Rebels: should we embrace or challenge authority?

Who was Martin Luther?

A Christian reformer who challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.

What was the Reformation?

A religious movement that led to the creation of Protestant Christianity.

Why did Martin Luther criticise the Catholic Church?

He believed some practices were corrupt and unbiblical.

What were indulgences?

Payments claimed to reduce punishment for sins.

Why did Luther oppose indulgences?

He believed salvation could not be bought.

What were the Ninety-Five Theses?

Luther’s written criticisms of Church practices.

Why were the Ninety-Five Theses significant?

They challenged Church authority and spread reform ideas.

What did Luther believe about salvation?

People are saved through faith alone.

What does “faith alone” mean?

Salvation comes through faith in God rather than good works or payments.

Why was “faith alone” controversial?

It challenged Church teachings and authority.

How did the printing press help the Reformation?

It spread Luther’s ideas quickly across Europe.

Evaluate a strength of Luther’s challenge to authority.

It encouraged religious reform and individual interpretation of scripture.

Evaluate a weakness of the Reformation.

It contributed to division and conflict within Christianity.

Who was Dietrich Bonhoeffer?

A German Christian theologian who opposed Nazi rule.

Why is Bonhoeffer significant?

He challenged unjust authority based on Christian beliefs.

What is pacifism?

The belief that violence and war are morally wrong.

Why is Bonhoeffer called a pacifist?

He valued peace and Christian ethics.

Why did Bonhoeffer oppose Hitler?

He believed Nazi actions were evil and unjust.

What moral dilemma did Bonhoeffer face?

Whether resisting Hitler could justify involvement in violence.

Evaluate Bonhoeffer’s actions.

Some see him as courageous for resisting injustice, while others question violence against authority.

What are unjust laws?

Laws considered immoral or unfair.

Why might people challenge unjust laws?

To defend justice, equality and human rights.

What is civil disobedience?

Peacefully breaking laws to protest injustice.

Why can challenging authority be risky?

It may lead to punishment, conflict or instability.

Evaluate challenging authority.

It can create positive social change, though rebellion may also cause disorder.

Who is Vandana Shiva?

An Indian environmental activist and philosopher.

Why is Vandana Shiva important?

She campaigns against environmental destruction and corporate control.

What does Vandana Shiva believe about nature?

The environment should be respected and protected.

Why does Shiva criticise some modern industries?

She argues they damage ecosystems and exploit communities.

What is environmental activism?

Action taken to protect the environment.

How does Vandana Shiva challenge authority?

By opposing powerful corporations and political systems harming the environment.

What does “Bhumi” mean in Hinduism?

The Earth or Earth goddess associated with nature and life.

What is Dharma?

Moral duty and righteous living.

How are Dharma and the environment connected?

Hindus may see caring for nature as a moral and spiritual responsibility.

Why is environmental protection important in Hindu thought?

Nature is viewed as sacred and interconnected with life.

Evaluate religious approaches to environmentalism.

Religion can encourage respect for nature, though environmental action varies between individuals.

Compare Martin Luther and Bonhoeffer.

Both challenged authority based on religious beliefs, though in different historical contexts.

Compare Bonhoeffer and Vandana Shiva.

Both resisted systems they considered harmful or unjust.

Why is rebellion sometimes viewed positively?

It can challenge corruption, injustice and oppression.

Why might authority still be necessary?

Authority can maintain order, stability and protection.

What is a key debate about authority?

Whether people should obey authority or resist injustice.

How can religion inspire rebellion?

Religious beliefs may encourage justice, equality and moral responsibility.

How can religion support authority?

Religious teachings may encourage obedience and social order.

Why is the Reformation historically important?

It transformed Christianity and influenced politics and society across Europe.

What is a criticism of civil disobedience?

Breaking laws may weaken respect for legal systems.

Why is protecting the environment considered an ethical issue?

Human actions affect future generations, ecosystems and global wellbeing.