Theme E- Religion Crime And Punishment Flashcards
Why does poverty cause crime?
Some people live in the UK and cannot afford the
necessities of life.
This can lead some people to steal food and
essentials that they cannot afford to buy.
Christian belief on poverty
Christians condemn stealing because one of
the commandments is ‘thou shall not steal’ (Exodus)
but they are also keen to make sure that nobody is
poor.
Why does upbringing cause crime?
Growing up in a household where crime is a way of life
may encourage a young person to follow the example
of the people they live with
Christian belief on upbringing?
Christianity teaches to ‘honour your mother and father’
(Exodus) and that the roles of parents is to guide your
children. If your parents are involved in crime then the
child is exposed to potentially difficult situations,
Why does addiction cause crime?
The nature of addiction means that the human body
cannot cope without them. Addicts may resort to
stealing in order to purchase the drugs their body
needs
Christian beliefs on addiction?
Most denominations of Christianity do not forbid the
consumption of alcohol, but for Catholics, drunkenness
is a sin and no denomination encourages excessive
drinking.
Why does mental health conditions cause crime?
Some mental health conditions cause people to
commit crime. Kleptomania is a mental condition that
makes people steal. Anger management problems
may lead to assault or murder.
Christian beliefs on mental health conditions?
Christians believe we should look after the vulnerable
people and support them to rehabilitate them
Why does greed cause crime?
In the UK personal possessions and wealth are seen as
a social status. Greed can lead to crime, especially
theft or fraud.
Christina beliefs on greed?
In the Ten Commandments, Christians are taught not to
covet, which means they should not be jealous of what
other people have, and envy is one of the seven deadly
sins.
Why does hate cause crime?
A hate crime is therefore any incident in which
someone commits a crime against someone else
based on their prejudices about that person – perhaps
because of their race, religion, sexual orientation,
disability, gender, etc.
According to the Metropolitan Police, hate crime is the
largest and fastest growing category of crime in the UK
today.
Christian beliefs on hate?
Christians teach to “love thy neighbour” (Mark) and
treat everyone with kindness as you would like to be
treated. Jesus taught equality and pacifism so hate
crimes are never acceptable
Examples of Civil Disobedience
- Rosa Parks: Bus Boycott as she refused to move
out of her seat on a bus for a white person to sit
down. She got arrested for this which led to a
peaceful bus boycott (no using the buses) which
contributed to changing racist segregation laws in
America. - Suffragettes: women working for women to have
the vote. Women encouraged people to rush to
the Houses of Parliament in the hope to invade
the House of Commons.
Should Christians break unjust laws?
- Christians are taught to free the oppressed people by standing up against
unjust laws - However, Christians should try to follow the law where they can
- Civil disobedience must always be non-violent like Rosa Parks.
St. Augustine’s theodicy
• When God made the world, it was perfect.
• He believed this because in the creation story in the Bible it says “God saw what he had made and it was good” (Genesis)
• The first humans, Adam and Eve, disobeyed the rules God gave them and turned away from God.
• They were punished for what they did: In the Bible God says “Because of what you have done, the ground will be under a curse.” (Genesis)
• Their actions caused the suffering and evil in the world.
• Today, people suffer because of what Adam and Eve did, and because we make bad choices which cause more pain and suffering.
• Therefore, God does not stop suffering because we deserve it as a punishment for our sins and the sins of Adam and Eve.
St. Irenaeus’ theodicy
• When God made the world, it was not perfect - God put suffering in the world because God knew it would be good for us.
• Suffering helps us to develop characteristics like kindness and forgiveness.
• If we lived in a perfect world, we would never develop into good people.
• Irenaeus said suffering is “soul-making” because it makes us better people.
What do Christians think on good and evil actions and intentions?
Christianity teaches that people must not only focus on their actions, but also
on their inner thoughts and intentions.
• Jesus taught his followers to be ‘pure in heart’ meaning that they had to be
good on the inside, as well as acting good on the outside. J
• Jesus was quite critical of the religious leaders of his time who focussed heavily
on outward appearances and ensuring that they were seen to eb doing the right
thing, but inwardly were angry, bitter, or hateful.
• Based on Jesus’ teachings, Christianity teaches that goodness must start within,
with pure intentions and thoughts, and that then, good actions will
automatically follow
The Woman in Adultery
- Jesus saved a woman from being stoned to death for
committing adultery. Jesus said that the only people who could
throw a stone was someone who has not committed sin…so no
one threw a stone.
Christian attitude to crime and criminals
Christians believe that everyone sins in life and that nobody
is perfect. Because of this, Christians try not to judge others for their
sins but to be compassionate, forgiving, and understanding.
Christians believe that sometimes the laws of the State can be
wrong or immoral. In these situations, it is the Christian’s duty to
stand up against the law and to try to change unjust laws for
the better.
Christians believe that whilst you may disapprove of what a person
has done, you should still try to see the good in everyone: hate
the sin, but love the sinner.
Christians believe that the only one without sin is God. Therefore,
God is the only one who can really judge others. Though we may
seek human justice after a crime, ultimately it is God who will judge
that person’s actions.
How should you treat prisoners?
Treat them with respect as they are humans – Jesus taught to love
everyone
Jesus said in the Parable of Sheep and Goats to visit those in prison and
take care of them as they are people too. You should hate the sin but not
the sinner.
Punishment is necessary but you should forgive criminals and work on
rebuilding the relationship between victim and offender
Retribution
It means to get your own back. In other words, retribution means that society, on behalf of the victim, is getting its own back on the offender.
Literal Retribution = death penalty for murder
Non-literal retribution = prison for murder (take away freedom)
Some Christians agree with retribution and think the criminals should receive the same injuries and damage that they caused to their victim. In the Old Testament, this is called lex taliones (law of retaliation).
other Christians believe that this is not literal and the criminal should be given a punishment to match the crime.
“an eye for an eye” (Exodus 21).
Detterence
If offenders are seen to be punished for wrongdoing, and in some cases punished severely , the threat of similar punishment might put off others from committing crime.
Ban from driving might put others off drink driving
Christians will agree with deterrence as it may lead to crime rates decreasing and also ensures that the criminals are being punished.
Some would agree with severe punishments such as the death penalty being used as deterrents however, other Christians would not.
Most would agree that harsh punishments should not be used as all human beings should be treated with respect.
If any of you sin by breaking any of the Lord’s commands, you will pay a
penalty.” Leviticus 5:17
Reformation
Reformation is the aim that seeks to help the offender change their behaviour. It is hoped that the offender
will change their attitudes and become responsible and law-abiding. For this to work, the offender needs to realise that their behaviour is wrong.
Counselling in prison
Education such as doing GCSES
Or learning skills to help them better themselves for life after prison
Christians favour reformation as they take inspiration from Paul “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good”
Christians will work to set an example to others rather seek revenge as it shows compassion. A more positive response to an offender is to work with them to help turn their life around.
“do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” - St Paul
Who goes to prison?
- Offenders who have committed
serious crime go to prison - They lose their freedom e.g. fed at
certain times, not allowed
technology, do manual work for little
money
Different Types of Prisons
- Some prisons are considered ‘luxury
prisons’ as they allow prisoners more
freedom and focus on rehabilitation - Others believe that prisons should
remain as there are despite there
being drug use, abuse and poor living
conditions
Elizabeth Fry
• Christian (Quaker) who worked to reform
conditions in prisons.
• She believed that prisoners should be treated
with kindness.
• She taught prisoners skills
like reading and sewing so they could earn
money to buy food.
• She gave babies in the prison warm clothes and
brought clean bedding for sick people.
• She also set up places where homeless
people could get food and a place to sleep.
CATHOLIC CHURCH beliefs in prisons
• Do not believe in retribution but do believe in justice
• Prison is a form of justice but prisoners should be treated with
dignity
• Catholics are concerned with the welfare of prisoners and they campaign for prison reform
•
Only God can truly judge people so
•
we must forgive and reconcile
They encourage Prison Chaplains to
help give spiritual guidance to those inside and their families
Quakers attitudes towards prisons?
• God is in everyone so all people even prisoners must be treated with dignity
• Quakers believe our current prison system should be abolished and replaced with secure education facilities like those in Scandinavia that work to promote kind, caring members of society to reduce offending rates
What is Corporal Punishment?
• Corporal punishment means to punish an offender by causing them physical pain. This could be by
whipping them or hitting them repeatedly with a cane.
Why is corporal punishment considered wrong?
• Many consider this a breach of the Human Rights Legislation that the UK supports. It is illegal in the UK
but allowed in other parts of the world including Iran, Saudi Arabia, parts of Africa and
When was corporal punishment allowed in the UK?
• Corporal punishment was permitted in schools in the UK until it was made illegal in 1987 in government-
funded schools, and 1999 in all other schools in England and Wales.
Christian Views on Corporal Punishment
- Christians agree with discipline but many question the use of violence
- Jesus taught to love and care for all people so physical punishment is wrong
- Christians focus on helping individuals change (reformation)
- Jesus taught people to respect others so they should follow his example e.g. Parable
of the Good Samaritan – help those in need - Christians believe you should not cause suffering to others and if you do, you must
work on forgiveness and reconciliation
What is Community Service?
• Punishing an offender by making them do unpaid work in the
community e.g. litter picking, removing graffiti or decorating public
places
• Offenders do between 40 and 300 hours of unpaid work wearing a
bright high visibility jacket, so people know why they are there.
• Other parts of community service can include treatment
programmes for medical conditions or addiction as well as being
given counselling and basic education programmes.
What can you get community service for?
• Vandalism, benefit fraud or minor assaults
Why?
• Community service offers offenders the chance to make up for their
wrongdoing and receive help in reforming their behaviour
• If offenders do not complete the programme or hours, they could go
to prison.
Pros on community service?
- Helps offender change
for the better - Focuses on helping the
offender give back to
society
Cons on community service?
- Not a deterrence/harsh
punishments - Could make the offender
reoffend as they were
not deterred enough
Christian Views on Community Service
- Christians accept community service as it focuses on reformation which is the most
important aim of punishment - Community service allows the offender to be forgiven and reconcile their relationship with
the victim
Death Penalty
- The Death Penalty has been banned in the UK since 1965 and permanently
abolished in 1969 - Taking a life is breaking the Human Rights away
- It is still legal in parts of America, China & Egypt
How are people killed?
- It depends by the country, but the UK used to hang people
- Other forms are lethal injection, shooting or the electric chair
Amnesty International
- A charity that works to abolish the death penalty around the world
Helen Prejean
- Catholic Prison Chaplain who worked
on Death Row and helped inmates
with their spiritual journey before
death - Campaigns for the end of the death
penalty - Wrote a book/film called ‘Dead Man
Walking
Christian views on the death penalty?
• Sanctity of Life - some argue that
as the death penalty is usually
reserved for murderers who have
already taken life away, they are
being punished in a way that
they deserve and which God
approves of.
• Some Christians believe in the
Principle of Utility– a good action
is one that brings the most
happiness for the most people so
the death penalty would help
the victim and society feel
protected
• The Bible teaches on retribution –
“an eye for an eye” (Exodus)
Christian views Against Death Penalty
• Christians believe that only God
has the right to take away
life, after all he is the one who
gifted humanity with life.
• Jesus taught the importance of
forgiveness and warned people not
to judge each other harshly.
• Sanctity of Life – all life must be
protected
• “forgive us our sins as we
forgive those who sin
against us”– Lords’ Prayer
• “whoever sheds human blood,
by humans their blood shall
be shed…” (Genesis)
Secular (non- religious) views for death penalty
• Makes society safer
• Gives closure to the victim and
families
• Is a clear deterrence
• It is a form of retribution
Secular (non- religious) views against death penalty
• It does not allow for reformation
(change)
• It does not make the family of the
offender happy
• Principle of Utility – most people are
happy without the death penalty
Why is important to forgive?
•It follows the example/instructions of
Jesus.
•Allows you to move on with your life /
heal.
•Prevents a cycle of violence and revenge.
•Allows the offender a second chance to
turn their life around > less crime in the
future.
•If we expect to be forgiven ourselves, then
we should be willing to forgive others.
•Helps us develop compassion and empathy
which can make the world a happier more
peaceful place.
•Improves your mental health > not holding
a grudge.
•Prevents a build-up of anger, bitterness,
resentment etc.
3 aims of the Restorative Justice Programme
- Helps criminals to see and truly understand the harm they caused.
- Gives criminals a chance to apologise or to put things right in some way if they
can. - Gives victims a chance to ask Qs or suggest ways to make amends.
