Key beliefs Beliefs & teachings: Christianity

The problem of
Christianity is a monotheistic
religion – they believe in ONE God. Reasons for believing in God evil
Christians believe God is: Evil exists
Omnipotent (all powerful) The Design Argument
Omniscient (all knowing) Our world is too
Omnipresent (everywhere) The Cosmological
complicated and full of The Moral Argument Christian upbringing
Benevolent (loving) intricate working Argument God is God is
We all have a sense of Many people are benevolent omnipotent
Transcendent (beyond understanding) systems, to have just We live in a world of Christians because they
happened by chance. If right and wrong, and
Immanent (personal) ‘cause and effect’. were brought up to be
we came across a watch, feel feelings of guilt
Eternal (no beginning and no end) Something must have when we do bad things. a Christian. Having Moral evil = suffering caused
Forgiving (he will forgive sins) we would assume it has ‘caused’ our world to Christians believe this spent so much time by humans
been ‘designed’ due to have come into existence.
its complexity. Like the moral conscience around other Natural evil = suffering
Father The only being powerful Christians, a belief in
watch, some assume our comes from God and caused by nature
enough to do this is God – God would come very
world had a designer. supports their belief
the ‘uncaused cause’. naturally to them.
that He is real. Responses:
The Holy
Holy Spirit Trinity Son (Jesus) 1. Suffering is a necessary
part of life
Life after death Soul 2. Suffering is temporary
HEAVEN PURGATORY HELL 3. Suffering is a punishment
Creation Our souls are:
• Immortal for sin
Heaven is traditionally Roman Catholics
seen as a physical place • God-given 4. Suffering is caused by
Science tells us that our believe there is a place Hell can be an
Genesis 1 &2 says that where God is. Jesus • Eternal humanity’s free will
universe is approx. 14bn before heaven, where actual place of
God created the world in called it “paradise” or • Make us distinct 5. Suffering is a part of God’s
years old, and our planet is people go to have their torment and
6 days, and on the 7th He “my Father’s house”. A from the rest of
approx. 4bn years old. sins cleansed. People suffering OR it can plan
rested. Some Christians more modern view is creation
An explosion (The Big say prayers for souls be when man is
take this LITERALLY and that heaven is simply • Return to God when 6. Suffering is a test of faith
Bang) led to the creation of to be released from separated from
read this story as fact ‘with God’. we die
all space, time and matter. Purgatory. God. Christians believe they will be
Humans have evolved over (fundamentalist).
Others see the Genesis judged on their actions in this
time, through a process of
story as a symbolic story life on judgement day –
natural selection. This is
(Liberal) “Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with Parousia.
called ‘evolution’.
different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith”
 The suffering of Christ Beliefs & teachings: Christianity Parables
One of the most detailed stories we have from the
whole of Jesus’ life is the account of how he died.
‘Jesus’ A story used to teach a
lesson or a moral
He was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the
Roman Governor, and his death was to be by
Jesus’ resurrection & ascension The Good Samaritan
“Love your neighbour”
crucifixion. Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 6:1; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9
Even though Christians believe that Jesus was the According to the accounts of Jesus’ burial in the NT, he was placed in a tomb late Friday
son of God, it does not mean that he was somehow afternoon (Good Friday). How long he remained there is unclear, but we know that some of
spared the pain and horror of his crucifixion. Jesus’ female followers went to the tomb to anoint the body. Though details of the story vary
There are several ways in which the crucifixion between the 4 gospel accounts, they all make it clear that Jesus was nowhere to be found. The sheep & the goats
affects Christians today: The belief that Jesus rose from the dead is known as the resurrection and is a key teaching in “Whatever you did for the
• It gives them confidence that if they accept Jesus’ the Christian faith. For Christians, it is significant evidence of the divine nature of Jesus. least of these brothers of
sacrifice, sin can no longer destroy their loves mine, you did for me”
because God forgives those who faithfully ask for Only Mark and Luke’s gospels finish off their story by telling their readers that, after meeting his
forgiveness disciples and asking them to carry on his good work, Jesus left them for the last time and
• They believe that suffering is a part of life, just as ascended, body and soul, into Heaven.
it was a part of Jesus’ life and that, having
experienced it, God understands what the
sufferer is going through. Salvation Miracles
Salvation means ‘to be saved from a bad situation’. In Christianity, this bad situation is sin, An act which seems to break the
and the consequences of sin. laws of nature
Incarnation Sin has separated humans from God, and salvation enables humans to get close to God
Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God. He is God again.
in human form, or God ‘incarnate’. Christians believe that Jesus’ death makes up for the original sin committed by Adam & Eve Calming the storm
“The word became flesh and made his dwelling and so can bring people back to god.
among us” This is a miracle over
Jesus knew his death was necessary to restore the relationship between god and the
• Jesus gave humanity an example to follow. believers and make the opportunity for salvation available to all people. NATURE
• Even though Jesus is God in human form, he Jesus (as the Son of God) could have easily avoided being crucified. His crucifixion was the
valued everyone equally: “For you are all one in result of human evil against an innocent man. It needed to happen, in order to atone for the Water into wine
Christ”. sins of humanity. This was Jesus’ first miracle
• God sacrificed himself on the cross to take away
the sins of human beings: “For God so loved the Healing a paralysed man
world that He gave His only Son”
“Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with This is a HEALING miracle
• Jesus is both immanent and personal different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith”
 Worship Practices: Christianity The Church in the
local community
Liturgical – Follows a set routine e.g. RC
Pilgrimage Sacraments The Church ahs always been involved
Non-liturgical - Does not follow a set in caring for others. For example, in
A sacrament = an outward and visible sign of an inward and
routine the Middle Ages the monasteries
A pilgrimage is a visit to a place spiritual grace
Charismatic – informal; spirit-inspired provided education, hospitality for
regarded as holy for the believer.
Rosary – a string of beads with a crucifix Protestant Churches = only 2 sacraments: Baptism and travellers and treatment for the sick.
Often, the journey is also special.
attached Eucharist. In the 20th century, a London church
Pilgrimage has always played an
Meditation – thoughtfulness, focused
important role in the history of RC & Orthodox Churches = 7 sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, set up the first Samaritans phone
on a religious truth Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Anointing service for those feeling suicidal.
Christianity, thought it is not a
Quaker meetings – Completely informal, of the Sick. In the Parable of the Sheep & the
compulsory duty and many today
with no leader or structure Baptism Goats, Jesus told his disciples that
see no need to go on pilgrimage.
The Bible – regardless of the type of Jesus was baptised by John and, during the baptism, Jesus whatever they did or failed to do for
worship, it will always have a focus on experienced the Holy Spirit entering his life and heard God’s someone, however insignificant the
Some examples of Christian places
the Bible assurance that he was the Son of God. deed or situation, they did/or failed
of pilgrimage are: Lourdes, Iona,
Private – worshipping alone to do, for Jesus.
the Holy Land (Israel) and
Prayer – Communicating with God Just before his ascension, Jesus told his disciples to: “Go and
Canterbury.
make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the One way in which Christians out their
Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. Baptism was a rite of initiation faith into action is through food
into the community right from the start and there are many banks and street pastors.
Why is worship important? Prayer references to baptism throughout the NT.
Jesus spoke about prayer on a Eucharist Key organisations (research these!)
number of occasions. Some The Eucharist is celebrated by nearly all Christian • Corrymeela – reconciliation &
• It brings a sense of togetherness
Christians follow set prayer (such denominations and has many names, such as Holy Communion. ecumenism
as a community
as the Lord’s prayer (which Jesus The central features are the same: the connection with Jesus’ • Open Doors – Supports
• It makes a person feel closer to
taught his disciples), whereas Last Supper, the giving of thanks for the bread and wine persecuted Christians
God
others make them more (consecration) and using Jesus’ words at the last supper. • Spring Harvest – Mission &
• It is peaceful – allowing for prayer
personal. RC Christians believe in transubstantiation – the bread & wine evangelism
and meditation
There different types of prayer: literally turns into the body & blood of Christ. Whereas • Community of the cross of nails
• It is an external expression of their
• Thanksgiving Protestants do not believe this. • CAFOD – Catholic Agency for
faith
• Christians praise God as the • Adoration Overseas Development
eternal Being and source of • Confession • Tearfund
everything that exists • Petition “Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with • Christian Aid
• Intercession different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith”
 Key beliefs about God
Beliefs & Teachings: Islam Sunni and Shi’a Islam
Sunni Muslims (majority)
• There is only ONE God (monotheism). The ‘oneness’
RISALAH: The Prophets Muhammad • See the elected Caliphs as the
of God is called Tawhid in Arabic Prophethood Adam Ibrahim • Allah’s final and successors of Muhammad
• Muslims call God Allah, which means ‘the one true • Allah appoints greatest prophet • Follow the 6 ‘articles of faith’:
God’ • Created • One of Allah’s • Received the
particular people to Tawhid, the Day of Judgement,
• God cannot be divided and has never had a Son. spread his messages specially by most faithful revelation of the the Prophets, Angels, the
• In the Qur’an and the Sunnah, Allah has 99 ‘names’. • These people receive Allah. servants Qur’an
E.g the Merciful, the Just, the Almighty… supremacy of Allah’s will and
revelation from Allah • Given dominion • Opposed idolatry • A great teacher the authority of the Qur’an.
• Allah is the same God that Jews and Christians
worship
through his Angels over the earth • Risked his life to • A great role-model Shia Muslims (minority)
• There are 25 key by Allah argue for • A military
• Allah has revealed his will through his prophets prophets of Allah commander • See the Imams (descendants
• Muslims share many of the beliefs that Jews and • The first human monotheism
of Muhammad) as
identified in the • Set up the first
Christians have about God E.g. He is the creator, to communicate • A great role-
Qur’an, including Muslim community Muhammad’s successors
eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, etc. with Allah model
Musa (Moses) and Isa in Makkah • Believe each Imam must
• Allah must never be pictured (Jesus) • The first Muslim • An ancestor of • Must be respected
choose his successor before
• Allah is beyond understanding and nothing must ever Muhammad but not worshipped
be compared to Allah. Comparing things to Allah is a
he dies
terrible sin • Follow the 5 ‘roots’ of Usul ad-
• All humans must ‘submit’ to the will of Allah (Islam Din: Tawhid, Prophethood,
AKHIRAH: Life after death The Day of Allah’s Justice (Adalat),
means ‘submission’) HEAVEN AND
ANGELS Judgment Resurrection and the Imamate
HELL
• When all humans will be
• Described in different ways • Bring Allah’s revelations
judged by Allah based on
The Qur’an
by different Muslims to his prophets
• People go to heaven or hell • Created by Allah from how they have lived • The word of Allah given to
for eternity after the Day of light • Judgement will lead to Muhammad through Jibril
Predestination Judgement • Usually invisible but punishment (hell) or • Originally dictated in Arabic
• Allah is in total control of all events and knows • Heaven described in the reward (heaven) • The original words have
sometimes take human
everything that will happen Qur’an as a garden paradise
form • Preceded by a state of never been altered
• Because Allah is transcendent (beyond time and space), • Hell described in the Qur’an waiting in the grave called • Infallible: corrects all
as a place of fire and pain • Pure and sinless
he is not limited by time or space barzakh previous revelation from
• Faithful and righteous • Do not have free-will
BUT • While in the grave, people God
• Allah does not decide what will happen Muslims will go to heaven • Have various roles
• Some are named E.g. are questioned by Angels • Divided into ‘Surahs
• Humans have free-will and are responsible for their • Non-Muslims and
unrighteous Muslims will go Jibril, Mika’il, Israfil, Iblis • People will be resurrected • Supplemented by the
choices
to hell before their judgement Hadiths and the Sunnah
• Humans will be judged by Allah based on their choices
 Contraception Theme A: Relationships & families Marriage & divorce
Artificial – man made e.g. condom Marriage is a sacrament in some
Natural – a type of practice or behaviour aimed at Sexual relationships Christian traditions; it brings a
preventing pregnancy e.g. NFP (natural family Roman Catholics believe that sex should have 2 purposes: to UNITE a couple in married love and to blessing from god. In marriage, a
planning) CREATE new life. Pre-marital sex is a sin, as is masturbation (as it cannot lead to procreation). couple promise to each other
Some other Christians accept sex before marriage in a committed and loving relationship, as it is an through vows/promises, to be good
Christianity teaches that sex should be open to the expression of love. The Bible says “Do not commit adultery”, so having sex with someone other than to each other, to be faithful, to love
possibility of procreation. Therefore, by using your marriage partner is committing a sin. and cherish each other, until the
contraception, you are preventing procreation Islam teaches that it is a religious duty to marry & have children. Every person should be a virgin marriage is ended by death. The
from happening. The Roman Catholic Church before marriage, and observe chastity before and during marriage.
rings represent the eternal bond the
teaches that the use of contraception is a sin. The couple are entering into, in front of
Church of England teaches that sex should open to
procreation, however, it accepts that sex is also an Gender equality God.
expression of love and promotes responsible Traditionally, men have held positions of authority in most religions. However, there is a debate For RC Christians, divorce is always
parenthood. Therefore, the use of contraception about what the role of women should be. In the RC Church women cannot become priests. Many wrong. Marriage is a sacrament
is encouraged if you cannot properly look after an argue this because: Jesus had male disciples; Jesus chose a man to lead his Church after his ascension which cannot be broken. The vows
raise a child. You should wait until you’re ready. (Peter); A woman cannot completely represent Christ during the Eucharist. In the C of E women can state “until death do us part” and
become both vicars and bishops. these promises are binding.
Islam teaches that children are a blessing from Some of the earliest converts to Christianity were women, for example Priscilla at Ephesus.
God, if a couple wishes to have them. Muhammad “There is neither Jew nor gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and females, for you are It is possible to have an annulment,
taught that parents should only have as many all one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28) which is where the marriage is set
children as they can properly look after – “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female aside, as if it were never real.
responsible parenthood. So Muslims can and he created them” (Genesis 1:27)
should use contraception. For most other Christians, divorce is
Homosexual relationships discouraged but acceptable as a last
Families For some Christians, homosexual sex is thought to be unnatural and cannot lead to
resort. It is sometimes the lesser of
• Nuclear – mum & dad + children two evils, and also a necessary evil.
pregnancy, so it is a sin and it is wrong. In places, the Bible also says it is wrong for a
• Extended – Nuclear family + other relatives man to sleep with another man, which has also been used to show that homosexuality
• Single-parent – mum or dad + children Christianity teaches:
is wrong. • God hates divorce (OT)
• Polygamy – illegal in the UK. Man + more than 1 The Qur’an sets out specific punishments for those who have homosexual
wife • “Whoever divorces… then
relationships. It calls these people fornicators, and punishment is severe e.g. flogging marries another; it as if he
Many people would argue that the best place for or execution.
raising children is within a family environment/ committed adultery” (Jesus)
Religious families also provide a basis for a religious • We should forgive those who
upbringing, enabling parents to educate their child in
“Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with wrong us and show love to all
a faith. different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith” (Jesus)
 Euthanasia Theme B: Religion and Life Origins of the
Euthanasia is illegal in the UK, It can be seen as The Use of Animals Universe and Life
assisted suicide, therefore breaking the Suicide Some Christians believe that the
Many medicines are tested on animals before they can be used on humans to ensure that universe was created by God in 7
Act of 1961. It can be viewed as manslaughter
they are safe. This is very controversial because many people think that it cruel and days. This is described in the bible in
or murder and carries a prison sentence.
Some people believe that people should have the unnecessary. However others believe that animal experimentation is necessary to make the book of Genesis. The bible says
right to end their own life if they are terminally ill, breakthroughs in science and technology, and to manufacture effective cures. For that Adam and Eve were the first
incapacitated or in severe pain. This is known as example many surgical procedures such as transplantation surgery were traditionally man and women. Christians who
euthanasia. In the UK, this is currently against the perfected on animals. believe the literal truth of the bible
law, although in some other countries it is legal Christians and Muslims are allowed to eat meat in their diets, although Muslims do not are known as Creationists. Other
(Switzerland, Netherlands and Belgium). Some eat pork and some Christians fast during Lent. Vegetarian: a person who does not eat Christians think the creation story is
Christians believe that people should not be able meat. a metaphor for the creation of the
to end their own life because all life is sacred, and Universe, but do not believe that the
that the terminally ill should be cared for in Abortion world was created in 7 days.
hospices at the end of their lives. The law defines abortion as “the deliberate expulsion of a foetus from the womb, with Scientists believe that the Universe
was created billions of years ago and
Islam tells us that Euthanasia is zulm: wrong the intention of destroying it”. In the UK abortion is allowed up until 24 weeks of a
is constantly evolving. This is known
doing against Allah. pregnancy under special circumstances, i.e. if two registered doctors agree that there is a the Big Bang Theory. Charles
a danger to the women’s mental or physical health, the foetus will be born with Darwin was a famous scientist who
Active euthanasia: being given lethal drugs to end disabilities, or the mental or physical health of existing children will be put at risk. Some came up with the theories of
a persons life so there illness does not kill them. people do not believe that abortion is right because it means terminating the life of an evolution and natural selection. This
Passive euthanasia: a person stops taking
unborn child. However, many people believe that it is the woman who should have the theory explains that humans are
medication to end their life.
choice as to what happens to her body and therefore it is for her to make up her own descended from apes and that
mind. There are also circumstances such as rape, genetic abnormalities or failed species are constantly evolving to
Sanctity of Life contraception which cause debate on both sides of the argument. adapt to their changing
Many religions believe that life is sacred because In Islam, the life of the mother takes precedence – she is a fully developed human with environment.
God created it, including Islam and Christianity. responsibilities, whereas the foetus is not even born and will need everything doing for Stewardship: the idea that God
Christians believe that all life is sacred, and it. created the world and that
precious. Some Christians do not believe that Pro-Life: term used for arguments against abortion humans have a responsibility to
anyone should take their own life or the life of Pro-choice: arguments in favour of having the CHOICE to choose an abortion look after it.
someone else. Therefore some Christians believe Dominion: the belief that God
that euthanasia and abortion is wrong, as it is gave humans the right to decide
wrong to end a human life. In all legal systems “Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths
what happens to the world and
murder is the worst crime you could commit. and beliefs and for those without faith” the species in it.
 Violence & violent Theme D: Religion, peace & conflict WMD
Weapons of mass destruction are
protest
Christianity teaches non-violence, as Jesus said
“Blessed are the peacemakers” and told others Peace & justice capable of killing & maiming large groups
of people. These weaons are considered
to turn the other cheek in the face of violence. Justice = fairness; Peace = to live in harmony & without fear unjust because they kill civilians. Some
Christians are told to love their enemies and Christians will fight for justice under the conditions of The just war theory. Whilst religious believers accept the existence of
love each other. However, God gave humans God desires peace, He also desires that humans should live in justice and freedom. nuclear weapons as a deterrent.
free will and choice and sometimes non-violent
protest is ignored, so violence may be used to The Roman Catholic Church does not
force change for the common good.
Forgiveness & agree with the use of WMD but thinks
Reconciliation = making reconciliation
up between two groups after a disagreement they are acceptable as a deterrent.
Islam means peace and Muslims should act in a The Quaker Society utterly condemn
peaceful manner, but violence may be used in “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the
inexcusable in you” ~ C.S. Lewis WMD. They are pacifists, and no
self-defence. Muslims have a duty to protest outward weapons are acceptable. WMD
about anything unfair and in the UK we have “Forgive seventy times seven” ~ Jesus are indiscriminate and beyond control.
seen protests over wars and issues in the
Middle East, what is perceived as “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” ~ Jesus
Islamophobia, terrorism and racism issues. Religion & peace
Pacifism making
Christianity teaches to “love your neighbour”
Just War & Holy war Pacifists believe that all violence is morally wrong. They will not participate in any and Islam means peace if both of these
Holy war = it is right to fight in the name of God war, regardless of the reasons for that war. An example of a pacifist Christian group teaching were adhered to then there would be
Just war = It is right to fight in the interests of justice is The Quakers. peace. Religious groups are regularly involved
& the greater good Conscientious objectors are people who refuse to participate directly in fighting in peace-keeping in war torn areas and in
For Muslims a holy war is a just war. There are rules wars on the grounds of conscience. However they will assist in non-military ways negotiations to prevent wars happening.
for how Muslims should fight a war ibn the Qur’an. such as medics, relief work and mediators. Many believe they have a peace-keeping
role. On occasions people have claimed that religion
A jihad may only be fought as a last resort and must
is the cause of war. For example, some
never be against a Muslim nation.
The Church of England accepts the just war theory and sees wars as necessary in fundamentalist groups such as ISIS believe that
certain conditions, especially in situations where wars are waged to fight injustice. an Islamic State needs to be created.
St Paul said Christians should obey their rulers, who
had been given power by God. St Augustine was the
Buddhism is a pacifistic religion. The Five precepts demand a pacifistic approach to Sometimes even with all the best efforts,
first to try to write a set of rules regarding this, and
life. The Dalai Lama said that “Peace can exist if everyone respects all others”. religion cannot keep peace because there are
eventually the just war rules were written in detail
overriding factors, such as the craving for
by St Thomas Aquinas. Sometimes if you do not
power, the need to react or attack or to join
fight, you allow a greater evil to happen than a
war would have caused, so you have to fight.
“Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths allies to protect others.
and beliefs and for those without faith”
 Good & evil actions and intentions Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment The death penalty
Abolished in the UK in 1965 and is now
Some people suggest that those who commit the Reasons for crime & types of crime illegal in many EU countries.
worst crimes are evil. Causes of crime include: upbringing, mental illness, poverty, opposition to existing laws, The Principle of Utility = an action is right if
But where does evil come from? greed/hate, or addiction. it promotes the maximum happiness for
Christianity: Evil is seen as the abuse of the free the maximum number of people.
There are 3 key types of crimes: Crimes against the person (e.g. murder); Crimes against property
will God gave to humans. In order to be able to (e.g. burglary); Crimes against the state (e.g. terrorism). The sanctity of life = God gave life, so only
appreciate good, then evil has to exist. Most He has the right to take it away.
Christians believe in a figure called the devil or St Paul tells Christians to “obey the laws of the land”
Satan. So, evil is a combination of internal and For Against
external factors. Suffering
• It is a justifiable • Only God has
Islam: The Qu’ran says there is a devil who was For many people, suffering is an unfortunate part of living. It may be caused by something retribution for the right to take
an angel. Iblis was expelled from paradise because natural, such as an illness, or it may be due to how people have behaved. Whatever the cause, serious crimes life
he refused to bow to Adam. Iblis continually Christians believe they should try to help others who are suffering. Christians feel that they • It is a deterrent • Jesus taught a
tempts and punishes humans to be wicked. Evil is should follow the example of Jesus, who helped many whom he saw were suffering, and who • It gives the message of love
a mix of powerful evil being and the weakness of taught that those who believe in God should help those who suffer. victim’s family a and forgiveness
humans. Heller Keller was a Christian writer and activist who became deaf and blind when she was only 19 sense of justice • It is hypocritical
months old. She said “We are never really happy until we try to brighten the lives of others”.
3 aims of punishment
Treatment of criminals
Retribution: is the least positive of the 3 aims of Forgiveness
punishment. It means that society, on behalf of the Christians do not disagree with discipline. They see a positive need for it: “He who spares
victim, is getting its own back on the offender. In the the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline Forgiveness is a core Christian belief and one
Old Testament it is referred to as lex talionis (the law them”. However, they may question the method used since Jesus’ teachings on love and Jesus emphasised in his teachings.
of retaliation). “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a caring for people rule out any physical punishment. Instead, Christians focus on positive
Christians are expected to be forgiving
tooth” sanctions that help offenders to realise the error of their ways and reform. Jesus always
towards those who wrong them, if they expect
treated people with respect, and Christians believe they should follow his example.
Deterrence: This is the belief that if offenders are to be forgiven themselves: “Forgive us our
seen to be punished for wrongdoing, then this may Corporal punishment: to punish the offender by causing physical pain. It is illegal in the UK sins, as we forgive those who sin against us”.
‘put off’ others from committing that offence. The but allowed in some other parts of the world. For example some Muslim countries such as
Many Christians would argue that forgiveness
offender themselves might also be put off from Iran and Saudi Arabia, allow caning as punishment for offences such as gambling and sexual
is not a replacement for punishment.
reoffending. promiscuity.
Reformation: This is the aim of punishment most Community service: offers offenders a chance to make up for what they have done and During his ministry Jesus was asked how many
Christians prefer because it seeks to help offenders by receive help in reforming their behaviour. Christians are in general agreement that it is a times you should forgive someone who
working with them to help them understand that their suitable punishment for fairly minor offences. wrongs you and he replied “I tell you not
behaviour is harming society. It is hoped that seven times, but seventy-seven times”
offenders will change their attitudes and become
responsible, law-abiding members of the community.
“Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths
and beliefs and for those without faith”