Equality

Question 1

What is morality?

Answer 1

Your sense of right or wrong.

Question 2

What is absolute morality?

Answer 2

People who always follow the laws regardless of the individual circumstances. They think that keeping the rules is the most important thing, no matter what the situation. EG: Roman Catholic and Muslim.

Question 3

What is relative morality?

Answer 3

People who try to judge the situation before making their decision. Sometimes the rules can be broken if they stand in the way of the best course of action. EG: Buddhism and most forms of Protestantism in the Christian faith.

Question 4

List 3 examples of absolute morality.

Answer 4

⭐️ Don’t murder.
⭐️ Don’t be sexist.
⭐️ Don’t be racist.

Question 4

List 3 examples of relative morality.

Answer 4

⭐️ Euthanasia
⭐ Self-defence
️⭐️ Divorce

Question 5

Define social justice.

Answer 5

Treating people equally and fairly in society. It should be that everyone is given the same rights. It affects all aspects of our lives, including religions, politics, the workplace and society in general.

Question 6

Define economic inequality.

Answer 6

The gap between rich and poor; seen most in poorer countries of the world.

Question 7

Define inequality of the disabled.

Answer 7

Many people in our society are either mentally or physically disabled, yet have a lot to offer. Often they are treated unfairly by others, in the workplace or in sport.

Question 8

Define gender inequality.

Answer 8

The obvious or hidden difference between people based on their gender. In many societies, women are regarded as inferior.

Question 9

Define ageism.

Answer 9

Discrimination against those who are no longer young. Many people regard older folk as having little value in society, with old-fashioned views.

Question 10

Define racial inequality.

Answer 10

The unfair treatment of people because they belong to a particular race or have a different colour of skin. It is a worldwide problem.

Question 11

Define religious inequality.

Answer 11

People are treated unfairly because they belong to a particular religion. EG: Hitler’s treatment of the Jews and the problem between Protestants and Catholics in NI.

Question 12

Define prejudice.

Answer 12

A negative view of someone based on an unfounded or unreasonable idea; it can lead to discrimination.

Question 13

Define discrimination.

Answer 13

To act unfairly towards a person or group of people; to put prejudice into action. To exclude people from equal treatment.

Question 14

Recall 2 of Jesus’ parables and state what they mean.

Answer 14

⭐️ The Good Samaritan in Luke: A man questioned Jesus, “Who is my neighbour?” and Jesus told a story of a man laying beat up on a road. Both a Priest and Levite passed him, but a Samaritan helped him to recover. Jesus explained that his neighbour was “The one who was kind to him.” From this we learn that a real neighbour is one who shows compassion, mercy and love. We should love people regardless of racial or ethnic identity.
⭐️ The Lost Son in Luke: A father’s younger son had left home and been ungrateful as he wasted his father’s money. When he returned his father treated him better than he had expected. The father’s elder son was furious as he had worked so hard at home yet gained no reward. From this we learn to believe in forgiveness and second chances as God never gives up on people. We should not be jealous of small things, and believe that hard work pays off.

Question 15

Give 3 Bible teachings on racism.

Answer 15

⭐️ Matthew states, "do to others what you would have them do to you". We should treat others as we would like to be treated.
⭐️ Matthew also states, "Love your neighbour as you love yourself." This indicates that love has no limits or boundaries. We should never treat people as 2nd class citizens.
⭐️ Acts states, "From one man he made every nation". This implies that we are all equal, all descendants from 1 people.

Question 16

Briefly describe the work of Gandhi against racism.

Answer 16

A Hindu by religion, Gandhi used Jesus’ teaching of civil disobedience in order to stand against oppression, prejudice, discrimination and racism. The incidents at the Salt Works and at Amritsar, where Gandhi and his followers stood up to the army, showcases that some people would would rather risk being injured than to bow down to racism. During his lifetime Gandhi spent 2338 days in jail, proving his determination to fight for equality.

Question 17

Briefly describe the approach to equality by the UN Human Rights 1948.

Answer 17

This promotes the idea that all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights. We are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards each other in a spirit of brotherhood. The declaration entitles everyone to the rights and freedoms of race, colour, gender, language, religion, politics or other opinion, national or social origin, property and birth or other status. This encourages equality, justice and growth of community throughout the world.

Question 18

What does the Roman Catholic Church teach about racism?

Answer 18

It strongly condemns racism, believing that if we allow things to get out of hand by not saying when bad things happen (eg. hate crime in Belfast), people will think that the Church has nothing relevant to say.

Question 19

What do both the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches teach about racism?

Answer 19

They take a very practical approach to try to combat racism by encouraging their members to actually welcome people of different races into their homes.

Question 20

List 8 practical ways churches fight against racism.

Answer 20

⭐️ At Sunday worship sing songs in foreign languages.
⭐️ Have clear welcoming signs around the church.
⭐️ Encourage participation.
⭐️ Hold special celebrations.
⭐️ Use recreational facilities, eg. sports hall, for activities.
⭐️ Hold coffee mornings in the church buildings.
⭐️ Visit cultural centres in NI.
⭐️ Study new languages.

Question 21

Describe the work of Embrace NI against racism.

Answer 21

Set up in 2003, the inter-church organisation made up of Christians in NI encourages church communities to make the country a more welcoming place for all minority ethnic groups, including asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers.

Question 22

Give 3 Bible teachings on disadvantaged groups.

Answer 22

⭐️ Amos states “The LORD has sworn: ‘I will never forget anything they have done.’” This suggests that cheating never goes unpunished. The Lord doesn’t forget wrongs we have committed.
⭐️ Micah states “To act justly and to love mercy”. We learn that God wants his followers to be fair towards others and show them mercy and kindness.
⭐️ James states “to look after orphans and widows in their distress”. We should look after those less fortunate than ourselves.

Question 23

Describe the story of Emmett Till linked to racism.

Answer 23

African-American Emmett Till was murdered in Mississippi in 1955 aged 14. After seen whistling at a white woman, a group of white people lynched him and threw his body in the river. His mother wanted the country to be shocked by her son’s unfortunate death, and bravely decided to leave his casket open for his funeral.

Question 24

Describe the story of Rosa Park’s stand against racism.

Answer 24

Rosa Parks was born in 1913 at a family farm in Alabama. As a child she had to walk to school as coloured children weren’t allowed on a bus. On 1st December 1955 when going home from work on a bus, she refused to give up her seat to a white person. She was arrested and convicted, leading to the 381 day boycott of the bus by blacks. This began the Civil Rights Movement in the USA.

Question 25

What was Martin Luther King’s movement towards anti-racism?

Answer 25

Born in 1929, MLK became a Baptist Minister in Atlanta, Georgia. He believed that Jesus treated everyone as equals and so Christians had a duty to protest against injustice. However he was a pacifist as he claimed violence should never be used to solve inequality. He was asked to take over the Montgomery Bus Boycott which was successful. He also her a march to Selma, Alabama where the police challenged the marchers and some died. Overall Christians look up to MLK as an amazing leader who lived out Jesus’ teaching to make the world a better place.

Question 26

What is poverty?

Answer 26

Being without food, water and shelter.

Question 27

List 4 ways, with examples, of how organisations and individuals can help those living in poverty.

Answer 27

⭐️ Fund raising eg. selling unwanted items in a charity shop.
⭐️ Campaigning for change eg. celebrity endorsement.
⭐️ Education eg. collecting money to send children to school.
⭐️ Offering relief (crisis) eg. aid by sending water filters.

Question 28

Briefly describe the work of an organisation that helps to improve communities living in poverty.

Answer 28

Tearfund works through local churches and follows Jesus’ teaching, and believes that poverty destroys people’s sense of worth and limits their chance of reaching their full potential. 1 of their projects aims to reduce the effect of poverty in poor communities. The organisation worked with 50-year-old farmer Genedite and her husband José to improve their farm in Pageú, Pernambuco state, Brazil.

Question 29

Give 3 Bible teachings on poverty.

Answer 29

⭐️ Matthew tells the story of the Final Judgement where God separated the sheep from the goats. This suggests that Christians’ attitude to helping those in need is what God uses to decide entry to heaven or hell.
⭐️ Luke states “When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. And you shall be blessed.” God will repay us at the resurrection.
⭐️ John states “If a rich person sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart to him, how can he claim that he loves God?” This suggests that actions speak louder than words.

Question 30

Discuss the arguments for wearing religious dress.

Answer 30

⭐️ Human Rights
⭐️ Freedom of religion
⭐️ Can worsen division in countries
⭐️ Sense of persecution

Question 31

Discuss the arguments against religious dress/symbols.

Answer 31

⭐️ Health and safety issues
⭐️ Against a country’s beliefs or values
⭐️ Some people find some aspects acceptable but others not
⭐️ Some companies have banned all religious symbols as a policy of equality

Question 32

Do you think that the study of world religions is beneficial to schools? Give arguments for both sides.

Answer 32

I believe this is beneficial to education as children learn to respect other religions and therefore reduce racism. It teaches them how to interact with different faiths in society. It also may help children of different religions feel more included. However it may cause confusion for children as they question their own faith.

Question 33

Describe the work of the Northern Ireland Inter-Faith Forum.

Answer 33

Formed in May 1993, the NIIFF aims to promote mutual understanding of different faiths, educate people on NI in awareness that we are a vibrant community of many faiths, and share and foster mutual appreciation of each other’s beliefs and cultural diversity. Their activities include visits to schools, distribution of annual multi-faith calendars, and maintenance of The Quiet Room at Belfast International Airport which provides a space for reflection and prayer for all.

Question 34

Discuss the arguments for and against the role of women within the Church.

Answer 34

In 1992 the Church of England decided to allow women to become priests. Similarly the Presbyterian Church has been ordaining women into the ministry since 1973 and the Methodist church has had women ministers since 1977. Christians believe that men and women are all 1 in union with Christ. On the other hand, some members of the Church of England argued that the Bible has taught that women should not have authority in Church. The Catholic Church does not allow women to become priests.

Question 35

Describe 1 project that the Fitzroy-Clonard Fellowship maintains.

Answer 35

Established in 1981, Fitzroy is a designated Fair Trade Church, promoting the idea of helping communities gain a fair and dependable price for their goods, and therefore enabling them to escape from poverty. The Church offers fair-trade coffee, tea and biscuits at gatherings to encourage others to buy this produce.