Crime and punishment Flashcards
What is justice?
Just behaviour or treatment
For Christians, where does the idea of justice come from?
A belief that all people are create in the image of God and should therefore be treated with respect and dignity
What do some Christians relate the idea of justice to?
The idea of love in action, making sure that all are loved and cared for and protected
True or False?
Christians believe that justice is not a very important part of society.
False - Christians believe that justice is an important part of society
Which prophet in the Bible condemns the false justice and lack of care in Israel?
Isaiah
What does Paul talk about in Romans 13:1-6?
The important rule of law, which Christians should support
What do Christians believe about the quality of human justice?
No matter how good human justice is, it will not be of the same quality as that which God will demonstrate at the final judgement where all people will be judged
Give some reasons as to why punishment can be justified.
- Revenge
- Vindication
- Reformation
- Protection
- Deterrance
What is capital punishment?
The belief that some crimes should not be punished my a prison sentence but by execution
Where in the world is capital punishment banned?
European Union
Where in the world is capital punishment not banned?
Some states in the USA
Why might a Christian support the death penalty/capital punishment?
The crime of murder is a violation of God’s will, who alone has the right to give or take life, therfore they believe that somebody who has murdered deserves this ultimate punishment of death
What points might a Christian opposed to capital punishment make?
- It is impossible to have a completely foolproof conviction and that to execute someone is unfair as it cannot be guaranteed that justice is being done
- Love your neighbour as your enemy
- Jesus’ teaching are not possible to reconcile with execution
Name a Christian that has bene actively involved in the campaign to stop capital punishment.
Sister Helen Prejean, an American nun who dedicated her life to caring for people awaiting execution on Death Row
Give 2 points opposing capital punishment.
- An executioner has to be employed –this is an immoral occupation as it involves taking a life
- God alone should be judge and humans should not have the power to take life
