Religion, Crime and Punishment

Question 1

What are Christian’s and Buddhist’s views about the reasons for a crime

Answer 1

Christians:
Upbringing
Poverty
The Devil’s temptations
Original Sin
They may misuse how God gave them free will
Buddhists:
Caused by the 3 poisons

Question 2

What are Christian’s and Buddhist’s views about different types of crimes

Answer 2

Christians:
Hate Crimes don’t show ‘love your neighbour’
Murders go against the 10 Commandments and the Sanctity Of Life
Maybe alright, ‘eye for an eye’
Buddhists:
Don’t like hate crimes as they’re caused by hatred.

Question 3

Why do Criminals commit crimes and What do Christians and Buddhists believe about them

Answer 3

Retribution:
‘eye for an eye’
Doesn’t show Agape
Doesn’t show Ahimsa
Deterrence:
‘Love your neighbour’
Shows forgiveness ‘forgive 70x7’
Shows Karuna
Acts as a Skilful Action
Rehabilitation:
‘Love your neighbour’
‘Blessed are the peacemakers’
Shows Ahimsa

Question 4

What are the 3 treatments of criminals

Answer 4

Prison:
‘eye for an eye’
Doesn’t show Karuna
Corporal Punishment:
Causes harm
Doesn’t show Agape
Causes Dukkha
Doesn’t show Karuna
Community Service:
Shows Agape
‘Love your neighbour’
Frees people from their Dukkha

Question 5

What is the difference between Millie Dowler’s family and Anthony Walker’s Family.

Answer 5

Millie Dowlers didn’t forgive their criminal
But Anthony Walker’s family did.