Christianity & Punishment (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)
Revision Note
Christian attitudes towards punishment
Christianity and punishment
There are many different Christian views on punishment
Some Christians believe that there is a positive need for punishment
For example, in the Bible it says, ‘He who spares the rod hates their children’, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them’ (Proverbs 13: 24)
This means that sometimes punishment can be necessary and effective
However, they may question the method used, since Jesus’ teachings on love and caring for people rule out any physical punishment
Instead, Christians focus on positive sanctions that help offenders to realise the error of their ways and reform
Jesus always treated people with respect, and Christians believe they should follow his example
Ultimately, Christians believe there is no such thing as an evil person and that humans are not perfect and make mistakes
The Christian belief in the Original Sin means that all humans have a tendency to commit evil
Christians believe that ultimately God will hold everyone responsible for their actions after death
Divergent Christian views regarding the nature of punishment
Different Christian views regarding punishment
Christianity teaches that:
people should be treated fairly
God wants the world to be ruled justly
Criminals treat people unfairly and therefore punishments ensure that justice is done
Christians do not believe in taking revenge when they have been wronged
They believe that they should forgive the sins of others, in the same way that they believe God forgives them for their sins
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times' (Matthew 18:21-22)
Christians believe in justice, therefore Christians believe that criminals should be treated justly
They follow the example of Jesus, who taught that Christians should reform sinners and not be judgemental in their attitude:
‘Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?’ (Matthew 7:3)
Jesus told people to look at their own behaviour before criticising others
In the Bible a woman was accused of adultery and was saved by Jesus when he said
‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her’ (John 8: 7)
Nobody did, and it reminds Christians that everyone sins, and also to show empathy to those who commit crimes
Some Christians think that punishment should be an ‘eye for an eye’ (Leviticus 24: 20) and therefore believe that retribution should be the priority
Some Christians believe that they should ‘turn the other cheek’ (Matthew 5: 39) and therefore believe that reformation should be the priority
Many Christians believe that there is a place for both retribution and reform depending on the crime and the situation
Christians also believe that punishment is also necessary during this life and that justice is given for those who have suffered as a result of crime but this must be done fairly
Being merciful is important to Christians and this is highlighted in the Bible
‘If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the spirit should restore that person gently’ (Galatians 6: 1)
Christians also value deterrence and protection to help make their communities less dangerous
Worked Example
Outline three Christian views regarding the treatment of criminals
(3 marks)
Answer:
Criminals should always be treated fairly (1)
Punishment should not be given as an act of revenge (1)
Efforts should be made to try and reform the criminal to prevent further crime (1)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Although Christians have a range of beliefs about the purpose / aims of punishment, all Christians believe that criminals should be treated justly
However, the nature of justice can differ from one Christian to another. Some Christians would believe that all Christians should have the opportunity to reform and be given the opportunity to make amends for their actions. Other Christians may believe that certain crimes eg. murder are beyond reform and would call for capital punishment as the best form of justice for such an act.
This difference in opinion can be supported by biblical passages which seemingly contradict each other like ‘an eye for an eye’ and ‘turn the other cheek’.
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