Theme E GCSE Flashcards
define crime
any action which is against the law that has been out in place by the ruler of any state
UK - the government must get the approval of Parliament before any new crimes are written into law
discuss corporal or capital punishment
any punishment which is sentenced to cause physical harm is not allowed
what is civil law
concerns disputes between private individuals or groups i.e. divorce, disputed wills, tenants and landlords…
what does the bible say about crime
the Bible warns against any evil or wrong thoughts and intentions
Christians: any action that obeys the law is a good action however some actions can be good that might not be part of the law like donating or working for a charity
discuss evil
evil actions: cause suffering, injury or possible death i.e. murder, terrorism, child abuse, all of which are illegal
evil can be linked with the devil/Satan
Christians don’t necessarily associate all evil actions as having a direct link with the devil but more that they are morally wrong and wicked
how does Christianity view crimes involving violence against people
sinful and against god
give a quote about murder and judgement
you have heard it was said to the people long ago, ‘you shall not murder’ and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement
Mathew 5:21-22
what is the Christian response to crime and punishment
- may claim there is no such thing as an evil person
- all humans have a tendency to do things that are evil due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve and the cause of original sin
- If God created people to be good, they are unlikely to do something unspeakably awful unless there was a specific reason like mental illness for example
what do Christians believe about reasons for crime
- all crime is wrong but how wrong it is may depend upon why it was committed
- Christians believe there is rarely any justification for committing crimes especially as they believe God has put law making authorities in place
- laws are important for keeping order in society but you don’t have to follow it if it is morally wrong, causes persecution or is against God’s laws which come first
give a quote about law
let everyone be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which god has established
romans 13:1
what are some reasons for crime
- poverty
- upbringing
- mental illness
- addiction
- greed
- hate
- an unjust law
discuss opposition to an unjust law as a reason for crime
any breach of the law is wrong however some laws are deliberately broken if they are believed to be unjust. For example Rosa Parks in 1955 USA
Any law based on prejudice and discrimination and that breaches human rights is wrong and should be changed
discuss poverty as a reason for crime
welfare payments should cover living costs but sometimes they don’t resulting in people stealing food or essentials they cannot afford to buy
Christians condemn stealing but don’t want anyone to be poor so use poverty as an excuse
give a quote about poverty
focusing on poverty and sacrificing for the poor are the heart of the gospel. If Christians don’t dig deep and generously open up their wallets they do not have genuine faith
Exodus 21:23-24
discuss upbringing as a reason for crime
growing up around a family where crime is the way of life may encourage a young person to follow this example. Even parents might encourage this behaviour. Once they are involved in this it might be difficult for them to get away from it
discuss mental illness as a reason for crime
mental illness such as Kleptomania is a mental condition that makes people steal. Anger management also leads to crime. If the offender is seen as unfit to stand trail they are likely to be sentenced to be kept in a secure unit where they will receive treatment they need. Authorities will ensure justice is done
discuss addiction as a reason for crime
addicts may resort to stealing in order to purchase the drugs their body needs. Alcohol causes more crime than any other drug. people who are drunk lose control of their thoughts and actions and may commit acts of violence, DUI
Many Christians do not forbid drinking alcohol except for Catholics where drunkenness is a sin
discuss greed as a reason for crime
in the UK personal possessions and wealth as seen as signs of status. Greed can lead to crime such as theft or fraud. Christians believe they shouldn’t covet (be jealous of what others have) as mentioned in the Ten commandments