RS Theme F Human Rights Social Justice

"What are human rights?

The basic rights everyone has, regardless of who they are — set out in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)."

"What is social justice?

Making sure society is fair and that all people have equal rights and opportunities."

"What is prejudice?

Pre-judging someone before knowing them, based on assumptions about a group."

"What is discrimination?

Acting on prejudice — treating someone unfairly because of their race, gender, religion etc."

"What is racism?

Prejudice or discrimination based on race or ethnicity."

"What is sexism?

Prejudice or discrimination based on sex or gender."

"What is homophobia?

Prejudice or discrimination against homosexual people."

"What is freedom of religion?

The right to hold any religious belief — or none."

"What is freedom of religious expression?

The right to practise and express your religion — through dress, worship, sharing your faith, building places of worship."

"What is positive discrimination?

Favouring a disadvantaged group to correct past inequality (e.g. women-only shortlists)."

"What is equality?

Treating people as having equal value and equal rights."

"What are responsibilities?

Duties that come with rights — respecting others' rights, contributing to society."

"What is the Christian view on prejudice?

All people are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Jesus taught ""love your neighbour"" (Mark 12:31); Galatians 3:28 — all are one in Christ."

"What is the Hindu view on prejudice?

All souls (atman) are equal; though the caste system caused inequality historically, modern Hinduism widely rejects discrimination."

"Give an example of religion fighting prejudice.

Martin Luther King (Christian civil rights leader); Desmond Tutu (against apartheid); Gandhi (against caste discrimination)."

"What is the status of women in Christianity?

All Christians agree women are equal before God; differ on roles — Catholics don't ordain women priests, Anglicans and most Protestants do."

"What is the status of women in Hinduism?

All souls are equal; some traditions limit women's worship roles; modern Hinduism increasingly supports full equality and female priests."

"What is the Christian argument FOR women priests?

Galatians 3:28 — no male or female in Christ; Jesus had female followers (Mary Magdalene); Phoebe was a deacon in the early church."

"What is the Christian argument AGAINST women priests?

Jesus chose only male apostles; tradition has always been male priesthood; 1 Timothy 2:12 — women should not teach (Catholic teaching)."

"What is the status of people in same-sex relationships in religion?

Catholics see same-sex acts as wrong but the person as loved by God; many liberal Christians fully accept same-sex couples; Hindu views are divided."

"Why is freedom of religious expression an issue today?

Some workplaces and countries restrict religious symbols (crosses, hijabs, turbans); some religions disagree about religious freedom for others."

"What is the religious view on freedom of religious expression?

Generally supportive — believers want the right to live and express their faith openly; ""render unto Caesar"" (Mark 12:17) means respecting state law."

"How do Christians respond to discrimination?

Speaking out against injustice (e.g. Desmond Tutu against apartheid); civil rights movement; working in charities; promoting equality in church and society."

"How do Hindus respond to discrimination?

Rejecting caste discrimination (Gandhi); supporting equality of all atmans; ahimsa — refusing to harm or oppress."

"What is racial prejudice?

Pre-judging someone based on their race or ethnicity."

"What is racial discrimination?

Treating someone unfairly because of their race."

"What is the Christian argument against racism?

All people are made in God's image; love your neighbour; Jesus reached out to outsiders (e.g. the Good Samaritan, Mark 7 — Syro-Phoenician woman)."

"What is the Hindu argument against racism?

All souls are equal; brotherhood of humanity; ahimsa — respect for all life."

"What is the argument FOR positive discrimination?

It corrects historical injustice, helps disadvantaged groups catch up, and promotes real equality."

"What is the argument AGAINST positive discrimination?

It is still discrimination (treating people differently by race or sex); the best person should get the job; can cause resentment."

"What is the equality argument?

All humans share equal dignity, so no one should be discriminated against."

"What is the justice argument?

Justice requires fairness — treating equals equally and giving each person what they are due."

"What is wealth?

Having more money or possessions than needed for basic survival."

"What is poverty?

Lacking the money and resources for basic needs — food, shelter, clean water, healthcare."

"What is absolute poverty?

Not having enough for basic survival."

"What is relative poverty?

Being significantly poorer than others in your society."

"What is the Christian view of wealth?

Money is not evil, but love of money is (1 Timothy 6:10); wealth must be used responsibly to help others."

"What does Jesus teach about wealth?

""It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God"" (Matthew 19:24) — wealth can be a barrier to faith."

"What is tithing?

The Christian practice of giving 10% of income to God or the church."

"What is the Hindu view of wealth?

Artha (wealth) is one of the four aims of life — pursued morally; wealth brings the duty of dana (charitable giving)."

"What is dana?

The Hindu virtue of charitable giving — generosity is a religious duty."

"What is seva (sewa)?

Selfless service to others — a key Hindu and Sikh virtue."

"What is the right attitude to wealth?

Earned honestly, used responsibly, shared with those in need, not loved more than God."

"What are the Christian responsibilities of wealth?

Help the poor, give to charity, tackle the causes of poverty, treat workers fairly."

"What are the Hindu responsibilities of wealth?

Dana (giving), supporting family, supporting holy people, helping the wider community."

"What is exploitation?

Taking unfair advantage of someone — often the poor or vulnerable."

"What is fair pay?

Paying workers an honest, living wage for their work."

"What is people-trafficking?

The illegal trade in human beings, often for forced labour or prostitution — modern slavery."

"What is excessive interest on loans?

Charging very high interest on loans (often to the poor) that traps them in debt."

"What is the religious view on exploitation?

All religions condemn it — it goes against love of neighbour, ahimsa, and the dignity of human life."

"What are the responsibilities of those living in poverty?

To work where possible, to help others where they can, not to give up hope, and to use any help given wisely."

"What is the Christian view on giving to the poor?

Jesus identified with the poor: ""whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me"" (Matthew 25:40) — it is an essential duty."

"What is the Hindu view on giving to the poor?

Dana is a religious duty; giving builds good karma; seva (selfless service) is highly valued."

"Give examples of Christian charity work.

Christian Aid, CAFOD, Tearfund, food banks, soup kitchens, the Salvation Army."

"Give examples of Hindu charity work.

Seva-based charities; temples running free food programmes; supporting widows, orphans and the elderly."

"What is the argument FOR giving money to the poor?

It relieves suffering, fulfils religious duty, promotes equality, and treats people with dignity."

"What is the argument AGAINST just giving money?

It can create dependency, doesn't tackle the causes of poverty; better to provide work, training or fair trade."

"What is fair trade?

Trade that ensures producers in poor countries get a fair price for their goods — a way of tackling poverty at its source."