Topic:
GCSE Religious Studies Revision Pack
Religion and Society: Option H
Key words to use in the exam:
FORGIVENESS LIFE IMPRISONMENT
CRIME
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT SIN DEATH ROW DETERRENCE
VINDICA TION MERCY
RETALIATION REVENGE SHARIAH
RECONCILIATION RETRIBUTION
PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE
Key points on topic:
1. Why do humans punish?
2. Are people really responsible for their crimes?
3. Which is the best form of punishment and why?
4. Does Capital Punishment work?
5. Should Christians forgive crimes?
6. What do you know about James Mawdsley / Burma / Prisoner of Conscience supporting Human Rights?
Christian perspectives:
An eye for an eye and a life for a life ...
Exodus 21.12-26
Do not take revenge... Jesus in Matthew 5.38-48
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us... Jesus in the Lord's Prayer, Matthew 6
Christians believe that punishment is necessary to administer justice. Key reasons for punishing offenders are: deterrence, protection, reform and rehabilitate, retribution, reparation, and vindication of society. God is the final Judge and will reward or punish as he decides. The State is there to administer Law and Justice and Christians should support it in this work, as God's agent .
Some Christians support Capital Punishment. Others say it does not work
the family of the victim feel better, nor stop other murders. Issues of being absolutely certain you have the right offender also affect Christian views.
Jesus implies that revenge and punishment are wrong, and he suggests trying to settle disputes (eg stealing) out of court. Christians are encouraged to show mercy and not feel hate and bitterness – therefore forgive others; however, many will still fell that for justice to be served the offender should serve time in prison.
Islamic perspectives:
... The Law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder Surah 2.179
Shariah Law is used to decide on punishments. This law code is based on the Qur'an and Hadith. Many conditions must be met before the death penalty can be imposed, and then only for premeditated murder.
Punishment has many aspects - deterrence, retribution, protection of society , and justice. Muslims believe that the wronged party should have a say in punishment. Only one life however can be taken as a punishment.
Mercy is important: if the family of a victim shows mercy then they have gained a good deed to count in their favour on Judgement Day.
Issues and your views: