Topic 7 - Crime and Punishment

What does the bible warn about bad intentions?

“You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment”

Any action that causes suffering and pain is Evil. It is seen as sinful and against God.

What are reasons why people commit crime?

Poverty - Stealing essentials but still illegal.

Upbringing - Household where crime is encouraged.

Mental Illness - Leads to crime from certain conditions.

Addiction - Influenced by addiction.

Greed - The want for more wealth.

Hate - Negative feelings towards people.

Opposition to Unjust Law - Protest for change Rosa Parks

What are Christian attitudes to lawbreakers?

Generally against lawbreakers as morally wrong. Attitude to punishment changes.

Parable if the sheep’s and goats - Jesus treated prisoners well.

Inspires christians to do the same.

What are the three aims of punishment?

Retribution - To punish the victim “Eye for Eye”.

Deterrence - To stop them doing it again.

Reformation - To make their behaviour better.

Christian attitudes towards suffering?

“We also glory in our suffering”

Christians believe to help those who are suffering lime Jesus has.

Christians are opposed to causing suffering but sometimes it happens by accident. This is important as relationships can be restored.

What are the 3 types of punishment in the UK?

Prison - Serious crimes where they lose freedom. Many christians still support them.

Corporal Punishment - Punishment by physical pain. Illegal in UK. Some muslim countries use it for some offences.

Community Service - Unpaid work for the community for more minor offences.

What are Christian attitudes towards forgiveness?

It is a core belief in Christianity that Jesus emphasised. Jesus said in response to how many times i should forgive:

“I tell you, not seven time, but seventy-seven times.” Where 77 is interpreted as unlimited.

As a result, many christians believe reformation is a primary aim of punishment.

Maureen Greaves (Christian) showed forgiveness to attackers and their families after her husband was killed.

Judaism:

Offenders have to ask for forgiveness before the victim can forgive them.

What is the sanctity of life?

Teaching by God that only he has the right to take it away. Humans should bot be misused or abused.

What are the attitudes towards the death penalty?

Many Christians have different beliefs on it.

For:

“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed” - Genesis

Against:

“I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked” - Prophet Ezekiel

Jesus taught about forgiveness and it is not right to take a life.

Muslim countries:

Used as deterrence for major offences but the victim and family are encouraged to show mercy by taking money to reduce it.