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 300 BCE . • NT compiled and combined around 375 CE.

Did You Know...?

‘

God-breathed

life from God.

’ 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

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 words of God. : Some Xians, mainly fundamentalists, believe the Bible contains the actual 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 of considering the exegesis and then interpreting the passage in the light of today’s ‘ the skill ’ i.e. the context of its modern day reader and their situations.

At first the Christian Church had identical beliefs.

Constantine became a Christian and so Rome helped the spread of Christianity.

later a split happened between East and West. Salvation Army Methodist Baptist Roman Catholic Free/House Church Lutheran 1517 Reformation 1378 Great Schism 312 Constantine Apostles Jesus Quakers In 1517 a priest called Martin Luther objected to how the Catholic Church Church of England He listed 95 objections he had.

different groups (denominations) Eastern Orthodox felt the need to worship god in different ways. These are just some of the denominations

Authority of the Church Rome Athens Constantinople • The Apostles established small communities of converts across the region.

Antioch Carthage The church was Jesus’, St Peter’s and St Paul’s chosen structure.

Alexandria Jerusalem • 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 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-by church 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 ‘

conscience

should be their

greater rules

’ because he believed a Christian will one day be personally responsible for the choices they make and so, 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 the individual, and recognition that the most loving way out of a situation should be the ultimate motive.

love for

“

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

3

loving thing to do for

all,

only the individual.

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.

Making a Moral Decision 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 it? You . You . What is it spent on? . Who decides who gets to spend The government simply a political party who made is 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 a number of candidates of (usually from each of the main political parties and a few others). Whoever gets the most votes wins & becomes an MP. Whoever the most becomes government.

has MPs, the 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 sets our taxes to raise money and chooses how our money is then spent.

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’ .

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 against slavery).

(led the parliamentary campaign Lord Shaftsbury (stood against child labour and fought for child education). William Booth Army). (famed for establishing homes for society’s outcasts through the Salvation Dr Thomas Barnardo (established housing and training for destitute children).

It still happens Today: Gordon Brown , organised the government’s policy on dropping third world debt because of his Christian beliefs.

These people became involved with the democratic process because they believed their religion compelled them to stand up for human rights . Muslimyouth.net and the Oasis Trust government for these concerns.

are both religious organisations that involve young Muslims and Christians in social action and human rights activities, and in lobbying the

• 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 ‘ not do for me.

’ social change 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 for the • The Greatest Commandment. (Matthew 22:36-40) ‘ Love God and love your neighbour, the whole of the Law and Prophets hinge on these two commands. ‘ ‘ • Faith and Deeds. (James 2:26) As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

’ • The Golden Rule. (Matt 7:12) ‘ So in everything, do to others as you would have 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 in the democratic process.

)

.

Have the right to own possessions, have an education and participate

Human Rights : entitled.

The rights and freedoms to which everyone is 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.

It outlaws discrimination against Christians and others.

Some Christians feel homosexuals should not adopt children.

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.

PGD

: Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis. This removes defective genes from embryos so women at risk of passing on diseases can produce healthy babies.

Stem Cell Research

form of genetic research. Stem cells are the ‘ is the most recent

building blocks of life ’ and can be used to create (

blood.

clone ) new organs

or cells to replace diseased ones. They are ‘harvested’ from either embryos created by in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) , bone marrow or 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 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.

• •

Life begins at conception, be it in the womb or a glass 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 Stewardship Conservation : The surroundings on which plants and animals live and on which they depend to continue living.

: Looking after something on behalf of another so that it can be passed back or on to the next generation of stewards.

: 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 2 0 c 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

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.

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.

3. Solar Activity

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 also doubt humans are the cause as temperatures dropped after WWII whilst carbon dioxide levels rose rapidly.

They also state that nature naturally produces more C0 2 emissions than humans ever will.

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.

4. Human Waste

The Threat of Pollution

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 un like 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 by emitted from cars will have reduced plastics.

75% by 2010 from 1992.

rather than oil to produce things such as

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 Solar Water/Wave Fertile Land Oil Seed Rape/Sugar Cane Soft Woods • These cause no problems to the environment but are expensive to produce.

Oil Iron Tin Uranium Natural Gas Coal Copper Hard Wood • Use of these creates problems as they become more scarce and produce pollution

Creation and the Environment

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 communities. humans too. Shutting down this factory could put thousands of people out of work, affecting the lifestyle of whole This would not be a Christian solution.

So what would?

Stewardship of the Environment ‘ : Looking after something so that it can be passed on to the next 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 will judge them not only 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 bond common , 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 vice-gerent 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.

The Shari’ah (Muslim Law) and Ummah (Muslim Community) teaches a respect for all of God’s 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. • 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 25 th 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 1 st 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 H uman F ertilisation and E mbryology A uthority 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 mechanically means.

): When sperm from the husband is inserted into his wife by AID ( Artificial Insemination by Donor ): When sperm from a donor, other than the husband, is inserted into the woman by mechanically means.

H F E A 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.  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 ’. Most Other Christian Churches allow IVF & AIH.  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 motive Double Effect allows for some embryos (up to 14 days old) to be destroyed if the 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.

permission.

Living Donors 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 : 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 .

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.

ULTRA Q . ( U nrelated L ive T ransplant organs.

R egulatory A uthority) is a government organisation set up to monitor live transplants and preventing the selling of Do you think a people should be able to sell their organs ?

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 8 th 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 7 November 2000. During the operation Mary died, Jodie lived and is expected to lead a full and normal life.

th

Most Muslims are against transplant surgery Shari’ah Law teaches that nothing should be removed from the body after death (even for a post mortem) 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.

However, Some Muslims will allow transplant using organs from a living donor.

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. 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.

We know this because...

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An example of this is...

Evidence of this is...

For example...

This shows us...

This suggests...

From this people might think...

What this means is...

Therefore...

As a result of this...

© Phillip Allen

© Phillip Allen USA Russia UK China France India Pakistan ?

Israel Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies Unit 8.3

Religion: Peace & Conflict

Key Words Weapons of Mass Destruction Pacifism : Weapons that can devastate large areas and kill huge numbers of people.

: 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 Aggression : An international body set up to promote world peace and cooperation.

: 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.

UK law treats assault and any bullying which results in verbal physical bullying as an harm is classed as aggravated assault which carries a prison sentence.

Society tries to protect people from bullying • All schools must have an anti-bullying policy and students should be encouraged to report bullying. • Trade unions have procedures to help protect those who are bullied in the workplace  people mentally, socially, academically and physically.  able to be free from fear.   Society is against bullying because it harms It is against a person’s human rights to be 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.

 than their parents cause parents to worry about fundamentalism.

 Children being more religious 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 .’ Christianity sees forgiveness They believe this because: and reconciliation ‘ Reconciliation a dispute .’ : Bringing people back together and to a point of harmony after as the way to end conflicts.  Jesus died on the cross to bring forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.

 Jesus told Peter to forgive not 7 times but 77 times. This means forgive completely and continually.

‘  The Lord’s prayer states Forgive me my sins, as I the sins of others.’ How can we expect God’s forgiveness don’t forgive forgive others.

if we  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.

 fellow Christian’s lifestyle is St Paul clearly going against what God wants and they repeatedly stated that if a change their ways, then they should not be allowed membership of the church.

refuse to 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 forced in God and you are to choose between them, you should choose and your faith .

God 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 Chemical Weapons.

Weapons.

Nuclear weapons work through a method of either splitting an atom ( fission ) or joining multiple atoms together ( fusion ) creating massive amounts of energy.

Nuclear Update

Since 1945 scientists have greatly developed each nuclear containing Hiroshima bombs.

3 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 nuclear warheads, each warhead is 1,000 times more powerful than in 1945.

That is the equivalent to 600,000 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.

USA Russia UK Countries currently in possession of nuclear weapons are USA , Russia , UK , China , France , India and Pakistan it, most people believe . Although they have never officially admitted or denied Israel also has a nuclear capability.

China France India Pakistan 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 attempting to gain nuclear weapons.

, from Israel

R e l i g i o n 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 God claim one area as their given land (Israel and Palestine).

I d e o l o g y & P o l i t i c s 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).

E c o n o m i c s 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) N a t i o n a l i s m & E t h n i c i t y 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 economic and peace to areas before conflicts start often by introducing and enforcing 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 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, giving the NATO forces began a bombing campaign driving Serbian troops out. In 1999 the UN took control of Kosovo 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 just ified (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 their governing authorities to 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 .’ this because: Many Christians today are pacifists, claiming there can be no justification for violence. They think  Jesus taught his followers to ‘turn the other cheek’ and not retaliate. (Matthew 5:39)  The 5 th commandment bans killing. (Exodus 20:13).

 Jesus stopped Peter from using violence and said ‘He who lives by the sword will die by the sword.’ (Matt26:52)  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 ‘ ‘ Islam Muslim greater jihad or the internal jihad. A spiritual and emotional fight to become truly submitted to the will of Allah (The word ’ means submission, the word ’ 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 non-violent means of resolving the problem have been tried.

: all possible  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 • Pax Christi of the following 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.

what Your fact file should include Who they are, examples of 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

   and the courts.

  Sin : An act against the will of God.

Crime Law : An act against the law.

: Rules made by Parliament and enforceable by the police 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 Retribution : The idea that punishments will be of such a nature that they will put people off (deter) committing crimes.

: 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?

 refuses.

   A rich man is asked for food by a beggar but A married woman sleeps with another man adultery.

time.

A business man pays immigrant workers less because he l of e wil t th go agains hem, because they All of t God.

A 2:

Does this not make sin and crime a matter of perspective?

Breaking is a sin, breaking society’s adultery God’s laws laws is a crime. Often wrong actions are both a sin and a crime, but many sins, like , 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 how to behave, and justice tell people makes sure the good are rewarded and the evil are punished for it to work . Society needs laws 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 .” If laws are unjust people will feel it is right to break them. Romans 13 : 1 People should obey laws of the land. However, St Thomas Aquinas the usually come about as a result of unjust laws. If some laws are unjust people may think all laws are unjust.

Unjust laws are not proper laws .

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 and a sword This represents that true justice does not discriminate punish scales , is in her left hand in her right hand. fair , and will where appropriate.

For law also be is the and justice punishment consequence to work their must 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 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 ‘ punishment.

aims ’ of 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… 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-

 Retribution : ‘ The idea that punishments should make criminals pay for what they have done wrong .’  Protection society should be protected from the criminal and the offences that a criminal commits .’ : ‘ The idea that Many people believe that a person should match the pay crime a feeling of severity for what they have done. This gives society and the victims of justice . Punishments should also 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 .

Minor crimes, e.g. shoplifting, are dealt with by magistrates’ courts are dealt with in crown courts . , while more serious crimes, e.g. murder, 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 decide guilt or innocence and a judge jury will decide on the punishment.

will An individual can appeal a judgement to the Court of Appeal of Lords . Appeals can even be taken beyond that to the Court of Justice UK law has a system called and then the or High Court European Court of Human Rights .

, the House European ‘ 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: ‘ you So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to .’ 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.

who has two coats should share with him who has none, and the man who has For Xians, social justice is a responsibility. ‘ then, who knows the good he ought to do but does not do it, sins James 4:17 .’ The man Anyone, .’

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: ‘ be judged Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way as you judge others, you will .’ Matthew 7: 1-2 Jesus taught the disciples to pray: ‘ Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us .’ Luke 11:4 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) 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 St Paul encouraged 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 ?’ 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.’ ‘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 committing a crime is a . In Islam 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 Last Day all people justly on the . They also believe that it is their duty as (stewards) of creation to ensure that treated fairly and the world is Justice is the basis for the ‘pillar of zakah’.

in a just vice-regents people governed way.

are The Shari ’ah is based on justice and equality for all.

God wants people to treat each other fairly and establish justice.

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. ‘ crime As for a thief, male or female, cut off their hand: a punishment by way of example, from God, for their .’ (Surah 5:41) Strict punishments are only given as a baby.

last resort . Islamic courts will look into family circumstances. A person would not have a hand amputated if they stole to feed a starving

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. ‘ poor .’ Surah 4:135 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 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. ‘ people and transgress have an agonizing person is patient and greatest things Surah 42:42-43 .’ Act against those who oppress (sin) against justice. They will punishment - though, if a forgives, this is one of the

The Qur’an and Social Justice

Social justice is very important in Islam. Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief agencies working to relieve poverty and secure justice for the poor and oppressed around the world.

Shari ‘ah are two aid 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 E uropean C onvention on H uman R ights which stated the death penalty could not be The death penalty is still legal in many countries including the USA (37 the 50 States), Iran , Libya , Rwanda and North Korea plus 65 punishment include other countries worldwide. Modern methods of capital lethal injection , electric chair , firing squad , gas chamber and beheading (only beheading is not carried out in the

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 crimes. ‘ Old Testament set capital punishment as a penalty for some 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.

 ‘ 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.

 Jesus teaches forgiveness not retribution . ‘ If any of you is without sin, let him cast the first stone .’ Matthew 8:7 . ‘ 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 punishment. ‘ We do not have the right, even in the case of dreadful crimes, to take a life as punishment .’ The U nited  R eform C hurch.

Christian believe life in the Jesus came to save ( overturned ‘ reform Sanctity of Life and only God has the right to take life. ) people, you cannot reform an executed man. Jesus an eye for an eye ’ with commands for forgiveness .

Islam on Capital Punishment

Shari ‘ah , allows for capital punishment for three offences: Murder Adultery - the unlawful taking of another’s life. they are not married to.

Apostasy - a married person sleeping with someone - where a Muslim denies Islam and works against it (this amounts to treason within Islam).

Some Muslims are capital punishment, they say that Shari’ah Law in the Qur’an only capital punishment and does not make it com suggests pulsory .

against Muslim arguments for punishment include.

capital  It is a punishment laid down in Shari’ah Law within the Qur’an .

 The Prophet Mohammad agreed with capital punishment.

These Muslims would point to scriptures suggesting forgiveness and mercy rather than death. ‘ 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 Let harm be .’ Surah 42:40  Mohammad sentenced people to death for murder when he was ruler of Madinah.

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 B C Ecstasy, LSD, Heroin, Cocaine, Methadone (Morphine), Amphetamines prepared for injection, Magic Mushrooms. Cannabis, Amphetamines not prepared for injection, Ritalin, Speed.

Tranquilisers, some Painkillers, Anabolic Steroids, GHB, Ketamine Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Up to life in prison Up to 14 years in prison 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.

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 call-outs are alcohol related and between midnight and 5am 70% of all hospital emergencies are due to alcohol. 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

Amphetamine (speed whizz)

Deaths 2000-2004

384 Cocaine 575 Solvents (glue/aerosols) Ecstasy Opiates (heroin etc) Alcohol* Tobacco* 246 227 4,976 25,000-200,000 500,000

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 ‘Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.’ and as such it should not be abused.

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20) St Paul said Christians can drink in moderation (1Timothy 5:23) Jesus gave his disciples wine at the last supper (Mark 14:23) 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) Churches such as the Salvation Army, Methodists and Pentecostals, point to the social issues caused.

The Catholic church says drinking in moderation is acceptable (Catechism 2290) 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.

Shari'ah law bans alcohol as it is ‘haraam’ (forbidden) in the Qur’an .

‘O ye who believe,

intoxicants, gambling, idol worship and divination, are an abomination and Satan’s handiwork.

Because of these things alcohol and drugs (intoxicants) are haraam (completely forbidden).

The Hadith (sayings and deeds of the Prophet) states ‘Allah

From these you must

abstain.’ (Surah 5:93-94) Tobacco is considered makruh (not forbidden but extremely disliked) as the Qur’an or Hadith do not directly mentioned it.

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.’ ‘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 Create a Leaflet to show the key points on genetic engineering and cloning

MUST DO TASK Create a Mind-Map on the everything you know about Situation Ethics Critical Thinking Research the meaning of Matthew 7:12 and say how it relates to Matthew 25:31-46

Analysis How might different groups in Christianity view the phrase ‘The Word of God’ in relation to the Bible

Synthesis Create your leaflet to advertise the Church as a source of authority for making moral decisions. Evaluatetion “Your conscience should be your final guide.’ Evaluate

   

Knowledge Define the following: Global Warming Conservation Stewardship IVF Application Comprehension 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 ‘Pollution is an unavoidable consequence of modern life.’ Outline the views for and against this statement.

MUST DO TASK 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.

Critical Thinking ‘The life of a person is in the blood, and so transplantation is not acceptable.’ Do you agree? (give two reasons for your view)

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.

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 Why is it that many people see religion as a cause of conflict within families?

Application Create a stained glass window outlining the Christian view on forgiveness and reconcilliation.

Critical Thinking ‘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.

MUST DO TASK 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.

Critical Thinking ‘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.

Knowledge Outline, using examples, four key theories of punishment.

Application 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.

Critical Thinking Why do you think some Muslims believe it acceptable to buy and sell alcohol whilst others do not?

MUST DO TASK ‘Religious belief should not support capital punishment.’ Outline the arguments for and against this statement.

Critical Thinking ‘The Bible and the Church supports the use of the death penalty, therefore Christians should do also.’ Discuss the validity of this statement.

Analysis Does Jesus encourage the drinking of alcohol in the Gospels? Why might a Christian disagree with your opinion (whatever it is)?

Synthesis Evaluation Prepare a poster on the laws on, and possible social issues caused by, drugs and alcohol.

In light of Matthew 25:31-46, why might a Christians feel they should buy Fair Trade goods?