Paper 2 - Authority - Religion and State Flashcards
What is meant by authority?
- The power someone has over someone or to make decisions and control what happens
- A governing body which makes decisions and enforces laws
- The moral power behind what people think, say and do
- A source of information which is always true
Examples of sources of authority:
- The Government, the local County Council, the Education Authorities
- The Pope, Archbishop of Canterbury
- The Bible and Church documents
- The Hadith (Writings)
- Imams
- Shari’ah Law (Islam’s legal system)
Why is the Bible a source of authority for Christians?
It contains God’s teachings about what is good and evil. It is the word of God and contains ‘the truth’
Why is the Qur’an a source of authority for Muslims?
Muslims believe that Allah (God) revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.
Should people always obey authorities?
People should do what is lawful. We have a duty to obey a country’s laws and if we do not there will be chaos. However, sometimes people feel very strongly about a decision and their conscience may tell them that the authorities have got it wrong.If they willingly choose not to obey the authorities it is is called civil disobedience.
What is meant by ‘civil disobedience?’
When people show their disapproval of decisions made by the ruling authorities and they choose to disobey specific laws or rules.
Ways people can show civil disobedience:
- Organising special events like marches and rallies
- pressurising the government
- organising campaigns
- collecting money
- holding prayer vigils
- going on hunger strikes or holding special fasts to show disapproval
CHRISTIANS WILL ALWAYS BE NON-VIOLENT
What could the punishments be for civil disobedience?
Arrest, fines, imprisonment and death (in some countries)
What is meant by ‘conscience?’
The voice of God that speaks directly to a person’s heart.
What if a person’s personal conscience clashes with the authority of their religion?
Religion is a very personal matter and a person’s conscience is the voice of God. Therefore, if a person has genuinely sought God in their heart they must do what their conscience tells them.
What if the law conflicts with religious beliefs?
As good citizens, people have a moral duty to obey the laws of their country but they must also follow their religious beliefs. While sometimes a compromise is possible, sometimes it isn’t.
Examples of the law conflicting with religious beliefs:
- When Sunday trading first began in the UK. Many Christians viewed being asked to work on a Sunday as going against one of the Ten Commandments which says ‘to keep holy the day of rest’. Many Christians made a compromise and went to work and Church on Sunday
- A Christian Registrar, who marries people in registry offices, may feel that being asked to marry two people of the same sex in a Civil Partnership goes against their beliefs. Here, there can be no compromise as The Registrar will either perform the marriage or not
Where could people turn for guidance when their beliefs conflict with the law?
Their own consciences, prayer, the church authorities or their religious texts.
