Edexcel Unit 8: Religion and Society – Christianity and Islam
Name______________________________
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies
Unit 8.1 - Religion, Rights
and Responsibility
Key Words
Bible: The Holy Book of Christianity made up of the 66 books of the Old and the New Testament (also known
as ‘Scripture’).
Church: The community of Christian believers (small ‘c’ refers to the building).
Conscience: An inner feeling of what is right or wrong.
Situation Ethics: The idea that Christians should base moral decisions on what is the most loving thing to
do.
Electoral Processes: The ways in which voting is organised.
Democratic Processes: The ways in which local citizens can take part in government.
Political Party: A group which tries to be elected into power based on its policies.
Pressure Group: Groups formed to influence government policies on particular issues.
Social Change: The way in which society has changed and is changing.
Human Rights: The rights and freedoms to which everyone is entitled.
Decalogue: The Ten Commandments.
Golden Rule: Jesus’ teaching to treat others as we would like to be treated.
Sources of Authority
When making moral decisions, the Christian wants to know what their God would want
them to do. To find this out they turn to trusted sources that they believe have some
authority [credibility] to help guide their decisions. These will include...
Sources of Authority: The Bible
2 Timothy 3:16
The Decalogue
The Prophets
Jesus’ Teaching
- Sermon on Mount
- Parables
- Kingdom of God
Apostles’ Teaching
-St Peter, St Paul
St John, St James
“All scripture is
God-breathed and is useful
for teaching and training in
righteousness.”
These are in the Bible & Xians use them to
guide decisions.
• 66 books (73 for Catholics).
• Written over a period of 1000
years.
• 40 different authors.
• OT compiled around 300BCE.
• NT compiled and combined
around 375CE.
Did You Know...?
‘God-breathed’
in this passage has the
same idea in both Greek
and Hebrew as when God
breathed life into Adam in
Genesis 2 at creation. In
other words,
what is in the bible gets its
life from God.
The Word of God?
Most Christians refer to the Bible as the ‘Word of God’, however, not all agree what this
means:
The Words of God:
Some Xians, mainly
fundamentalists, believe the
Bible contains the actual
words of God. These people
are called literalists as they
believe every word is
literally as God wanted it to
be. As such, the bible has
total authority in all
situations
Words inspired by God: Other Xians feel the Bible was
written by humans but inspired by God. Although it has God’s
authority, it needs interpreting in light of its day when
considering an application for today.
Words about God: Some Xians see
the bible as written by people who
genuinely loved God, but the words do
not have God’s direct authority. They may
use conscience, reason and logic to
interpret its meaning for them.
Not every issue in our
post-modern world
is covered in the Bible
or
was discussed by the
early Christian leaders.
And so, inevitably,
Christians will need to
consider their
primary sources
of information
carefully.
: This is the skill of being able to
consider a passage in its ‘
’
[Setting in Life] i.e. the context of its social setting,
time and the history of its author and intended
readers.
: Is
the skill of
considering the exegesis and then interpreting the
passage in the light of today’s ‘
’
i.e. the context of its modern day reader and their
situations.
At first the Christian
Church had
identical beliefs.
In 312 the
Emperor
Constantine
became a Christian
and so Rome
helped the spread
of Christianity.
Free/House Church
Salvation Army
Quakers
Methodist
In 1517 a priest called
Martin Luther objected
to how the Catholic
Church ran the religion.
He listed 95 objections
Church of England
he
Baptist
Lutheran
had. Since then
different groups
1517 Reformation
(denominations)
Eastern Orthodoxfelt the need to
Roman Catholic
1000 years
worship god in different
1378 Great Schism
later a split
ways.
312 Constantine
happened between
East and West.
Apostles
Jesus
These are just some of the denominations
Authority of the Church
Rome
Constantinople
• The Apostles established small
communities of converts across the region.
Athens
Antioch
Carthage
Jerusalem
Alexandria
• Trusted and trained leaders helped
growth and prevent heresies.
• As matters arose requiring clarification key leaders (Bishops) gathered together (councils) to
discuss and agree a consensus of opinion as to what theologies were correct or incorrect.
The church was
Jesus’, St Peter’s and
St Paul’s chosen
structure.
The Church has been shown to be the best forum
for deciding the meaning of scripture formulating
considered theological responses to modern
situations and issues.
Catholics believe God
reveals to the Pope and
bishops the true meaning
of Scripture.
Sources of Authority: The Church
• In Catholicism the
Pope has supreme
authority from God
and is infallible.
• A ‘Council of Bishops’
help formulate
doctrine and the
Vatican releases
‘catechisms’.
• Church of England
has 560 Bishops,
vicars and laity
forming the ‘General
Synod.’
• Smaller more
specialised groups
advise on decisions
for the Synod to
agree.
• ‘Assemblies’
(gatherings of church
leaders) agree a
biblical response to
theological and
moral issues.
• Some agree beliefs
on a church-bychurch basis.
• St Paul & St Thomas Aquinas both taught that Christians should use
their conscience as the final part of moral decision making. Individuals
are accountable and have a moral responsibility.
• ‘Pangs of conscience’ help guide but can go wrong e.g. Some
Christians have murdered abortionists in the name of ‘God’.
• When Jesus rose to heaven he said he will be with his people always
by this he meant in the form of the Holy Spirit. Every bit part of God,
but distinct in that it is the power of God within the Christian to be
able to live the Christian life and discern God’s will.
• Christians believe God’s presence is with them in the Holy Spirit.
• St Thomas Aquinas and Immanuel Kant believed in something called
‘Natural Law’. Part of this meant being able to ‘naturally’ discern what
is right and wrong because we are created by God in His image.
• Using reason and logic (thought-out judgements) we should be able
to know what God would ‘naturally’ want us to do.
Situation Ethics
Situation Ethics: ‘The idea that Christians should base moral decisions on what is
the most loving thing to do.’
Joseph Fletcher was a Christian ethicist who wrote the book
‘Situation Ethics’ in 1966.
Fletcher proposed that Biblical rules should be taken in
consideration only with other, greater rules, in mind.
Fletcher referred to these as ‘greater rules’ because he believed a Christian will
one day be personally responsible for the choices they make and so, their
conscience should be their final guide. He also believed that his ‘greater
rules’ reflected the teaching of Jesus that ‘Christian Love’ over rules
‘Religious Laws’ E.g. Jesus healing on the Sabbath.
Ethics is about decision making in REAL situations. Strict religious rules don’t
take into consideration that every situation is different.
Decisions made do not offer ‘universal guidelines’. A decision made about one
situation does not then become the rule for all.
Some ‘truths’ should be accepted as self evident. Each person knows
intrinsically what the right thing to do is.
It is the person who is the centre of concern. The person at the centre of the
situation is more important than the religious rules.
Fletcher believed the primary motivation should be love for the individual, and
recognition that the most loving way out of a situation should be the ultimate motive.
“In resolving any situation the primary motive must be love.”
Situation Ethics
Joseph Fletcher would say that Situation Ethics should come before the Biblical
rules, so does this make it unbiblical? Not at all, as these examples show.
Jesus healed people on the
Sabbath when it was forbidden
by Jewish religious law to work.
Jesus’ concern for the person
overruled the religious Law.
Jesus spoke to women about
religious issues and stood up
for a woman found guilty of
adultery, both these things
were against Jewish cultural
and religious laws
Jesus, St Peter and St Paul all
spent time with people who
the religious laws declared
‘unclean’ and so banned any
association with.
Some Christians believe if a twelve year old girl was raped she should not be
allowed an abortion. However, Fletcher would say it would be the most loving
thing to do for her, so would allow it.
Strengths
1) Situation ethics is concerned about the individual not the rule.
2) Situation Ethics considers each person and their situation individually.
3) The basic is principle is to seek what is best for the individual concerned,
based on the premise of ‘love’.
Weaknesses
1) Fletcher believed the end justified the means, this is not true in every
situation.
2) It ignores clear biblical teaching on certain issues relegating that teaching
to mere ‘suggestions for life’.
3) Situation Ethics does not consider what is the most loving thing to do for all,
only the individual.
Making a Moral Decision
Odd Biblical Laws
• You must not wear clothes
made from two different types
of fabrics.
• You must not plant two
different crops in the same field.
• If a child swears at his parents
or disobeys them he should be
put to death,
• Shellfish are banned as food
and must not be eaten.
• If a person commits adultery
they should be killed.
• Parents can sell their children
into slavery to pay off debts.
Although the Bible may be the first place Christians turn to for guidance,
most feel the Bible needs interpreting in light of modern day issues as not
all laws may be relevant to today’s cultures. Therefore, most Christians
believe they should use a number of sources to help them make the right
moral decisions.
Government
The government is responsible for managing a wide range of issues including:
Employment
Health
Education
Housing
Environment
Economy
Foreign Affairs
Law and Order
Defence
Social Services
Human Rights
It costs around £550bn a year
to run the country (that’s
about 10 x the value of Bill
Gates). Where does it get the
money from? You. What is it
spent on? You. Who decides
who gets to spend it? You.
The government is simply a
political party who made promises (in a manifesto)
to the country, and on the basis of that, were voted into
power by the citizens of that country.
Voting System
The UK is divided up into 659 voting areas
known as constituencies. Each area is
supposed to have roughly the same number of
voters – about 70,000 in each. In a general
election voters can vote for one of a number of
candidates (usually from each of the main
political parties and a few others).
Whoever gets
the most
votes wins
&
becomes an
MP. Whoever
has the most
MPs, becomes
the
government.
In Britain we vote on who will represent us in three main
areas.
• Local Council (Councillors)
• UK Parliament (MPs)
• European Parliament (MEPs)
All of these people make decisions that affect the whole
or our community.
Pressure Groups
Besides voting you can influence government
decisions on issues you feel are important.
Pressure groups representing thousands of
citizens speak to the government and let them
know what their members want. E.g. Civil Rights,
War in Iraq, Euthanasia etc.
The Electoral & Democratic process
Many people feel that as a citizen of a country you not only have a right to have your say, but you have a
responsibility to take part in the electoral process (voting) and the democratic process (citizens
choosing and influencing Parliament). They think this because...
It gives you more
control over local
issues that affect you
on a day to day basis.
In the past, people died fighting
for our right to choose those who
govern us. We owe it to these men
and women to use these rights.
National government
make new laws that
affect your life. You have
a say in these laws.
National government
are responsible for many
things. You have a say in
the decisions made.
Decisions in Europe
affect UK laws. We need
to elect people who will
speak out for us.
The term ‘democracy’
means ‘a government of
the people, by the
people, for the people’ .
National government
sets our taxes to raise
money and chooses how
our money is then spent.
How can you
complain if you
don’t use your right
to have your say?
Not all countries have a
democracy, their citizens have
no say over how the country is
run or who will lead them.
Religion and The Democratic Process
William Wilberforce (led the
parliamentary campaign against slavery).
William Booth (famed for
establishing homes for society’s
outcasts through the Salvation
Army).
Lord Shaftsbury
(stood against child labour
and fought for child
education).
Dr Thomas Barnardo
These people became
(established housing and training involved with the
for destitute children).
democratic process because they believed
It still happens Today:
Gordon Brown, organised the
government’s policy on dropping
third world debt because of his
Christian beliefs.
their religion compelled them to stand up for
human rights.
Muslimyouth.net and the Oasis Trust are both religious
organisations that involve young Muslims and Christians in
social action and human rights activities, and in lobbying the
government for these concerns.
• The Decalogue.
(Exodus 20) Six of the Ten
Commandments are based on how
we treat others. Human rights
and social change for good is a
fundamental part of the Biblical &
Church teaching.
Many of the reformers and politicians who worked to establish
social change for the
better, were Christians.
• The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats.
(Matt 25:31-46) ‘Whatever you did not do
for the least of my people you did not do for
me.’
• Faith and Deeds. (James 2:26) ‘As the body
• The Greatest Commandment. (Matthew
without the spirit is dead, so faith without
22:36-40) ‘Love God and love your
deeds is dead.’
neighbour, the whole of the Law and
Prophets
hinge on
• The Golden Rule. (Matt 7:12)
these two
‘So in everything, do to others as you would have
commands. ‘
them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the
Prophets.’
All these rights are declared to be for all
people for all time.
• The right to life.
No one has the right to end your life.
• Freedom from inhuman treatment.
Torture is banned.
• Freedom from slavery.
Forced labour is outlawed.
• Right to liberty.
Everyone has the right to do what
they want if it is not against the law.
• Right to a fair trial.
Under UK law.
• Retrospective penalties.
You cannot be charged with a crime if
it wasn’t a crime when you did it.
• Privacy
You right to your private life.
• Freedom of conscience & religion.
Hold the opinions and beliefs you
want to without persecution.
• Freedom of expression.
Express your views so long as it
doesn’t break the law.
• Freedom of assembly.
To gather with others and if
necessary to demonstrate.
• Marriage and family.
To get married and have a family
(within the rules of the law).
• Freedom from discrimination.
Not to be discriminated against for
an reason.
• The First Protocol (Civil Liberties).
Have the right to own possessions,
have an education and participate
in the democratic process.
Human Rights: The rights and freedoms to which everyone is entitled.
In 1998 the UK passed the Human Rights Act giving UK citizens by law, the fundamental rights
already laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Union
Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Christians believe human rights are important
because:
However, the Act can cause problems for
religious people.
They believe in the Sanctity of Life as all are made
in God’s image.
Xians could break the Act if they refuse to support
gay marriage.
It is in line with Biblical teaching on how we
should treat others.
The Catholic church discriminates against women
as priests.
It allows for the freedom to have a religion and
meet together.
Some Christians feel homosexuals should not
adopt children.
It outlaws discrimination against Christians and
others.
Xian groups could break the Act by refusing to give
a non-Xian a job.
Genetic Engineering: The deliberate alteration of a person by manipulating its
genetic framework in order to cure or prevent diseases and disabilities in human beings.
Most genetic research is based on two methods:
Gene Therapy: This enables changes to be
made to cells that pass on defective
information from one generation to the next,
allowing permanent changes to be made.
Stem Cell Research is the most recent form of
genetic research. Stem cells are the ‘ building
blocks of life’ and can be used to create (clone)
new organs or cells to replace diseased ones. They are
‘harvested’ from either embryos created by in-vitro
fertilisation (IVF) , bone marrow or blood.
PGD: Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis.
This removes defective genes from embryos
so women at risk of passing on diseases can
produce healthy babies.
Some people believe this will
eventually lead to us picking and
choosing any characteristic of a child
including gender, eye
and hair colour, even
their sexual orientation.
The Human Genome Project plans to map out the
complete human genetic outline. It is believed if we can
identify every human gene, then we can remove the
defective ones, replace them with healthy ones, and
eradicate illnesses completely.
Stem cell research is illegal in the United States of America.
However, it has been legal in the UK since February 2001 under certain conditions, regulated by the
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
In May 2008 the UK government made it
possible for scientist to use ‘cybrids’ for
research. That is; a human nucleus (the
inside of a human embryo) implanted in
to an animal egg, to create a new embryo
for DNA research into causes and cures
for diseases.
From this research, scientist have found out how to
reproduce human organs. They believe that they will
eventually be able to
recreate all human tissue
and organs to help replace
diseased kidneys, livers,
lungs and even hearts.
It may one day be possible
to recreate a complete human being.
• Stem cell research, genetic engineering and cloning,
offer the prospect of cures for currently incurable
diseases.
• It is available in some countries and so is only available
to the rich who can afford to travel and pay medical bills.
• Cloning has been used to grow healthy cells to replace
malfunctioning ones.
• Genetic research is a vital tool in medical science, it
would
be wrong to ignore the
advantages genetic
engineering can bring.
• The laws on what can
be done are strictly
monitored to protect
from abuse.
• Genetic engineering treats the human body as a
commodity to be manipulated no different to plants.
• Once started there is no going back, scientist will be able
to reproduce scientifically created human beings.
•There is no information about the long term
consequences.
• The process is irreversible so if anything went wrong it
would be
permanent.
• It opens the way for genetic
screening where people could
be checked for likely illnesses
before getting jobs or life
insurance.
• Jesus was a healer who encouraged his followers to cure
• Life begins at conception, be it in the womb or a glass
the sick.
• Being responsible stewards of creation includes improving
the lives of others with the scientific knowledge God has
allowed us to gain (or given to us).
• Creating cells is not working against God rather it is
working with God.
• An embryo is not considered regarded as a potential life
until it is 14 days old.
• Liberal Christians will
accept most of the secular
arguments for genetic
engineering.
• Genetic engineering is
another form of medical
science like medicines and
surgery which we allow.
dish.
• Killing an embryo is taking a human life which is banned
by in the Bible and by the Church.
• God has created the genetic make-up of a child for people
to overrule that would be to interfere with God’s plans.
• Cloning or creating a life is taking the role of Creator
which is God’s role.
• Cloning another human being
devalues both people as
individuals made by God.
• A child should be born as a
product of love not need.
 The Bible as a source of authority.
 The Church as a source of authority.
 The conscience as a guide for making moral decisions.
 Joseph Fletcher and Situation Ethics.
 Christians using a variety of sources for making moral decisions.
 The role of government and the electoral system.
 voting and the democratic process.
 Religion and the democratic process.
 Christian motivation for moral duties and responsibility for social change.
 The Human Rights Act in the UK.
 Religion and human rights.
 Genetic engineering and cloning.
 Secular arguments surrounding genetic engineering and cloning.
 Religious arguments surrounding genetic engineering and cloning.
© Phillip Allen
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies
Unit 8.2
Religion, Environment
and Medical Issues
Key Words
Global Warming: The increase the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Natural Resources: Naturally occurring materials which can be utilised by humans.
Creation: The act of creating the universe, or the universe which has been created.
Environment: The surroundings on which plants and animals live and on which they depend to
continue living.
Stewardship: Looking after something on behalf of another so that it can be passed back or on to
the next generation of stewards.
Conservation: Protecting and preserving natural resources and the environment.
Artificial Insemination: Injecting semen into the uterus (womb) by artificial methods.
Embryo: A fertilised egg in the first eight weeks after conception.
Infertility: Not being able to have children.
In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF): The method of fertilising an egg in a test tube.
Surrogacy: An arrangement where a woman bears a child for another woman.
Organ Donation: Giving organs to be used in transplant surgery.
Global Warming
Twenty of last thirty years have been recorded as the
warmest years since records began. And it looks like
the Earth is continuing to get warmer.
The expected average temperature
rise of just 20c by 2050 will lead to an increased rainfall of around 20% in Britain. In
addition to this, sea levels will rise due to the polar ice caps melting. This could lead to
coastal regions being lost, whilst Mediterranean countries such as Spain could
become deserts.
Possible Causes of Global Warming
1. The Greenhouse Effect
The burning of fossil fuels (gas, coal and oil) produces carbon dioxide. This
produces a barrier in the atmosphere rather like the glass in a greenhouse so that
the heat from the sun can get through, but cannot get back out again. Many
scientists believe that this is causing the Earth to warm up. This is often called
‘global warming’.
Possible Causes of Global Warming
2. Natural Climate Change
3. Solar Activity
Some scientists say the climate change is simply
part of the natural cycle of the planet. They say the
hottest periods over the past 10,000 years were
before humans started producing carbon
emissions.
Some scientists claim that natural radiation from
the sun is the cause. They say solar flares cause
there to be less clouds and so more of the sun’s
heat warms the Earth.
They say if global warming was due to human
activity the troposphere (the Earth’s atmosphere
10-15km up) would be warming quicker than
ground level, and its not.
They also state that nature naturally produces more
C02 emissions than humans ever will.
They also doubt humans are the cause as
temperatures dropped after WWII whilst carbon
dioxide levels rose rapidly.
The Threat of Pollution
1. Acid Rain
The burning of fossil fuels such as coal and
oil releases sulphuric and nitric acid. These
pollutants go into the atmosphere and change
the rain water in clouds making it so acidic
that it can burn things when it comes to Earth. Buildings and forests are being
destroyed by acid rain produced by the UK burning fossil fuels.
The Threat of Pollution
2. Radioactive Pollution
Nuclear power stations do not produce carbon dioxide, but do produce nuclear waste
which takes thousands of years to be safe. Waste is buried without knowing if the
storage boxes will be able to contain it safely for this length of time. When living things
come into contact with excess radiation, they can be killed, get cancer or have seriously
ill offspring.
The Threat of Pollution
3. Eutrophication
An excess of nitrates, nitrites and phosphates in rivers is leading to a lack of oxygen and
an increase in aquatic plants, which is causing fish to die and poisons to enter water
supplies. This is caused by fertilisers being washed into streams, sewage pollution, and
the lack of trees to soak up the nitrogen. This could lead to major health problems for
humans such as septicaemia.
The Threat of Pollution
4. Human Waste
Human causes of pollution include things such as sewage, rubbish and litter. Sewage
needs to be treated before it is safe to enter the water system again it carries hundreds
of diseases and can cause eutrophication. Billions of tons of rubbish is dumped every
day to rot in the ground giving off toxic gases, and litter has been identified as the main
cause of the increase in the UK rat population to around 70 million.
The Environment: Secular Analysis
There are many conflicting arguments about how to deal with environmental problems, even amongst
scientists.
1. Government Action:
Set carbon emission limits on cars, heavier
tax for those who use the roads more and
unnecessarily. Signing up to the Kyoto
Protocol
to cut greenhouse
gas emissions unlike the USA who
refused to as it
would affect the
American way of
life and China and India who refused as it
would stand in the way of their own
industrial progress.
2. Alternative Lifestyles:
Some people only use natural products such as cotton
or wool, eat organic food, and ride bikes instead of
driving cars. If we all lived this way there would be no
environmental problems.
3. Science and Technology
• There are now several alternative ways of making
electricity which do not produce carbon dioxide or nuclear
waste.
• Car manufacturers are looking at
water, sugar cane and electric batteries
as alternatives forms of power.
• Most cars are now made of up to 75% recycled material.
Better efficiency means it would take 50 small cars built
in 2007 to produce the same pollution as 1 small car in
1977. Although the
• number of cars will
• be higher pollutants
emitted from cars
will have reduced by
75% by 2010 from
1992.
• Scientists are using chemicals from plants rather than oil to produce
things such as plastics.
Natural resources can be divided into two main types:
Renewable Resources: Resources that can
be used over and over again because they
renew themselves naturally. Renewable
resources usually produce little or no
pollution.
Non-Renewable Resources:
Resources that can only be used once.
Non-Renewable resources disappear once
they are used and often cause pollution in
their use.
Wind
Water/Wave
Oil
Natural Gas
Solar
Fertile Land
Iron
Coal
Oil Seed Rape/Sugar Cane
Tin
Copper
Soft Woods
Uranium
Hard Wood
• These cause no problems to
the environment but are expensive to produce.
• Use of these creates problems as
they become more scarce and
produce pollution
Creation and the Environment
Because God made the Earth,
the Earth belongs to God.
Christianity teaches that God created
the universe in such a way that it has produced an
environment perfectly suited for human life.
Genesis 1 & 2 state that God appointed humanity as stewards of His
creation. As a result, most Xians feel they have a responsibility to look
after the environment on behalf of God.
Stewardship of the Environment
This factory refines coal from its mountain top open cast mine. Q. Should a
Christian fight for the closure of this factory?
Stewardship includes a responsibility for humans too. Shutting down this
factory could put thousands of people out of work, affecting the lifestyle of whole
communities.
This would not be a Christian solution. So what would?
Stewardship of the Environment
Stewardship: ‘Looking
Stewardship: ‘Looking
after something so that it can
after something so that it can
be passed on to the next
be passed on to the next
generation.’
generation.’
Christians believe that with
authority comes
responsibility for God’s
creation
As stewards many Christians today feel…
• They should leave the
Earth in a better state
than they received it by
reducing pollution and
preserving resources.
• They should share the
Earth’s resources helping
LEDCs (less economically
developed countries)
without causing more
pollution.
God said ‘let
us make man in
our own image
to have
dominion over
all living
things … and
God told man to
rule over all
the earth.
• God(Genesis
will judge them1:26not only
30)
on their
faith but how they lived.
Is their lifestyle environmentally
aware? Do they actively support
environmental and
humanitarian causes.
Islam and the Created Environment
Islam teaches that the universe and everything in it was created by God as a place
perfectly suited to human life.
The Qur’an states: ‘The sun and moon follow courses exactly computed; And the
herbs and the trees – both alike bow in adoration… He has set up the balance in
order that you may not break the balance.’ Surah 55:5-8
• The universe was created
by one God and as such
the whole of creation has
a unity, a common
bond, within it.
• Everything is created
by God so humans
must respect
God’s creation
and treat it with care.
• There is a balance in
creation so humans must work
to maintain the ecological
stability put in place by God
since the creation.
Islam and the Created Environment
The Qur’an states: ‘Behold thy Lord said to the angels, ‘I will create a vicegerent on earth.’ And he taught Adam the nature of all things.’’ Surah 2:30
Islam teaches that God created Adam as
his ‘Khalifah‘ (vice-gerent; someone who
looks after things on your behalf) or
steward of creation.
• Islam teaches that God created humans
as his stewards (Khalifahs) of the
Earth. He showed people how to look
after the Earth in the Qur’an.
The Shari’ah (Muslim Law) and
Ummah (Muslim Community) teaches
a respect for all of God’s creation
• Life is a test and God will judge
Muslims on their faith and actions,
including how well they looked after the
world.
Around 1 in 7 couples (14%)
in the UK have problems
being able to conceive a child.
There are many different
factors involved in becoming
pregnant and if there is a
fault in any factor at any
stage, then infertility can
occur. Infertility is the
inability to conceive
children naturally. On July
25th 1978, Louise Brown,
the world’s first baby
produced using IVF
was born. Today,
around 6000 babies
are born every year in
the UK as a result of IVF
treatment. However, IVF
only has a 15% success rate
and can cost around £2,500
for every attempt.
Importance of Infertility Treatment
• Infertility is an increasing issue in the UK with around 12-14%
of couples unable to conceive.
• Male infertility is a particular problem with around 1.5m men
in the UK experiencing fertility problems.
• in 2007, 12% of all births in the UK were as a result of fertility
treatment - this shows how important it is to many thousands of
couples.
• It is part of human nature to want to have a child, it is how
humanity continues. Many people suffer from depression and
other mental health issues due to infertility.
Any child born using DI (donor
insemination) since 1st April
2005, now has the legal right,
once 18, to discover who their
genetic parents are.
IVF (In-vitro fertilisation):
when the egg from the
woman is fertilised
outside the womb using
either the husband’s or a
donor’s sperm and then
replaced in the womb
All methods of fertility
treatment and cases of
experimentation in the UK
are monitored by the
Human Fertilisation and
Embryology Authority
Embryo Donation:
When both egg and
sperm from donors are
fertilised using IVF and
the inserted into the
woman’s womb.
AIH (Artificial Insemination by Husband):
When sperm from the husband is
inserted into his wife by mechanically
means.
HFE A
AID (Artificial Insemination by Donor):
When sperm from a donor, other than
the husband, is inserted into the woman
by mechanically means.
Egg Donation:
When an egg is donated by
another woman, fertilised using
IVF by the husband’s sperm and
then placed in the wife’s womb.
Surrogacy:
When the egg and sperm of a couple are
fertilised by IVF then placed in another woman’s
womb. Or, the sperm of a husband is artificially
inseminated into another woman to have the
baby for them. The baby is handed over at birth.
“And God blessed them saying to the man and the woman;
‘be fruitful and increase in number.’” Genesis 1:28
Catholics bans all fertility treatment
involving medical technology.
Most Other Christian Churches allow
IVF & AIH.
 God has given a natural way for a
husband and wife to conceive and it is for
God alone to decide if a couple should
have a child or not.
 IVF involves fertilising several eggs,
some of which are destroyed or used for
experimentation, this is like abortion.
 God intended procreation through
intercourse, fertility treatment bypasses
this. It also involves masturbation which
is classed as a sin in Catholicism
 Anything that disassociates the
husband and wife in creating a child, or
introduces another person into the
process, is ‘gravely immoral’.
 God has given humanity the
technology to provide infertile married
couples with a child and create a family.
This is one of the purposes of marriage.
 The egg and sperm are both from the
husband and wife so the baby will be the
biological child of the parents.
 The concept of Double Effect allows
for some embryos (up to 14 days old)
to be destroyed if the motive is to bring
new life from embryos.
 Although other methods are not
banned, they could lead to identity issues
in the child or legal issues for parents
which do not help family life.
All Christians would encourage childless couples to adopt.
Most Muslims will accept IVF & AIH for couples having fertility problems.
 IVF & AIH is simply seen as the use
of medical technology to bring about
family life which is encouraged in
Islamic life.
 The discarded embryos are not yet
foetuses and their destruction can be
justified because it is not taking life and
the intention is to give childless couples
children
 The egg and sperm are
both from the husband and
wife so the baby will be the
biological child of
the parents.
All other forms of embryo
technology are banned:
 These methods deny the child’s right
to know its natural parents. This is
essential within Islamic religion and
culture.
 Any form of egg or sperm donation is
regarded as adultery, a grievous sin
within Islam.
 Egg and sperm donation is also seen
as being like adoption - which would not
be appropriate in this circumstance.
Adoption has specific rules including: the child retains its
biological parent’s name, full adoption is banned and
adopted children are not considered ‘muhrim’.
Transplant surgery is using healthy organs from a donor to
replace a dying or defective organ in a patient with the result
of extending their life and/or adding to their quality of life.
There are two main types of organ donation:
Deceased Donors: This is where people who have died have
either previously given permission for their organs to be
used, or, relatives of the deceased person give their
permission.
Living Donors: this is where living people donate parts of
their body they can live without such as bone marrow and a
single kidney.
Transplant surgery is proven
method of both saving lives
(heart and liver) and improving
lives (cornea and kidney).
Transplant surgery can
bring life out of death and
joy out of sorrow, rather
than being buried or burnt.
ULTRA (Unrelated Live Transplant Regulatory Authority)
is a government organisation set up to monitor live
transplants and preventing the selling of organs.
Q. Do you think a people should be able to sell their organs?
In 2007, 7234 people
were on the waiting list
for vital organ donations.
However, in 2006 only
3000 transplants took
place.
In a survey, 90% of the
public were in favour of
transplant surgery yet
less than 50% have
registered.
One third of families
refuse to give permission
for organs of deceased
relatives to be used, even
though the person has
already signed the organ
donation register.
Most Christians are supportive of transplant surgery.
Christians who
believe in the
immortality of the
soul believe the
body is not needed
after death and so
organs can be used
to help the living.
Christians who
believe in the
resurrection of the
body believe they
will have a
transformed body
not subject to
physical needs.
Jesus’ teaching of
‘Love your
neighbour as
yourself’ and the
Golden Rule are
both in keeping
with the ideals of
transplant surgery
However, they
would be against
selling organs as
this can lead to the
exploitation of the
poor (e.g. A father
selling a kidney to
feed his family).
However, some Christians accept live transplants but not those from deceased donors.
They would see the
vital organs,
particularly the
heart, as part of
God’s creation of
the individual
person and so
should not be used.
Humans do not
have the right to
act like God and
using the organs of
a dead person to
give life to another
is usurping the role
of God for yourself.
Using organs from
living people does
not affect the belief
in the sanctity of
life and so can be
used to fulfil the
teachings of Jesus
in the Bible.
However, they
would be against
selling organs as
this can lead to
medical assistance
only available for
the rich and not for
the poor.
Some Christians are against transplant surgery
It raises a problem about
when organs should be
harvested (taken) e.g. A
heart needs to be still
beating when removed.
Using organs of one person
to keep another alive could
be going against the will of
God. God may see that
person’s time as being up.
In Leviticus (17:11) is says
‘the life of a being is in the
blood’. Some groups, such as
Jehovah’s Witnesses, will not
accept blood or organ
transplants as it is seen as
passing or mixing ‘life’ from
one body to another.
On August 8th 2000 two girls named Jodie and Mary were born in
London to a Maltese couple. They were conjoined (Siamese) twins. As
the girls were sharing vital organs they could not survive if they
remained in this state. Therefore, the doctor’s at the hospital wanted to
separate the twins. The Roman Catholic Church attempted to gain a
High Court ruling to block the separation seeing it as killing one child so
their organs could be used by the other, this would be considered an
evil act. The family, who were also Catholic, did not want the
separation to take place either. The Catholic Church offered to look
after the girls and their family in a hospice in Rome until the girls died,
which was expected to be around six months later. The High Court
agreed with the doctors and the separation took place on 7th November
2000. During the operation Mary died, Jodie lived and is expected to
lead a full and normal life.
Most Muslims are against transplant surgery
Shari’ah Law teaches
that nothing should
be removed from the
body after death
(even for a postmortem) as Muslims
believe they will
need all their
bodily organs if
they are to be
resurrected to face
Allah on the last
day.
Like Christians and
Jews, Muslims believe
in the Sanctity of Life,
meaning, only God
has the right to
decide how and
when a person
should live or die.
The Qur’an states
that god has created
the body of a person
so to take parts
from one body and
put them in another
is to take on the
role of God (shirk).
This is considered
as the greatest sin
in Islam.
However, Some
Muslims will
allow transplant using organs from a living donor.
In 1995 the Muslim Law Council of the
United Kingdom, issued a fatwa (a legal
ruling based on Islamic law made by senior
Islamic figures). This stated that it was
acceptable for living donations to be made
and received in keeping with Islamic law.
Islamic religious lawyers agree that Islam
aims to do good and not cause a burden.
Therefore, if a close relative was dying and a
transplant would save them, then it should be
done, just as pork may be eaten if a Muslim
would otherwise starve to death.
 Key Words and meanings.
 What is global warming?
 Three possible causes of global warming.
 Four forms of pollution.
 Possible solutions to pollutions.
 Natural resources.
 Christianity and stewardship of creation.
 Islam and stewardship of creation.
 Infertility treatment.
 Christian view on infertility treatment.
 Islamic view on infertility treatment.
 Transplant surgery.
 Christian view on transplant surgery.
 Islamic view on transplant surgery.
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© Phillip Allen
© Phillip Allen
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India
Pakistan
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Israel
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies
Unit 8.3
Religion: Peace & Conflict
Key Words
Weapons of Mass Destruction: Weapons that can devastate large areas
and kill huge numbers of people.
Pacifism: A belief that all disputes should be settled by peaceful means.
Just War: A war that is fought in a right way and for the right reasons.
Conflict Resolution: Bringing a fight or struggle to a peaceful conclusion.
United Nations: An international body set up to promote world peace
and cooperation.
Aggression: Attacking without being provoked.
Exploitation: Taking advantage of a weaker group.
Respect: Treating a person or their feelings with consideration.
World Peace: The ending of war throughout the whole world (basic aim of the UN).
Bullying: Intimidating or frightening people who are weaker than yourself.
Forgiveness: Stopping blaming someone and/or pardoning a person for what they have done wrong.
Reconciliation: Bringing people back together to a point of harmony after a dispute.
Conflict also happens between individuals.
A common result of personal conflict is bullying.
Bullying: ‘Hurting, intimidating or frightening people who are physically or
powerfully weaker than you.’
 Causing deliberate physical harm
(e.g. hitting).
 Calling people names.
 Telling lies against a person.
 Causing them to have a low self
esteem by demeaning them.
 Damaging or taking personal
property.
 Purposefully attempting to ruin a
persons reputation.
Problems at home.
Having been a victim of bullying
in the themselves.
 Wanting to look tough.
Low self esteem.
An average of 10 children each year commit
suicide as a direct result of bullying.
Fact: Bullying also happens to adults, in the workplace. People who have more power can intimidate you
causing mental stress to victims which
has been known to lead to suicide.
Society tries to protect people
from bullying
• All schools must have an antibullying policy and students
should be encouraged to report
bullying.
• Trade unions have procedures
to help protect those who are
bullied in the workplace
UK law treats verbal bullying as an assault and
any bullying which results in physical harm is
classed as aggravated assault which carries a
prison sentence.
 Society is against bullying because it harms people mentally,
socially, academically and physically.
 It is against a person’s human rights to be able to be free from
fear.
 It harms society as it restricts the victim and the bully from
making a positive contribution to society.
 Civilised society is based on law and mutual respect, bullying
ignores both.
All modern religions see
bullying as wrong because:
 In the Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matt 25), Jesus said how we treat others should
be the same as we would God.
 The Golden Rule states we should treat others as we ourselves would like to be
treated.
 Christians (and Jews) believe people are made in the image of God, bullying is an
assault against God.
 Islam teaches every member of the ummah should be treated equal and all Muslims
should act like brothers.
 Muslims believe it is wrong because the Qur’an teaches to protect the vulnerable of
society (Surah 90:12-16).
 Shari’ah law is based on mutual respect and upholding what is ‘just’. Bully involves
neither of these.
Conflicts can happen between families. They usually happen because of differing ideas, jealousy or the need to
feel respected or feared.
 Parents refusing to accept
child’s choice of partner.
 Siblings disagreeing as
children or as adults.
 Child’s choice of career.
 Disputes over money, work,
relationships etc.
 Conflict over the contents of
wills.
 A family member’s choice of
religion.
 Moral issues such as divorce,
cohabiting, abortion, etc.
 Children no longer wanting to follow their
parent’s religion. Parent’s see it as a duty and may
worry about future life choice and the afterlife for
their child.
 Mixed faith marriages raises the issue of which
faith will be followed in the home and the faith of
any children.
 Children being more religious than their
parents cause parents to worry about
fundamentalism.
 Living together, having a divorce
or abortion can cause issues.
Forgiveness: ‘The act of no
longer apportioning blame and
pardoning a person for what
they have done.’
Reconciliation: ‘Bringing
people back together and to a
point of harmony after a
dispute.’
Christianity sees forgiveness and reconciliation as the way to end conflicts. They believe this
because:
 Jesus died on the cross to bring
forgiveness of sins and
reconciliation with God.
 The Lord’s prayer states ‘Forgive me my
sins, as I forgive the sins of others.’ How can
we expect God’s forgiveness if we don’t
forgive others.
 Jesus told Peter to forgive not 7 times but 77
times. This means forgive completely and
continually.
 Jesus’ told parables about the importance of
forgiveness and reconciliation. E.g.
The Unmerciful Servant (Matt 18:21-35) and
the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32).
Very occasionally Christianity states there are times when reconciliation may not be
possible.
 St Paul stated that if a fellow
Christian’s lifestyle is clearly going
against what God wants and they
repeatedly refuse to change their
ways, then they should not be allowed
membership of the church.
However, a Christian should always be
willing to work towards forgiveness and
reconciliation when possible.
 If a friend or family member refuses
to accept your faith in God and you are
forced to choose between them, you
should choose God and your faith.
Christians are warned about not forgiving others. ‘For
if you forgive men when they sin against you, your
heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do
not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive
your sins.’ (Matt 6:14-16)
Islam teaches that Allah is forgiving and merciful to all who turn from their sins and
to him. Muslims believe:
Muslims should be merciful and
compassionate towards others, because
Allah is merciful
and compassionate
towards them.
There are many
sayings of the
Prophet Muhammad (Hadith) stating
Muslims should forgive others.
The Qur’an states ‘If a person forgives
and makes reconciliation, his reward
will be from God.’
Surah 42:40
However, a Muslim
should not forgive
those who are working against
Islam seeking to destroy it or a
person’s faith in it.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) have been seen as the ultimate deterrent since their first and only
use in military conflict in August 1945.
Weapons of Mass Destruction: ‘Weapons that can devastate large areas and kill huge numbers of
people’.
WMD fall into three main
categories:
• Nuclear Weapons.
• Biological Weapons.
• Chemical Weapons.
Nuclear weapons work through a method of either splitting an atom
(fission) or joining multiple atoms together (fusion) creating massive
amounts of energy.
USA
Nuclear Update
Since 1945 scientists have greatly developed
nuclear weaponry. Today the hydrogen bomb is
1,000 times more powerful than the one dropped
on Hiroshima. In the UK the main nuclear
capability are housed in 200 Trident missiles each
containing 3 nuclear warheads, each warhead is
1,000 times more powerful than in 1945. That is
the equivalent to 600,000 Hiroshima bombs.
The argument for having such weaponry was
known as ‘MAD’ (Mutually Assured Destruction),
if one nuclear nation was to attack another, both
would be annihilated.
Russia
UK
China
France
India
Pakistan
Israel
Countries currently in possession of
nuclear weapons are USA, Russia, UK,
China,
France, India and Pakistan.
Although they have never officially
admitted or denied it, most people
believe Israel also has a nuclear
capability.
The UN now restrict countries from gaining
a nuclear capability. Only those countries
who already possess a nuclear capability
may have them. However, this has not
stopped countries such as North Korea
and Iran, from attempting to gain nuclear
weapons.
Religion
Different religions followed in one place can cause
conflict (Kashmir is a mainly Muslim area in a mostly
Hindu country). Disputes within religions (Sunni & Shia
Muslims fighting for control in Iraq).
When two religious groups
claim one area as their Godgiven land (Israel and
Palestine).
Ideology & Politics
If one group holds particular strong viewpoints on certain
issues (ideologies) and then tries to enforce those views
on other people or neighbouring countries, this can case
national or even world wars (Nazi Germany, Communist
North Korea on the Republic of South Korea).
Economics
World economy (financial security) can cause conflicts if
one country has a resource another country needs (oil,
gas). If economic problems hit hard it can lead to civil
unrest causing refugees to flee and some citizens of
nearby countries not wanting refugees
(Zimbabwe and
South
Africa)
Nationalism & Ethnicity
When an ethnic or cultural group within a region or
country is much larger than other groups, they can favour
their own group over another, this can lead to the
minority groups fighting civil wars (Kosovo). Some
minority groups
want to set up their
own breakaway
states (Tamils on
Sri-Lanka)
The United Nations & World Peace
World Peace: ‘The removing of the cause of war
leading to freedom, harmony and happiness in all
nations.’
After World War II,
50 nations joined together to form
an organisation committed to
supporting international law and
security, economic development,
social progress and human rights.
The United Nations (UN) as it is
called now has 192 member states.
The United Nations
seek to bring peace to areas before conflicts start often by
introducing and enforcing economic and political
sanctions, restrictions on trade or freedom of international
travel.
As a last resort armed forces made up
of military personnel from member
nations can be deployed
to enforce peace and
bring a swift resolution
to potential conflicts.
One of the key aims of the United Nations is; world peace.
Kosovo
Yugoslavia was a country made up of six republics (Slovenia, Croatia,
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia) and two
autonomous (self governing) regions, both based in Serbia (Vojvodina
and Kosovo). With the end of direct communist rule, Yugoslavia
eventually collapsed and broke up into different member states. This
was not an easy
transition and inevitably war broke out between some of the republics.
In 1989, the President of Serbia, Slobodan Milosevic, took control of Kosovo. The people of Kosovo, who were
mainly ethnic Albanians, resisted Serbia’s rule but the Serbian army were too strong. The Serbian army began
the mass execution of the Albanian Kosovo’s - this is known as ‘ethnic cleansing’. Hundreds of thousands of
people fled and thousands of men, women and
children were murdered. The United Nations tried to
negotiate a deal over Kosovo but when Milosevic rejected it,
NATO forces
began a bombing campaign driving Serbian
troops out. In 1999 the UN took
control of Kosovo giving the
people there it’s protection.
Kosovo
UN peacekeeping forces were sent to the region with several aims.
• They were to bring an end to Serbian aggression against the people of Kosovo.
• To offer protection for the people of Kosovo allowing for refugees to feel they were able to return
home.
• To stop Kosovar militia from entering traditionally Serbian communities in Kosovo and offer
protection against revenge attacks.
Since 1999 the UN have helped Kosovar politicians set up political parties, established democracy, law and
order and an education system. In 2008 Kosovar was able to establish an independent democratic state
recognised by most nations, although not
Serbia or Russia.
In 2008 the UN downgraded their
Mission in Kosovo to allow the
European Union to help Kosovo
become an independent state in
its own right.
S t T h o m a s A q u i n a s developed seven criteria by which a
Christian may feel a war to be justified (acceptable).
 A Just Cause: resisting aggression removing injustice.
 By Legitimate Authority: instigated by governments not organisations.
 By Just Intention: The reason and purpose must be for the greater good and not
material gain.
 A Probability of Success: There is a reasonable chance of success, lives will not be
unnecessarily put at risk.
 A Just Proportion: Excessive force should not be used.
 A Last Resort: Only when all diplomatic areas fail.
 Warfare is Discriminate: Civilians are not targeted.
Christianity and a ‘Just War’
All Christians believe they should work towards peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. However, whilst
this may be the primary aim, many believe that on occasion war may be an inevitable means of securing
that peace.
St Paul
“Everyone
must submit to
their governing
authorities
because it is
God who has
given them
that position,
he who rebels,
rebels against
God.” Romans
13:1-2
Jesus said ‘Give to Caesar
what is Caesar’s…’ this means
we have an obligation to support
the government.
“Remind the
people to obey
their rulers and
authorities, to
be obedient,
and to be
ready to do
what is right.”
Titus 3:1
Jesus also saw that
faith and military
service do not need
to be separated as he
commended the faith of
a Roman
Centurion (Luke 7).
Church leaders from key
Christian
denominations
(including Anglican,
Catholic, Baptist, Methodist
& URC) state Christians
have the right to fight in just
wars.
Pacifism: ‘Refusing to fight in a war due to a belief
that the use of force and violence has no
justification.’
Many Christians today are pacifists, claiming there
can be no justification for violence. They think
this because:
 Jesus taught his followers to ‘turn the other
cheek’ and not retaliate. (Matthew 5:39)
 Jesus stopped Peter from using violence and
said ‘He who lives by the sword will die by the
sword.’ (Matt26:52)
 The 5th commandment bans killing.
(Exodus 20:13).
 Wars affect civilian lives not just the
military.
 Jesus said ‘Blessed are the
peacemakers.’ (Matt 5:9)
The Arabic word ‘jihad’ means to struggle or strive’. Islam teaches that Muslims should be prepared
to struggle or strive in the way of Islam.
For Muslims the most important
struggle they must undertake is
called the greater jihad or
the internal jihad. A spiritual and
emotional fight to become truly
submitted to the will of Allah
(The word ‘Islam’ means
submission, the word ‘Muslim’
means one who submits to God).
The lesser jihad is about the physical struggles against the
enemies of Islam. Muslims will sometimes see their jihad as a
Holy War, particularly if they feel Islam itself is being attacked.
 The Qur’an teaches that Muslims must fight if they are attacked.
 Muhammad himself fought in wars.
 The Hadith permits justifiable wars.
 The Qur’an teaches that anyone who dies in a just war will go
directly to heaven.
However, some Muslims believe Islam to be a religion of peace
and modern warfare means no war can be just, so oppose all wars.
Fight in the cause
of god those who
fight you, but do
not go beyond the
limits, god does
not love those who
transgress.
 It must be fought for a Just Cause: either Islam is
being attacked, people are suffering, or in self defense.
(Surah 2:190)
 It must be a Last Resort: all possible non-violent
means of resolving the problem have been tried.
 It must be authorised by a Muslim Authority: By a religious leader or council
of leaders.
 It must cause Minimal Suffering: to all sides involved.
 It must not target Innocent Civilians: especially the elderly, the young and
women.
 It must end when the Enemies Surrender: Prisoners of war are to be returned.
Religious Peace Organisations
All religions have groups which are working for world peace. These groups work by
lobbying politicians, raising public awareness and campaigning for human rights.
Their main motivations are forgiveness, reconciliation and peace.
Task: Create a short fact-file on one of the following agencies:
• Pax Christi - www.paxchristi.org.uk (Xian)
• Neve Shalom - www.nswas.com (Jewish/Palestinian)
• JPF - www.jewishpeacefellowship.org (Jewish)
• Muslim Peace Fellowship - www.mpf21.wordpress.com
(Islamic)
N.B. Your fact file should include Who they are, examples of what they do and an
explanation of their motivation (why they do what they do).
Revision Checklist
 Key Words.
 Bullying, examples of and reasons for.
 The effects on society and the laws surrounding bullying.
 Religious perspectives on bullying.
 Conflicts within families.
 Christianity, forgiveness and reconciliation.
 Islam, forgiveness and reconciliation.
 Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD’s).
 Causes of war.
 The United Nations and the desire for world peace.
 The United Nations and the Serbian/Kosovo conflict.
 The ‘Just War Theory’.
 Christian attitudes to war (including Christian pacifism).
 Islamic views on war.
 Islamic ‘Just War Theory’.
 Religious organisations working for peace.
Notes
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies
Unit 8.4 - Religion:
Crime & Punishment
Key Words
 Sin: An act against the will of God.
 Crime: An act against the law.
 Law: Rules made by Parliament and enforceable by the police and the courts.
 Justice: Due allocation of reward and punishment, the maintenance of what is right.
 Judgement: The act of evaluating people and their actions.
 Capital Punishment: The State sponsored death penalty.
 Reform: The idea that punishments should try to change criminals so that they will not
commit crimes again.
 Deterrence: The idea that punishments will be of such a nature that they will put
people off (deter) committing crimes.
 Retribution: The idea that punishments should make criminals pay for what they
have done wrong.
 Rehabilitation: Readapt to normal life and thinking in society.
 Responsibility: Being responsible for your own actions.
 Addiction: A recurring compulsion to engage in an activity regardless of its effects.
Q 1. What is the difference between sin and crime?
A 1. Sin is an act against God, crime is an act against the law.
The Bible states that not one of
us is free from ‘sin’.
“Everyone sins and falls short
of God’s standards.” Rom 3 :
23
And the reason is..?
“People sin when they give in to
the temptations of their own evil
desires.”
James 1 : 14
Q 2: Which one(s) of the following would you say was a sin and why?
 A rich man is asked for food by a beggar but refuses.
 A married woman sleeps with another man - adultery.
 A boy swears and shouts at his parents all the time.
 A business man pays immigrant workers less because he knows they need the work.
A 2: All of them, because they go against the will of God.
Does this not make sin and crime
a matter of perspective?
Breaking God’s laws is a sin,
breaking society’s laws is
a crime. Often wrong actions
are both a sin and a crime,
but many sins, like
adultery, are not crimes,
and unjust laws are not
sins.
Society needs laws so that:
 People know what sort of behaviour is
expected.
 People are protected from violence and
crime.
 People can enjoy the rewards of their
efforts without them being taken from
them.
Laws tell people
how to behave, and justice
makes sure the good are
rewarded and the evil are
punished. Society needs
laws for it to work properly,
and the laws need to be just
Crimes are not
necessarily sins.
 In 1956 Rosa Parks was arrested in the USA
for refusing to give up her seat on a bus for white
man. This was a crime.
 Germans who gave jobs to Jews during the Nazi
period broke German laws. This was a crime.
St Paul said “Everyone must submit themselves to the governing authorities,
for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Romans 13 : 1
People should obey the laws of
the land. However,
St Thomas Aquinas argued;
If laws are unjust people
will feel it is right to
break them.
Crimes that are not sins usually
come about as a result of unjust
laws. Unjust laws are not
proper laws.
If some laws are unjust
people may think all laws
are unjust.
If laws don’t give justice, people
may take the law into their own
hands.
Law, Justice & Punishment
Humans live in communities, and any
community requires rules outlining
acceptable behaviour. Laws, society’s
rules made by Parliament, guide people
as to how they should behave in a
civilised society.
‘Justice’ is often represented
by the image of a blindfolded woman holding a set
of scales in her left hand and a sword in her right
hand.
This represents that true justice does
not discriminate, is fair, and will
punish where appropriate.
For law and justice to work their must also be
punishment for those who break the law. Punishments
are given to make sure the law is obeyed and that justice is
done, and seen to be done. Punishment
is the consequence of breaking the law.
The form of the punishment given should always be in proportion
to the crime committed and be suitable to the desired aim.
The type of punishment a person
is given (e.g. fine or prison) is
called the ‘form’ of punishment.
The purposes for which a punishment is given
(e.g. protect society or deter others doing the
same) are known as the ‘aims’ of punishment.
Complete each section of this paragraph in your own words.
Laws are important because without laws...
...However, laws need to be fair laws otherwise people will...
…punishment is necessary because…
…It is important that punishment has an aim because…
You should now have fully answered the GCSE question; ‘Explain why society needs law and justice.’,
to at least a ‘B’ grade or above.
Aims of Punishment
 Deterrence: ‘The idea that
punishments will be of such a nature that
they will put people off (deter)
committing crimes.’
 Reform: ‘The idea that punishments should
try to change criminals so that they will not
commit crimes again.’
The idea of deterrence is prevention.
The punishment a person is given is
severe enough to act as a deterrent and
discourages a person from
committing the same offence and the
offender from re-offending.
Many people see punishment as an opportunity
to reform offenders. Helping the individual
realise the error of their ways, change, and
become law abiding citizens who will not commit
crimes again. Reform can include training and
education so offenders will not need to re-offend.
 Retribution: ‘The idea that
punishments should make criminals pay for
what they have done wrong.’
 Protection: ‘The idea that society should
be protected from the criminal and the
offences that a criminal commits.’
Many people believe that a person should
pay for what they have done. This gives
society and the victims of crime a feeling of
justice. Punishments should also match
the severity of the crime.
Many people are frightened by crime. One
of the ideas of punishment is to protect society
from the acts of criminals, particularly violent
or persistent offenders, by imprisoning
them so they cannot harm society.
Judgement & Justice in the UK
In the UK, laws are enforced by the
police and the courts.
In a magistrates’ court a judge or
panel of judges will decide guilt or
innocence and pass judgement on what
a person has done. In a crown court a
jury will decide guilt or innocence and
a judge will decide on the
punishment.
Minor crimes, e.g. shoplifting,
are dealt with by magistrates’ courts,
while more serious crimes, e.g. murder, are dealt with in
crown courts.
An individual can appeal a judgement to the
High Court, the Court of Appeal and then
the House of Lords. Appeals can even be
taken beyond that to the European Court of
Justice or European Court of Human
Rights.
UK law has a system called
‘Doli Incapax’ which means ‘incapable of wrong doing’. One application of this is that
a child under 10 years old is considered too young to understand what they are doing is a crime, and so
cannot be convicted of a criminal offence (unless it can be proven
that they fully realised what they were doing was wrong).
Christian Attitudes to Justice
The concept of justice is extremely important to Christianity.
God is a ‘God of Justice’: ‘There is no
God but me, a just God and a Saviour.’
Isaiah 45:21
People should be treated fairly and
not cheated: ‘So in everything, do to
others what you would have them do
to you.’ Matthew 7:12
People should be treated equally:
‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave
nor free, male or female, for you are all
one in Christ.’ Galatians 3:28
Criminal justice is important.
However, so is social justice, so
the weak and vulnerable are not
oppressed and the strong and powerful
don’t take advantage.
The rich should share with the poor:
‘The man who has two coats should
share with him who has none, and the
man who has food should do the same.’
Luke 3:11
For Xians, social justice is a
responsibility. ‘Anyone, then, who
knows the good he ought to do but
does not do it, sins.’
James 4:17
Christian Attitudes to Punishment
The Bible teaches that judgement and punishment ultimately belongs to God.
Many Xians believe the primary aim of punishment should be reform and not retribution.
The Bible says: ‘Do not judge or you
too will be judged. For in the same way as
you judge others, you will be judged.’
Matthew 7: 1-2
Jesus encouraged people to settle
difference out of court. ‘If your brother
sins against you, go and tell him his fault,
between you and him alone.’ Matthew
18:15-17
Jesus taught the disciples to pray:
‘Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those
who sin against us.’ Luke 11:4
St Paul encouraged people to settle
difference out of court. ‘When one of
you has a grievance against another,
does he dare go to law before resolving
it?’
1 Corinthians 6:1-7
Jesus’ example was one of
forgiveness and reform: ‘Then neither
do I condemn you, now go and sin no
more.’ John 7:53-8:11 (Adulterous
Woman)
Christ died to forgive people not
condemn them. ‘Father, forgive them.’
Luke 23:34
Christian Church on Crime & Justice
‘Christians recognise that the
government has a duty to
protect society from crime.
Those found guilty of
breaches of law may be
punished. However, the aim
of punishment is not
primarily retribution, still less
revenge, but the reform and
rehabilitation of the offender.’
Methodist Church
‘Even the most depraved person is capable of
reform. It is society’s role to offer that possibility of
reform through systems of confinement and
imprisonment which the state organises.’
United Reform Church
‘Experience in prison can badly damage people
and rarely stops crime. Quakers would like to
see a more positive approach taken towards
everyone involved with crime and
punishment.’
Quaker Church
Islam, Sin & Crime
Muslims believe there should be no difference
between state law and religious law. The
Islamic religious law is called
. In
Islam committing a crime is a sin against God.
Shari’ah Law governs the lives of Muslims around
the world and is the most widely used
religious legal system there is. It is traditionally
upheld by the Imams
and the Ummah.
Muslims believe that God will judge all
people justly on the Last Day. They also
believe that it is their duty as viceregents
(stewards) of creation to
ensure that people are
treated fairly and the
world is governed
in a just way.
The Qur’an describes God as just.
Justice is the basis for the ‘pillar of zakah’.
The Shari ’ah is based on justice and equality for all.
God wants people to treat each other fairly and establish justice.
There are many Hadith (sayings/teachings) of Muhammad about justice.
Islamic Attitudes to Punishment
Islamic punishments, as laid out in the Qur’an, can often seem very harsh. E.g. cutting
off the hand of a thief or 100 lashes with a whip for someone caught in adultery.
However, Muslim attitudes to punishment are based on
and
.
Imprisonment is used in Muslim countries to protect society from anti-social criminals.
The Qur’an lays down the punishment
for certain crimes. ‘As for a thief, male or
female, cut off their hand: a punishment by
way of example, from God, for their crime.’
(Surah 5:41)
Strict punishments are only given as a
last resort. Islamic courts will look into
family circumstances. A person would not
have a hand amputated if they stole to feed a
starving baby.
The Qur’an and Justice
The Qur’an teaches that judgement and punishment ultimately belongs to God.
However, God demands all people show justice and mercy to all other people.
Justice is for all. Everyone should put
justice first, even before their family.
‘Stand up firmly for justice, as a witness
to God, even as against yourselves or
your parents or your kin, and whether it
be against rich or poor.’ Surah 4:135
Allah is merciful to those who seek His
forgiveness. ‘If anyone does evil or
wrongs his own soul, but afterwards
seeks God’s forgiveness, he will find Him
most forgiving and merciful.’ Surah 4:110
Justice is an central part of God’s
character. ‘My Lord hath commanded
justice.’ Surah 7:29
Muslims should act against injustice.
However, for a victim to forgive a person’s
injustice, is far better. ‘Act against those
who oppress people and transgress (sin)
against justice. They will have an
agonizing punishment - though, if a
person is patient and forgives, this is one
of the greatest things.’
Surah 42:42-43
The Qur’an and Social Justice
Social justice is
very important in Islam.
Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief are
two aid agencies working to relieve
poverty
and secure justice for the
poor and oppressed around
the world.
Shari ‘ah law bans the charging or paying
of interest on loans as this makes the less
wealthy pay the wealthy and is unjust. As a
result many Muslims feel they cannot take
out traditional mortgages in Britain.
Some UK banks now offer Muslim mortgages
similar to rental agreements.
One of the ‘Five Pillars of Islam’,
is zakah, a compulsory payment to the
poor. It is an annual payment made up of
around 2½%
of any excess
wealth a person has
(i.e. cash, savings
and value of any
jewellery etc.). It
is not seen as
charity, which is
optional, or tax,
which is for the
state. It is based
on social welfare and the distribution of
wealth.
Capital Punishment
Capital Punishment: ‘The death penalty for a
crime or offence.’
The process of judicial killing is called
execution or the death penalty. A
crime which is punishable by death is called a
capital offence.
In the UK the death penalty was formerly
abolished with the ‘Murder (Abolition of
the Death Penalty) Act 1965’. In 1999
Britain signed the European Convention on
Human Rights which stated the death
penalty could not be reintroduced.
The death penalty is still legal in many
countries including the USA (37 the 50
States), Iran, Libya, Rwanda and
North Korea plus 65 other countries
worldwide. Modern methods of capital
punishment include lethal injection,
electric chair,
firing squad, gas chamber
and beheading (only beheading
is not carried out in the USA).
Secular Arguments on Capital Punishment
 The death penalty acts as a deterrent.
 Society can be free of its most dangerous people.
 The value of human life is made clear by executing
those who kill.
 Execution is the ultimate retribution and
compensation for killing others.
 Execution helps brings satisfaction and closure to
victims families.
 Execution is cheaper than keeping a prisoner in
prison for life.
 Capital crimes do not seem to drop in countries with
the death penalty.
 There have been many occasions of innocent people
wrongfully executed.
 People facing the death penalty will be more likely to
kill to avoid capture.
 Terrorists who are executed could end up as martyrs
encouraging others.
 Human life is important and should not be taken in
any circumstances.
 Execution can be seen as an easier sentence than
imprisonment.
Christianity on Capital Punishment
 The Old Testament set capital
punishment as a penalty for some crimes. ‘Whoever
sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be
shed.’ Genesis 9:6
 Neither the Roman Catholic Church
or The Anglican Church (CofE) have retracted
their support for state instigated capital punishment.
 Jesus teaches forgiveness not retribution.
‘If any of you is without sin, let him cast the
first stone.’ Matthew 8:7
 St Paul teaches against retribution. ‘Do not repay evil
for evil… do not take revenge. For it is written ‘vengeance is
mine says the Lord.’
Romans 12:17-19
 Most Christian denominations are against capital
 ‘The Laws of the Realm may punish men with
death for heinous and grievous offences.’ (Article 37
of ‘The 39 Articles
of the Church of England’).
 Important Christian leaders such as St Thomas
Aquinas have supported capital punishment to
preserve the peace of society.
punishment. ‘We do not have the right, even in the case of
dreadful crimes, to take a life as punishment.’ The United
Reform Church.
 Christian believe life in the Sanctity of Life and only
God has the right to take life. Jesus came to save (reform)
people, you cannot reform an executed man. Jesus
overturned ‘an eye for
an eye’ with commands for forgiveness.
Islam on Capital Punishment
Shari ‘ah, allows for capital punishment for three offences:
Murder - the unlawful taking of another’s life.
Adultery - a married person sleeping with someone
they are not married to.
Apostasy - where a Muslim denies Islam and works
against it (this amounts to treason within Islam).
Muslim arguments for capital punishment
include.
 It is a punishment laid down in Shari’ah
Law within the Qur’an.
 The Prophet Mohammad agreed with
capital punishment.
 Mohammad sentenced people to death for
murder when he was ruler of Madinah.
Some Muslims are against capital
punishment, they say that Shari’ah
Law in the Qur’an only suggests
capital punishment and does not
make it compulsory.
These Muslims would point to
scriptures suggesting forgiveness and mercy rather than
death. ‘Let harm be repaid by an equal harm, though anyone
who forgives and puts things right will have his reward from
God Himself - He does not like those who do wrong.’ Surah
42:40
An alternative to the death penalty is that a victims family can
accept compensation called ‘blood money’, from the
murderer rather than requiring a death sentence.
• It is illegal to give alcohol to a child
under 5 except in a medical emergency
and under supervision.
• Children under 16 can enter a pub so
long as they are supervised by an adult.
• Young people aged 16 & 17 may drink
beer, cider or wine so long as it bought
by an adult to be consumed with a
meal. They are not allowed spirits.
• It is against the law for anyone under
18 to buy alcohol in a pub, supermarket,
off-licence or other premises.
• It is illegal to buy alcohol for someone
who is under 18 to be consumed in a
pub without a
meal or in a
public place.
• It is illegal to
sell alcohol to
anyone under
18.
• It is illegal to sell tobacco products
(cigarettes, tobacco etc) to anyone
under 18.
• It is against the law to smoke in any
indoor public places, work spaces, any
enclosed public spaces (e.g. A football
ground) and any railway/tram station
including the platform area.
• You can be prosecuted for smoking
whilst driving a vehicle as this is classed
as ‘failing to have proper control’ or
‘driving without due care and attention.’
• Any form of advertising of tobacco
products or sponsorship of events is
banned.
• Packaging must
carry large overt
health warnings
& graphic images
of smoking
related diseases.
In the UK drugs which are illegal to possess or deal without prescription are classified
into three categories (A, B and C). Each category carries different penalties for
possession and/or dealing.
Class
Example
Penalty for
Possession
Penalty for
Dealing
A
Ecstasy, LSD, Heroin, Cocaine,
Methadone (Morphine),
Amphetamines prepared for
injection, Magic Mushrooms.
Up to 7 years in
prison, an unlimited
fine or both.
Up to life in prison
B
Cannabis, Amphetamines not
prepared for injection, Ritalin,
Speed.
Up to 5 years in
prison, an unlimited
fine or both.
Up to 14 years in
prison
C
Tranquilisers, some Painkillers,
Anabolic Steroids, GHB,
Ketamine
Up to 2 years in
prison, an unlimited
fine or both.
Up to 14 years in
prison
Laws governing controlled substances are under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 which is
updated and amended regularly. Police can stop and search a person if they have
reason to believe they are in possession of drugs. It is illegal to unlawfully possess
controlled substances, possess it with the intent to supply it to others, supply or offer
to supply, allow you premises (including your home) to be used for taking drugs.
Tobacco: Smoking can various forms of cause cancer, it can lead to
coronary heart disease, strokes, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It
can also cause digestive problems, dependency (addiction) and
impotence. It affects both the smoker and others who inhale their smoke
and it can cause severe abnormalities and illnesses in unborn children.
Alcohol: Excessive drinking of alcohol can cause serious liver disease
(cirrhosis of the liver), stomach disorders, mental health problems such
as depression, psychosis and hallucinations, infertility or impotence,
anaemia (blood disease), heart disease, some cancers, obesity and
dependency (addiction). Alcohol is also linked with many accidents.
Drugs: Taking drugs can lead to many physical and mental health issues
including toxicity, dependency (addiction), liver disease, cardiovascular
illnesses, bacterial and viral infections such as HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis B.
It is associated with paranoia, mood swings and aggression. Taken in
wrong amounts or mixed can lead to an overdose and even death.
In 2009 government figures show the number of people claiming benefit due to
alcoholism rose by 79%. Alcohol leads to violent assaults, rapes, drink driving and
deaths.
Tobacco causes pain and suffering to both those who are ill and their families.
Illnesses directly caused by smoking takes up 5.5% of the NHS annual budget.
Alcohol and drug misuse is responsible for 90% thefts,
burglaries and violent crimes.
The issues caused by drugs, alcohol and
smoking bring fear to innocent people and
affects society, families and places of work;
they cause illnesses, death and misery.
Substance
Deaths 20002004
Amphetamine
(speed whizz)
384
Cocaine
575
Solvents
(glue/aerosols)
246
Ecstasy
227
Opiates
(heroin etc)
4,976
Alcohol*
25,000200,000
Tobacco*
500,000
* Deaths caused directly or indirectly (e.g. accidents or secondary illnesses)
Any town or city centre on a weekend evening will give evidence of the social
problems caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. 1/3 of all ambulance callouts are alcohol related and between midnight and 5am 70% of all hospital
emergencies are due to alcohol.
Most Christians are against illegal drugs as it is against the law. There are many arguments used by Christians
and
the use of alcohol and tobacco.
Jesus’ first miracle was
turning water into wine
at a wedding (2:1-11)
St Paul said Christians
can drink in moderation
(1Timothy 5:23)
Jesus gave his disciples
wine at the last supper
(Mark 14:23)
The Catholic church says
drinking in moderation is
acceptable
(Catechism 2290)
There are many
examples in the
Bible where
alcohol has
caused people
to sin. Noah
brought shame
on his family
(Genesis 9); Lot
slept with both
his daughters
(Genesis 19)
St Paul said ‘Your body is
the temple of the Holy
Spirit.’ and as such it
should not be abused.
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Churches such as the
Salvation Army,
Methodists and
Pentecostals, point to the
social issues caused.
Many churches will use non-alcoholic
wine so as not to tempt anyone who
may be a recovering alcoholic.
Islam forbids the use of alcohol and drugs because they are banned in the Qur’an and in the Hadith of the Prophet
Mohammad (pbuh). Tobacco is disapproved of but not banned as it is not explicitly mentioned in sacred books.
The Arabic word for alcohol is
‘khamr’ and means to shroud the
mind. If alcohol does that a
Muslim would feel it is wrong as
the mind should be used to
consider God.
Because of these things
alcohol and drugs
(intoxicants) are haraam
(completely forbidden).
Tobacco is considered
makruh (not forbidden
but extremely disliked) as
the Qur’an or Hadith do
not directly mentioned it.
Shari'ah law bans
alcohol as it is
‘haraam’
(forbidden) in the
Qur’an.
The Hadith (sayings
and deeds of the
Prophet) states ‘Allah
has cursed wine and
whoever drinks it, buys
it, pours it, sells it,
makes it for
themselves or others,
transports it, or
benefits from its sale.’
‘O ye who believe,
intoxicants, gambling,
idol worship and
divination, are an
abomination and
Satan’s handiwork.
From these you must
abstain.’
(Surah 5:93-94)
‘In alcohol is great sin,
and some profit for
men; but the sin is
greater than the
profit.’ (Surah 2.19)
 The difference between sin and crime.
 The need for laws and justice in society.
 The forms and aims (theories) of punishment.
 The importance of justice in Christianity.
 Christian attitudes to punishment.
 The importance of justice in Islam.
 Islamic attitudes to punishment.
 Capital punishment and secular arguments surrounding it.
 Christian arguments surrounding Capital punishment.
 Islamic arguments surrounding Capital punishment.
 UK laws on tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
 Health and social issues caused by tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
 Christian attitudes to tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
 Islamic attitudes to tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
© Phillip Allen
Knowledge
Grade four arguments both for and
against genetic engineering given by
Christians. Which side has the better
score and why?
Application
Comprehension
Summarise the arguments for taking part
in the electoral process.
Create a montage of images that can
represent any 10 of the Human Rights
outlined in the Human Rights Act 1998
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
MUST DO TASK
Create a Leaflet to show the
key points on genetic engineering and
cloning
Create a Mind-Map
on the everything you know
about Situation Ethics
Analysis
Synthesis
How might different groups in
Christianity view the phrase
‘The Word of God’ in relation to the
Bible
Create your leaflet to advertise the
Church as a source of authority for
making moral decisions.
Research the meaning of
Matthew 7:12 and say how it relates to
Matthew 25:31-46
Evaluatetion
“Your conscience should be your final
guide.’
Evaluate
Knowledge
Application
Comprehension




Define the following:
Global Warming
Conservation
Stewardship
IVF
Write in your own words the
four reasons why transplant surgery is
important
Identify three reasons
why a Muslim should be a good
khalifah of the environment and apply
this to two examples of how they could
do this?
Critical Thinking
MUST DO TASK
Critical Thinking
‘Pollution is an unavoidable
consequence of modern life.’
Create a chart with Xian and Muslim
groups on the x axis and attitudes to
infertility treatment on the y axis – At
each junction, give a brief reason why
each group may accept/reject this.
‘The life of a person is in the blood, and
so transplantation is not acceptable.’
Outline the views for and against this
statement.
Analysis
Compare the arguments for using
renewable over non-renewable
resources. Use both secular and
religious arguments on each side.
Synthesis
Create new government legislation to
help the country become more
environmentally responsible. Consider
the role of government, science and the
individual.
Do you agree?
(give two reasons for your view)
Evaluation
Evaluate the view that God has given
non-renewable resources for humanity
to use.
Knowledge
Create a mind map showing
four causes of war in the world.
Comprehension
Application
Why is it that many people see
religion as a cause of conflict
within families?
Create a stained glass window
outlining the Christian view on
forgiveness and reconcilliation.
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
MUST DO TASK
‘All religious people should be against
war.’
How true can this statement be seen
in light of Christian and Islamic
teaching?
Analysis
Compare, and comment on, the
similarities between the views of
Xianity and Islam on bullying.
Outline one example of
conflict in the world and the
role of the United Nations
in resolving the issue.
Synthesis
Design a poster to illustrate
St Thomas Aquinas’
Just War Theory.
‘A greater jihad would suggest
that a lesser jihad is wrong,
if Allah is ‘most merciful’.’
Discuss the views surrounding
this statement.
Evaluation
Evaluate the effectiveness of
the actions of one religious
peace organisation against
their objectives.
Application
Knowledge
Outline, using examples, four
key theories of punishment.
Critical Thinking
Why do you think some Muslims
believe it acceptable to buy and sell
alcohol whilst others do not?
Comprehension
Prepare a flow chart on the
secular arguments surrounding capital
punishment
Draw a nine square grid, in the outer
squares write four Islamic and four
Xian beliefs on Justice.
In the centre square, write a question
you would ask of either religion.
MUST DO TASK
Critical Thinking
‘Religious belief should not support
capital punishment.’ Outline the
arguments for and against this
statement.
‘The Bible and the Church
supports the use of the death penalty,
therefore Christians should do also.’
Discuss the validity of this statement.
Analysis
Synthesis
Does Jesus encourage the
drinking of alcohol in the
Gospels? Why might a Christian
disagree with your opinion (whatever
it is)?
Prepare a poster on the laws on,
and possible social issues caused by,
drugs and alcohol.
Evaluation
In light of Matthew 25:31-46,
why might a Christians feel they should
buy Fair Trade goods?