Crime and punishment

Question 1

Outline 3 christian beliefs about peace

Answer 1

1) Christians are expected to treat everyone equally and with respect
2) God will reward the righteous and punish sinners
3) ‘love our enemies’

Question 2

Outline 3 causes of crime

Answer 2

1) Poverty
2) Social environment
3) Addiction

Question 3

Outline 3 christian teachings about punishment

Answer 3

1) People who disobey the law of God, and encourage others to do the same, will receive a punishment
2) Revenge isn’t the right course of action, and violence should not be escalated, it should be met with peace
3) A person should reflect very carefully on their own behavior before pointing out the sins of another person. Those who are hypocritical will be judged.

Question 4

Outline three reasons why Christians support capital punishment?

Answer 4

1) The old testament teaches that it should be used for some crimes
2) The bible says ‘whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed
3) Christians believe in ‘eye for an eye’

Question 5

Explain two non-religious arguments as to why people suffer

Answer 5

1) Suffering is inevitable

2) People are selfish

Question 6

Explain two different christian beliefs about peace

Answer 6

1) Jesus taught us love(agape) and forgiveness, so its crucial to allow a fresh start to those who have turned away from sin
2) ‘eye for an eye tooth for a tooth’

Question 7

Explain two views on the aims of punishment

Answer 7

1) ‘eye for an eye tooth for a tooth’-retribution necessary

2) Christians should help sinners get on the right way of living

Question 8

Explain why justice is important to Christians

Answer 8

1) God is the ultimate judge all people fairly

2) ‘Let you who us with sin cast the first stone’

Question 9

Explain two Christian teachings about crime

Answer 9

1) Revenge is not the right response

2) ‘let anyone of you who is without a sin be the first to throw a stone at her’-adulterous woman

Question 10

Give 3 points for the statement ‘Capital punishment should be banned in every country’

Answer 10

1) Thou shall not kill
2) Sancity of life
3) There are other ways to punish people that could have better outcomes e.g. Reformation

Question 11

Give 3 points against the statement ‘Capital punishment should be banned in every country’

Answer 11

1) ‘eye for an eye tooth for a tooth’
2) It deters people committing the most serious crimes
3) It gives justice to the victims

Question 12

Give 3 points for the statement ‘Murderers should not be forgiven’

Answer 12

1) Thou shall not kill
2) Sancity of life
3) God’s job to forgive not us

Question 13

Give 3 points against the statement ‘Murderers should not be forgiven’

Answer 13

1) Jesus forgave
2) we are all sinners
3) ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’

Question 14

Give 3 points for the statement ‘Evil and suffering is not a problem, if you believe in God’

Answer 14

1) Suffering is directed to those who don’t follow the rules of God
2) God reduces suffering by treating us with compassion
3) Evil is an abuse of free will

Question 15

Give 3 points against

the statement ‘Evil and suffering is not a problem, if you believe in God’

Answer 15

1) Natural disaster’s still happen
2) Story of Job
3) Suffering can be caused by greed

Question 16

Give 3 points for the statement ‘It is more important to punish criminals than to forgive them’

Answer 16

1) Punishment is seen to protect society from the person who committed the crime.
2) Christians believe that punishment helps to make the world fairer and more just. (this is what God intended)
3) Christians believe that punishment will allow the person who has done wrong the opportunity to reflect on their behavior and realize why they are wrong.(helps become a better person)

Question 17

Give 3 points against the statement ‘It is more important to punish criminals than to forgive them’

Answer 17

1) Christians believe that the Bible teaches them importance of forgiveness. (we are all sinners and we need to move on with our lives)
2) We are all sinners ‘Let you who is without sin cast the first stone’
3) Forgiveness allows criminals to realize that their behavior is wrong and change their behavior to become better person.