Contemporary Issues In Christianity Flashcards
Prejudice
A negative view of someone based on an unreasonable belief about them
Discrimination
When people are treated unfairly because of a prejudice against them (acting upon prejudice)
Racism
The belief that one race of people are superior to another. Deliberate prejudice/discrimination based on someone’s skin colour
An example of racism
18th century America’s slave trade. Black people were bought and sold like property. As a result it was belief black people were inferior to white people
Religious prejudice
The belief that a person/group is inferior because they belong to a certain religion
An example of religious prejudice
The Holocaust. Jews were sent to concentration camps to die
Sexism
The belief that there is a difference between men and women
An example of sexism
In the workplace, men can be paid more than a woman for doing the same job
Disability
A physical or mental impairment
An example of discrimination against disabled people
Difficulty in accessing public transport/buildings, miss out on opportunities, public places may not accommodate to their needs
What causes prejudice and discrimination?
- Fear of something unfamiliar = people outside of their circle can feel threatening
- Learnt from an early age = growing up where discrimination/prejudice is normalised
- Result of an experience = a negative experience with someone of a different race/religion and may associate that with everyone in that group
- Result of ignorance = a person lacks understanding of other cultures
- Need for a scapegoat = eg being unemployed may lead to blaming new citizens (of different race/ethnic/religious groups)
Matthew 7:12 (Bible teaching on prejudice and discrimination)
“So in everything you do, do to others what you would have them do to you” Teaches that prejudice, discrimination and unfair/inferior treatment of others is wrong. Everyone is important and included in God’s plan, so we should treat each other with equality
Galatians 3:28 (Bible teaching on prejudice and discrimination)
“There is neither Jew or Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” Teaches everyone is equal through Christ, and no one should be made to feel otherwise
In what verses does the Bible teach about prejudice and discrimination?
Matthew 7:12 and Galatians 3:28
What does the Presbyterian church say about prejudice and discrimination?
“Become more socially inclusive”
What does the Catholic church say about prejudice and discrimination?
“The church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against people of any harassment of them.” However, women are not allowed to become priests - contradictory?
What does the Methodist church say about prejudice and discrimination?
“Be open to the diversity and enrichment that can come from people of different cultures”
What does the church of Ireland say about prejudice and discrimination?
The Church of Ireland Working Group on Disability aims to “promote awareness of an recognise the contribution that people with disabilities can make”
Do churches need to take more action to challenge prejudice and discrimination? [YES]
- Some churches feel exclusive and don’t meet the wider community’s needs
- Put Biblical teaching into practice
- Follow example of Jesus
- Some key equality campaigners have been Christians (eg Desmond Tutu) so churches should follow this example
Do churches need to take more action to challenge prejudice and discrimination? [NO]
- Could be seen as interfering
- Non-Christians wouldn’t look to the church for help, rather community groups should take action
- Priorities are to nurture faith and worship God
- Some people may accuse the church of discrimination (eg against women) and may not be credible on this issue)
In what verses does the Bible teach about helping people in need?
Matthew 6:1-4, Luke 10:25-37
Matthew 6:1-4 (Bible teaching on helping people in need)
“But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that not even your closest friend will know about it” Teaches we must help the needy, but should be done for the right reasons and not to prove generosity
Luke 10:25-37 (Bible teaching on helping people in need)
“The Good Samaritan” says how a dying Jewish man was ignored by other Jews, but a hated Samaritan cared for him. It teaches we should help people no matter our relationship to them
Absolute poverty
Severe deprivation of basic needs such as food, water or sanitation. It may be a result of a lack of resources in a country or an unequal distribution of wealth
