human rights exam qs

Question 1

Describe one example of when personal religious conviction has conflicted with the laws of a country. (5)

Answer 1

Martin Luther King

“judge on character not colour of skin, learn to live together or persih like fools”

Leading bus and café boycotts where black and white people were separated.

Boycotting buying goods from known racist businesses.

Marches-e.g. on Washington.

Speeches e.g. “I have a dream…”

he got black people the vote, university, won nobel peace prize

Question 2

describe what is meant my agape give an example (2)

Answer 2

unconditional love

god sending his only son to die for humans for their sins

Question 3

Explain from two different religions or two religious traditions, attitudes to gaining and using wealth. /8

Answer 3

Christians

Jesus said “Go and sell all that you have and give it to the poor.”

Parable of the Sheep and the Goats shows that wealth should be used to help those in need. “I was thirsty and you gave me water.”

“Love of money is the root of all evil” -Bible

Buddhists

The Buddha’s own experience showed that a life of luxury did not end suffering and neither did a life of poverty. People should live a middle path for enlightenment and help others to do so.

Lay people are encouraged to be charitable and give to the monks. This is good karma.

Attitude to wealth matters-one must not be attached to it as this is tanha and leads to the three poisons. Must follow the 8 fold path to overcome this.

Buddhists are encouraged to be generous-it is the second precept-give generously and do not take what is not freely given.

Question 4

“Religions should do more to fight for human rights.” Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (you must refer to religion and belief in your answer). /15

Answer 4

Christians

Jesus said “No greater love has man than when he lays down his life for another.”

The Bible instructs believers to “Speak up for those who have no voice.”

Jesus said “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Amos “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never ending stream.”

Buddhists

They are skilful acts because they are driven by metta an karuna.

The Buddha taught the middle path. When human rights are taken away, this is not a middle path e.g. no shelter, no food and without the middle path, people cannot achieve enlightenment.

The Buddha said “I teach this and only this: suffering and the end of suffering.”