E - religion, crime and punishment

• someone may commit a crime because of their upbringing, due to poverty , greed or hate, mental illness or addiction, or opposition to an unjust law
• some believe that anyone who commits a crime
• corporal punishment is physical punishment that focuses on retribution and deterrence
• the Old Testament allows corporal punishment, but it is not loving and does not focus on reforming people which the bible states is important
• some feel corporal punishment is inhumane and goes against our human rights
• community service is a way of criminals helping the community, only given when an offender can reform. some believe this isn't enough of a punishment and isn't harsh enough
• prison acts as retribution and deters others. some feel it does not reform , isn't a deterrent and doesn't make reparations for a crime. it is also very expensive to keep prisoners
• Jesus taught that blasphemy was the only unforgivable sin. some christians believe that ceasing to be a christian is an unforgivable sin
• Jesus taught that we should forgive others and if christians do not forgive others, God will not forgive them.
• what is forgiveness?


  involves letting go go bad feelings towards someone who has caused them harm or pain
• in some religions, it is okay to victimise certain sinful groups (Lgbtq) so hatecrimes can sometimes be justified
• theft is forbidden in christianity
• some feel it is never okay to break a law, despite intentions, that we have a duty to obey God and his commands
• Jesus taught people to act with good intentions and to treat others as they would like to be treated.
• how can causing suffering be justified?

  it may bring about more good than bad, self defence or it may prevent later suffering
• what are the arguments against the death penalty ?

  it does not deter criminals

  people have been found not guilty AFTER execution

  many stay on death row for years which is costly
• the Old Testament allows the death penalty. it can be seen as compulsory in some cases as it protects the population from violent criminals
• Jesus stopped a woman from being put to death for adultery
• the death Penalty does not give the opportunity for reformation and is inhumane