Key Religious Scripture

What scripture supports the belief that all humans have inherent dignity because they are created in God's image?

Quote: "God said, 'Let us make man in our image and likeness.'" — Genesis 1:26

Meaning: Humans are created in the image and likeness of God.

Supports: This demonstrates that every human possesses inherent dignity and worth, meaning human life is sacred and should be respected and protected.

What scripture supports the belief that Jews have a covenantal relationship with God and must follow His commandments?

Quote: "If you obey Me and keep My covenant, you shall be to Me a treasure out of all peoples." — Exodus 19:5

Meaning: God establishes a covenant with the Jewish people that involves obedience and responsibility.

Supports: This demonstrates that Jewish adherents have religious responsibilities to God, particularly through following the commandments and maintaining the covenant.

What scripture supports the belief that justice should be upheld?

Quote: "An eye for an eye." — Exodus 21:24

Meaning: Justice requires that wrongdoing be appropriately addressed.

Supports: This demonstrates that divine law establishes principles of fairness and justice, which guide Jewish understandings of human justice.

What scripture supports the belief that humans can repent and turn away from wrongdoing?

Quote: "Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols." — Ezekiel 14:6

Meaning: People are called to recognise wrongdoing and turn back towards God.

Supports: This demonstrates that free will allows humans to recognise sin, seek forgiveness and repair their relationship with God, supporting repentance and tikkun olam.

What scripture supports the belief that Christians should demonstrate love towards others?

Quote: "Clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." — Colossians 3:14

Meaning: Christians should make love central to how they treat and interact with others.

Supports: This demonstrates that Christianity emphasises agape, love, forgiveness and communal responsibility, motivating Christians to support the wellbeing of others.

What scripture supports the belief that Christians should treat others equally and compassionately?

Quote: "Treat others as you would like them to treat you."

Meaning: Christians should treat others in the same way they would want to be treated.

Supports: This demonstrates that Christians should act with compassion, kindness and fairness towards everyone, regardless of whether they are friends, strangers or enemies.

What scripture supports the belief that all human beings possess inherent dignity and worth?

Quote: "Let us make man in our image and likeness." — Genesis 1:26

Meaning: Humanity is created in God's image.

Supports: This demonstrates that every human has inherent dignity and worth, providing a foundation for the Christian belief in the sanctity and equality of human life.

What scripture supports the belief that Allah forgives those who repent?

Quote: "Whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks God's forgiveness, he will find God Oft Forgiving."

Meaning: Muslims can seek Allah's forgiveness after committing wrongdoing.

Supports: This demonstrates that submission to Allah involves recognising wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness and performing righteous actions, supporting the possibility of salvation.

What scripture supports the belief that humans will be judged according to their actions?

Quote: "Those whose scales are heavy — those are the successful, but those whose scales are light — those are they who have lost their souls."

Meaning: On the Day of Judgment, people's deeds determine their outcome.

Supports: This demonstrates that Muslims are accountable for their actions, with righteous behaviour leading towards success and wrongdoing having negative consequences.

What scripture supports the belief that Allah has determined the destinies of creation?

Quote: "The Lord has created and balanced all things and has fixed their destinies and guided them."

Meaning: Allah has complete knowledge and control over creation and its destiny.

Supports: This demonstrates the Islamic belief in Qadr (predestination), while Muslims still have responsibility to choose whether to submit to Allah's will.

What scripture supports the belief that Muslims should control aggression and strive to follow Allah's will?

Quote: "Begin not hostilities... Allah loveth not aggressors."

Meaning: Muslims should avoid aggression and exercise restraint.

Supports: This demonstrates Greater Jihad as the inner struggle against temptation and sinful desires, requiring Muslims to exercise moral responsibility and self-control.

What scripture supports the belief that individuals are responsible for the consequences of their actions?

Quote: "By oneself is evil done; by oneself is one defiled." — Dhammapada 12:165

Meaning: Individuals are responsible for their own actions and moral development.

Supports: This demonstrates the Buddhist teaching of karma and individual responsibility, where a person's actions have consequences for their spiritual development and future rebirth.