Contempory Issues In Christianity

Question 1

What does Prejudice mean

Answer 1

It means to pre-judge and is a negative attitude towards people based solely on a group to which they belong. It is based on an unfounded or unreasonable opinion.
EG: assuming someone with lots of tattoos is a criminal.

Question 2

What is discrimination

Answer 2

This is when people are treated unfairly by others because of prejudice. It is a negative action towards a group and results in unequal treatment.
EG: Black people at the time of MLK were not allowed to go to parks.

Question 3

What is stereotyping

Answer 3

The assumption that a person shares all the (usually negative) characteristics of a group to which it is assumed they belong.
Eg: People with blonde hair are unintelligent.

Question 4

What is positive discrimination

Answer 4

To deliberately treat a person favourably because of race, religion, gender or disability.
EG: to hire someone of a specific religion or gender to fulfil a quota.

Question 5

Humans are born prejudiced, they cannot change the way they are. Agree?

Answer 5

 Humans are inherently disposed to fearing things that are different to them.
 This fear can lead to hate and alienation.
 Part of human nature is association – this then forms part of one’s identity, culture and experience of the world. E.g. 1950s America – white people defining themselves as ‘superior to black people’
 In the Bible it can be argued that God has favourites, eg: in Leviticus, God prefers heterosexuals to homosexuals; God’s chosen people are the Jews – God prefers Jews to any other religion.
 Humans, by their nature, are inclined to sin.

Question 6

Humans are born prejudiced, they cannot change who they are. Disagree?

Answer 6

 Judgements are formed by one’s environment and upbringing – people can change based on their experiences.
 Part of human development is forming and changing opinions – this is influenced by external factors, not something inherently born with.
 Understanding can alleviate fear of the unknown.
 The excuse: “I can’t change the way I am” is a cop out to avoid responsibility for one’s actions and a poor attempt to justify prejudice.
 There are countless examples of individuals dropping their prejudices based upon getting to know people from ‘another group’. – EG: in 1981 NI’s first integrated school opened.
 The Bible promotes universalism so is against prejudice.

Question 7

What is racism

Answer 7

Racial prejudice means pre-judging or forming an opinion about a different race without any real
knowledge of them.

Question 8

Steps to overcome racism

Answer 8

 MLK worked for equality through non- violent protests. He gave many speeches protesting against injustice. Following these steps, Obama became the first black president of the US in 2008.
 Changes in law from 1976-2010. The Equality Act 2010 ensures racial equality in education, housing, workplace, training, and services.
 The 1976 Act led to the establishment of the Commission for Racial Equality, promoting equal opportunities.

Question 9

Portrayal of racism in the media

Answer 9

 In 2017 in the US, Dove released a brief ad showing a smiling black woman taking off her shirt to reveal a smiling white woman after using Dove body lotion – this ad sparked anger and outrage.
 Videos and reports of black people in America who have been mistreated and even killed by the
police in the US, eg: George Floyd in 2020.

Question 10

Real life example of racism

Answer 10

 The KKK is an American white supremacist group who primarily target African Americans. They had assaulted and killed many.
 Ethnic minorities have grown in NI in recent years. Incidents of racism have increased, with racially motivated crimes exceeding sectarian ones in 2017. People face verbal and physical intimidation and even violence because of their race.

Question 11

What is religious discrimination?

Answer 11

Religious discrimination is the unfair treatment of people because they belong to a particular religion. It is the belief that a person is inferior because they have different religious beliefs or no religious beliefs at all.

Question 12

Real life examples of discrimination

Answer 12

The Holocaust: Adolf Hitler tried to exterminate all Jewish people. Over 6 million Jews died.
 Donald Trump took office in 2017 and immediately attempted to impose a ban on travellers
from 7 predominantly Muslim countries.
 In NI, religious prejudice has always been an issue between Catholics and Protestants. This is
a type of sectarianism, when allegiance to a particular group causes prejudice against members of another group within the same faith. During the Troubles, over 3500 people were killed from both Catholic and Protestant communities.

Question 13

Religious discrimination keeps people safe? Yes?

Answer 13

 Discrimination can result in avoidance of certain groups, therefore there is less chance of conflict. During the Troubles, Catholics and Protestants had certain ‘territories’, eg: Falls and Shankill. This division kept people segregated so there would be less confrontation.
 Travel bans and vetting of individuals would stop terrorists travelling from other countries.

Question 14

Religious discrimination keeps people safe? No?

Answer 14

NO
Regardless of religion, people of different faith communities can still find common ground and build bridges – integrated education.
Different Christian churches work together in communities – ecumenism.
Religious discrimination has led to violence and death, eg: The Troubles – this is not keeping people safe.
Forces inequality as one group deems themselves to be superior – this can lead to conflict.

Question 15

What is gender discrimination?

Answer 15

Gender discrimination means treating someone unfairly because of their sex (male or female). Often referred to as ‘sexism’ in the past, it generally affects women more than men.

Question 16

Examples of traditional roles for women

Answer 16

Housekeeper, Secretary, Cook, Air Hostess, Raise children, nurse and nanny

Question 17

Traditional examples of roles for men

Answer 17

Doctor
Judge
Principal Soldier
Tradesmen
Pilot

Question 18

Gender discrimination in the church

Answer 18

In the Christian Church, men have traditionally been leaders.
In the RCC, women can become nuns, but only men can become priests.
Other Protestant denominations are open to women in leadership roles. The Presbyterian, Methodist and Church of Ireland all allow women to become ministers. Even within these denominations there is disagreement on women and leadership.

Question 19

Gender discrimination in the media

Answer 19

On TV, women more frequently play the role of the housekeeper and men more frequently play the roles of professionals.
Women are often depicted as being heavily reliant on the male protagonist, always needing their assistance – damsel in distress.
In 2015 a report showed that only 19% of experts in news stories and only 37% of reporters were women.

Question 20

Gender discrimination in the workplace

Answer 20

In the workforce, only 37% of managers, directors and senior officials are women.
There are more women in caring, leisure and other service occupations than men.
There is a lack of affordable quality childcare which makes it difficult for mothers to ‘go out’ to work.
In 1975 Sex Discrimination Act made it illegal to discriminate someone because of their gender in employment.

Question 21

Gender discrimination in politics

Answer 21

In 2014, the Northern Ireland Assembly published a research paper tiled ‘Review of Gender Issues in Northern Ireland’ it showed that women are significantly underrepresented in elected office, on public bodies and across all major positions of
political, economic and judicial power.

Question 22

Gender discrimination in sport

Answer 22

Coverage of women in sport is often dominated by references to appearance, age or family life. Whereas men are depicted as powerful,
independent, dominating, and valued as athletes.
Men’s sporting events are given more coverage than women’s – men’s sports are more of a focal point, even at grass roots level.

Question 23

Gender discrimination and the law

Answer 23

The 1975 Sex Discrimination Act made it illegal to discriminate someone because of their gender in employment.
 This includes recruitment (advertising), selection, promotion and training. The act applies to both men and women.
 It is also against the law to discriminate against someone because they are married.
 In other words, men and women have been given equal opportunities.

Question 24

Women should have equal leadership roles in the Christian Church.’ Agree?

Answer 24

• ‘God created humanity in his own image, male and female he created them both.’ Genesis 1:27
• ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ.’ Galatians 3:28
• Women played a key role in the early Church – evidence of female deacons and the resurrection news was first told to women.
• Many Protestant denominations are open to women in leadership roles e.g. Methodist and Presbyterian churches.
• Libby Lane was the first female Bishop in the Church of England in 2015.
• Women can reach the highest levels in secular society e.g. Queen, Prime Minister – so why not in religious circles?
• In the Genesis creation story Eve was made from Adam’s rib – his side. Note this wasn’t from his head (superior) or his foot (inferior). This highlights equality.

Question 25

Women should have equal leadership roles in the Christian church. Disagree?

Answer 25

 ‘Wives submit to your husbands … for the husband is head of the wife.’ Ephesians 5 v 22
 ‘Women must remain silent in the church, they are not allowed to speak.’ 1 Corinthians 14 v 34
 The Catholic Church is opposed to the ordination of women: ‘Jesus chose men to form his 12 disciples and the apostles did the same when they chose their successors. For this reason, the ordination of women is not possible.’
 During Mass the priest is meant to represent Jesus so it would be impossible for a woman to fulfil that role.
 Jesus had female followers, but he still chose 12 men to be his apostles.
 In the Genesis creation story, God created Adam first, highlighting superiority, and Eve was man’s helper.

Question 26

What is disability discrimination?

Answer 26

A ‘disability’ is a physical or mental impairment, which has a
significant and long-term negative impact on a person’s ability to
carry out normal day-to-day activities.
People with disabilities live in every country in the world and there are 50 million disabled people in Europe.
People with disabilities are entitled to the same rights as others but some are not treated equally.
They are not always given the same opportunities as non- disabled, which can affect their access to education, employment and adequate medical care. This is discrimination.

Question 27

Disability and the law

Answer 27

The Equality Act 2010
It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone because of a mental or physical disability. There should be
equal access to employment.
Despite this law, many disabled people face prejudice and some feel excluded from society. Many non- disabled people hold negative attitudes, either consciously or unconsciously.

Question 28

Guide Dogs Northern Ireland

Answer 28

This organisation ensures that when someone loses their sight, they don’t lose their freedom as well.
This is a mobility service for adults, children and young people.
This service gives people with sight loss the confidence and support they need to live life to the full.
They provide:
 Canine services
 In-person services
 Online and telephone services
 Influencing and campaigning

Question 29

Happiness cafe kill-keel

Answer 29

These cafes have been set up to provide engaging, fun, and stimulating activities for those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Sessions typically revolve around the following themes:
 Music
 Reminiscence (memory boxes and story
boards)
 Painting, crafting, clay model making
 Mindfulness
 Poetry
 Chair / gentle exercises
 Willow (a pup that visits)

Question 30

The catholic church’s opinions on gender

Answer 30

The Catholic Church states that gender inequality exists in the church because men and women forget they cannot be ‘fully human’ without one another.
History became a primarily masculine enterprise and this also dominated religion.

Question 31

The Presbyterian, Methodist and church of Irelands opinions on gender.

Answer 31

No current statement from these churches.

Question 32

Church of Irelands opinion on disability

Answer 32

Church of Ireland Working Group on Disability was established in 2005 with 4 main aims:
 To promote the inclusion of people with disabilities into the life of the church.
 To promote an awareness of people living with disability.
 To recognise the contributions that people living with disability can make to the church and society.
 To liaise with and influence church structures and committees on issues relating to living with disability.

Question 33

The Presbyterian church

Answer 33

‘No one likes to admit to treating disabled people as inferior or second class, yet the way we behave towards them can give this message. We can unwittingly assume that a disabled person is less sensitive than others, eg: when we address the person who is pushing the wheelchair, rather than the person in the wheelchair.’

Question 34

The Catholic Church

Answer 34

In 2016, a special mass for people with physical and mental disabilities, pope Francis said refusing the sacraments to people with mental illness or condition is discrimination. The mass was broadcast live with translation in sign language. One of the deacons serving in the mass was deaf, and some of the alter boys had Down’s syndrome.

Question 35

The Corrymeela Community

Answer 35

A residential centre in NI that works to reconcile the communities in Northern Ireland. They host groups on site and travel to work with school and community groups.
They help groups embrace difference and learn how to have difficult conversations.
The work of Corrymeela helps groups learn how to be well together.

Question 36

Embrace

Answer 36

A group of Christians who have come together to promote a positive response to minority ethnic people in NI. They seek to equip the church to fulfil its call to welcome the stranger by providing information, training, resource materials and channels for practical help.
Embrace seeks to:
* Reflect gospel values
* Raise awareness
* Respond to those in need
* Support people
* Network with relevant agencies
* Make responses on policy

Question 37

‘Christians do not do enough to challenge discrimination.’ Agree?

Answer 37

• Discrimination is often caused by Christians and there are historical examples of Christians using the Bible to justify their discrimination e.g. homosexuality and gender discrimination.
• Christianity continues to be a source of discrimination in Northern Ireland – The Troubles - and there are still examples of sectarianism between Catholics and Protestants today.
• Society today looks to those who are impartial to tackle discrimination; Christians will always be biased.

Question 38

Christian’s don’t do enough to challenge discrimination. Disagree?

Answer 38

• Christians follow in the footsteps of Jesus and choose the message of ‘love one another’. This can be linked to showing care and compassion to those who are disabled and not discrimination, just as Jesus did in the Bible stories, eg: Blind Bartimaeus.
• Christians are involved in interdenominational and interfaith projects which promote healing the divide between religious groups (ecumenism).
• I attend an integrated school with a Christian ethos where fairness and equality are strongly promoted and instilled.

Question 39

‘In Northern Ireland, racism is not really a big problem. Christians should concentrate on healing the divide between Catholics and Protestants.’ Agree?

Answer 39

The troubles are a massive part of northern Irish history and the effects of which are still evident in our society today, eg: death of loved ones, family members imprisoned.

Ni continues to work towards unity within different Christian groups - inter grated education is in high demands and needed heal the divide and promote a shared future.

There are still incidents of sectarianism In NI today. Jesus always aimed to resolve conflict between groups.

Question 40

‘In Northern Ireland, racism is not really a big problem. Christians should concentrate on healing the divide between Catholics and Protestants.’ Disagree?

Answer 40

 In society today there is an increase in hate 20 crimes – up to three race related incidents are reported daily in NI.
 There is evidence of a rise of intolerance di t id tiNIi2017

Question 41

Christians should be prepared to worship with people from different religions.’ Agree?

Answer 41

It is important for Christians to have a positive attitude towards other world religions; the world is becoming increasingly secular, and this is a good reason for people of all faiths to come together.

Our society is also becoming more diverse, with people from many different religious backgrounds; it is useful to learn more about each other in order to promote a more harmonious society.

Churches could invite people from other faiths to a special service and share worship together; Christians should also be prepared to visit other places of worship, taking part if invited.

Question 42

‘Christians should be prepared to worship with people from different religions.’ Disagree?

Answer 42

 While most Christians would agree that inter-faith dialogue is important, they would not be prepared to take part in inter-faith worship.
 Christians may welcome those of other religions to their church, or visit a religious building of a different faith, but would only take part in specifically Christian worship.
 Many Christians feel that Christianity is the only true religion; non-Christian religions may hold some truths, but Christians should be mindful of what is unique about Christianity.

Question 43

Christians should try to mix more with people from other religions.’ Agree?

Answer 43

Our community is becoming more diverse and multi-ethnic; mixing with people from different world faiths can help to increase understanding.

If people can appreciate why those from other cultures have different customs and traditions, there is more likely to be tolerance.

Christians should follow the example of Jesus. He befriended and helped foreigners and gentiles.
Some Christians believe there are many ways to God and other people’s faiths are just as important as their own.

Question 44

Christian’s should try and mix with more religions more: disagree?

Answer 44

 Some people might argue that it is natural to want to be with people who share your values and beliefs.
 For some people, it depends on how you intend to ‘come together’. Being a good neighbour is fine, but they would have difficulties with any sort of inter-faith worship. They might believe that Christians, and churches, should remember what is unique to Christianity.
 There may be practical difficulties, such as language barriers.