Crime
and
Punishment
Based on Christianity and
Islam
Contents
Page
3
Keywords
4
Why we need laws
5
Why we need justice
7
The theory behind punishment
9
Why justice is important to Christians




Laws on drugs and alcohol and the reasons for them.
Social and health problems caused by drugs and alcohol.
Different attitudes to drugs and alcohol in Christianity and the reasons for
them.
Attitudes to drugs and alcohol in one religion other than Christianity.
2
Keywords
Addiction
a recurring compulsion to engage in
an activity regardless of its bad
effects
Capital
punishment
Crime
death penalty for a crime or offence
Deterrence
the idea that punishments should be
of such a nature that they will put
people off (deter) committing crimes
Judgement
the act of judging people and their
actions
Justice
due allocation of reward and
punishment/the maintenance of what
is right
Law
rules made by Parliament and
enforceable by the courts
Reform
the idea that punishments should try
to change criminals so that they will
not commit crimes again
an act against the law
Rehabilitation restore to normal life
Responsibility being responsible for one’s actions
Retribution
the idea that punishments should
make criminals pay for what they
have done wrong
Sin
an act against the will of God
3
The Need for Law and
Justice
Keywords:
Law = rules made by Parliament and enforceable by the courts
Justice = due allocation of reward and punishment/the
maintenance of what is right
Crime = an act against the law
Without laws there would be
anarchy
Laws tell people how they should
and shouldn’t behave and set the
punishment for those who go
against this
This means a situation where order in
society has completely broken down
and normal life is impossible. The
weak would be bullied by the strong
and everything people have worked
for is destroyed.
For rules to be effective they have
to be set up by an authority. In the
UK these rules are agreed by the
elected people in Parliament. Not
only do laws tell people how they
should behave, they set out
punishments for those who break
the law otherwise no one would
follow the rules.
Laws exist so people are free to get
on with their daily lives
People know exactly what is
acceptable in their society. People
can go about their lives and get on
with life without fear of having to
protect themselves or their
possessions.
Laws allow people to feel safe
and secure
Most people feel safer knowing
that they are protected from
others hurting them and their
property
4
Discuss: ‘To have freedom you must have rules’
So why do we need justice?
In general justice means ensuring that people are treated fairly.
This means that if someone commits a crime then there has to
be a punishment that is fair to the wrong that has been
committed – the punishment must fit the crime.
For example, it would not be fair to give a life sentence in prison
for driving 37mph in a 30mph zone, yet a murderer gets
community service.
This statue is at the top of the building of
the Old Bailey, the most important criminal
court in the country.
1. What is held in the statues hands?
2. What do you think this says about
the British idea of justice?
Laws and justice are connected as if
people think that a law is unjust
(unfair) then they will take every
opportunity to break it.
Also, if people think that laws are
unfair then they make decide to ‘take
the law in to their own hands’ and deal
out the punishments they think are
right. This can often be vigilantism.
Law and order breaks down and the
streets are ruled by groups whose idea
of justice is often harsh and barbaric.
5
Task 1:
For each of the examples think about:
 What law has been broken?
 Why was the law in place?
 What punishment was imposed?
 Was it justice?
 Why is it important that justice is seen to be done?
Case A
A woman, 68, of Swindon, was banned from driving for 28 months, fined
£500 and ordered to pay £75 costs for drink driving.
Case B
A man, 32, of Brighton, violently attacked a woman who tried to prevent
him taking the drug heroin. He punched the woman in the face resulting in
her losing three teeth. She had bruising to her eyes, ear, arms and ribs. He
admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault; he had no
previous convictions for violence. He was given a nine-month prison
sentence suspended for 18 months and a 12-month supervision order and
ordered to complete a substance abuse programme.
Case C
A woman, 43, from Nottingham wrongly claimed income support, housing
Case
D and council tax benefit. She was prosecuted on one charge of
benefit
A
man, 29, from
Bolton
was of
discovered
hundreds of pounds
worth of
dishonestly
failing
to notify
a change with
of circumstances
and three
crack
cocaine
and
heroin
when
stopped
by
the
police.
He
was
charged
offences of making a false representation for council benefits. The total
with
possessing
Class
A drugs
with 
intent
to supply and
two
charges
Task
2:
The fraudulently
(c) question
known
amount
claimed
was £65,729.46.
She
was
given of
a
supplying
Class
A
drugs
to
undercover
police
officers.
He
was
jailed
for
suspended prison sentence, a curfew order to remain indoors between the
four-and-a-half
years.
hours
of Explain
8pm and
8am,
ordered
to attend
a courseboth
of employment
* (c)
why
society
needs
law andtraining
justice
and education and to repay the money at a rate of £25 per week.
(8marks)
Theories of punishment – what is the point of
punishment?
Keywords:
Responsibility = being responsible for one’s actions
Deterrence = the idea that punishment should be of such a nature that it
will put off (deter) people from committing crimes
6
Retribution = the idea that punishments should make criminals pay for
what they have done
Reform = the idea that punishments should try to change criminals so that
they will not commit crimes again
Rehabilitation = restore to normal life
Law only works if crime is seen to be punished. Most
punishments in the UK contain a mixture of the theories
regarding the aim of giving punishments. Most people agree
that punishment should make criminals responsible for their
action.
1. Protection
Punishing a wrongdoer by
locking them in prison, or taking
their life, in order to protect
society from the criminal.
Does this work as well for a
debtor as a child abuser?
3. Retribution
Punishing a person in
order to make them pay
for what they have done.
Retribution is sometimes
summed up as ‘an eye
for an eye.’
Does this punishment
work for a person who
assists someone with
voluntary euthanasia?
2. Deterrent
Having a sufficiently harsh
punishment to discourage other from
breaking the law.
Would this work with a ‘crime of
passion’ where someone does
something in the heat of the moment
as a reaction to something?
4. Reform
A method of punishment that aims to stop a
criminal from re-offending. Reform can be
achieved through a programme of education
and training in prison.
Will society be content for the unemployed
burglar to be enrolled on a course for
plumbers?
Fact! Over 60% of those who commit crimes
re-offend.
5. Reparation
Through punishment, a criminal is made to pay for their crime by doing
something to help society or the victim. Once a criminal has settled this debt,
they are rehabilitated into society and can start a fresh life.
Is it sufficient for the drink-driver to pay a large fine to the family o the
deceased?
Note, for your exam you may need to know what the 5
theories are and arguments for and against each one
Task 1
Create a table in your book. List each of the 5 punishments and
note down the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Task 2
7
Which of the 5 theories of punishment could be applied to
putting criminals in jail? Do you think that prisons are an
effective form of punishment? Explain your ideas
Task 3
Look at the following newspaper stories. Taking each of the
theories of punishment in turn, decide:
 What punishment should be given for the offence
 Whether the punishment would work
 If the punishment is just
YOB SMASHES PENSIONER’S GREENHOUSE
YOUNG
WOMAN
In court today,
Mark SHOPLIFTER
Pratt, 14, said heSENTENCED
was ‘messing
about’ near the allotments but admitted he was drunk
Paula
Simpson,
17, was anything.
arrested asEyewitnesses
she walked out
and couldn’t
remember
sawof ‘Nightshades’ with
two
designer
handbags,
worth
£265,
which
she
has
not paid for. She asked
his throwing stones at the greenhouse.
for seven other offences to be taken in to consideration.
Task 4: The (b) question
‘Trying to reform criminals is a waste of time.’
Do you agree? Give two reasons for your point of view. (4
marks)
Why is Justice Important to Christians?
Keywords:
Sin = an act against God
Judgement = the act of judging people and their actions
Remember, justice means being fair and treating people
equally is of utmost importance to both Christians and Muslims
Reasons justice is important to Christians:
8
1. The unjust will be punished by God
The Bible teaches that God is just and expects people to treat
each other in the same way. Being unjust is a sin, and those
who are unjust can expect to be punished in the after life.
2. Bible teaches what is fair
Although the Old Testament’s idea of justice is retribution, it
makes clear that punishment must be fair and once given no
more could be taken. This means that vendettas and longrunning disputes are unjust.
“…the punishment shall be life for a life, eye for an eye,
tooth for tooth... bruise for bruise.” (Exodus 21)
3. Jesus’ teachings on justice
Although Christians think of Jesus as the
Prince of Peace, the Gospels show that
he was not prepared to sit back and let
injustices happen. In his day Jesus’
ideas were revolutionary, and some
Christians still find some of them
difficult to get their heads around. Jesus
is linked with non-violence and
forgiveness and taught that retribution
is not the best way, but love is to over
come violence. He said that forgiving a person that hurt you is
much better than exacting punishment.
“Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you, for
God will judge you in the same way as you judge others,
and he will apply you the same rules as you apply to
others.” (Matthew 7)
“You have heard it was said, “An eye for an eye, and a
tooth for a tooth.” But now I tell you: do not take
revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps
you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too.”
(Matthew 5)
How Christians Fight Injustice
Through his teachings and his example, Jesus taught people
how to bring about a just (fair) society that God requires and
expects if people are to get to heaven.
Jesus taught to share their wealth with those who have nothing.
9
Modern Christians
believe there is an
unjust division of
wealth in the world
and so may actively
support ‘Make
Poverty History’
and ‘Drop the Debt’
campaigns
This has led to
people to giving
money to charity
such as Christian
Aid, and taking part
in projects to share
the earth’s resources
more fairly
Christians may protest about
unfair trading terms and put
In the Bible Luke 4 says
pressure of governments to
“He has sent me to
help the poor. One way this is
proclaim liberty to the
done is through using
captives and recover the
Fairtrade goods. This means
sight to the blind; to set
that the farmers get a fair
free the oppressed and
price for their produce which
announce that the time
means that they can afford for
has come when the Lord
their children to be educated
will save his people.”
and improve their standard of
Task:
(c)living.
Explain why justice is important to Christians (8 marks)
Why Justice is Important to Muslims
Specialist terms you can use:
Shari’ah Law = The Muslim code of law based on the teachings of the Qur’an
and the example of the Prophet Muhammad
Zakah = One of the 5 Pillars of Islam. A Muslim gives 2.5% of their spare
income to help others; this is a way of spreading wealth more justly between
people.
Reason 1: Allah is just
This is one of the 99 names Muslims
Similar to Christian belief, Muslims believe that
is extremely important
havejustice
for Allah.
because they believe that Allah is just. They believe
that
Allah
created
Al-‘Adl means
‘The
Just.’
everybody equal and treats his creation justly.This
Thisshows
meansMuslims
that Allah
expects
how
important
everyone to treat each other in the same way. justice is
Reason 2: Fear of punishment
10
Muslims believe that those who do not treat people fairly will be judged
accordingly on the Day of Judgement. If they have not shown mercy to others,
they can not expect Allah to show mercy to them. Justice from Allah will be that
the good are rewarded with heaven and the bad will be punished with hell.
The Qur’an says: Those who seek to redress their wrongs incur no guilt. But
great is the guilt of those who oppress their fellow men and conduct
themselves with wickedness and injustice in the land. They shall be sternly
punished.”
Reason 3: Many parts of Islamic life centre on the idea of a just society
Shari’ah Law: All Muslims are entitled to equal treatment under Shari’ah Law.
Islamic courts use Shari’ah Law to decide on just punishments if the laws of
Allah are broken.
It is unjust to charge interest: The Qur’an teaches that it is unjust for someone
to loan money to another person and charge them interest because that only
makes the rich person richer and the poor person poorer. There are many special
bank accounts which gives the interest earned on savings to the poor.
Zakah: The third pillar of Islam. It requires a Muslim to share out 2.5% of their
surplus income amongst people less fortunate than themselves. Muslims regard
this as simple justice because it is working towards a more equal society
How Muslims work for a fairer society
As well as paying zakah, Muslims are encouraged to making society fairer. This
can include donating money to a charity like Islamic Relief or recycling clothes
in a clothes bank.
Some Muslims actively campaign for a just society and may join non-Muslim
marches such as ‘Make Poverty History’. The aim is to draw people’s attention
to the unequal division of the earth’s resources and to pressure the government to
assist less economically developed countries.
By donating money to the work of a Muslim charity like Islamic Relief,
Muslims are working for justice and equality in the world.
Tasks:
1. Write a paragraph explaining what Muslims mean when they say that Allah is
just.
2. In your books mind map what Muslims think about justice.
3. (d) ‘Justice is more important to religious believers than to non-religious
people.’
11
In your answer you should refer to one religion.
(i)
(ii)
Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion
Give reasons why some people may disagree with you
Capital Punishment
Capital punishment = the death penalty for a crime or offence
The death penalty is still used legally in 71countires around the world. It is the
execution of a criminal and only the State of a recognised authority can do this
after the criminal has had a proper trial. Anyone else who executes a person
commits murder.
Capital punishment is a very controversial issue and there are many arguments
for and against its use, from both religious and non-religious people. In the UK
the last person to be executed was in 1964; the death penalty was finally
abolished for all crimes in 1998. There are many people who call for the death
penalty to be reinstated in Britain for some crimes such as the murdering of a
policeman or the murdering of a child.
In 2000, Dr Harold Shipman
was convinced of killing 15
patients. An enquiry
concluded that the number
could actually be closer to
250. Shipman was sentenced
to prison for life, but he
committed suicide in 2004.
Discuss:
1. What arguments could be put forward to support the death penalty for
Harold Shipman, the UK’s worst serial killer?
2. Would you have supported the death penalty for Harold Shipman? Why?
12
3. If you agree with the death penalty what crimes should the death penalty
be given for?
4. Should the State execute criminals under 18? Should there be a minimum
age?
Task:
Look back at the theories of punishment. Which ones does the death penalty fit
with?
Facts about the death penalty (from Amnesty International)
2390 people were put to death in 2008, up from 1252 in 2007. A further 886
people were sentenced to death in 2008.
- It is estimated that of this China executed 1718 people in 2008 which is 72%
of the total for that year. This is a minimum estimated; the actual figure may
be much higher
- Iran has the next highest figure for execution; in 2008 they recorded 346
deaths – eight of these were juveniles
The six countries with the highest execution figures are: China (at least 1718),
Iran (at least 346), Saudi Arabia (at least 102), USA (37), Pakistan (at least 36)
and Iraq (at least 34).
36 American states have the death penalty. Nine of these states carried out
executions in 2008, and just under half of the executions which took place in
that year were in Texas.
The only European country that still executes criminals is Belarus
Non-religious arguments in favour of the death penalty:
The death penalty removes
dangerous people from
society. It stops reoffending
too!
It is a deterrence.
Knowing that they
could be executed
for a crime is
likely to stop most
people committing
the crime in the
first place
A life for a
life is fair
retribution
13
It would give the
victim or their
family a sense of
closure which
helps them get on
with their lives
It is cheaper than
keeping a criminal in
prison for life at the
expense of the tax
payer
Non-religious arguments against the death penalty:
Mistakes are made.
Some people are
convicted wrongly and if
a criminal is executed
there is no rectifying the
mistake.
If there is a
death penalty for
murder, there is
nothing to stop
a person killing
many people to
not be caught
Terrorists are
regarded as
heroes and
executing them
can make them in
to martyrs which
may encourage
others to follow
suit.
Life is sacred; no one has the
right to kill another person
regardless of what they’ve done.
In 1988 and 1996 the UN
conducted a survey which showed
that there was no evidence that it
is a deterrent. Look at America!
Prison is a
greater
deterrent to
some, which is
why some try to
The death
commit suicide –
penalty is
prison is no easy
inhumane
ride
and barbaric.
It creates a
brutal society
and says that
state
sponsored
murder is
acceptable.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a non-religious organisation
who campaign globally against the death penalty and
For discussion:
other issues such as torture etc. They say that the
death penalty goes against 2 of the
Human
Rights
Derek
Bentley
people
In London 1953, Derek Bentley,
agedhave:
19, was
hanged for the murder of a policeman
 The
in a right
robbery
to life
that went wrong. The shot that killed
Christopher
Craigto
 the
Thepoliceman
right not to be tortured
or subjected
was fired by Chris Craig, his accomplice,
any who
cruelwas
inhuman or degrading punishment.
aged 16. Both were found guilty of murder, but
Craig went to prison because he
underage.
Thewas
death
penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and
Bentley was sentenced to death
because14he
was
degrading
punishment.
It is irreversible and can be
alleged to have told Craig to ‘Let
him
it.’
given
to have
the innocent.
Bentley had learning difficulties and a mental age
Tasks:
a) Give 2 examples of capital punishment (2 marks)
b) Do you agree that the use of capital punishment would stop serious crime in
Britain? Give TWO reasons for your answer (4 marks)
*c) Explain why there are different non-religious attitudes towards capital
punishment? (8 marks)
d) ‘Capital punishment can never be fair’.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion. (3 marks)
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you (3 marks)
Christian attitudes about capital punishment
There are 2 different attitudes towards capital punishment in Christianity – some
are totally against it and some think that it is justified.
15
Why some Christians support capital punishment:
Reason 1: The Old Testament
The Old Testament has many teachings about the death penalty and often
suggests it as a punishment for some crimes and sins. The Bible is considered to
be the word of God.
The very first book of the Bible says “If anyone takes human life, he will be
punished … Human beings were made like God, so whoever murders one of
them will be killed by someone else.” (Genesis 9)
The Old Testament also teaches “An eye for an eye”
Reason 2: The New Testament
St Paul told the early Christians “Everyone must obey the state authorities,
because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing
authorities have been put there by God.”
This means that if capital punishment is legal in a country then Christians must
obey this law. Jesus also said that religious people should do whatever the
leaders of their country demanded of them.
Reason 3: A teaching of Jesus
Jesus told his followers “Whoever curses his father or his
mother is to be put to death” (Matthew 15)
Reason 4: Christian
tradition
In the past the Christian Church
has used the death penalty as a
punishment for heresy. Heresy
means a belief that is not
acceptable to the Church, such as
saying that God doesn’t exist or
that evolution is how people got
here not God.
Reasons why some Christians are against capital
punishment
Jesus
16
1. Although there is a passage in the Bible where Jesus does talk about capital
punishment, his main message was about forgiveness and
reform rather than retribution.
2. Jesus said that he had come to save sinners and
Christians want to follow his example. However, if a
criminal is executed then there is no chance of Christians
helping them to repent their sins or reform their
behaviour.
3. There is evidence that some people who have been
executed in the past were mentally ill, or trapped in a life of crime and poverty
where they had little choice. Jesus came to save people like this and Christians
believe that it is their duty to do the same.
The Bible
1. The Bible teaches that only God can give life
therefore only God can take life away. This
argument can apply to the death penalty as it
suggests that not even the State is allowed to end a
person’s life.
2. Also, the 6th Commandment in the Decalogue (10
Commandments) says “Do not kill” and execution is killing, therefore is wrong.
Statements
3. Many Churches have issued statements about capital punishment. The Roman
Catholic Catechism says:
“The cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity are
very rare, if not practically non-existent.”
Task:
*c) Explain why Christians disagree over capital punishment (8 marks)
Islam and Capital Punishment
The Qur’an says “You shall not kill any man whom God has forbidden you
to kill, except for just cause”
Islam does allow capital punishment however as with Christianity some Muslims
are in favour of it, and others are against it. Islam is based on peace and justice.
Muslims believe that for some crimes death is a just punishment. To let someone
off would be an injustice to the victim’s family. Society must punish those for
their bad behaviour but ultimately Allah will judge and punish people on the Day
of Judgement.
17
For capital punishment to be legal in Muslim countries, the accused must be
given a fair trial in a court of law and found guilty. Other less severe
punishments can be given under Shari’ah law and these must be weighed up
against the crime committed.
Some Muslims are in favour of capital punishment because:
1) It is the correct form of retribution for some crimes. The Qur’an teaches that
the death penalty can be used for murder, adultery and working against Islam.
The Qur’an says: “…Whoever killed a human being, except as punishment
for murder or other villainy in the land, shall be deemed as though he had
killed all of mankind.”
2) It is regarded as a deterrent and a punishment that safeguards people’s lives
and property.
3) Shari’ah law permits the death penalty for
 Deliberate murder – the victim of the family has the right to say whether
or not they wish the murderer to be executed
 Threatening to undermine the authority – this is interpreted in different
ways that range from treason and terrorism to adultery and
homosexuality. It also includes working against Islam (apostasy).
4) The prophet Muhammad allowed the death penalty for some things
For discussion: Is it a good idea to let the victim’s family decide on the right
punishment?
Some Muslims are against the death penalty because:
1) The Qur’an does not say that the death penalty must be given for certain
crimes, it does allow other punishments to be given. Also, Islam allows the
criminal to pay the victim’s family ‘blood money’
2) There is evidence that Muhammad allowed the death penalty but he did not
enforce it, so Muslims use the example of him to say that it should not be
compulsory.
3) Muslims would also use the non-religious arguments against the death
penalty, that revenge is wrong, there may be cases where innocent people are
executed, and there is no evidence that it is deterrence.
18
Tasks:
1. Explain how the death penalty could be seen as a just (fair) punishment.
You may find it helpful to use examples.
2. b) Do you agree that the death penalty should be brought back in the UK?
2. *c) Explain why the followers of one religion other than Christianity
believe in capital punishment (8 marks)
3. d) ‘Religious people should be more against capital punishment than
anyone else.’
In your answer you should refer to at least one religion.
i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion (3 marks)
ii) Give reasons why people may not agree with you (3 marks)
Drugs and Alcohol
The Law on Alcohol:
Under 16’s cannot
drink alcohol in a pub,
but they are allowed
to go anywhere in a
pub as long as they
are supervised
It is illegal to give a child under
5 an alcoholic drink except under
medical supervision in an
emergency
19
Young people aged 16 or 17
can drink beer, wine or cider
with a meal if it is bought by
an adult and they are
accompanied by an adult. It is
illegal for a 16 and 17 year old
to drink spirits in a pub or with
a meal.
No one under the age
of 18 can buy alcohol
anywhere in the UK.
Nobody is allowed to
buy alcohol in a pub
or public place for
under 18’s to drink.
Tasks:
1. For each of the laws above, suggest a reason why that law is in place.
Note: There may be an exam question on why there are laws to stop children
drinking.
2. Given that Britain seems to have a binge drinking culture, do you think that
the laws need tightening? Suggest ways that they could be.
The UK law on drugs:
Drugs are divided in to 3 categories:
Class A: includes opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD.
Class B: includes codeine, amphetamine, barbiturates
Class C: includes Ketamine, GHB, cannabis, and mainly prescribed drugs such
as tranquillisers.
The government have passed many laws to prevent the misuse of drugs – both
the recreational ones and the medical ones:





The police have powers to stop and search anyone if they suspect that
they are in the possession of drugs. Police can seize anything that they
suspect to be illegal and can arrest anyone suspected of committing an
offence.
It is illegal to be in possession of a controlled drug, but if it can be
proven that the drug was put in someone’s pocket without their
knowledge then it is not an offence.
It is a serious offence to supply drugs or intend to supply them. This
includes giving as well as selling drugs to someone.
Growing cannabis is a serious offence, especially if it is proven that the
drug was intended to supply others.
Importing and exporting drugs carries heavy penalties.
Before and after misusing drugs
Facts!




25% of hospital admissions are alcohol related
40% of domestic violence includes alcohol
33,000 people die each year20
from alcohol related causes
19% of men and 5% of women in the UK report having a drink
problem
The Social and Health problems caused by drugs and alcohol
Many people in the
UK binge drink
which means that
they may not drink
every day, but may
drink heavily on a
night out. They
think that they are
OK but studies
show that this is
extremely harmful
The effects drugs an alcohol have on a person. Some of the main ones
are:
Accidents happen
Statistics show that
someone drunk or on drugs
is more likely to harm
themselves or others,
especially if they are
driving.
Crime occurs
Drinkers and drug users are more
likely to be the victims of crime or
the cause of violence. 50% of street
crime is related to drink
Leads to addiction
Alcohol is as much
a drug as heroin is
and people become
addicted. Without
medical help and
treatment for
rehabilitation,
people are trapped
by their habit.
Relationships fail
Partners and families
frequently find that
they are no longer
able to deal with an
addict who lies to
them and treats them
badly
21
Causes health problems
Liver damage is one of the well known effects of heavy drinking and
Christian Views on Drugs and Alcohol
There are different Christian attitudes towards the drinking of alcohol although
all Christians are against the abuse of drugs and banned substances.
Christian attitude 1 towards alcohol
Most Christians believe that it is acceptable to drink alcohol as long as it is
done in a responsible and controlled way as they follow the example of Jesus:
1. The Bible says that Jesus’ first miracle was the story
of the Wedding at Cana. It says that Jesus attended this
wedding where the wine ran out which would have
been very embarrassing for the family. He turned water
in to wine so that the guests could continue celebrating.
2. Jesus would also have drunk wine as a traditional
way of welcoming in the Sabbath day. At the last
supper Jesus shared wine with his followers and
instructed them to this in the future to remember him.
Today Christians do this when they celebrate with
Holy Communion.
This leads Catholics and Anglicans to accept that alcohol is not a problem, but
drunkenness is because it causes suffering. They think that the use of alcohol is
a part of normal everyday life and they use wine in services to symbolise the
shedding of Jesus’ blood.
Christian attitude 2 towards alcohol
The Methodist Church and
Salvation Army does not allow its
followers to drink alcohol. This is
because in Victorian times they
worked in the slums where many
people were poor and lived in
awful conditions and frequently
misused alcohol. This lead to their
situation becoming even worse,
and often they ended up in prison.
Today they use non-alcoholic wine
during Holy Communion.
The Bible also teaches that people
are special and made in the image
of God so should not abuse their
bodies:
22
“Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives
in you and who was given to you by God?” (1 Corinthian 6:19)
Task:
In the centre of your page write out the quote from 1 Corinthians 6:19. Show
how this affects Christian attitudes to alcohol and drug abuse.
Christian attitude to drugs
Most Christians accept that prescription drugs can be used to make them better,
but are strongly against the use of recreational drugs. Drugs as medicine are
good as they relieve suffering, which is what Jesus did, but the misuse of drugs
is wrong as the teaching from 1 Corinthians 6:19 would also apply here.
Churches have also issued statements
saying that it is wrong to misuse drugs.
The Methodist Conference said:
“Christians must face serious
scientific evidence about the harmful
effects of drugs. A Christians’ faith
teaches him to use all things
responsibly.”
Christians believe that they should
show love and compassion to those
who are suffering and so there are many
Christian groups who work to help
people who are addicted to drugs
or/and alcohol. One of the main groups
to do this is the Salvation Army. They
assist them with medical treatment and
help them work their way through their
addiction. They believe that helping
people get off drugs or alcohol
addiction is a form of healing and
making the body whole.
Other Christians work to try to remove the social conditions which can lead to
drug or alcohol dependency.
Muslim attitudes to drugs and alcohol
Drug and alcohol abuse is taken very seriously and is haram (forbidden by the
Qur’an). Medical drugs may be taken to heal themselves and they are allowed
to take medicines with alcohol in them but only if there is no alternative
available.
23
The use of drugs and alcohol is forbidden because:



they destroy the body and no one has the right to do this because they
believe that Allah owns are bodies
it is not just the individual who is hurt by substance abuse, but families
and society. Islam aims to create a peaceful and just society and so this
makes drugs and alcohol evil
The Qur’an has many teachings on the dangers of drinking and
gambling.
“Satan stirs up hatred among you by means of wine and gambling… Will
you not abstain from them?”

Also the prophet Muhammad taught that they are wrong and so Muslims
follow his example:
“Intoxicants are the mother of all evils. Alcohol is not a medicine but a
disease.”
Because people find it far too easy to slip from a small dink in to full scale
addiction, Islam totally forbids alcohol. It is wrong to drink alcohol or have
anything to do with it e.g. growing wine grapes, making or selling alcohol.
24