Crime and Punishment Flashcards

Question

Reasons for Crime and Christian responses

Answer 1

1. Hate 2. Opposition to an unjust law 3. Poverty 4. Upbringing 5. Mental illness 6. Addiction 7. Greed

Answer 2

Proverbs it states, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it"

Answer 3

Timothy it states, "For the love of money is the root of all evil"

Answer 4

1. Exodus it states, "Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" | 2. Romans it states, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good"

Answer 5

1. Prison provides society with protection from those who have committed dangerous and serious crimes and ensures that the law is respected 2. A prison sentence gives offenders a chance to reflect on their actions and decide to reform 3. Prisons contain some troubled individuals who need social help, education, medical help, work and life skills and attempts to provide this can be found in the prison system 4. Opportunities are given to talk through their problems and realise their mistakes and learn strategies for coping with life's problems in a constructive way

Answer 6

1. Prison isolates those who deserve punishment from their families and friends (retribution) but doesn't reform them 2. Being locked up often breeds resentment, bitterness and a determination to get back at society 3. Many prisons have problems such as over-crowding, little exercise, poor diet, boredom, violence and drug-abuse 4. Imprisonment punishes the family as well as the criminal 5. There is a high rate of reoffending when criminals are let back out into society as they are often called "schools for crime" as prisoners educate each other in criminal methods 6. A prison record makes it very difficult to get a job on release, which may lead back into crime 7. Other forms of punishment may be more suitable when considering the offender and/or their offence, e.g. community service etc.

Answer 7

Lord's prayer states, "... as we forgive those who trespass against us"

Answer 8

1. Capital punishment is a deterrent, therefore, it puts people off committing terrible crimes 2. Life sentences do not mean life; murderers can walk away free after spending time in prison 3. It is a waste of resources and money housing a prisoner for years 4. This gives total protection for society, the perpetrator cannot re-offend 5. The principle of utility - the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Capital punishment protects many people, give satisfaction to the victim's family, saves tax-payers money, so therefore could be argued as right under this principle 6. The Bible teaches, "An eye for an eye", therefore capital punishment is acceptable for murderers

Answer 9

1. Statistics show the the death penalty isn't a deterrent - many crimes are committed in the heart of the moment or as a crime of passion 2. Victim's families still grieve; killing the murderer does not end the pain of their loss 3. Two wrongs do not make a right. It is a contradiction to condemn murder and then execute a murderer 4. Legal systems can fail and innocent people could be wrongly convicted 5. Jesus replaced the idea of "an eye for an eye" with "turn the other cheek", do not take revenge 6. Christianity emphasises forgiveness. Jesus says that we are to forgive our brother 7. Parable of the sheep and the goats - "When I was in prison you visited me" - implies that criminals should be treated with dignity 8. No chance of reform. Christianity emphasises this is a key aspect of punishment. Jesus tells the woman who has committed adultery to "Go and sin no more"