Authority – Religion and State
1.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term authority.
This means having right or power over others. For example the police have certain powers
such the right to search, arrest or issues warnings to people.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might lead a person to work for human rights.
Members of most religions believe that humans were created by God. It follows then that
God’s creation must be treated with respect. If life is sacred it must mean that people have
special rights and must be protected. This is summed up in the Golden Rule teaching; ‘treat
others the way you would wish to be treated’. A person of faith would wish to put this
teaching into action and thus ensure that all people have human rights regardless of race,
gender or religion as Jesus did to ensure people who had been rejected by everyone else still
received fair treatment.
c.
‘Everybody should have the same human rights’.
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this statement.
(i)A Christian may agree because it states in Genesis 1 that God ‘created men equally and
made them in His own image’. Also the way Jesus both taught and behaved demonstrates this
as the Gospels tell of many times Jesus ensured the fair treatment of everyone, for example
when He healed a leper and dealt kindly with a tax collector. These people would have been
avoided/disliked by Jewish society at that time yet Jesus treated them with love and
compassion. Christians believe they have a duty to act like Jesus.
(ii)Some other Christians might disagree because, should someone who has committed a
horrific crime such as murder, still be entitled to the same human rights as everyone else? A
Christian may argue that the moment you take away the human rights of someone else, you
forgo yours – ‘an eye for an eye’. Therefore taking away the human rights of a rapist or a
killer is what justice demands.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions the teachings about duty.
Catholic view = Catholics believe that duty is wide reaching; firstly there is a duty to God
which is summarised in the Greatest Commandment, ‘love God with all your heart’.
Secondly there is a duty to your neighbour as taught by Jesus in the parable of the Good
Samaritan and to treat others as you would want to be treated. Thirdly, a person has a duty to
themselves in order to keep their body and mind healthy and to use their talents fully so as to
look after the world in which they are a steward. The teachings of the Catholic Church
(catechism) outlines the various different duties that Catholics are expected to perform.
Quaker view = Quakers try to be dutiful in all they do. The power of the ‘spirit’ leads them
to a commitment to equality, peace, simplicity and truth for all. This underpins the
testimonies by which a Quakers’ duty is based. Quakers are not unrealistic in viewing an
‘ideal’ world, however through the testimonies they work with and support groups who are
trying to build a more peaceful just world. Quakers believe that the world would be a more
loving and just place if people were to recognise their duties and responsibilities and then act
accordingly.
e. ‘You should always follow your conscience when it comes to moral decisions.’
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Some Christians believe that a person’s conscience is their moral bench mark; it enables us to
reach sometimes difficult moral decisions. When faced with a moral decision a person may
ask advice of other people or read a sacred text in order to gain some level of clarity. In
Genesis 1, the Bible states that man is made ‘in the image of God’ not in a physical way, but
in a way that we can think and decide on appropriate courses of action. Many religious
believers have looked upon their conscience as the voice of God and feel that it ought to be
followed always.
There may however be
times when conscience conflicts with the law/authority of the land and a person finds them
self faced with a difficult decision to make. For example, according to British law, it is not
illegal to commit adultery but it is viewed within a religious capacity as being against one of
the Ten Commandments. In this difficult situation what does a religious believer do if
tempted to commit adultery? A religious believer may argue that they need to be true to their
faith and follow their conscience regardless of what the law says or allows them to do.
I am unsure about whether
a person should always follow their conscience when it comes to making moral decisions.
What if a person misinterprets what their conscience is saying? What if it is not their
conscience that is guiding them but greed and desire? Then again why follow what the
religious leaders or the government say if something deep inside (personal conviction) is
telling you to act in a different way?
2.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term duty.
This refers to something that you do because it is the accepted pattern of behaviour. For
example a parent has a duty/responsibility to provide for their children.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might influence a persons’ attitude towards
capital punishment.
A Christian may be against capital punishment as life is sacred and belongs to God;
therefore no one has the right to kill another person. The death penalty is inhumane and often
barbaric, which creates a brutal, unforgiving society. Jesus taught that forgiveness and
reconciliation are vital, he himself publically forgave his executors when he said, “Father
forgive them, they do not know what they are doing”. Capital punishment can never right a
wrong doing. The death penalty violates a fundamental human right-the right to life.
c.
‘People should always try to get justice for others’.
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this statement.
(i)A Christian may agree as what Jesus both taught and demonstrated highlighted the
importance of justice for all. The Gospels tell of times that Jesus went out of his way to
ensure that justice was served. There are accounts of Jesus healing a leper, dealing kindly
with a prostitute and a tax collector as well as responding to a request for help from a Roman
soldier. Jesus’ teachings about justice were revolutionary because he linked justice with nonviolence and forgiveness.
(ii)Some other Christians may agree because they believe that there is an unjust division of
wealth in the world which leads them to campaign against poverty in less economically
developed countries; ‘Make Poverty History’ and ‘Drop the Debt’ are campaigns that
Christians actively support. Striving to achieve justice for others is putting the commandment
‘love your neighbour’ into practice and most Christians believe they have a duty to do this.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions the teachings about human rights.
Catholic view = There are many biblical passages that teach Catholics the importance of
human rights, for example in Genesis 3, ‘Adam named his wife Eve, because she was the
mother of all human beings’. Thus Catholics believe that everyone is entitled to the same
human rights. Catholics also follow the teachings and examples of Jesus, who went out of
his way to ensure that people who would have otherwise been rejected (tax collectors, lepers
and prostitutes) where given fair treatment and their human rights upheld. By respecting
others human rights Catholics are living out the Gospel values of love, compassion, dignity
and justice in the world today.
Quaker view = Quakers recognise that every person has equal worth. A Quaker statement in
1991 said, “Our concern for human rights arises from our understanding of God’s will for
humankind”. They believe that all humankind has a sacred bond with God and that all people
have a holy duty to live to that will. A Quaker called Eric Baker was instrumental in setting
up Amnesty International, through his work to ensure the humane treatment of political
prisoners. Today Quakers are involved in numerous projects and initiatives aimed at
protecting the human rights of others regardless of their colour, faith, nationality, gender or
sexuality.
e. ‘Reading the Bible is all the moral guidance you need.’
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
For some Christians, the Bible is the best source of authority because it is the word of God.
This means that what is written there has God’s authority. The Bible contains rules, e.g. The
Ten Commandments and teachings e.g. The Golden Rule and numerous parables, telling
people how best to live their lives i.e. ‘love your neighbour’ and ‘treat others the way you
would like to be treated’ etc. These are the parts that some Christians turn to when they need
answers to difficult moral questions. Christians often read the teachings of St. Paul who wrote
a large number of letters to assist newly-formed Christian groups to make the right moral
decisions.
Other Christians may
consult the Bible however they interpret it in a more liberal way for today’s society. They say
that although God inspired the Bible, humans wrote the words down to help in the society
they lived in; not the society of today. As such these Christians would not always follow
literally what it says in the Bible. Instead they might follow their conscience or the teachings
of the church.
In my opinion times have
changed and many moral decisions made today may not have been relevant thousands of
years ago. A good example is the many dilemmas that advancements in medical science have
brought before us, for example issues surrounding IVF. It may be difficult to gain any
guidance from the Bible in such complex matters therefore a Christian might turn to other
sources of authority.
3.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term human rights.
These are something a person is entitled to because they are human. For example the right to
life or the right to live in peace or the right to be treated fairly are all human rights.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might influence a person to use their sacred text
to make moral decisions.
Christians believe that the Bible is no ordinary book; it is sacred because it was inspired by
God. Christians look to God as the ultimate source of authority to decide what is right and
what is wrong. They will look to the rules, i.e The Ten Commandments, the teachings of
Jesus, i.e ‘Love your neighbour’ and The Golden Rule and use the Bible as a source of
revelation in the hope that God’s message will be revealed to them and so assist with any
moral decisions they need to make.
c.
‘It’s madness to speak out when you know you will be killed’.
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this statement.
(i)A Christian may agree with this because they may feel that their voice is too small to be
heard and they would lose their life for nothing. Life is sacred; therefore it may seem wrong
to put your life in danger when that can be avoided. Also if you are a parent you have a duty
to love and provide for your children. These responsibilities will not be met if you are dead.
(ii)Some other Christians might disagree because it may be more appropriate to follow in the
footsteps of Jesus or Oscar Romero, who never sat back and let evil flourish; they stood up
for what they believed to be right even though it cost them their lives. If a Christian has a
strong personal conviction, not even the fear of death will stop them. As the saying goes; ‘in
order for evil to triumph (win) it is enough that good people do nothing’. Christians have a
moral duty to speak out even if it places them in danger.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions the teachings about capital
punishment.
Catholic view = The Catholic Church teaches that capital punishment is wrong because God
alone is the judge with ultimate authority no one has the right to take the life of another
person. A Catholic would use these teachings to forbid abortion and euthanasia; therefore
they should also be applied to capital punishment if all life is sacred and belongs to God.
Jesus brought a message of love and compassion, He emphasised the importance of
forgiveness not retribution (revenge). This was clearly shown when he said to those about to
carry out the death penalty ‘let he who is without son cast the first stone’.
Quaker view = Quakers place emphasis on rehabilitation rather than retribution as they
believe that the light of God is present in everyone, including criminals. Quakers oppose
capital punishment and in an official statement said that judicial execution serves no purpose,
in fact it just encourages a brutal, unforgiving society. Many Quakers are active in trying to
reform the criminal justice system, in fact, an early prison reformer Elizabeth Fry who
campaigned for the fair treatment of women and children in prison, was a Quaker.
e. ‘If God is the judge, we have no right to punish people’.
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Religion has played an important part in the development of how society deals with
offenders; however some Christians believe that God alone is the judge, people will be
judged on their earthly actions at the time of judgement. Jesus himself said, ‘Do not judge so
that you are not judged’. (Mat 7:1). Jesus’ teachings are based on forgiveness and compassion
and so offenders should be offered the chance to atone for their wrongdoings, not punished
by others. This message was clearly given when Jesus said to prostitute after her accusers had
left ‘go and sin no more’.
On the other hand many
Christians believe that punishment and forgiveness can go together and so they see
reforming rather than punishing the criminal as important. They have also set up systems to
ensure a fair system, for example The Howard League for Penal Reform. The state of prisons
was also improved in the 19th century by the Quaker, Elizabeth Fry. Nevertheless, the
Christian Church has reinforced the right of the State to punish criminals, based on the verse,
‘Let every person be subject to the government authorities’. (Romans 13:1)
In my opinion, laws need
to be in place to ensure that people have responsibility for their actions. However a person’s
human rights also have to be addressed in order for reform and reparation to be successful.
God gave people the capability to oversee society and therefore although God should be
honoured, at times judgement by other forms of authority must take place.
4.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term justice.
This refers to a situation where everyone has equal provisions and opportunity. For example
everyone ought to be entitled to a fair trial or have the opportunity to learn or get a job.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might convince a person to disobey the law.
If a personal, religious conviction is strong enough a Christian may be convinced to disobey
the law. A person may find it very difficult to stand aside and watch something happen that
will bring harm. An example of this was when ten Quakers were arrested by police because
of their pacifist beliefs. They were protesting against nuclear weapons and believe it is their
duty to work towards world peace, something they believe can never be achieved if a country
holds nuclear weapons. They say that they respect state laws however their first loyalty is to
God. Here their personal convictions and consciences prompted them to speak out against
what was going on in society.
‘Depriving someone of their freedom is the best
punishment for murder’
c.
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this statement.
(i)A Christian may agree with this as they believe that capital punishment is against the will
of God. Jesus’ message was of forgiveness and reconciliation and a time in prison may allow
the offender to reflect on the crime committed. As Ghandi said, ‘An eye for an eye makes the
whole world blind’, and therefore capital punishment will solve nothing, it will not bring the
murdered person back to their loved ones.
(ii)Some other Christians might disagree because they feel that taking away a murderer’s
freedom is in no way matched to the taking of a life. After a time the murderer might be
released, to live their life with family and friends, possibly not even regretting their actions.
The person murdered will never be given their life back and their family will carry that
sorrow forever. Therefore they believe that justice will on be served when those guilty of
murder are themselves executed.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions about the authority of sacred texts.
Catholic view = Catholics believe that the Bible was inspired by God and therefore has
God’s authority. The Bible contains rules and teachings by which a Catholic is guided in life
to make the right moral decisions. For Catholics the most important teachings are given by
Jesus and are found in the New Testament. In particular the Sermon on the Mount tells
Catholics about the sort of lives that God expects them to lead i.e. to be loving, forgiving and
compassionate to those that you meet in the same way that Jesus was.
Quaker view = Some Quakers read the Bible in order to gain guidance regarding moral
issues others do not. Quakers use their testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community,
equality and stewardship to guide their consciences. Most acknowledge the Bible as sacred
text; however some do not view it as the ultimate Word of God, merely a good source of
moral guidance, especially the teachings of Jesus regarding equality, peace and justice.
e. ‘A life for a life is fair’.
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Some Christians may agree with this statement as they may take guidance from the Old
Testament which states that it is fair and just to atone the taking of a life by taking another. It
may seem fair and just to them, that if a loved one is murdered, then the perpetrator should
lose their life also, prison is not punishment enough. ‘An eye for an eye’ is retribution
(revenge) and this is just. Furthermore capital punishment protects society in that it prevents
the guilty from reoffending and at the same time it serves as a warning to others of what will
happen if they were to carry out a similar crime.
However, Jesus brought a
teaching of forgiveness for all; He himself forgave his executors when dying on the cross –
‘Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing’. Although it may be difficult to
initially forgive such a terrible wrongdoing, many Christians take strength from Jesus’
example. Gee Walker, whose son Anthony was brutally murdered for no other reason than
being black, has publically forgiven the two guilty men. Gee says that her Christian faith has
given her the guidance to realise that keeping hold of the hatred and revenge will in fact take
her life in a metaphorical sense (she will be destroyed by anger and bitterness).
My personal opinion is that
this is a really difficult statement to completely agree or disagree with. As a Christian I hope
that my faith in God and the guidance of Jesus’ teachings would allow me to forgive if
someone took the life of someone I loved. However I can’t help but think such people
deserve a severe punishment if true justice is ever to be served.
5.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term personal conviction.
This refers to something a person strongly feels or believes in. For example some people feel
strongly about animal rights or environmental issues and this is reflected in what they say and
do.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might influence a person’s attitude towards
punishment.
Christians tend to support punishment as long as the punishment is just; in other words the
punishment must ‘fit the crime’. Therefore if someone has committed a serious crime/sin
such as murder or rape most Christians would support a lengthy prison sentence. The aim of
such punishment would be to protect society from dangerous people and also to deter other
from acting in a similar way. An appropriate punishment allows a person to pay for their
crimes (reparation). Some Christians believe in retribution – ‘an eye for an eye’, however
many Christians consider this approach to be somewhat spiteful and vindictive. Instead these
Christians will put emphasis on reform – ‘hate the sin not the sinner’. This attitude is
arguably more loving and compassionate. Jesus often showed mercy to sinners i.e. Zacchaeus
or the woman about to be stoned to death and many would follow this example.
c.
‘Capital punishment is a form of murder.’
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this statement.
(i)Some Christians will agree with this statement because if life is sacred and belongs to God,
God alone is the judge, no-one has the right to take another life, even if a horrific crime has
taken place. Jesus brought a message of love and forgiveness, and therefore rehabilitation
would be the most loving option. Capital punishment simply increases the amount of brutality
in the world.
(ii)Some other Christians might disagree because if the teachings of the Old Testament are
considered, such as “an eye for an eye” then capital punishment is not murder; it is merely
justice and a way of deterring further criminality. Therefore some Christians will argue that
society has a moral duty to use the death penalty.
d. Explain from two different religious traditions how faith may influence personal
convictions.
Catholic view = For some Catholics many personal beliefs will be supported by the Bible
and the teachings of Jesus. At times many Catholics may be in moral dilemmas due to the
fact that the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches many ‘definite’ answers to some very
difficult personal moral situations. For example in the case of IVF, the Catholic Church is
very clear that this goes against the will of God, only God can decide when life is conceived.
For a Catholic couple, unable to have their own child, this will have a massive impact on
their course of action, with many overcoming their personal desire for a child, with the fact
that it is the will of God that is the most important factor.
Quaker view = A key element for Quakers is that they seek to live what they believe. Both
the Quaker advices and testimonies support this and encourage that faith influences personal
convictions on many matters. Historically, Quakers are well known for their stand against
war as pacifists. Quakers refuse to take up arms and instead try to help the casualties of war.
In 1947 Quakers were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for recognition of global humanitarian
work. Quakers also have strong personal convictions in relation to stewardship, equality and
truthfulness and these in turn influence how they behave.
e. ‘Trying to reform criminals is a waste of time.’
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Jesus taught that forgiveness and love are the keys to a humane society and therefore a
Christian may strive to support rehabilitation rather than giving up on the criminal. There are
many examples of Jesus showing compassion towards those who have sinned, for example
Mary Magdalene was seen as a criminal and was about to be stoned until Jesus spoke up on
her behalf. She did reform and became a follower of Jesus. Another very good example is
that of St. Paul. He used to persecute Christians until he was transformed by God whilst
walking on the road to Damascus. St. Paul went on to become the leader of the Christian
church.
Other Christians, such as
Quakers would disagree as they believe that the light of God is present in everyone, therefore,
everyone deserves a second chance. Quakers believe that reform policy is essential and
uphold the Christian principle that good can overcome evil. Quakers believe that
rehabilitation allows healing of both the criminal and those affected by the crime, thus
creating a more peaceful, forgiving society.
In my opinion, reforming
criminals is not a waste of time in most instances. God gave us free will in order to make our
own decisions. Sometimes those decisions may be wrong, however, a second chance allows a
criminal to reflect upon that and reform their ways in order to be a valuable part of society.
At the end of the day we all make mistakes and are in need of forgiveness and the opportunity
to make amends. Therefore as a Christian I have a duty to forgive other their trespasses so
that God will forgive me for my trespasses.
6.
a. Explain what religious believers mean by the term punishment.
This refers to a penalty given to someone for a crime or wrong they have done. For example a
person might receive a fine or even a prison sentence for stealing.
b. Explain how having a religious faith might lead a person to believe that God alone is
the judge.
A Christian may follow the Bible when considering who has the authority to judge
wrongdoings. God gave the Ten Commandments as a guide for believers to follow, thus
showing God as omnipotent. God gave the Commandments to allow people to live a moral,
law abiding life, therefore a believer may say that if those ‘laws’ are broken it is God’s place
to pass judgement. God is after all the supreme creator and sustainer of the universe and
according to the bible he will on Judgement Day judge all of mankind.
c.
‘The Bible is too old to offer moral guidance today’.
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this statement.
(i)A Christian may agree with this because the Bible was written at a time when many issues
that are a concern today were not relevant then. Medical ethical decisions are a prime
example of this; religious dilemmas concerning IVF would never have been considered when
the Bible was written. The same is true about the use of nuclear or biological weapons. To
answer questions relating to these issues a person is forced to turn to other sources of
authority.
(ii) Some other Christians might disagree because if the Bible is the absolute Word of God (a
literalist perspective), can that ever be classed as out of date? The guidance given in the Bible
can be adapted to ethical issues today, as teachings such as the sanctity of life are as relevant
now as they would have been hundreds of years ago. Life is always precious and God-given
therefore any modern practices that violate the sanctity of life i.e. euthanasia, abortion I.V.F
etc. may be considered wrong.
d. Explain how an individual from two different religious traditions has worked for
human rights.
Catholic view = Oscar Romero was an Archbishop in El Salvador who fought against the
injustices faced by the people there. Romero could not keep silent when he saw rich
landowners making huge profits whilst their employees starved to death and as such had a
personal conviction to use his power and influence to tell the world what was going on in El
Salvador, even if he risked his own life. Romero condemned the government for human
rights abuses, for example people were taken and tortured for attending Catholic Mass, for
trying to organise trade unions and voting against the regime in power. Romero’s actions
were motivated by the life of Jesus, who never stood back and let evil flourish. Romero was
assassinated whist saying Mass by a government assassin. He had previously stated ‘may my
death be for the freedom of my people’.
Quaker view = Eric Baker was a Quaker and a peacemaker, who in 1961 wrote a newspaper
article entitled “The Forgotten Prisoner”. This article started a campaign which resulted in the
founding of Amnesty International in 1962. Baker was appalled at the inhumane treatment of
political prisoners; many imprisoned without trial and believed that the Quaker testimonies of
both peace and equality should underpin the work of Amnesty International. Baker worked
tirelessly to ensure that the governments around the world were fully aware of human rights
laws, through publicity campaigns, posters and seeking meetings with prominent political
people. Baker initiated the current Quaker tradition of working in this way which is called
‘speaking truth to power’.
e. ‘A religious person should be prepared to sacrifice their life for human rights’.
Do you agree? Give reasons or evidence for your answer, showing that you have
thought about more than one point of view. You must include reference to religious
beliefs in your answer.
Throughout the history of the Christian Church there have been many examples of people
following their faith so explicitly that it has cost them their lives, e.g. Martin Luther King and
Oscar Romero. With regards to human rights, most Christians believe that it is God’s will
that all humankind have equal rights and justice, however most Christians may not be willing
to sacrifice their life for a particular human rights cause especially if they were married and
had a family to support.
If a Christian was to follow
the example of Jesus fully, for example Oscar Romero and Maximillian Kolbe, then they
would be willing to give their life for the human rights of others. Both of these great men
made choices for the human rights of others that they knew would eventually cost them their
own lives. However, because of their unending faith in the teachings of Jesus, for example
‘love your neighbour’ and ‘there is no greater love than to lay down your life for your
friends’ these men were prepared to sacrifice their lives, totally unselfishly.
Some Christians however
may feel that the lives of these men were taken in vain, as human rights abuses did not cease
to exist in either Europe after World War II or in El Salvador. Can a few brave people make
that much of a difference? It may be more appropriate to carry on campaigning for human
rights rather than to end your life.
In my opinion, human
rights should not just be the concern of religious people. Basic human rights, such as
freedom of speech, to have shelter and to be able to worship in peace are a global concern
rather than just a religious concern. Although the death of the great men mentioned did go
some way to highlight human rights abuses, I feel that more could have been achieved with
the men alive as they were very influential.