religion, crime and punishment Flashcards
what does christianity teach about good and evil intentions?
many christians believe humans have free will but should follow god’s laws. evil actions are condemned, but some christians argue bad intentions are also wrong (matthew 5:22)
what does judaism teach about good and evil intentions?
judaism teaches that humans have a Yetzer HaTov (good inclination) and a Yetzer HaRa (bad inclination). jews must follow the mitzvot (commandments) to do good
what are christian views on whether it can ever be good to cause suffering?
most christians oppose causing suffering but may accept it if it leads to justice. jesus healed suffering people, showing compassion
what are jewish views on whether it can ever be good to cause suffering?
causing suffering is discouraged, but justice is necessary. some suffering is accepted as a test from god (e.g. job)
what are christian views on poverty and upbringing being a cause of crime?
christians encourage charity to prevent crime caused by poverty (e.g. parable of the sheep and goats). however, crime is never justified
what are jewish views on poverty and upbringing being a cause of crime?
tzedakah (charity) is a jewish duty to help those in need. poverty does not excuse crime, but support should be given to prevent it
what are christian views on mental illness and addiction being a cause of crime?
christians believe in helping those with mental illness and addiction (e.g. rehabilitation programs)
what are jewish views on mental illness and addiction being a cause of crime?
judaism sees mental health as important. jewish law requires treatment for those who are ill
what are christian views on greed and hate being a cause of crime?
the bible warns against greed (1 timothy 6:10 - “The love of money is the root of all evil”). hate is condemned as christians should love their enemies (matthew 5:44)
what are jewish views on greed and hate being a cause of crime?
the ten commandments forbid envy and hatred. jews are taught to seek justice and not revenge
what are christian views on opposition to an unjust law being a cause of crime?
some christians support breaking unjust laws (e.g. martin luther king jr.) but violence is discouraged
what are jewish views on opposition to an unjust law being a cause of crime?
jewish history includes resistance to unjust laws (e.g. during the holocaust) but peaceful protest is preferred
what are christian views on hate crimes?
strongly condemned as jesus taught love and equality
what are jewish views on hate crimes?
hate crimes violate jewish teachings on respect and justice
what are christian views on theft?
the ten commandments forbid theft. however, some christians believe extreme poverty may lessen blame
what are jewish views on theft?
theft is forbidden in jewish law, but stealing to save a life (pikuach nefesh) may be excused
what are christian views on murder?
“Thou shalt not kill” - exodus 20:13. murder is never justified
what are jewish views on murder?
murder is a serious sin in judaism, except in cases of self-defence
what are christian views on retribution (punishing the offender)?
some christians accept retribution but prefer forgiveness (romans 12:19 - “Do not take revenge”)
what are jewish views on retribution (punishing the offender)?
“An eye for an eye” (exodus 21:24) is often interpreted as fair punishment not literal revenge
what are christian views on deterrence (discouraging crime)?
some christians support deterrence but oppose punishments that cause harm
what are jewish views on deterrence (discouraging crime)?
deterrence is acceptable if it maintains justice
what are christian views on reformation (helping criminals change)?
encouraged, as jesus taught forgiveness
what are jewish views on reformation (helping criminals change)?
teshuva (repentance) is a key belief in judaism
what are christian views on prison?
acceptable for serious crimes but prisoners should be treated with dignity
what are jewish views on prison?
prison is rare in jewish law - other punishments (e.g. fines) are preferred
what are christian views on corporal punishment?
generally opposed as it does not align with love and forgiveness
what are jewish views on corporal punishment?
historically used but not practiced in modern judaism
what are christian views on community service?
supported as it helps criminals reform
what are jewish views on community service?
encouraged as it allows offenders to make amends
what does christianity teach about forgiveness?
jesus taught unlimited forgiveness (matthew 18:22 - “Forgive seventy times seven”)
what does judaism teach about forgiveness?
forgiveness (teshuva) is important but the offender must repent first
what are christian views on the death penalty?
some christians oppose it (sanctity of life). others accept it for justice (genesis 9:6)
what are jewish views on the death penalty?
the death penalty exists in jewish law but is rarely used. many jews oppose it today
what are the principle of utility arguments for and against the death penalty?
-for: if the death penalty deters crime, it benefits society
-against: evidence suggests it does not deter crime effectively
what are the sanctity of life arguments for and against the death penalty?
-for: some argue justice is needed for serious crimes
-against: life is sacred, so taking life is wrong
