Both Christianity and Islam emphasize forgiveness and believe that punishment should be fair and proportional to the crime. Christians typically view prison as the most severe form of punishment, while Muslims may consider capital punishment for the gravest offenses.
Muslim Views:
-Shari'ah punishments are intended to be as severe so the offender doesn't re-offend
-Muslims believe that the law must be obeyed (especially in Shari'ah law countries)
-Shari'ah punishments fit the seriousness of the crime
-"God commands justice...and prohibits wrongdoing and injustice"
Christian Views:
-offenders must be punished by the law according to the seriousness of the crime
-offenders have basic rights so punishment shouldn't be too harmful
-some believe the punishment should be as severe as crime
-"I was in prison and you came to visit me"
RS Crime and Punishment
Forgiveness
Both Christians and Muslims believe in forgiveness and that the criminals punishment must be equal and fair. Christians use prison as their worst punishment whereas Muslims use capital punishment as their worst.
Muslim Views:
"pardon each others faults and God will grant you honour"
"let them pardon ad forgive. Do not wish that God should forgive you? God is most forgiving and merciful."
Christian Views:
Jesus taught forgiveness "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us"
"Father forgive him, for they do not know what they are doing
"I tell you, not 7 times but seventy seven time"
showing mercy and pardoning someone for what they have done wrong
Capital Punishment
Forms of punishment for criminals:
prison=a punishment for a serious crime (locked in a cell)
corporal punishment= punishes offenders by inflicting physical pain
community service= punishment for minor offenders (help out by working in community- cleaning graffiti)
NON-RELIGIOUS ARGUMENTS AGAINST:
deterrence doesn't work
innocent people get put to death by mistake
life sentences last longer
can we be civilised
"Love your neighbour" C
Sancity of life C
"Pardon each others faults and God will grant you" M
NON-RELIGIOUS ARGUMENTS FOR:
retribution
deterrence
protection
closure
value of life
"eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" C
"the prophet Muhammad sentenced people to death for murder" M
the death penalty for a crime or offence
-it can only be used by a state or government
-it is usually used as punishment for particularly serious types of murder. However in some countries treason, types of fraud, adultery and rape are capital crimes
Religious attitudes to causing suffering to others
Muslim View:
-Muslims share identity with the whole community (ummah) and care and provide for those in need
-occasionally, Muslims cause others to suffer and if they do they are told to repent
-God will forgive any Muslim who tries to right their wrong and sincerely repents
Christian Views:
-Jesus taught that people should love and respect others and not use violence self-defence because it may increase sufferin
-However, this does not always work and might cause others to suffer
-Christians try to heal the wrong that has been done and the suffering that has been caused
Religious attitudes towards suffering
Muslim Views:
-God allows suffering to happen, often for reasons unknown to people
-Suffering is a test from God. He will never allow a person to suffer more than they can endure
-Muslims believe they have a duty to help those who are suffering and recognise that came from suffering
-""you are sure to be tested through your possessions and persons; you are sure to hear much that is hurtful...if you are steadfast and mindful of God, that is the best course."
Christian Views:
-whatever the cause, Christians believe they have a duty to help those who are suffering
-Christians try to follow the example of Jesus. He helped many of whom he saw were suffering
-"we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character, hope"
Religious beliefs:where does evil come from
Islam:
-The Qur'an says there is a devil who was an angel (Iblis)
-Iblis always tempts and humans give in to him
-Evil is a mix of a powerful evil being and the weakness of humans
-Iblis refused to bow to Adam so was expelled from paradise
Christianity:
-Evil is seen as the abuse of free will
-in order to see good, evil must exist
-some believe in a devil or satan (evil power) who is less powerful than God
-the devil tries to tempt people to behave badly
From of punishment for criminals
Aim of punishment
Vindication:
the punishment exists to justify the law
Reparation:
where the criminal makes up for or pays back for their crimes
Deterrence:
put off a person committing a crime by the level of punsihment
Retribution:
getting the criminal back for their crime
Reformation:
help criminal see how and why their behaviour was wrong; mindset changed for the better
Reasons why we punish criminals
help make the criminal a better person
to hurt criminals, making up for the pain they caused
stop others from committing a crime
reduce crime levels
to protect others from crime
Punishment
a penalty for committing a crime
Types of crime
Against the state:
speeding, spying, stealing state secrets
Hate:
racism, homophobic attack, political violence
Property based:
burglary, arson, theft
Violent:
murder, assault, threatening
What causes a crime
self-interest
poverty
upbringing
mental illness
addiction
greed
hate
opposition to an unjust law
psychological
Crime
a crime is something illegal and is against the governement
an offence and action which is punishable by law
Key Words
Shari'ah law:
Islamic law based on Qur'an, Haddith and Sunnah
Intentions:
something intended; an aim or a plan
Evil:
opposite of good. Can be linked to the devil in some religions
Sin:
an action or thought that goes against God's law and wishes
