Religion, Crime And Punishment Flashcards
Why do people commit crime ?
Poverty, upbringing, hate, opposition to and unjust law, mental illness, addiction and greed
What is a Christian view on people who break the law for these reasons ?
Christian’s believe in reformation so those who have sinned should be helped to improve and not commit that crime again
Christians believe that right up until death a criminal can be forgiven for their sin and can still go to heaven
What do Buddhists think about people who break the law?
Buddhists believe that those who have committed a crime should be guided to stop the criminal activity
They would also advise those with hate to try Buddhist practices like meditation
What are the 3 aims of punishment ?
Retribution, deterrence, reformation
What is retribution?
The criminal should pay (be punished) for the crime the have committed
What is deterance ?
The punishment should put people of committing the crime in the first place
What is reformation?
Stop people from re-offending
What is corporal punishment?
The punishment the criminal gets causes them physical pain
Eg caning
What do Christian’s say about corporal punishment?
Most Christian’s do not agree with corporal punishment because it causes physical harm and Jesus taught “pray for those that persecute”
What do Buddhists say about corporal punishment?
That is is not accepted because it breaks the 5 moral precepts as it is an act of violence
What would a Christian say about community service ?
They would say it if good as it allows the criminal to reform and contribute to society in a positive way
What does a Buddhist say about community service ?
Good because it allow the criminal to express metta and Karuna towards others
What are some Christian arguments for the death penalty ?
Allows retribution to take place and gives justice to the victims family
Some Christian’s also believe in the sanctity of life so if you take life you have your life taken
Why do Buddhists argue for death penalty?
Acts as a deterrent
Provides protection for others
Christian arguments against death penalty ?
Murder breaks one of the 10 commandments
It doesn’t allow for reformation
What is a Buddhist argument against the death penalty ?
Most Buddhists follow the principle of ahimsa which encourages non violence
Breaks the 1st of the 5 moral precepts
