Re Summer Holiday Work

Key words

Crime, Corporal punishment, Death penalty, prison, community service, forgiveness,

poverty, unjust law, principle of utility, addiction, mental illness, hate crime, theft,
murder, retribution, sanctity of life, deterrence, reformation

Muslims believe capital punishment is allowed as it is done for a fair reason. “

The Quran say “Do not kill unjustly”.
This means capital punishment is allowed as long as it is for a fair reason.
Christians believe that capital punishment is wrong.
The bible says “Do not kill”.
This means that life should never be taken no matter the reason.

Crime Muslim view Christian view

Murder “If you kill one man it is as if “Do not kill”
you have killed the whole of
mankind.”
Hate “ we are all equal as the “There is neither Jew nor
teeth of a comb” Greek slave no free, male
nor female for all are one in
Jesus Christ
Theft “ As for the thief male or “Do not steal”
female, cut off their hand”
 
Causes of crime
Upbringing, poverty, anger, mental illness, addiction, opposition to law

Criminals are evil Not all criminals are evil

Crimes such as stealing (“Do not kill”), and
murder (“As for the thief cut of their
hand”) go against Gods commands.
 
People know the things they are doing are
harming others.
Mentally ill people may not think they are
doing a crime.
 
Criminals may steal and commit crimes to
improve their own life.
 
Aims of Punishment

Protection Law exists to protect people

Sanctity of life
Reparation Make up for what you do
Jesus taught people to atone for sin
Deterrence Put people off doing crimes
Islam states to chop the hand off of a thief
Retribution Revenge
An eye for an eye
Reformation To ensure they can become part of society
again
“Love your neighbour”

Yes to community service No to community service

Helps to understand the value of
community
It lets people work
The community become closer
 
Some criminals may not be affected be
community service.
Jesus said to forgive 70x7 times
Some crimes may not be equivalent to
community service. 

For corporal punishment Against corporal punishment

Islam says to chop off the hand of a thief
 
Criminal goes through an unforgettable
lesson.
Bibles says “Whoever spares the rod hares
their children but the one who loves their
children is careful to discipline them.”
If a person is innocent, the punishment is
permanent
 
Not legal in some countries
Some may argue it is too harsh for
criminals.
 For prison Against prison
Protects people from dangerous criminals Offenders families are ruined
 
Criminals may be able to reform Criminals may commit crime after released
   
Acts as a form of retribution Prison is expensive
 
Christians may believe that corporal punishment is not acceptable as you are harming the
person.
In the bible it says “Your body is the temple of the holy spirit.”
This means that Corporal punishment is wrong as if you are harming your body, it is as if you
are harming God.
Muslims may agree with the use of corporal punishment.
Islam says the “chop the hand off of a thief”.
This means that corporal punishment should be used as God has instructed us to use it.

Capital Punishment is allowed Capital punishment is not allowed

Idea of revenge and justice “an eye for an
eye”
Makes prison cheaper
 
Creates more fear than other punishments
All life is sacred so should not be taken
“sanctity of life”
 A person should not choose who lives or
dies
 
The bible says “Do not kill.”

Criminals should be forgiven Criminals should not be forgiven

Jesus said “Forgive 70x7 times”
Islamic teachings
“Be just for it is closest to righteousness”
 
“If you kill one man it would be if he killed
all of mankind”
“O you who believe obey Allah and obey
the messenger and those in authority
among you.”
If the crime is irreversible, then the criminal
should not be forgiven.
Christian teachings
“Do not avenge yourselves but leave it to
the wrath of God.”
 
“An eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth”
“Submit to those in authority.”
 “Criminals should always be punished for their crimes”

Some people may disagree with the statement

This is because it is instructed by Jesus.
Jesus said “Forgive 70x7 times”
This means that instead of punishing a criminal, you should forgive them as that is what
Jesus said to do. 
Similarly, in Islam, it instructs to forgive.
One of the names of Allah is “Al-Ghafur” (the most forgiving).
This encourages Muslims to forgive others as they will please God.
Therefore, a criminal should not always be punished as in both religions, it is shown that you
should forgive instead of punishing them.