RELIGION AND MORALITY REVISION GUIDE

RELIGIOUS ATTITUDES TO MATTERS OF LIFE

Religious attitudes to fertility treatment

Christianity As fertility treatment is a new technology there are no specific teachings about it in the Bible. Stories of childlessness and infertility are quite common in the Bible: for example, Hannah in the Old Testament (1 Samuel 1) and Elizabeth in the New Testament (Luke 1:5-25) among many, many others. In these stories, God hears the women’s cries to have children and helps them conceive. For many Christians, these stories show that God cares for people who struggle to have children and provides help for them to overcome infertility. They may support fertility treatment as they see medical advances as a means God uses to help couples have their own children. Christians may also support fertility treatment as they believe that children are from God. The first command God gave humans in Genesis 1:28 was ‘Go forth and multiply’ – in other words, start producing children. He is very much pro-family. Psalm 113:9 ‘He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the LORD!’ Psalm 127:3 ‘Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.’ Exodus 23:26 ‘None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.’ Christians who oppose fertility treatment, such as Roman Catholics, may have genuine concerns about the ethics of the process. For example, is the created embryo respected as one that has the potential for full human life, or treated simply as a commodity? They may oppose fertility treatment which creates spare embryos as this does not show a value of the sanctity of human life. Christians against the use of fertility treatment may argue that God, being God, is able to overcome natural obstacles to conception and that childless couples should simply trust Him to work a miracle. They believe we should not play God by using medical fertility treatments as God should be the only creator of life. Whilst some Christians may support Artificial Insemination using only a loving couple’s sperm and eggs, they may not support Artificial Insemination by Donor (AID) when a donor egg or donor sperm is used as it could be seen as bringing a third person into the marriage. The Church of England has also expressed concern at offering fertility treatment to single women and gay couples as it could be seen to go against Bible teachings about the nuclear family unit of mother, father and children. Psalm 139:13 ‘For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.’ Job 33:4 ‘The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.’ Genesis 25:21 ‘And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.’

Islam Muslims believe that children are a gift from Allah, and some may believe that fertility treatments are also his gift to help childless couples to start a family. Many Muslims are not opposed to Artificial Insemination as long as it takes place between a married couple and is not used before a divorce or if the husband has died. As long as family ties are preserved, fertility treatment is accepted. However, Muslims would not support Artificial Insemination by Donor or surrogacy as this would involve a third party which is seen as adultery. Some Muslims would not support any fertility treatments as they believe that inability to conceive may be part of Allah’s will which should be respected. Hadith 7:582 “ For every disease Allah has created a cure except death, So Oh Children of Adam, seek cure for your ailments.” Qur’an 42:49-50 "Allah's is the kingdom of the heaven and the earth. He creates what He pleases. He grants females to whom He pleases and grants males to whom He pleases. Or He grants them both males and females, and He makes whom He pleases, barren. Surely He is Knower, all Powerful"

Religious Attitudes to organ transplantation and blood transfusions

Christianity Most Christians support organ transplantation and blood transfusions . Christians consider blood and organ donation an act of love and a way of following Jesus' example of helping others as you wish for them to help you. Christians believe in eternal life, and preparing for death should not be feared. Most Christians believe that nothing that happens to our body, before or after death, can impact on our relationship with God. Matthew 7: 12 "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.’ Methodist Church UK “The Methodist Church has consistently supported organ donation and transplantation in appropriate circumstances, as a means through which healing and health may be made possible.” Rt Revd Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales, 2011 “Giving organs is the most generous act of self-giving imaginable” However, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not accept blood transfusions as they believe that life is carried in the blood. This is a very literal interpretation from the book of Leviticus in the Bible which many other Christians do not share. They will accept transplant surgery so long as all blood has been drained away first. Many transplants can be carried out without transfusions. Leviticus 17:11 ‘For the life of a creature is in the blood.’

Islam The vast majority of Muslims see no moral problem in receiving and donating blood, but in Islam there are two schools of thought with regard to organ donation. The human body, whether living or dead is sacred and fundamentally, Islamic law emphasises the preservation of human life. The general rule that ‘necessities permit the prohibited’ (al-darurat tubih al-mahzurat), has been used to support human organ donation with regard to saving or significantly enhancing a life of another. This would also enable some Muslims to accept a pig donor organ (xenotransplantation) as a last resort despite the fact that must not eat pork. Qur’an, 5:32 “Whosoever saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.” Hadith 36 “Whosoever helps another will be granted help from Allah.” According to a similarly large number of Muslim scholars, organ donation is not permitted. They consider that organ donation compromises the special honour accorded to man who was created by Allah, and this cannot be allowed whatever the cost. Some Muslims would allow live donations only. Muslims would never support the sale of organs as they are sacred and a gift from Allah. Hadith “Harming a believer after his death is similar to harming him in his life”.

Religious attitudes to genetic engineering and embryology

Christianity Many Christians oppose genetic engineering because it takes or devalues life. Church leaders, especially Roman Catholics, were opposed to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 which updated the law to reflect advances in technology. Their main argument is based on the ‘sanctity of life’ and the belief that it is against the teachings of God for scientists to take on the role of creator or experiment on and dispose of living embryos. Some refer to the teaching ‘Thou shalt not kill’ in the Ten Commandments to justify their opposition. This is because although the law states that these created embryos must not develop beyond 14 days, many Christians argue that life begins at conception. 1 Corinthians 15:38-39 ‘But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.’ Leviticus 19:19 “You shall keep my statutes. You shall not let your cattle breed with a different kind. You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, nor shall you wear a garment of cloth made of two kinds of material.”

However, some Christians who follow the teaching of ‘Agape’ (loving kindness) are more likely to agree with genetic engineering which prevents disease and contributes to a healthy baby who will have a good quality of life, because they believe that love is the most important law. This type of cloning is considered as helping someone and therefore is showing a form of love. They are following Jesus’ example by showing this love and by being able to positively change a person’s life forever, it should be seen as a good thing. 1 John 4:8 ‘Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.’

Islam Ideas about the sanctity of life, disposal of unwanted embryos and the creator God are relevant to Muslims. However, there is some debate about when life begins-the unborn child does not receive a soul until 120 days (some Muslims believe 40 days) after conception, but this does not mean that misuse of embryos is allowed. Allah has given us skills to help others and the development of genetic and embryo technology is an extension of this. The quote below suggests that Allah predicts that humans will tamper with life. Qu’ran4:119 ‘I will command them and they will cut the cattle's ears and surely I will command them and they will change Allah's creation.’

Religious attitudes to cloning

Christianity Cloning is the scientific method of creating an identical copy of an organism. It has been used in selective animal breeding for many years. Therapeutic cloning is sometimes known as stem-cell cloning, and can be used to produce embryos from which stem cells can be used in research to find treatments to a range of diseases. Many Christians such as Anglicans do wish to support the effort to find cures for such conditions, but are cautious about using embryos to do this. Some Christians believe an embryo is not a human being. As such, the sanctity of life quotes do not apply to the embryo, and could be used to apply to the millions of people dying from conditions that might be cured by therapeutic cloning. Further teaching on love and following Jesus' compassionate example may be used to support therapeutic cloning. Jesus broke the rules about the Sabbath and healed people on this day, so some Christians may believe that research scientists and doctors should too. Cloning can also be used to increase crop and livestock production to assist the supply of food to the world which could be considered good stewardship as taught in the below quote. Genesis 1:26 ‘And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over

all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.’ However, some Christians do not support therapeutic cloning. The Catholic Church's position on therapeutic cloning follows from its belief that the embryo is a human being. As such, you are sacrificing one person to save others and this is considered to be immoral since every human life is valuable and equal in God’s eyes. To Roman Catholics, all human life begins at conception and so ending the life of the embryo after this stage is wrong even if it is for the good of helping others. Other Christians may argue that therapeutic cloning could lead to the kind of reproductive cloning that creates ‘designer babies’ and could have the potential to encourage further and more unacceptable developments by scientists. It could also be considered that as a clone is not created directly by God, it would not have a soul. John 3:5 ‘Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’ Jeremiah 1:5 ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.’ Romans 3:8 ‘Or can we say, “Let’s do evil so that good will come from it”? Some slander us and claim that this is what we say. They are condemned, and that’s what they deserve.’

Islam Many Muslims believe that we should not place any restrictions on the freedom of scientific research, or place any obstacles in its way, because it is a means of understanding the laws of Allah in His creation. Many Muslims agree that whilst therapeutic cloning, within certain limits, is considered permissible, reproductive cloning of humans is impermissible according to Sharia law as it takes away the unique identity of the individual. However, they allow the cloning of plants and animals. As long as the aim of cloning is to benefit mankind and reduce harm, it is considered to be acceptable to most Muslims as cloning is not necessarily playing God since Allah created the original organism that is cloned. Qur’an, 5:32 “Whosoever saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.” Some Muslims may not support any type of cloning however as they may say that it interferes with Allah’s plan for the world and for individuals as only Allah should give and take life. Qur’an 2:28 ‘How can you disbelieve in Allah? Seeing that you were dead and He gave you life. Then He will give you death, then again will bring you to life (on the Day of Resurrection) and then unto Him you will return.’

RELIGIOUS ATTITUDES TO THE ELDERLY AND DEATH

Religious attitudes to the elderly

Christianity Christians believe that they should support the elderly as they should be respected and may be vulnerable. Traditionally, Christians have preferred to allow the elderly to keep their independence but where this is not possible, it is a duty to provide the best care for them. Churches provide facilities for the elderly and pastoral support, including regular Holy Communion at home or in a residential care home. Many Christians may believe that being cared for in the family home is the best for elderly relatives as it would be the most spiritual environment for them. One of the Ten Commandments in Exodus is to respect your parents, and this could be interpreted to refer to all older people. Jesus taught that we should treat others as we would wish to be treated so we should treat the elderly with the love and respect we would wish to experience in our old age. Exodus 20:12 ‘Honour your father and your mother.’ Matthew 7:12 ‘So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.’ Psalm 71:9 ‘Do not reject me when I am old or abandon me when I lose my strength.’

Islam Muslims believe in the importance of the extended family which means that traditionally different generations of a family often live together. Elderly parents have the right to expect their children to care for them, and it is the duty of the whole family because of the effort and sacrifices the parents have made for them, and for the wisdom they have acquired throughout their life. Looking after the elderly provides spiritual growth and sending elderly relatives to a care home is often seen as unkind and disrespectful. Qur’an 17: 23-24 “Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If one or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them. And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small”. Hadith “If a young man honours an elderly on account of his age, God appoints someone to honour him in his old age.”

Religious Attitudes to Life After Death

Christianity Christians believe that when they die, they will be resurrected because this is what happened to Jesus after his death. Jesus taught that whoever had faith in God and followed God’s teachings would have eternal life after death. This prevents Christians from fearing death as not only do they believe that they will be reunited with loved ones from their former lives, but they would also be united with Jesus in heaven. It also gives them a sense of peace that even if they should suffer in death, this will only be temporary. Some Christians believe in a day of judgment where all those living and dead will be judged, whereas other Christians believe that they are judged individually at death. Roman Catholic Christians believe in purgatory which is a spiritual place which purifies and prepares those who have committed sins on earth which they have sought repentance for before death. Although some Christians believe that hell is a physical place of suffering for those who have committed grave sins, Church of England Christians often see it as a state in which they have no access to God. John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 6:40 “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” Isaiah 26:19 ‘Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead.’

Islam Muslims (followers of Islam) believe that on a day decided by Allah, and known only to Allah, life on earth will come to an end and Allah will destroy everything. On this day all the people who have ever lived will be raised from the dead and will face judgement by Allah. Allah will balance the good deeds a person has done in their life against the bad deeds. If the good deeds outweigh the bad, the person will go to paradise (Jannah), a place of joy and bliss. If the bad things outweigh the good, then the person will be punished in hell (Jahannam). When Allah is making a judgement, even a person’s intentions (niyyah) are taken into account. Belief in akhirah (life after death) means that Muslims do not fear death as they understand that life on earth is merely a test in preparation for the after life. The Qur’an teaches that all humans will experience death and so it should not be feared. Qur’an 40:39 "O my People! This life of the present is nothing but (temporary) convenience. It is the Hereafter that is the Home that will last.’ Qur’an 21:35 ‘Every soul has to experience the taste of death. We test you with both hardships and blessings. In the end you will all return to Us.’

Religious Attitudes to Euthanasia

Christianity Christians are mostly against euthanasia. The arguments are usually based on the beliefs that life is given by God, and that human beings are made in God's image. Some churches also emphasise the importance of not interfering with the natural process of death. Despite suffering greatly in his crucifixion, Christians look to the example of Jesus who placed his faith in God’s hands in death. This would teach them that we should not interfere with God’s plan as he would not give us more suffering in death than we could handle. The Roman Catholic church regards euthanasia as morally wrong in all situations. It has always taught the absolute and unchanging value of the commandment "You shall not kill" even if this would be to alleviate a person’s suffering in death. The very first hospice in the UK to give medical and emotional support to those who are dying was set up by a Christian called Dame Cicely Saunders with the aim of giving dignity to those in their final days and weeks of life. Most Christians believe that hospice care is a much better alternative than euthanasia. Exodus 20:13 ‘You shall not murder.’ Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.’ However, some Christians may support some types of euthanasia such as non-voluntary euthanasia when a person is unable to make the decision to die but it is believed to be in their best interests eg. a severely brain damaged patient on a life support machine. They may say that if there is no hope of survival that this is the most loving thing to do. Roman Catholics may also support passive euthanasia because of the law of ‘double effect.’ They might argue that if by giving a person medication with the intention of alleviating their pain it actually caused their early death then this should not be classed as murder. Some Church of England Christians may support euthanasia as the Bible teaches that we should treat others as we would wish to be treated ourselves, and if we would want someone to help to alleviate our suffering in death then we should do this for others. There are passages in the Bible which hint that euthanasia was used at the time in which it was written. Luke 6:31 ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ Samuel 1:9-10 ‘Then he begged me, ‘Come over here and put me out of my misery, for I am in terrible pain and want to die.’ “So I killed him,” the Amalekite told David, “for I knew he couldn’t live.’

Islam Muslims are against euthanasia. They believe that all human life is sacred because it is given by Allah, and that Allah chooses how long each person will live. Human beings should not interfere in this. Muslims believe that if they commit euthanasia, they will not gain access to Jannah (Paradise) when they die. Many devout Muslims believe that Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders represent a soft form of euthanasia which is strictly forbidden in Islam. Muslims cannot kill, or be complicit in the killing of another, except in the interests of justice. However, the Islamic Code of Medical Ethics states "it is futile to diligently keep the patient in a vegetative state by heroic means. It is the process of life that the doctor aims to maintain and not the process of dying". This means doctors can stop trying to prolong life in cases where there is no hope of a cure. While turning off a life-support is allowed, hastening death with the use of certain pain-killing drugs is not allowed as this would equate to euthanasia. Qur'an 17:33 ‘Do not take life, which Allah made sacred, other than in the course of justice.’ Qur'an 3:145 ‘And no person can ever die except by Allah's leave and at an appointed term.’ Qur'an 4:29 ‘Destroy not yourselves. Surely Allah is ever merciful to you.’

RELIGIOUS ATTITUDES TO DRUG ABUSE

Religious attitudes to alcohol

Christianity Some Christians are tee total and refuse to drink. They believe that the Bible suggests that alcohol can lead us astray and may cause us to make poor moral choices. They may also say that drunkenness can prevent our minds from being focused on God and from making meaningful prayer. It could also be said that alcohol is a ‘false idol’ and that we devote ourselves to the pursuit of getting drunk when we should really be placing our energies into devoting ourselves to God. Ephesians 5:18 ‘And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.’ Proverbs 20:1 ‘Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.’ Proverbs 23:29-35 ‘Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things.’ Proverbs 21:17 ‘Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.’ Romans 14:21 ‘It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.’

However, some Christians believe it is acceptable to drink alcohol so long as it is in moderation. They would say that it is drunkenness that has the potential to be sinful rather than drinking in itself. Some Christians believe that Jesus encouraging his disciples to eat bread and drink wine as a way to remember him at the Last Supper is evidence that drinking alcohol in moderation is acceptable. It also suggests in the Bible that alcohol may be used on occasion to relieve pain.

Proverbs 31:6 ‘Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.’ 1 Timothy 5:23 ‘Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.’ Ecclesiastes 9:7 ‘Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.'

Islam Most Muslims refuse to drink alcohol as Muhammad stated that, ‘Every intoxicant is Khamr (alcohol) and all Khamr is Haram (unlawful or not permitted).' Muslims believe that drunkenness prevents them from focusing their mind on prayer five times a day which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. In many countries where Islam is the major faith, such as in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the sale of alcohol is mostly prohibited unless sold to foreigners. Some Muslims believe selling alcohol is just as sinful as drinking it because of the negative effects it can have on others. There are also teachings in Islam which suggest that having drunk alcohol, your prayers will not be accepted for forty days. Qur’an 4:43 ‘O ye who believe! Draw not near unto prayer when ye are drunken, till ye know that which ye utter .’ Qur’an 5:90-91 ‘O ye who believe! Strong drinks and games of chance and idols and divining of arrows are only an infamy of Satan's handiwork. Leave it aside in order that ye may succeed.’ Qur’an 2:219 "They question thee about strong drinks and games of chance. Say: In both is great sin, and (some) utility for men; but the sin of them is greater than their usefulness."

Religious Attitudes to Smoking

Christianity Although there are no direct references to smoking, many Christians are against this as they believe that your body is a gift from God and so you should treat it with respect by staying healthy. The Bible also teaches that we should not be ‘mastered’ by anything; in other words, we should not allow anything to have a hold over us, which nicotine does as it is highly addictive. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ‘Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.’ 1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything. However, some Christians may say that as a natural substance, God has placed tobacco on earth and has given you the free will to decide whether to use it. Genesis 9:3 ‘Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.’

Islam Again, smoking is not directly referred to in the holy texts of Islam, and although many Muslims would see it as ‘makruh’ or disliked by Allah, some say that is not ‘haram’ or forbidden. However, others may argue that it is forbidden as your life is a gift from God and you should not do anything which damages your health intentionally, or the health of others who inhale your smoke. The money spent on cigarettes could better be used as charitable giving which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Qur’an 2:195 ‘Spend your wealth for the cause of Allah, and be not cast by your own hands to ruin; and do good. Lo! Allah loveth the beneficent.’ Hadith 32 "There should be neither harming, nor reciprocating harm.”

Religious attitudes to illegal drugs

Christianity Most Christians would refrain from using any illegal drugs as in the book of Romans in the Bible it is taught that the rulers on earth are there to act on behalf of God and should therefore be adhered to at all times. It would also be considered wrong to use social drugs as they alter your behaviour and prevent you from having a true relationship with God through prayer. It could also be said that those who supply drugs care more about their profit than the wellbeing of those they sell to which is sinful.

1 Peter 5:8 ‘Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.’ 1 Peter 4:7 ‘The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.’ 1 Corinthians 6:10 ‘Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.’

However, in the Rastafarian religion cannabis is used as a form of worship as it is believed to create a heightened spiritual state. Rastafarians would say that cannabis should not be prohibited because in the book of Psalms in the Bible it states that , ‘He causeth the grass for the cattle, and herb for the services of man.’ In Exodus it also says ‘Eat every herb of the land.’

Islam Muslims consider that all non-prescribed drugs are the work of Satan and are designed to lead people away from God. It is thought that all drugs enable people to escape from real life which would mean that they cannot serve Allah well. The Qur’an could also be suggesting that social drugs are a cause of conflict in the community.

Qur’an 5:91 ‘Satan’s plan is to sow hatred and enmity amongst you with intoxicants and gambling, and to hamper you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you not give up?’

Religious attitudes to supporting drug users

Christianity Although there are quotes in the Bible which suggest that Christians should avoid those who get intoxicated for fear of being led by them, most Christians believe that those who want to be helped to overcome addiction should be supported. This is because repentance and forgiveness are encouraged in the Bible. Many Christians involve themselves in charity work to help and support those who suffer from addiction because Jesus taught that we should treat others as we would wish to be treated; we would want to be helped if we wanted to recover from addiction. Mark 2:17 ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick.’ Matthew 25:45 ‘Whatever you did not do for the least of these brother of mine, you did not do for me.’

Islam Although intoxicants are a sin in Islam, Muslims should support those who seek to repent and become clean of all drugs. Allah is believed to be merciful and followers should show mercy and compassion to those who want to tackle their addictions. Surah Al Baqarah, 2:222 “Indeed Allah loves those who repent and purify themselves.“ Hadith Qudsi 34 "O son of Adam, as long as you call upon Me and put your hope in Me, I have forgiven you for what you have done and I do not mind. O son of Adam, if your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky and then you would seek My forgiveness, I would forgive you.”

RELIGIOUS ATTITUDES TO CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Religious attitudes to crime

Christianity Christians believe that citizens have a moral duty to obey the law. This is because they believe that rulers are appointed by God to do God’s work on earth. The Bible teaches that it is important to live in peace with others and this cannot be achieved if we are committing crimes against our fellow citizens. Many of our laws in the UK are influenced by the Ten Commandments. Although religious offences such as murder and theft are classified as crimes, there are also teachings in the Ten Commandments such as ‘Thou shalt not commit adultery’ which are seen as morally wrong but are not considered criminal offences. Romans 13:1 ‘Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.’ Deuteronomy 16:20 ‘Follow justice and justice alone, so that you my live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.’ Hebrews 12:14 ‘Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no-one will see the Lord.’

Islam Muslims believe in the importance of law and order, and Sharia law is based upon four sources; the Qur’an, the Sunnah (practices of the Prophet Muhammad) the consensus of Islamic scholars and new case law which has been decided by Sharia judges. Muslims should follow the rules established in the Qu’ran as they are Allah’s own teachings as told to the Prophet Muhammad. In many countries where Islam is the major faith, religious teaching is enshrined fully within the law of the land, and offences such as blasphemy (insulting God or sacred things) is a punishable offence. In some Islamic countries it is both a religious and state offence to convert from Islam to another religion. Qur’an 57:25 “We have sent our Messengers with clear signs and have sent down with them the book so that man can establish justice. And we sent down iron of great strength and many benefits for man...” Qur’an 4:58 ‘Allah doth command you…when ye judge between man and woman, that ye judge with justice.’

Religious Attitudes to the aims of punishment

Christianity Most Christians do not support the idea of retribution but would support the other main aims of punishment. Christians believe that laws need to be upheld. They also believe in crime prevention and the need to work to tackle the causes of crime such as poverty, unemployment and social deprivation. The most important aim of punishment is to reform criminals and help them to become law-abiding citizens. The Bible teaches that all people have messed up and go against the will of God. All people fall short of God’s standards. Christians believe that God became human, in the form of Jesus, and died on the cross as a way of taking the punishment that people deserve. It is because of Jesus’ death and resurrection that Christians believe that humans can have their sins forgiven. So for Christians, even the most hardened criminal can receive God’s forgiveness if they are sorry and repent (i.e. takes positive steps to change). Furthermore, Christians believe that when people allow God to take control of their life, they can be completely transformed into a new person. Galatians 6:7 ‘Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.’ Luke 17:3 ‘If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.’ Romans 12:2 ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.’

Islam Punishment in Muslim societies is designed to deter people from breaking the law. This is often achieved by punishing offenders in public in front of the community as an example of how those who break Allah’s laws will be brought to justice. Muslims hope that offenders will repent, reform and seek forgiveness from Allah and their victims. Qur’an 5:38 ‘As for the thief, male or female, cut off their hands: a punishment by way of example.’ Qur’an 11:102 "Such is the punishment of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His punishment is painful, and severe.” Qur’an 39:53) ‘Despair not of the Mercy of God: verily, God forgives all sins. Truly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’

Religious attitudes to prison

Christianity Christians accept the need to protect the public from dangerous criminals and for this reason they accept the need for prisons. However, Christians such as Norwich-born Elizabeth Fry have worked to reform prisons so that offenders are treated humanely as it is believed that this is what is needed to reform criminals and help them to become law-abiding citizens. In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats in the Bible, Jesus teaches his followers that when we support vulnerable individuals such as prisoners by visting them, we are serving God. As a result, Christian chaplains regularly visit inmates and help the families of prisoners. In Luke 4:18, Jesus does not mean that we should free prisoners in the literal sense, but that we should free them from the poor social conditions which cause them to turn to offend in the first place. Christians would support the early release of prisoners if the offender has truly repented and is sorry for what they have done. Matthew 25:39-40 ‘When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’ Luke 4:18 “He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 ‘We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.’

Islam Muslims believe that prison is an important deterrent and necessary to protect society from criminals. The Qur’an also teaches the importance of forgiveness, but many Muslims would not support early release from prison as we show repentance by accepting our punishment in full. Muslim Aid, a UK charity, encourages its members to train as prison mentors so that they can offer guidance from the Qur’an to support this change in heart. Qur’an 13:11 ‘Allah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah). But when Allah wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector.’ Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3540 “O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.”

Religious attitudes to capital punishment

Christianity There are conflicting teachings in the Bible as to whether the death penalty is an acceptable form of punishment. Most Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists and Quakers do not support the death penalty as they believe that life is sacred and a gift from God so only God should take a life. They would also argue that the death penalty may lead to the death of innocent people and that it forfeits the offender’s chance to repent which is a central teaching in Christianity. It is also believed that God is the ultimate judge and that we should place our faith in the fact that God will ensure justice is served after death. Jesus also taught that we should not seek revenge but should act in a loving way so that our forgiveness serves as an example to others. Exodus 20:13 ‘You shall not murder.’ Romans 12:17-19 ‘Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Ezekiel 33:11 ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn away from their ways and live.’ Some Evangelical Christians do support the death penalty as a deterrent that helps to prevent serious crime. Parts of the Old Testament suggest that capital punishment affirms the commandment that 'thou shalt not kill' by promoting the seriousness of the crime of murder. The Bible includes teachings which directly support the use of the death penalty when life is taken by another human being. Exodus 21:24 ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.’ Leviticus 24:17 'If anyone takes the life of a human being, he must be put to death.’ Genesis 9:5 ‘In addition, I will demand your blood for your life. I will demand it from any animal or from any person. I will demand the life of any person [who kills] another person.’

Islam Most Muslims support the death penalty. This is because it is supported by Sharia law. In most countries where Islam is the major faith, they retain the death penalty for murder, however in countries such as Turkey and Azerbaijan, the death penalty has been abolished completely. It is considered that capital punishment is a deterrent and serves as a form of vindication for society, and most executions take place in public where citizens can witness it. Qur’an 6:151 ‘Take not life, which God has made sacred, except by way of justice and law. Thus does He command you, so that you may learn wisdom.’ Qur’an 2:178 ‘O you who believe, retaliation is prescribed for you in the matter of the slain.’ Hadiths 40.18b ‘The shedding of blood of a Muslim is not lawful except for three reasons: a life for a life, a married person who commits adultery and one who turns aside from his religion and abandons the community.’ However, there is argument as to which crimes the death penalty should be used to punish. In Sudan, the death penalty is used for the crime of apostasy (converting from Islam) and in Iran it is used to punish adultery. In some countries it is also used to punish homosexual relationships despite verses in the Qur’an which appear to condemn this. Often, the family of the victim has the opportunity to show forgiveness and prevent the execution which is considered to be preferable. The offender can also offer ‘diyya’ or financial compensation to the victim’s family. In some countries such as Yemen and Iran, the death penalty is used for juveniles which is condemned by many Muslims. Qu’ran 5:32 ‘We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.’ Qu’ran 2:178-179 ‘O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude.’