religion, human rights and social justice

Question 1

Explain two similar religious beliefs about the freedom of religion and belief.

Buddhism

Answer 1

Tolerance and consideration of others is valued/all races and nationalities are welcomed in Buddhism/respect for all faiths is part of Buddhist philosophy, eg 8-fold path/‘The things that divide and separate people – race, religion, gender, social position…are all illusory (Dhammapada), etc.

Question 2

Explain two similar religious beliefs about the freedom of religion and belief.

Christianity

Answer 2

Christianity is tolerant of other faiths/all are created with equal value and have equal rights/some Christians are active in trying to convert others to Christianity/‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ (Galatians), etc.

Question 3

Explain two religious beliefs about the right use of wealth.

Buddhism

Answer 3

Giving excess wealth to the poor helps develop good kamma/middle way between wealth and poverty is stressed/extremes of wealth should be avoided/wealth should be used to avoid extremes of poverty/giving
should be generous, including supporting monks/wealth can lead to craving/‘Not by a shower of gold coins does contentment arise in sensual pleasures’ (Dhammapada)/‘riches that are not rightly utilised
run to waste, not to enjoyment’ (Buddha), etc.

Question 4

Explain two religious beliefs about the right use of wealth.

Christianity

Answer 4

Excess wealth should support charity and churches and Christian groups encourage such support/Jesus told the rich to give their money to the poor to achieve salvation/riches should be built in heaven
through generous giving/money should not be wasted/‘No-one can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and money’ (Matthew)/‘The love of money is the root of all evil’ (1 Timothy), etc.

Question 5

Those who live in poverty should help themselves to overcome their
difficulties.’

Buddhism

Answer 5

Working honestly to provide for the family builds good kamma/right livelihood and right action encourage people to work/monks do not provide for themselves but rely on the religious generosity of others/
providing for others shows loving kindness (metta) and compassion (karuna), etc.

Question 6

Those who live in poverty should help themselves to overcome their
difficulties.’

Christianity

Answer 6

Parable of the talents teaches that people are given the opportunity to support themselves/love your neighbour can be interpreted as not expecting others to support you when you can support yourself/helping
others is loving and compassionate/charitable giving to help the poor is following Jesus’ teaching (eg the widow’s offering in the temple, the rich fool), etc.