteen days old.
Evangelical Protestants: God creates genetic make-up
of each person we have right to interfere, playing God is
a great sin & it is wrong to try & make Earth perfect, as
only heaven is perfect.
Name:
Environment & Medical Issues
Global Warming: Causes & Possible Solutions
Forms of Pollution & their Solutions
Global warming means the Earth is warmer than it has
been for thousands of years, which could lead to
negative environmental effects.
- Most scientist believe it is down to the green-house
effect = burning fossil fuels produce CO 2 which creates
a barrier in the atmosphere so the sun’s heat cannot
pass though into the atmosphere but not back out rising
the Earth’s temperature.
- Some scientists believe global warming is part of
natural changes in the climate of the world
- Some believe when solar activity is high; fewer clouds
form so more of the sun’s heat reaches the Earth
Solution 1: wind/sea/hydroelectric power = no CO 2
produced
Solution 2: Use bio-diesel or electric batteries to power
cars = no/little CO2
Solution 3: use public transport
The Scarcity of Natural Resources
Carbon Dioxide levels (CO2) are set to double by 2016
Acid rain: fossil fuels release chemicals into the
atmosphere making rain water change pH destroying
things it rains on.
Eutrophication: fertilisers being washed into streams
polluting rivers making water plants grow rapidly and
use all the oxygen in the water = fish die & water
poisoned
Waste: litter, sewage, rubbish causes water pollution &
eutrophication & bring diseased rats
Radioactive pollution: no CO2 but radioactive waste
causes cancer, death and genetic mutations
Solutions – electricity from renewable energy such as
wind farms or hydroelectric plants. Don't drop litter &
have better rubbish / sewage / fertiliser systems.
Christian Teachings on Stewardship
NR = materials which occur naturally e.g. oil,
fertile land, water / wind / solar power. Some are
non-renewal such as oil which when used up will
take thousands of years to form naturally again.
Christians believe God gave humans the stewardship of the
earth and its resources. The Bible teaches that Christians
were given the right to rule over God’s creation as God’s
stewards – so they must treat the animals & land.
Solution: recycling plans, alternative lifestyle e.g.
use natural products, recycle, walk rather than
drive
Jesus taught: humans will be judged on whether they have
been good stewards of God’s earth.
Problem = expensive, using plants for biodiesel
means less food in world,
Islam & Stewardship
Islam teaches: God created Adam as his Khalifah
(type of steward), so Muslims are God’s Khalifahs
who have to look after God’s creation as it says in
the Qur’an.
Islam also teaches: people will be judged by God
on how they treat the Earth as life is a test and this
is part of God’s test.
Thus Muslims aim to not pollute, share
resources, conserving resources.
However, like Christianity, human interests come
first
Jesus also taught: humans have a responsibility to leave the
earth a better place
These teachings affect Christian attitudes…
- Christians should try to reduce pollution and preserve
resources
- Christians should show stewardship by working to share the
Earth’s resources more fairly and improving the standard of
living in LEDCs
- Christians should help the work of groups that try to reduce
pollution and conserve resources
BUT some Christians believe human interests come first:
e.g. shutting down a polluting factory that employs 3000
people would not be a Christian solution
However: some non-Christians think only government
actions can deal with the issue, recycling etc., might not help
climate change or for it to have an impact it would have to be
on a global scale!
Medical Treatments for Infertility
IVF: egg is taken from the mother’s womb, fertilized
in a test tube and put back in the womb
Artificial Insemination by husband (AIH): sperm is
used for IVF.
Artificial Insemination by donor: unknown male’s
sperm used for IVF
Egg donation: unknown women’s egg used for IVF.
Embryo donation: sperm & egg both donated by
unknown people and fertilized by IVF
- 12.5% couples in UK have fertility problems
- Its part of human nature to want children,
psychological problems may result by not having
them
- In 2007, 12% births were results of fertility
treatments
Attitudes to Infertility Treatments in Islam
Islam allows IVF & AIH because…
- the egg & sperm are from the husband & wife
- all Muslims should have a family
- unused embryos are not foetuses so life is not taken
Islamic law: all other types of infertility
treatments are wrong…
- they deny a child’s right to know its natural parents
- they are same as adoption = banned in Islam
- egg or sperm donation is like adultery
Christian Attitudes to Transplant Surgery
All Christians believe organs shouldn't be bought
from poor people, as the poor shouldn't be
exploited.
Some Christians (e.g. Catholics) agree with TS…
- immortality of the soul means the body isn’t
needed after death
- leaving organs for others is a way of loving your
neighbor
- leaving organs for others is a way of treating others
as you would like to be treated (Golden Rule)
Other Christians believe TS is wrong…
- transplanting from the dead to the living is playing
God which is a great sin
- it ignores the sanctity of life
- it isn’t natural so might not be God’s plan
- raises the problem of when someone is dead, if they
are on life support should the stay on life support or
their organs be donated?
Different Christian Attitudes for Infertility
Treatments
Catholic Christians…
- life is given by God and no one has the right to children
so only natural methods of conception are ok
- IVF involves fertilising several eggs, some are thrown
away or used for experimentation – this does not
promote the sanctity of life & may be seen as murder
- all forms of artificial insemination / surrogacy involve
sin of male masturbation
- all forms of embryo technology involve fertilisation
being separated from sex = not God’s plan for
procreation
- infertility may be part of God’s plan for the person to do
something else with their life
Other Christians…
- One of the purposes of Christian marriage is to have
children, so infertility treatments must be good
- the discarded embryos are not foetuses and so life is not
being taken
- IVF gives Christians the opportunity to share their love
with children & raise them as Christians to do God’s work
The nature & Importance of Transplant Surgery
TS = an organ is taken from one person (dead, but
sometime living using organs we can do without) & put in
another to replace an organ that isn’t working e.g. heart,
eyes. TS is very effect & can save lives.
In the UK Human Tissue Authority control organ
donations so people cannot sell their organs.
TS is important because…
- cures life-threatening conditions (e.g. kidney failure) &
improves people’s lives & saves over 3000 lives a year
- more people need TS every year so organ donation is
essential
- TS gives people a chance to help others
Attitudes to Transplant Surgery in Islam
Most Muslims don't agree with TS…
- The Shari’ah teaches that nothing should be removed
from the body after death
- TS is playing God, which is the greatest sin of shirk
- The Qur’an teaches only God has the right to give & take
life
- TS does not treat life as sacred (sanctity of life)
- Muslims believe they need their organs for resurrection
on the last day
Some Muslims allow TS because…
- the Muslim Law Council of the UK says that Muslims can
carry donor cards and have transplants
- Islam aims to do good and help people
Name:
Peace & Conflict
The United Nations & World Piece
The UN was formed after WW2 to preserve world
peace & bring about conflict resolution. Through the
Security Council the UN can try to stop threats to world
peace by…
- imposing sanctions on countries threatening peace
- authorize the use of force by member states
- send UN peacekeeping forces to prevent outbreak of
conflict, stabilise conflict situation and bring peace
agreements
The UN runs the ICC (International Criminal Court) in
The Hague which upholds international law.
E.g. UN worked for peace in Kosovo in the 90s to stop
Serbia form preforming ethnic cleansing against
Kosovar Albanians. Thousands died & thousands
became refugees until NATO drove the Serbian forces
out & the UN took over & helped set up political parties
to protect Kosovo as a democratic state.
-ive the UN hasn't always been able to prevent wars e.g.
with Syria
-ive the UN Security Council has only 5 members so is
said to be bias
Why Wars Occur
Religious differences e.g. Serbia invaded Kosovo to
protect Christians from the Muslim majority
Nationalism & ethnicity e.g. the Rwandan genocide was
the ethnic majority trying to rid the country of the ethnic
minority
Resources e.g. some think Iraq was invaded because the
West wanted access to its oil reserves
Ideals & Politics e.g. differences in political ideas lead
communist North Korea to invade capitalist South Korea,
in 1953 the UN went to protect the South and STILL there
isn’t peace.
Attitudes to War in Islam
The greater jihad = struggle to make yourself & society
perfectly Muslim. The lesser jihad = fighting in a just war
- Qur’an teaches Muslims must fight if attacked & that a
Muslim who dies in a just war will go straight to heaven
- Prophet Muhammad fought in wars & taught that
Muslims should fight just wars
Despite this most believe modern weapons means no
war can be just & Islam teaches love so just wars must
always be the last resort with the aim of peace
How Religious Organisations Promote World
Peace
There are groups in all religions that work for world
peace: Christian Peacemakers Teams, Pax Christi
International (a Catholic Group) The Muslim Peace
Fellowship, The Jewish Peace Fellowship etc.
The work for peace by…
- hold meetings to inform about the horrors of war and
promote political parties not in favour of war
- they organise protests to change public opinion and
consequently government policy on war
- the attend inter-faith conferences to help all religions
work together to promote peace
- they work for the world wide acceptance of human
rights
BUT some believe the UN is more effective than
religious organisations because it is not religiously
motivated which is sometimes associated with bias
BUT religious organisations hold little power in
comparison to the UN
Wars could be ended if…
- religions came together to find unity & peace
- if we had a federation of states (a world-wide
version of the EU) political differences wouldn't cause
as much conflict
- economic wars couldn't occur if we had equal
sharing of the world resources
Just War Theory
Although the effects of wars are bad many believe
some wars can be justified.
Using Just War Theory a war is justified if…
1. the cause of the war is just (e.g. self-defence)
2. it is being fought with the authority of the UN
3. it has the intention of bringing back peace
4. it is the last resort – all other ways of ending the
conflict have been tried & failed
5. there is a reasonable chance of success
6. the methods used avoid killing civilians
7. methods used are proportional to the cause e.g.
you wouldn't use a weapon of mass destruction to
destroy a country that has invaded a small island
Differences among Christians in their Attitudes to War
Christian pacifists = refuse to fight in wars (e.g. Catholic Pax Christi, the Quakers etc.) because…
- Jesus said ‘love your enemies’ & turn the other cheek when attacked
- The Decalogue 5th commandment teaches ‘do not kill’
- Jesus wouldn't allow Peter to fight back when He was being arrested
- Modern warfare affects so many innocent people so can never be justified
Some Christians believe in just wars because…
- Most Churches (including the Catholic Church) allow for just wars
- St Paul said that Christians must obey the orders of the government so they should fight when ordered
- Jesus did not condemn soldiers
- In the same way we need police to protect innocent people against criminals, we need armed forces to protect
innocent states against criminal states
Christian Attitudes to Bullying
Attitudes to Bullying in Islam
Bullying is frightening people who are weaker than you. Christians
are against it because…
- aggression without just cause is sinful
- people are God’s creation & should be respected
- the Good Samaritan, Greatest Commandment & Golden Rule teach love
not bullying
- The Christian Church teaches the protection of human rights, bullying
denies people HR
- Islamic society is based on respect
- violence without a just cause is
sinful & it is the duty of Muslims to
protect the weak, bullying is the
opposite
- Muhammad said ‘every Muslim is a
brother to every Muslim’ no one
should bully their brother
Religious Conflicts within Families
- Religions tell parents to bring their children up in the faith, so if the child rejects religion there could be conflict, as
parents worry their non-religious child may act sinfully & will not be with them in the after-life
- Children wanting an inter-faith marriage could cause conflict because the religious wedding ceremony & how to
raise the children (which religion to bring them up as) could be difficult
- If parents do not follow their religious strictly but their children do can cause problems e.g. the child may want to
take a low paid job as an imam or priest, and may not be able to give the parent grandchildren. Also the child may
morally object with the parents like choices e.g. Muslim parents running off-licence, Christian parents divorcing
BUT religion can bring families together through worshiping together, religion promotes respect & so may not
cause conflict, & children often turn out like their parents so it is unlikely there will be conflicts anyway
Christian Teachings on Forgiveness and
Reconciliation
Forgiveness & Reconciliation in Islam
Christians have a duty to reconcile with & forgive
bullies, persecutors, and enemies because…
- Jesus died to bring reconciliation & forgiveness
- Jesus said if Christians do not forgive others, they will not
be forgiven themselves
- St Paul taught we should try live in peace with everyone
- The Church promote reconciliation & forgiveness
Muslims believe they should try to forgive &
reconcile because…
- God is compassionate & merciful to sinners so
Muslims should be too
- To receive forgiveness on judgement day they
must be prepared to forgive others
- The Qur’an says Muslims must forgive those who
offend them
Some struggle to forgive because they think it isn’t
natural to forgive enemies, and they believe they
should oppose evil not forgive it
BUT Muslims believe they shouldn't forgive
those who work against Islam.
Name:
Crime & Punishment
The Need for Law & Justice
- All groups need rules that its’ members must follow
- Laws in business make sure we are paid and treated fairly
- Protect the weak from the strong
- Keeps things organised in advanced societies such as the UK
St Aquinas said an unjust law is not a proper law because…
1) If a law is unjust people will feel that it is right to break the
law.
2) If some are unjust people may think all laws are unjust
3) If laws don’t give justice people will take law into their own
hands
4) If think the legal system is not working it may lead to a civil
war e.g. Kosovo
Why Justice is Important for Christians
Justice is important to Christians. God is just and rewards the
good whilst punishing the bad. Christians churches began the
Jubilee 2000 campaign where they tried to end 3rd world debt as a
way of sharing the Earth’s resources more fairly. Chapel
dedicated to justice at Exeter Cathedral.
Theories of Punishment
1) Retribution – punished in proportion to the
crime e.g. kill those that kill. Believe criminals
should suffer for what they have done wrong.
2) Deterrence – if cut someone’s had off for
stealing then they will not steal again.
3) Reform – include educating criminals so
they gain qualifications and don’t have to turn to
crime
4) Protection – keep criminals in prison for so
long that when released they are no longer a
danger
Why Justice is Important in Islam
Most forms of punishment are a mixture of these
- Quran says God is just
- Last Day is concerned with justice
- As khalifahs they must share the Earth’s
resources equally
- Islam teaches all people should have equal
rights
Believe in justice because…



Bible says God is a God of justice
Jesus said the rich should share with the poor
New Testament has lots of statements about how
Christians should treat people fairly
The Nature of Capital Punishment
Non-religious arguments in favour
- Will deter crimes like murder and terrorism
- Murderers are a threat to society. This threat should be
permanently removed.
- The only retribution/compensation for murder is death
Non-religious arguments against
- Could be wrongly convicted
- Countries without death penalty have lower murder rates, so
doesn’t work
- Executed terrorists become martyrs and inspire others to
become terrorists
Different Christian Attitudes to Capital
Punishment
A crime punished by death is called a
‘capital offence’. Abolished in the UK in
1970.
1) Against it because…
- Jesus came to save (reform) sinners. Can’t
reform the dead
- Jesus banned the Old Testament law of ‘an
eye for an eye’ (retribution)
- Human life is sacred and only God can take it
away
- Jesus said ‘turn the other cheek’
2) Some see it as a good way to keep order
in society because…
- Bible mentions it as a punishment for certain
crimes and the Bible comes from God
- Catholic and C of E churches have not condemned
the use of capital punishment
- Church used it for crimes like heresy
- Aquinas said peace in society was more
important than reforming sinners
Attitudes to Capital Punishment in Islam
Allowed for 3 crimes; murder, adultery and apostasy
(someone working against Islam). Must be clearly
proven. Agree with capital punishment because…
- Is a punishment set down by God in the Quran. Do
what God wants.
- Muhammad himself sentenced people to death
- Sharia law lays down the crimes to be prescribed
death and all Muslims try to follow this
- Sharia law allows victims families to be paid blood
money for murder in place of the death penalty.
Christian Attitudes to Drugs & Alcohol
All against illegal drugs because…
- St Paul taught a Christian’s body is a temple and
should not be abused
- Drugs have mental effects which make it hard to
worship God correctly
They have two attitudes to tobacco and alcohol
1. OK if used in moderation because…
- Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine
- St Paul said Christians could drink in moderation
- Jesus drank wine at the Last Supper
2. Some practise abstinence because…
- Bible warns against drunkenness e.g. Noah’s
drunkenness brought shame on the family
- Bible notes alcohol ‘impairs judgement, inflames
passions and invites violence.’
Laws on Drugs & Alcohol, & Reasons for them
Class A drugs, e.g. cocaine, ecstasy, heroin
- 7 years in prison for possession
- life in prison for supplying
Class B drugs, e.g. Ritalin, amphetamines
- 5 years in prison for possession
- 14 years in prison for supplying
Class C drugs, e.g. cannabis, anabolic steroids
- 2 years in prison for supplying
- 5 years in prison for supplying
UK law on tobacco: cannot be sold to under 18s,
adverts for tobacco products are banned
UK law on alcohol: supervised under 16s can go
anywhere in a pub, over 16s can have an alcoholic
drink with a meal if accompanied by an adult
TOBACCO
HEALTH
PROBLEMS
-Can cause
impotence in
men
Attitudes to Drugs & Alcohol in Islam
Both prohibited as ‘haram’ because…
- Quran says Satan uses them to keep people from God
- Muhammad calls them ‘khamr’ (forbidden)
- Seen as suicide by Muslim lawyers which is banned
- Muhammad says a number of times that Muslims
should have nothing to do with alcohol
-Increases risk
of getting over
50 medical
conditions
SOCIAL
PROBLEMS
DRUGS
-Death
through
overdose
-Major cause
of mental
illness
-Watching
loved ones die
-Dealers are
criminals
-Makes people
smell
-Major cause
of gang crime
Tobacco is not mentioned in the Quran so
declared ‘makruh’ which means extremely
disliked but not ‘haram’.
Other key words for your answers about Islam…
- Qur’an is the Muslim holy book
- The Hadith is a combination of sayings & conduct of the prophet Muhammad
- Fatwas are the rulings of Islamic scholars
- Sharia law comes from a combination of the Qur’an, the Hadith & fatwas
ALCOHOL
-Causes
liver and
stomach
problems
-Mental
health
problems
-Causes
41% of all
deaths
through
falls
-65% of
murder
victims
have been
drinking
In the Parable of the Good
Samaritan Jesus is telling
people to help anyone in
need.
In the Parable of the Sheep and the
Goats Jesus says that those who do
good deeds will go to heaven and those
who do bad will go to Hell.
‘Anyone who does not do what is
right is not a child of God.’
(1 John 3:10)
‘Do to others as you would have
them do to you.’
(The Golden Rule)
‘Before I formed you in the
womb I knew you’
(Jeremiah 1:5)
The sanctity of life teaches us
that all life is God given and holy
therefore it should be respected.
Catholics believe that the
authority of the Church comes
from the Pope and his Bishops.
‘God is the author of Sacred
Scripture (Bible) because he
has inspired its human
authors.’
(Catholic Catechism)
‘We are all one in Christ
Jesus’
(Galatians 3:28)
St Paul taught that we will
all be judged by God after
death
‘Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness.’
(Matthew 5:6)
‘God created man in his own
image’
(Genesis 1:27)
GOOD LUCK!