Theme E: Crime and punishment

What is a crime

An action that breas the law against person, property or state

What is punishment

Done to someone guilty of breaking the law e.g. fine

What are attitudes towards crime

All crime is wrong but it could be justified depending on the reason why it was committed

Why should people respect laws

God allows governments to exist and we must abide by that

• “Let us be subject to governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which god has established ”

What would the world be like without crime

Chaotic and dangerous with no order

Why might poverty or crime a reason for crime

Many people may steal to steal and if they live in an area desensitised to crime, they are more likely to commit it

Why is mental illness or addiction a reason for crime

• Kleptomania is a mental illness which makes people steal and leads to violent acts

• Addictions leads to other crimes like drunk driving

Why is greed and hate a reason for crime

• to own more and look better

• Hate can lead to acts of violence

Why are the reasons for crime still not fully justified

People can make choices and making bad ones deserves a just punishment

• “The lord loves justice”

Why might Christian’s break laws

If its unjust and breaks human rights so they break them to oppose injustice

• St Augustine stated “an unjust law is no law at all”

Why might Christian’s break just laws

If its conflict with gods rules

• “We must obey god rather than human beings”

Who is rosa parks

A civiles rights activist who stood up to Jim Crow laws on the bus and was arrested leading to a boycott

Who is brother Andrew

He snuck bibles into communist countries

• he later opened open door which supports persecuted Christian’s

What do Christian’s rather you break the law with

Good intentions as evil actions causes suffering

What are intentions guided by

“Treat others the way you wish to be treated”

What does original sin teach Christian’s about lawbreakers

Humans aren’t perfect as satan tempts us to be evil so there is no evil person

• “Love the sinner hate the sin”

What must punishments still be regardless of the crime

Respect the idea that people have dignity and rights

• “I was in prison and you came to visit me”

What are hate crimes

• crimes targeted to a certain group of people

• Condemned by Christian’s as people are made in gods “image”

What is murder

Condemned by Christian’s due to sanctity of life and “do not kill”

What are Christian attitudes towards theft

Although it says “do not steal”, we should be sympathetic to those who committed it out of necessity due to “love your neighbour. ”

What happens when someone commits a crime in the uk

They are innocent until proven guilty and if they are, punishments like prison are imposed

What is deterrence

• the threat of putting someone of a crime

• Deterring people would make society a fairer place as Christian’s don’t want to live in an unstable society of crime

  • “The lord loves justice”

What is retribution

• inflicted as revenge for the criminal

  • Old Testament “eye for an eye” promoting it

  • New Testament “turn the other cheek” going against it

What is reformation

• helps offender change behaviour to benefit future society e.g. counselling

  • Encouraged by parable of the prodigal son as it encourages reconciliation

What does Jesus crucifixion teach

Suffering is a part of life and that no human is perfect

What causes suffering

Natural causes like illness or by humans misusing free will

Why is it important to repair damage caused and show compassion

• “Jesus healed a blind man”

• “Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead”

• Parable of sheep and goats show that if we help the suffering, we achieve salvation

Why is suffering sometimes positive

• it strengthens faith in god (book of job)

• People become stronger

  • “We rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character and hope”

What does punishment depend on

The severity of the crime and well as considering human rights

What is community service

• suitable for minor offences as it gives chances for reformation

  • Jesus forgives woman caught in adultery

• People argue that it doesn’t deter criminals from offending as it’s not unpaid work

What is prison

• punishment for serious crimes and it helps criminals to reform

  • “When i was in prison, you came to visit me”

• Although it deters people, its expensive and some criminals reoffend after release

What is corporal punishment

• Christians are against it as it violates human rights

  • “Those who live by the sword die by the sword”

• Severe punishment deters criminals and provides justice

  • “Whoever spares the rod hates the child”

What is the death penalty

Using death to punish criminals

• illegal in uk but used in other countries to punish the most serious crimes

• It’s acts as a deterrent and brings justice

What is sanctity of life regarding death penalty

• all life is precious and only god has the right to take life

  • Gods “image”

  • “You knit me together in my mothers womb”

• It isn’t justifiable as it doesn’t offer reformation

  • Do not kill

  • Pope Francis stated death penalty was a crime

What is the problem with the death penalty

Many people who suffer it are proven innocent of the crime (130 in US)

What is principle of utility Regarding death penalty

• acting out of the greater good → Removes a criminal to protect others

• It doesn’t support it on the grounds of retribution

• Acts as a deterrent and makes society safer and acts as justice

  • “Eye for an eye”

  • “Whoever sheds human blood, their blood should be shed”

What is amnesty international

Human rights organisation which oppose death penalty in all cases without exception

What is death penalty seen as

Cruel and inhumane punishment

• “Do not repay evil for evil”

What doesn’t forgiveness replace

Punishment as justice still needs to be served

Why is forgiveness supported by Christian’s

A way of showing mercy and accepting an apology

• “Blessed are the merciful”

What does the prodigal son teach us

About forgiveness and reconciliation

Examples of forgiveness in the bible

• Jesus forgave criminal “today, you will be with me in paradise” shows you can be forgiven for sin

• Jesus taught to forgive unlimited times “forgive 70×7”

• Jesus forgave those who crucified him ”father forgive them as they don’t know what they are doing”

• Lord’s Prayer “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”

What do Roman Catholics believe about forgiveness

Obtained by the sacrament of confession to a priest

How do street pastors and salvation work for forgiveness

Give opportunities for ex-offenders to make fresh start for crime