Here are some key things to remember which will prevent you loosing silly marks:

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2 Your paper will contain four sections 1. Peace and Conflict 2. Medical Ethics 3. Religious Expression 4. Authority and the State Each section will have questions a f. The sections will have one 2 mark questions two 4 mark questions one 6 mark questions one eight mark question You must answer EVERY section and EVERY question. The exam paper is 1hour45minutes. This paper stands for 100% of this REP GCSE, it is not linked to exam 1 (they are two separate grades). Here are some key things to remember which will prevent you loosing silly marks: Definition Questions (2marks) Remember to define the word and also give an example. This will ensure that you get both marks if your definition isn t strong enough. Give an example of (2marks) You simply state two examples of whatever the question asks. E.g. State two examples of conflict Answer: War and arguing with friends

3 Give two reasons why you agree or disagree questions (4 marks) REMEMBER: D.E.E (definition, explanation, example) Define the keyword in the statement. Explain what Christians or Hindu s believe about this topic. Either explain two reasons why they agree or two why they disagree. Provide two examples to back up your explanation. Six Mark Questions You will either be asked: 1. To compare two different religious traditions views on a topic Or 2. Explain a religious traditions belief or practice in detail 1. Two religious traditions You must state which two religions you are going to look at (you will lose a mark if you don t!) HINDUISM AND CHRISTIANITY. You must define what the topic means (E.g define the teaching about peace and conflict from two different religious traditions.) You must explain what both religious view points are. You can compare the similarities and differences. You MUST try to incorporate a religious quote into your answer and explain how it relates to the topic. 2. A religious traditions belief You must state the religions name. (Either Christianity OR Hinduism) You must describe in detail their viewpoint on a topic or explain stage by stage what happens during the event and the significance of each stage. You must explain how this impacts upon their personal beliefs or life choices. Try to incorporate a quote and explain how it relates. 8 MARK Evaluation question

4 You must create a simple plan before you write the question. This will make it easier for you. Remember you cannot simply plan, you must write it up in paragraph form. (5-6minutes planning time!) Agree Disagree Quote (explained) You must structure your answer Some people would agree with this statement because (make four points and explain them) ON THE OTHER HAND Some people would disagree with this statement because (make four points and explain them) Add a quotation (or more if you can) and explain it. Use your quotation to support one side of the argument. You can add your personal opinion. (E.g. After looking at the evidence I would therefore state that racism is wrong due to the fact that in my opinion we are all equal) You must include examples showing that you are aware of how the topic has impacted on people lives throughout the world You must include religious quotes and explain them. You must give a detailed answer from a religious perspective NOT a general perspective! You must draw a conclusion. ALWAYS read the question carefully. Read over it twice before starting, the words can sometimes be misleading! ALWAYS read over your answers. You will be surprised what you may have forgotten the first time around. It is also a great time to check spelling! kanderson@emc.hereford.sch.uk

5 Conflict the breakdown of a relationship e.g. arguing with friends Interfaith community a community that promotes respect and talks between people of faith e.g. Churches Interfaith dialogue talking about and exploring common goals between different faiths e.g. Missionary work Just war A war that protects the innocent, fights for justice and goes against a greater evil. E.g Thomas Aquinas came up with the just war theory. Moral evil suffering caused by man e.g rape/murder Natural evil suffering not caused by man e.g Earthquakes/Tsunamis Non violent protest Showing disapproval without causing damage e.g MLK marches Ahimsa Hindu word for non violence e.g Hindu s are vegetarians so they don t hurt animals. Pacifism the belief that any form of violence or war is wrong e.g Quakers Reconciliation bringing harmony to times of conflict e.g saying sorry Suffering enduring pain or distress e.g starvation Key quotes Blessed are the peacemakers Matthew 5:9 Rejoice that you participate in the suffering of Christ 1Peter 4:13 Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you Matthew 5:44 Forgive others their trespasses...father will also forgive you Matthew 6:14 An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind Gandhi

6 How can peace be made or kept? Negotiations and treaties, reconciliation, peaceful protests, sit-ins, petitions and marches. Christian views on peace Christians believe peace should be strived for and promoted. Share peace shaking hands before church services. Catholics take part in confession before taking part in Holy Communion (taking bread and wine). Quakers are pacifists Hindu views on peace Hinduism condemns violence unless it is necessary (part of your dharma) Hinduism teaches ahimsa (nonviolence) Bad actions produces bad karma, peace produces good karma Violence is ok if it is in self defence. Jesus promoted peace Blessed May your weapons be strong are the peacemakers and drive away your attackers (Rig Veda 1:39) Can religion cause violence? Yes No People have differing opinions Scripture promotes peace Many people do not tolerate other beliefs Extremists interpret scripture wrong and use it for evil (terrorism 9/11) People are not willing to compromise their faith. Some practices may not be accepted. Religious believers try and work together to promote peace (interfaith dialogue) It is the person that chooses to cause the problem not the belief. Many believers choose to be pacifists.

7 Organisations and people that have promoted peace Quakers Christianity. They created the peace tax calling for the government to use tax money for peace campaigns not war. They teach the need for peace and equality. They work to promote social awareness, change and the need for pacifism using Christian teachings. Blessed are the peacemakers meaning those who call for peace will be rewarded in the afterlife. I (Identity) M (mention religion) P (precise outline what they did) A (Acknowledge why they did it) C (Comment on a link to a quote) Gandhi Hinduism Gandhi promoted peace during his life time. He took part in peaceful protests, marches and fasts to promote peace. He fasted for 21 days in 1928 and came near to death. He fasted to stop violent attacks between Muslims and Hindus. He also did it to gain equality and independence for India. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind meaning revenge will cause more pain. They are still working on promoting the peace tax and created social awareness. T (Tidy up what was the end result) Gandhi s work brought peace between Muslims and Hindus and gained independence for India.

8 How can Interfaith Dialogue help? It explores common ground between different faith groups. It emphasise working together and removes misunderstandings. It promotes peace and tolerance and allows us to understand others. REMEMBER: Not all religions take part in interfaith dialogue; many religions still try to covert other faiths to their own e.g Anglican Christians. War Christian view Peace is desire but war is ok in self defence. Thomas Aquinas came up with six rules to be followed in his book Summa Theologica 1.Must be a just cause 2. Started and controlled by an authority. 3. For good and against a greater evil. 4. Last resort 5. Reasonable chance of success, innocents can t be hurt. Hindu view Peace is desire but war is ok in self defence. Warrior castes are expected to participate in conflict to fulfil their dharma. The Rig Veda (Hindu holy scripture) sets out the rules of war. 1.Do not use 2.Do not attack the sick or old 3.Do not attack a child or a woman 4.Do not attack from behind 6. Proportional force. Those who live by the sword die by the sword Blessed are the peace makers Example: Arjuna was a warrior. He went to war against his family; he faced the dilemma of killing them or turning his back on the battle. He spoke to Krishna and decided it was his dharma to fight. He killed his family and wan the battle. Bad karma would have come from not fulfilling his dharma.

9 Who are conscientious objectors and pacifists? These are people who refuse to go to war or participate in violence. (Martin Luther King Junior and Gandhi) Is war right? Yes No It protects the innocent Killing/harming can t be justified Fights against greater evil Waste of resources Destroys dictatorships Destroys God s creation Relives long term suffering Goes against the idea of Promotes justice stewardship. Can result in peace Causes suffering and death Overcomes social issues Only God can take a life Self defence is acceptable. Goes against holy teachings on peace If it out ways the evil present it is ok. Causes conflict throughout the world. It is ok if it is part of your dharma It produces more evil The story of Arjuna It encourages sin (greed, power struggles, hate, violence) Divides God s children Those who live by the sword will die by the sword Blessed are the peacemakers An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind

10 Suffering Christian view 1. God created a world free from suffering 2. God gave man Free will to choose. This was to prevent him from being a puppet master. 3. Suffering was caused by Adam and Eve s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. (Ate the fruit) 4. Due to Adam and Eve s betrayal suffering and evil entered the world. 5. No one was born innocent. All humans are born with original sin (tainted). They must work to regain the perfect relationship with God by following his teachings. 6. Evil = Moral or natural 7. Suffering is seen as a test from God to build character. Humans must prove that they are free from sin through life actions; this will be judged ready for Heaven. 8. It is a Christian s duty to look after those who are suffering Love thy neighbour even if suffering is a test. E.g Story of Job Job was very influential and wealthy. He was a devout Christian. Satan questioned his devotion, saying he would turn his back on God if he lost all that made him happy. God tested Job s faith and took his wealth, family and health. Through this hardship Job still remained faithful to God and did not turn way from his belief. He was rewarded with even more happiness by God at the end of this trial. Job is used as a great example proving you should remain faithful in times of suffering.

11 Hindu view 1. Suffering is a part of life. 2. Suffering is created by mankind s desires and cravings. 3. We should not blame Brahman for our suffering; we should take responsibility for our own path in life. 4. Good actions will create good karma and this can prevent suffering. 5. Hinduism teaches that it is a dharma to look after those in need during times of suffering. How can we help those in need? Through prayer, reading the bible, charity and support groups. How do believers respond to suffering? Prayer, reading the Bible, charity work, vocation, helping others. Why is forgiveness important? Forgiveness and reconciliation It prevents further wrong doings It allows relationships to be rebuilt Trust is established once again and peace restored It allows you to move on from an event and prevents further pain Gordon Wilson Christians believe you should show compassion and forgiveness even if it is a result of human wrong doings. Gordon Wilson is well known amongst Christians. His daughter was murdered in a bombing in Ireland. He followed his faith and on a TV interview said I bear no ill will. I bear no grudge; dirty talk won t bring her back. He forgave her murderers.

12 Christianity Use Jesus as a role model Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Forgive those who persecute you Martin Luther King forgave those who persecuted him due to his colour Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you Matthew 5:44 Hinduism Forgiveness is a divine characteristic. You must learn from an argument and choose the right path in the future. Holding on to arguments causes bad karma and more pain/suffering than forgiveness. Corrymeela Christianity Objective: promote reconciliation and peace building through the healing of social, religious and political divisions. Hold events once a year at Bally Castel to raise awareness of the results of violence. Fund and lead community outreach programmes to help residential areas. Want to help families and individuals who have suffered from the violence in Northern Ireland. I M P A Global Peace Works Hinduism Objectives: Humanity is one family; selfless acts promote and restore peace. Holds talks with other religious groups to discover ways of promoting peace worldwide. Work with the people of India to help those in need. Aims: Gain wisdom, build trust, serve others, create a future, model peace, Want to help families in India as well as be at the for front of interfaith dialogue and interfaith relations. Love your enemies and pray for those C who persecute you Success, peace and prosperity will always remain elusive if there is discord Long term project T Long term project

13 Non Violence Martin Luther King Junior I Gandhi Christianity M Hinduism He used the teachings of Jesus to promotes non- violence. He organised sit-ins, marches and protests Washington March, delivered I have a dream. Called or and predicted a day of peace and equality in America. He promoted non-violence because he believed that more could be achieved. He believed retaliation only created more hatred and suffering. Blessed are the peacemakers Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you MLK junior was assassinated for his beliefs in P A C T Gandhi taught ahimsa, organising sit-ins, protests and speeches. 12/03/30 Salt March. Ghandi marched 240miles for 24days to Dandhi were be boiled seawater to make salt. This was a protest against the Salt taxation. This caused civil disobedience throughout India. Indians were beaten and arrested by the British but Ghandi taught not to fight back. He believed good would triumph and more could be gained from peace. He wanted to highlight the corruption of the British. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind Gandhi was assassinated for his beliefs in How can things be achieved peacefully? Sit-ins, protests, petitions, media presentations, marches, boycotts, badges, hunger strikes, demonstrations, leaflets, banners, strikes, civil disobedience and education.

14 Abortion ending a pregnancy by removing the embryo e.g up to 24week Blood transfusion the transfer of blood to another person e.g o save a life Cloning making an identical copy of something e.g Dolly the Sheep Conscience a moral sense that guides our actions and responses e.g Inner feeling Euthanasia helping someone die in a painless manner e.g a good death Free will the belief that nothing is determined e.g we have a choice Genetic engineering altering the structure of a gene e.g GM crops Hippocratic Oath- A promise taken by medical staff to do their best e.g save lives IVF when a sperm and egg are fertilised outside the womb e.g In vitro fertilisation. Medical ethics moral principles that affect medical issues e.g Abortion Quality of life the extent of how pleasurable and meaningful life is e.g All humans are entitled to this. Sanctity of life life is precious e.g Made in the image of God Key quotes Made in the image of God In his hands is the life of every living being Thou shalt not kill You made me in my mother s womb

15 Abortion Christian view Life is a gift that should be treasured. Abortion is wrong but can be acceptable in extreme circumstances (rape/health of the mother) Humans are made in the image of God. Life is sacred No! Only extreme circumstances. More leeway than Catholicism. Catholic view Abortion is 100% wrong Life begins at conception. The 10 commandments state Thou shalt not kill Life is a gift that should be treasured. No! Only extreme circumstances e.g rape or health of the mother Hinduism Secular view Abortion is generally forbidden. The freedom to choose to abort is a human right. Abortion is wrong. It brings about bad karma and social disgrace. Abortion is the mother s choice. It is her body. No! Only extreme circumstances e.g rape or health of the mother Yes! If they are done lawfully.

16 Abortion is wrong Agree Disagree Quote Life is a gift Life is sacred Destroy God s creation Adoption is an alternative Killing the foetus Selfish some women can t have children Can be classed as murder Life starts at conception Purpose of sex is procreation Sex comes with responsibilities Only god can take a life depends on the circumstance could be a rape baby Can t provide for the child, cruel to bring it up without what it needs. Freewill right to choose Baby may be ill kinder to terminate. Woman s body, woman s choice It is legal therefore it can t be classed as wrong. Different views about when life begins. thou shalt not kill Love thy neighbour Be fruitful and multiply Only God can take a life You made me in my mother s womb Facts: Abortion is legal until 24weeks Abortion is only available after 24 weeks if the baby or mother is at risk of death or disability. The earliest a baby has been born and survived is at 22 weeks Lina Medina, Peru youngest to survive labour (age 5)

17 Euthanasia Key Terms: Assisted Suicide providing a seriously ill person with the means to commit suicide. Voluntary Euthanasia when someone dying or in pain asks another person to end his/her life painlessly. (Dot and Ethel) Non-voluntary Euthanasia ending someone s life painlessly when they are unable to ask, but when there is good reason for thinking they would want death. (Switching off a life support machine) Active euthanasia when deliberate steps are taken to end someone s life. (Lethal injection) Passive euthanasia when treatment which would have helped the person to live longer is stopped. (A patient is not resuscitated on request.)

18 Christian view Believe strongly that Euthanasia is wrong. God created life, so only God can end life. Life is a gift from God and should be respected. God will support you through your suffering. Death is not the end, simply a stage in life. Double effect is acceptable. Instead of Euthanasia Christians believe in the Hospice Movement. Hindu view Hindu s are against the idea of Euthanasia. They believe that people should be cared for until they die. Death is not the end but the doorway to the next. Old age commands the utmost respect within Hindu communities. Euthanasia is unacceptable as it separates the atman from the body at an unnatural time. Euthanasia beaches the teachings of ahimsa. Some Hindu s may choose to end their life by choosing to stop eating and drinking. This act is admired by some. Selfless acts of Euthanasia for a holy purpose is acceptable, selfish acts are not.

19 For Euthanasia Against Euthanasia Out of love Prevent further suffering They can t cope with life You can t cope Die with dignity Most loving thing to do Vegative state They are a shadow of their former self To make they happy It is their life and their choice Quality of life Shouldn t play God Could be seen as murder They could change their mind Guilt It is not your place Must consider the thoughts of others. Life is a gift that shouldn t be tampered with Illegal Forbidden by religion Could ruin your life and hurt others Example: Diane Pretty Diane Pretty, who was in the advanced stages of motor neurone disease and died at a hospice near her home, aged 43. She wanted her husband to help her commit suicide because she feared the choking and asphyxia often caused by her disease. She fought the courts to allow her to end her life and was denied this option numerous times. She wanted to legalise Euthanasia so that no one would go through and h what she had to.

20 Community a group of people joined together sharing common interest s e.g A church group Evangelism spreading faith/religion to others e.g Missionaries Faith to have trust/confidence in something or one e.g God Identity Who you are, your character e.g ID card Injustice something unfair e.g racism Long term aid helping someone over a long period of time e.g Comic Relief in Africa Short term aid immediate help over a short period of time e.g the army helping during natural disasters. Pilgrimage a journey with a special meaning e.g Christians go to Lourdes Sacred Something that should be respected e.g the Eucharist (bread and wine) Key quotes Love thy neighbour (care for your fellow man) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see Hebrews 11:1 (Faith is personal) Your faith...of greater worth than gold 1Peter1:7 Go into the world and proclaim the Gospel Mark 16:15

21 Helping others through charity CHRISTIAN AID I HINDU AID CHRISTIAN M HINDU They have helped countries like Africa. They have provided food parcels, medical care, sexual health clinics and relief in times of disaster and need. They want to create a world free from poverty and injustice. Love thy neighbour They believe every human has a duty to help their fellow man. They will help anyone regardless of religion or nationality. P A C They have provided education projects, food parcels, relief during natural disaster and medical care. They have done this in many third world countries. They believe it is their dharma to do this and base ideas on the concept of sharing and caring. Poverty is the worst form of Violence They use Gandhi s teachings to argue that poverty can be eradicated so it is their duty to do this. Long term project T Long term project Why do people help others? Being compassionate, helpful and caring are part of being a religious believer. Jesus is used as a role model; we are all made in God s image so we all have the power of compassion. Christians and Hindus believe that mankind is valuable and a great part of creation; it is therefore good practice to care for and support others. Belief can be driven by a desire to make a difference.

22 Expression through clothing How do people express their faith through clothing? Hindu Tilak spot highlights devotion to God. Christian cross remember Jesus sacrifice for mankind. For religious expression Reflects identity Gives a sense of belonging Dedication/commitment Follows scriptural teaching Freedom of expression Want to share their religion with others. A way to highlight a minority group Need physical reminders to remain faithful and on the right path Helps spread the word of God Against religious expression It can scare people (Burkahs in Islam) Faith should be personal not public It can make them stand out which causes discrimination. It doesn t conform to social rules e.g. School uniform It can lead to violence from ignorant people. It can lead to perceived favouritism e.g. breaking the school uniform code for religious jewellery. Develops a sense of community

23 Expressing faith through symbols, music and Art Art and symbols Visual focus for worship A way to express stories A way to convey meaning Convey a deeper meaning Used as a method of reflection Music Set the atmosphere Create a calm place to worship Create excitement during times of joy (festivals) Focus for meditation A tool for further contemplation Focus of meditation Maintain a sense of identity Christianity crucifix/cross represents Jesus sacrifice for mankind s sins. People display or wear a cross to highlight commitment and dedication. Christians use it to reflect on Jesus suffering and remember his love for humanity. Hinduism mandhirs (temples) display murtis (holy statues). Offerings are made and the murtis are cared for (washed/decorated). They are used to show commitment, dedication and love to the gods within Hinduism.

24 Expressing faith through pilgrimage Pilgrimage: A journey with a special meaning. Why go? To show commitment, dedication, an important person died/lived/was born there, experience the beauty, be closer to God and fellow members of faith. Christianity Hinduism Lourdes Why? It is believed The Virgin Mary revealed herself to Bernadette Soubris here. A pool of water formed here after Bernadette dug in the grotto. The water is believed to have special healing powers. Visitors have claimed that they bathed in the pool and their illnesses were cured. Benares, The river Ganges Why? The banks of the river are considered to be holy. Many pilgrims bath here believing that the water cleanses them and washes away their sins. Hinduism does not promote Pilgrimage but may Hindus take part in it seeing it as a chance to deepen their faith. People visit Lourdes to visit the monastery and pray, they also bottle the water believing it can help. They believe Lourdes is a place of miracles.

25 Attitudes towards pilgrimage For Strengthens faith Brings together a religion Get closer to God Learn about the history of your religion Show commitment and dedication Develop spiritually Interact with people of the same faith Experience historic sites that founders of the religion were born/lived/died at. Part of religious life Against Expensive Does not fit in with daily life More important things to do Would rather holiday somewhere else Historic places are not exciting or important anymore You may be too ill to travel distances Religious traditions no longer have meaning Faith is personal; you don t have to go on pilgrimage to show commitment and dedication. Interfaith Dialogue Britain has many cultures and religions; this is a way of discussing our differences, learning about one another and creating friendships rather than hostility. Evangelism can stem from Interfaith dialogue because people want to spread/share their faith with others e.g. As Jesus and the disciples did.

26 Is it right to share faith with others? Yes It helps spread Gods message You learn tolerance and respect You gain understanding which prevents conflict It is human nature to share beliefs/ideas You develop spiritually and learn more about your faith. Faith is an important part of life, it should be honoured Can lead to numbers increasing and more people worshipping No Faith is personal It can lead to cults forming It can lead to conversion Conversion can lead to hostility between faiths It can intimidate people People can be accused of brain washing People must choose their own path; it is up to them if they choose religion. The media can portray faith in a negative way It can provide guidance for those in need It can make people feel as if there is hope for peace

27 Authority: Right and power over something or one e.g Police Capital Punishment: A punishment used for the most serious crimes e.g Death penalty Conscience: Moral sense that guides you e.g inner feeling Duty: Something that you must do e.g follow the law Human rights: something a person is entitled to e.g Freedom of speech Justice: when everyone is treated fairly e.g having human rights Offenders: people who have committed wrong doings e.g criminals Personal conviction: Something a person feels or believes in e.g Moral opinion Punishment: A penalty given for a crime or wrong doing e.g Jail Reform: A change in someone e.g A drug addict being clean Reparation: Paying for something you have done wrong e.g community service Retribution: Revenge or suffering for a crime you have done e.g jail Sacred texts: holy books and writings e.g Bible Vindication: Justice e.g upholding the law

28 An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind Meaning: Gandhi taught revenge did not help; two wrongs do not make a right. There is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free for we are all one in Christ Jesus Meaning: Everyone is equal regardless of gender, race or social status. A new commandment I give to you, love one another Meaning: Love your fellow man Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea Meaning: rule over and protect the world for God Love the lord your God with all you hear, soul, mind and strength Meaning: Love God with all you have Let every person be subject to the government authorities Meaning: Everyone should obey the law of the land and if need be punished by it. Never pay back evil with evil Meaning: If someone hurts you or does something wrong, hurting them will not make the situation better. Do not judge so that you are not judged Meaning: Only God has the power to judge others.

29 Human rights What human beings are entitled to e.g. Freedom of speech How to keep/achieve human rights Advocators of justice Law Rules Peaceful protests Democracy Petitions Sit-ins/Marches/Speeches The media Moral conscience Religious views How to prevent human rights Dictatorships The country you live in War Power struggle Human action Law People who fought for Human Rights Oscar Romero I Gandhi Christianity M Hinduism He used the teachings of Jesus to promotes non- violence. He stood up for the lower class and people of El Salvador against a corrupt government. He refused to comply with the government and called out for social reform and justice. He called out to publically shame the government for killing, mutilation, rape and heinous crimes P Gandhi taught ahimsa, organising sit-ins, protests and speeches. 12/03/30 Salt March. Ghandi marched 240miles for 24days to Dandhi were be boiled seawater to make salt. This was a protest against the Salt taxation. This caused civil disobedience throughout India. Indians were beaten and arrested by the British but Ghandi taught not to fight back.

30 against humanity. He promoted non-violence because he believed that more could be achieved. He believed retaliation only created more hatred and suffering. He wanted a free El Salvador and a just El Salvador. Blessed are the peacemakers Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you He was assassinated by the government in A C T He believed good would triumph and more could be gained from peace. He wanted to highlight the corruption of the British. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind Gandhi was assassinated for his beliefs in Views on capital punishment Capital punishment: Taking someone s life because of their wrong doings e.g. lethal injection, execution, electric chair, hanging, shooting and decapitation. Christian views If you look at Christianity there are arguments for and against the death penalty. Many Christians believe that the death penalty is ok as long as it is done out of justice and with care not hatred and revenge. FOR AGAINST In the Bible it says Whoever Thou shalt not kill is a clear sheds the blood of man, by man instruction that execution is his blood will be shed. This is wrong. taken literally by some and used Alternative punishments are now

31 in favour of execution. "He, who speaks evil of father or mother, let him surely die". In the Bible it does not state that capital punishment is wrong, it promotes obedience to the state with penalties when laws are not followed. Jesus states that the power to execute another has been given to the state by God. (At his own execution) Capital punishment is believed to uphold the quote Thou shalt not kill, using execution as a deterrent for those who want to break this commandment. Some argue that by knowing the death penalty exists, by doing wrong it is the criminal that chooses to die. Therefore he has chosen to commit suicide. Many Christians believe that God gave them dominion to rule and protect. They have been entrusted by God to reprimand the unlawful. available; these were not in biblical times. The death penalty is out dated. The basis of Christianity is forgiveness and compassion. The death penalty shows neither. Christianity is pro life (abortion/euthanasia) what makes criminal offences any different? It destroys God s creation, all life is a gift. Christianity promotes repenting for sins, a dead man cannot repent. Jesus taught forgiveness Assumptions can always be proven wrong, what if you put the wrong man to death? You would then be a murder. Hindu Views There is no official stand on capital punishment within Hinduism however; Hinduism opposes killing, violence and revenge, in line with the principle of

32 ahimsa (non-violence). India still retains the death penalty. At present more than 100 people are on death row in India, although the number of executions in that country is actually very low and the Indian Supreme Court has ruled that the death penalty should only be used in the rarest of rare cases. Gandhi said An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind Gandhi was against the death penalty, it was a waste of Brahmans creation and went against his teachings of ahimsa. It is also believed to create bad karma. Is capital punishment right? (General views) FOR AGAINST A life for a life What if you execute the wrong person? If you do wrong you void your right to receive forgiveness. It is a deterrent for further wrong doing. It is human nature to seek justice and revenge Life is special and a gift Life is sacred and shouldn t be destroyed We should promote forgiveness. Revenge is primitive Love thy neighbour It stops people taking the law into their own hands. We kill during times of war, what is the difference. Both protect the innocent. The Bible does not forbid it directly The executor may feel guilt, (have bad dreams) it could impact on his life style. Two wrongs do not make a right Easy way out, is life imprisonment not better? Life imprisonment could lead to reform/rehabilitation and result in a better outcome.

33 The role of sacred texts/scripture Christianity Bible (Holy book) Hinduism Vedas (Holy book) Provides laws, guidance in life, moral stories, help in times of need, good role models, answers to deeper questions, comfort and security. Word of God or stories associated with the teachings of religious figures Influences the ways a believer acts and behaves. Believers can devout their lives to following the ways of these holy books They can provide inspiration and path a person s life The bible is the most translated and bestselling book in the world. Provide valuable sources of authority BIBLE VEDAS Main source of authority in Christianity There are several holy Word of God written by man books in Hinduism Literalists believe 100% in the words of the bible The Vedas are the oldest collection of books in Hinduism Non literalists believe the words are teachings that can be interpreted to fit modern issues. They teachings within the Vedas shape social The teachings have a direct impact on modern living beliefs within Hindu communities The 10 commandments are imbedded into societies laws Used in services daily teachings given in church. Its authority is cemented in society because we state oaths and truths on it in a court of law. Influential figures (Gandhi) have used the Vedas to base their teachings on. The Vedas are used to guide and influence the moral actions of Hindus.

34 Are religious texts out of date? Yes No They were written for historical Religious texts have good moral times answers Modern dilemmas cannot be ruled by past laws They can still be useful for guidance Dilemmas develop over time, so They can be used in a non literal too should the answers way, reinterpretation is still Religious views are not held in useful such high esteem today They have stood the test of We have alternative answers (chat shows, friends, forums) time and given answers to reoccurring and new issues Their relevance is outdated They are still of value as they are still used People are no longer religious in a sense; they do not read the texts daily so they do not know the full meaning. The Bible is the bestselling book, its teaching must therefore be valuable or no one would buy it. How do we know religious texts are true? Many people still turn to God in times of need; his words provide Science can be used instead of comfort and hope. religion, this provides facts and visual answers People question God s existence, why would they believe the Bible etc.

35 Why should we obey authority? Authority power or control over something or someone. E.g Law/Police man Sources of authority Holy books/scripture/texts Religious leaders (Archbishop, Priest, Vicar, Hindu Priest) (Catholics) The Pope (Francis I) is believed to be Jesus representative on earth. He is believed to be infallible (perfect) in matters of spiritual interpretation. Religion V Law There are many times when personal and religious belief disagree with the law e.g Adultery is religiously unlawful but not socially unlawful Abortion is religiously unlawful but not socially unlawful Euthanasia is religiously unlawful but not socially unlawful in Switzerland. Christianity and Hinduism believe that you should stay loyal to your religious beliefs but in the constrictions of the law of the land. Jesus taught Christians should be good citizens The Bible is the ultimate source of authority BUT some Christians believe that it can be reinterpreted to fit into social situations/law. Many Christians/Hindus believe they must listen to their conscience to discover the right thing to do. Christians and Hindus believe that it is their duty to follow authority. Many religious believers have gone/will go against the authority if they believe that justice is not being served E.g MLK junior Civil disobedience to gain Black Rights Rosa Parks Refusal to stand for a white man Gandhi Civil disobedience to gain equality and independence

36 A religious believer must always follow their faith even if it goes against the authority. Agree Disagree God is the ultimate authority The bible states that every man God gave mankind freedom of must follow the laws of the land. choice (free will) God gave mankind dominion to rule Everyone has a conscience if this tells us something is and protect hence they can have authority. wrong it usually is. No one is above the law NO man can judge another, Non literalists adapt their belief to only God can judge fit in with the rules of a country Famous people like MLK junior and Gandhi fought for what they believed. At the time they were seen as trouble makers, historically they are inspirational heroes. Faith is a strong part of a person s actions. They have the choice to decide whether punishment by law or by God is worse. Everyone has free will (choice) but a land without rules would result in chaos. Man can judge actions on earth but true judgement comes after death. God will know if someone is truly good, Everything cannot be taken literally. Religion must adapt with the time. Faith is personal it does not have to be broadcasted through political actions. The law keeps us safe; there are too many religions to keep all parties happy. One rule for all must be applicable.