S2 Chapter 4 - Equality

Question 1

Evaluation Question
“Pop stars and celebrities do more than the church to fight against injustice.” Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer. (5 marks)

Answer 1

Answers may include:

Many churches - including their members - appear to have plenty of wealth, but there is little evidence of this being used in the local area.

In the past some Christians were prepared to take a stand against injustice (e.g. Martin Luther King) but the majority now don’t want to get involved.

There are high-profile events involving celebrities that seek to tackle injustice, such as Comic Relief and Live Aid.

On the other hand:

The Bible teaches that social injustice is wrong - Isaiah and Amos spoke against oppression of the poor: Jesus had a humble birth and made a point of reaching out to the marginalised in society. many Christians and churches do try to take this seriously.

There are Christian organisations, e.g. Trocaire, Tearfund and Christian Aid fighting poverty and injustice; many churches support these through fundraising activities

Some Christians get involved locally - perhaps helping in a soup kitchen for the homeless, or at Christmas time providing companionship, food and toys for families who cannot afford them.

Question 2

Evaluation Question

“School assemblies should always include an act of Christian worship.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer 2

Answers may include:

In 1944 it was made law for children to pray at school everyday; it is right that this should be continued today

Although there is increasing religious diversity in Northern Ireland, we are still basically a Christian society, so school assemblies should reflect this.

An assembly with a Bible reading and prayer is part of daily routine in school.

On the other hand:

Some people argue it is not right for schools to have daily christian act of worship, as Christianity is not the only religion practiced here.

There are children from a wide variety of faith backgrounds attending schools here; Christian worship would lead them to feeling excluded.

School assemblies could make reference to a variety of faiths, perhaps depending on the time of year.

Some might argue that assemblies should not be religious at all, but have a moral message - or that they are simply a sharing of information about the coming school day/week.

Question 3

What does Article 1 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (1948) state?

Answer 3

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Question 4

What does Article 2 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (1948) state?

Answer 4

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

Question 5

Name some of the different types of social injustice

Answer 5

Economic inequality
Inequality of the disabled
Gender inequality
Ageism
Racial inequality
Religious inequality

Question 6

What is justice?

Answer 6

Justice is the right to be treated fairly.

Question 7

The idea of equality is related to …

Answer 7

Respect for justice

Question 8

What is economic inequality?

Answer 8

One of the main forms of social injustice is economic inequality. This refers to the unfair gap between the rich and poor. In our world some people live in complete luxury while others struggle to survive in dire poverty. People living in developing countries often have a very poor standard of living. Christians believe that this is wrong.

Question 9

What does CAFOD stand for?

Answer 9

Catholic Agency For Overseas Development

Question 10

What is inequality of the disabled?

Answer 10

Many people in our society are either physically or mentally disabled. Disabled people have a lot to offer society. However, as well as coping with their disability, some face discrimination in society and are not treated as equals. This is a particular problem when it comes to applying for a job or taking part in sports.

Question 11

What is gender inequality?

Answer 11

Gender inequality refers to the obvious or hidden differences between people based on their gender. Some people believe that women are still not treated equally to men in society. They argue that women are affected by gender inequality in education, the world of work, religion and sport. However, other people argue that more recently the situation has reversed. In the home women have traditionally carried out the majority of the domestic chores and are responsible for childcare. In the Christian Church men have traditionally been the leaders with women taking a lesser role. Women are gradually being selected for higher roles within the church, with some Christian denominations more open to women in leadership roles than others.

Question 12

What is ageism?

Answer 12

Ageism is discrimination against people because they are no longer young. Older people are often looked down upon by those younger than them and some even consider them to be of little value to society, with old-fashioned views. Unfortunately these ideas are reinforced by television and advertising. Many older people face discrimination when they try to find work or feel pressurised to retire to make way for younger people. Christians believe that they should show respect for the elderly and value their experience of life. Many old people are active, valuable to the community and proud of their individuality.

Question 13

Name two organisations committed to improving the quality of life for the elderly

Answer 13

Age Concern

Help the Aged

Question 14

What is racial inequality?

Answer 14

This refers to the unfair treatment of people because they belong to a particular race or because of the colour of their skin. In America in the 1960s black people were treated as second class citizens. They were separated from white people in places like schools.

Question 15

What is religious inequality?

Answer 15

This refers to the unfair treatment of people because they belong to a particular religion. It can affect people from any religion, for example, Christians, Muslims or Jews. In Northern Ireland religious inequality has been a problem for Catholics and Protestants. In recent years many innocent Muslims face discrimination because of the terror activities of Muslim extremists.

Question 16

What does the Bible say about social justice?

Answer 16

The Bible provides insight into how Christians should not tolerate social injustice.

The Old Testament teaches that people are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:3-14) and that all people are created equal. People were not created to be alone, but to live in community with others (Genesis 2:18). People were given a special role in creation - to be stewards of the Earth, to work and to prosper (Genesis 1:28-30).

Christians believe that God’s creation was spoiled by violence, selfishness, greed and corruption when sin entered the world (Genesis 3-11). The issue of injustice is connected to sin throughout the Old Testament (Isaiah 59:9-16). Many of the prophets spoke out against the social injustice caused by sin and warned the people of coming judgment.

Question 17

What is the Christian’s responsibility towards disadvantaged groups?

Answer 17

Some Christians believe that there is no divide between the religious and the secular world. Therefore faith and the fight for justice go hand-in-hand. This means that Christians have a responsibility to help disadvantaged groups in our society and beyond.
One of the main ways Christians show their responsibility towards disadvantaged groups is in their attitude towards the poor. Many Christians living in rich nations feel they have a moral responsibility towards those less fortunate. This does not just mean remembering them in prayer, but offering practical help. Many are involved in charities such as Christian Aid, CAFOD (Catholic Agency For Overseas Development), CARITAS (Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development) and Tearfund.
People also get involved locally, e.g. soup kitchens.

Question 18

What is liberation theology?

Answer 18

Liberation theology emerged in the 1960s, and was a movement composed of Christians who were convinced that the church should fight against poverty and exploitation, and acted to bring about social justice.

Question 19

What is racism?

Answer 19

Racism means treating people differently because of their race or the colour of their skin.

Question 20

What is prejudice?

Answer 20

Prejudice is the act of pre-judging someone, and usually implies judging another person to be of less worth or value, based on little or no actual knowledge of them.

Question 21

What are some of the causes of prejudice?

Answer 21

1. Fear- Feeling threatened in some way
2. Ignorance - Lack of knowledge, not knowing the facts
3. Scapegoating - Blaming certain groups for the ills of society. For example, unemployment
4. Stereotyping - Attributing certain qualities to particular groups
5. Parental/Media influence - Persuaded that they must be right

Question 22

What is discrimination?

Answer 22

Discrimination is when people are treated badly by others because of prejudice.

Question 23

Name some ethnic minority communities in Northern Ireland that face racism and discrimination

Answer 23

Filipino community
Polish community
Chinese community
- Largest ethnic minority group in NI

Question 24

What does the Bible say about racism?

Answer 24

The Bible teaches that Christians should think carefully about how they treat others: “Do for others what you want them to do for you.” (Matthew 7:12)
When Jesus met a Canaanite woman (i.e. not a Jew), he put prejudice aside and healed her daughter:
“You are a woman of great faith! What you want will be done for you.” (Matthew 15:21-28)
Jesus based his teachings about other people on love:
“Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

Question 25

What does the Roman Catholic Church say about racism?

Answer 25

The Catholic Church strongly condemns racism. “The Church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against people or any harassment of them on the basis of their race, colour, and condition in life or religion.”

Question 26

What does the Church of Ireland say about racism?

Answer 26

“If we do not challenge the racism and discrimination that I fear could quickly gather place in Ireland under the present political and economic circumstances, then how can we convince others that we believe in Christ and the Kingdom he proclaimed?”

Question 27

What does the Presbyterian Church say about racism?

Answer 27

“Become more socially inclusive.”

Question 28

What does the Methodist Church say about racism?

Answer 28

“We urge all Methodist people to be open to the diversity and enrichment that can come from people of different cultures. We deplore all forms of racism and seek to promote understanding and inclusion within the church life and society in general. We encourage governments to show humanity, understanding, generosity and openness in their dealings with asylum seekers and refugees. We encourage local communities to welcome strangers to share in the life of this island.”

Question 29

What are some of the practical ways that Christians can combat racism?

Answer 29

• The minister or priest can help the rest of the congregation to adjust to change by making them more aware of the cultures that newcomers belong to and persuading them of the importance of reaching out.
• Make sure the church building is welcoming from the outside, with clear welcoming signs.
• Have people responsible for welcoming at services and involve the whole congregation in learning about the importance of welcome. For example, it is helpful if people can be greeted with a phrase or two in their own language.
• Encourage newcomers to participate, for example, in reading a lesson or taking up the collection. These are small, visible signs of acceptance.
• Include some aspect of the worship tradition from the country of origin, such as a song or a prayer. Have songs of worship in a foreign language as well as in English.
• Hold special services, for example, in Refugee Week, Anti-Racism Sunday, or Holocaust Memorial Day, and invite members of minority groups to speak or attend.
• Have drop-in centres or coffee mornings to give people the chance to mix.
• Hold mother and toddler groups for refugees or the families of migrant workers.
• Provide the chance for after-school clubs to help incoming children to adjust to the differences in the educational system.
• Help people with the learning of English.
• Use the churches recreational facilities, such as a sport’s hall, to help people to make friends.
• Invite people from different ethnic, religious or cultural backgrounds to your home for a meal.
• Hold celebration meals, for example, at Christmas where you might invite people from a minority ethnic group to share their cooking traditions with you.
• Celebrate festivals such as Chinese New Year.
• Visit cultural centres in Northern Ireland together, for example, the Giant’s Causeway, the Irish Linen Centre or the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.
• Visit the cultural centres of religious or ethnic communities - such as the Belfast Islamic Centre or the Indian Community Centre in Belfast, to learn, and affirm their presence as part of a shared society.
• Be careful about the words you use. Find out what people want to be called. For example, at one time ‘coloured’ was acceptable for African or Caribbean people. Now, in almost all cases, it is not.
• Be willing to study the languages, cultures and religions of people from minority ethnic populations.

Question 30

Name an inter-church organisation made up of a group of Christians in Northern Ireland who work together to promote a positive response to minority ethnic people and refugees

Answer 30

Embrace NI

Question 31

What does the term ‘inter-faith’ mean?

Answer 31

The term ‘inter-faith’ sometimes refers to inter-denominational relationships within Christianity but it can also be applied to the relationship between Christians and members of other world faiths.

Question 32

Why is it important for Christians to have a positive attitude to other world religions?

Answer 32

1. The world is becoming increasingly secular, with many people opting to have no religious faith at all. Some Christians feel that a lack of faith in the world has led to a decrease in moral values. It is argued that this is a good reason for people of all faiths to come together. They feel there should be more opportunities to meet with those of other faiths to present a common approach to moral and social issues such as poverty, oppression and violence.
2. In recent years more and more people who live in Northern Ireland are from different cultural and religious backgrounds. It is important to get on with your neighbour. Christians believe it is useful to learn more about each other in order to promote a more harmonious society.

Question 33

In what year was it made compulsory for children to pray at school everyday in the UK?

Answer 33

1944

Question 34

What does the word ‘cohesion’ mean?

Answer 34

Pulling together

Question 35

Name a charity in Northern Ireland which provides charitable services in an attempt to promote community cohesion

Answer 35

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Question 36

What is community cohesion?

Answer 36

Bringing the community together

Question 37

What are some of the services offered by St. Vincent de Paul?

Answer 37

• Cash assistance
• Food and clothing
• Shops and internet cafes
• Furniture stores
• Breakfast and afterschool clubs
• Creches
• Playgroups
• Mother and toddler group
• Centre for the Deaf (Belfast)
• Drop-in-centres
• Resource centres
• Providing accommodation to vulnerable people
• Holiday schemes and Holiday Homes (Newcastle)

Question 38

Unit 8 2012 - Section B

6a) Describe some of the causes of racism in society. [5]

Answer 38

Answers may include:
• Some people have been brought up with racist opinions, learnt from their parents.
• Sometimes people try to blame others for their problems, such as unemployment, and pick on those who are of a different race or nationality.
• Some racism is the result of ignorance and misunderstanding about the culture of others.
• A person may have a bad experience with someone of a different race which leaves them with a negative impression.
Accept valid alternatives

Question 39

Unit 8 2012 - Section B

6b) Explain what the Bible teaches about prejudice. [5]

Answer 39

Answers may include:
• In Genesis, humankind is created in the image of God; all humans share a spiritual likeness to God.
• In the New Testament, Paul taught that race, colour and national identity were irrelevant to the church.
• Jesus seemed to be in favour of racial equality; in the parable of the Good Samaritan, a member of the hated race helps a man in need.
• Jesus broke the barriers of sex and race by talking to a Samaritan woman.
• Jesus showed no prejudice when he healed the servant of the Roman Centurion
Accept valid alternatives

Question 40

Unit 8 2012 - Section B
6c) “The teaching of all religions should have an equal place in schools.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. [10]

Answer 40

Answers may include:
• We live in a multi-religious society so all religions should have an equal place in school lessons.
• Assemblies should not be specifically Christian but take account of other world faiths.
• Children in the school who are members of a variety of faiths should feel that their religion is also valued.
• Celebrating diversity can make young people more tolerant.

On the other hand:
• We are still a predominantly Christian community; the school curriculum should reflect this.
• Teaching children about too many different faiths could be confusing.
• It would be too awkward to accommodate all faiths equally, for example school holidays follow the Christian calendar.
Accept valid alternatives

Question 41

Unit 8 2015 - Section B

7c) “Churches need to take more action to challenge discrimination.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. [10]

Answer 41

Answers may include:
• Some churches give the impression that they are only there for the good of their congregations; they do not appear to meet the needs of the wider community.
• Christians believe in one God, the creator of humankind; Christians believe that any discrimination based on physical differences is wrong. The church should be putting this teaching into practice and actively challenging prejudice and discrimination.
• Churches should try to follow the example of Jesus who reached out to everyone in the community regardless of their background and broke down barriers of gender, race and religion.
• Some of the key people campaigning for equality have been Christians (for example, Desmond Tutu) so churches should try and follow this example.

On the other hand:
• Not everyone in society, regardless of their circumstances wants help from the church; well-meant intentions might be seen as interfering.
• Many people in society are not Christians and would not look to the church for moral guidance. Community groups would probably have more of a role to play than the church.
• The church has to remember it’s priorities - to nurture people’s faith and provide a place for worshipping God.
• Some people might accuse the church of discrimination (for example, attitudes towards women) and so may not have a lot of credibility on this issue.
Accept valid alternatives