Religion, human rights and social justice Flashcards
Christians view on justice
The Bible teaches that God is a God of justice as ,”all his ways are just”.
importance of social justice and the duty to care for others
Prophet Amos told the people of Israel that God was not pleased with the way they were oppressing the poor, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream”
“love your neighbour as yourself” Parable of Good Samaritan and Sheep and Goats
Christians have a duty to promote social justice as “faith without deeds is useless”
Muslim views on Justice
Islam teaches that God created everyone and therefore people are of equal value as, “He created you all from a single being, from which He made its mate”
Muhammad said that, “People are as equal as the teeth of a comb” Muslims regard it as their religious and social responsibility to work for justice as, “Adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God” “God commands justice, dong good and generosity towards relatives,” giving to the poor-Zakah
Muslim’s beliefs on religious freedom
Following God is presented as the right thing to do, but people should have a choice, “let those who wish to believe in it do so, let those who wish to reject it do so”
Christian views on gender prejudice and discrimination
“Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church”. Some Christians interpret Paul’s letter as applying to the particular situation in which he was writing. against time for Jesus to have chosen women as his disciples. In some Christian denominations, women are not allowed to have important positions like Catholic and Orthodox Churches do not support women becoming priests. argue that men and women are equal but have different roles.
Christian views on sexuality
Heterosexual relations are portrayed as natural and what God intended. God made Adam and Eve male and female and that the prime purpose of sex is for procreation. not loving to condemn people for their sexual orientation as they are taught to, “love thy neighbour”.
Muslim views on racial prejudice
The Qur’an teaches equality and that differences in people show the wonderful creativity and variety of God’s creation as, “We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that you should get to know one another,”. Ummah makes no distinction between people of different races or social status e.g shown by the clothing worn by pilgrims.
Muslims view on homosexuality
Many Muslims regard homosexuality as a sin that is dangerous for the individual and society. According to Shar’iah law, Muslims found guilty of homosexual acts should repent rather than confess. same sex relationships are forbidden in Islam.
Muslims views on the roles of women in Islam
Muslims believe women have been designed by God for different purposes as they have different physical characteristics, “Husbands should take good care of their wives”.
The mother’s responsibilities include looking after her husband and preparing halal food for the family. In worship, Muslims believe they have a duty to worship and obey God, They are exempt from going to the Mosque five times for daily prayer and for the Jummah. not allowed to be Imans
Christian views on Prejudice and discrimination
Christians oppose discrimination as it does not show agape. Jesus healed the sick and disabled and taught his followers to “love thy neighbour”. Most Christians oppose racism as, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free”
Muslim’s Attitudes to wealth
Muslims believe that all wealth is a blessing from God and should be used for the benefit of everyone as the value of money is in the good that it is able to do. Hoarding an excessive amount of money is not encouraged as, “those who hoard gold and silver instead of giving in God’s cause that they will have a grievous punishment”
duty to be obedient and to serve God and too much wealth can distract a believer’s focus, “Beware of greed for it is ready poverty”
Muslims attitudes to obtaining wealth
Wealth needs to be obtained in the right ways Islam prohibits fraud, deception and gambling. “Satan’s doing”
Interest on loans in Islam
major sin and agaisnt Shar’iah Law”Do not charge your brother interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest”
Christian views on wealth
God blessed people with wealth in response to their faithfulness to him. dangers associated with wealth as people can become so involved with money that they forget to love God. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God”. Christians believe that the wealthy have a responsibility not only to use it on themselves but also to give money to the church for its upkeep and mission. Parable of Rich Man and Lazarus- rich man ended up in hell because he had not helped the beggar at the gate.
Muslim’s views on exploitation
Muslims regard the relationship between employers and employees as a brotherhood. “liberate those in bondage” Islam does not support people trafficking and considers it as something which needs to be eradicated. “Cure poverty with charity and giving generously”
Muslim’s views on giving money to the poor
“Be good to your relatives, parents, orphans to the needy to neighbours near and far” UK Islamic Mission promotes Islam in Britain while educating the community about their faith
