Equality Flashcards
What is morality?
Your sense of right or wrong.
What is absolute morality?
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.
What is relative morality?
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.
List 3 examples of absolute morality.
⭐️ Don’t murder.
⭐️ Don’t be sexist.
⭐️ Don’t be racist.
List 3 examples of relative morality.
⭐️ Euthanasia
⭐ Self-defence
️⭐️ Divorce
Define social justice.
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.
Define economic inequality.
The gap between rich and poor; seen most in poorer countries of the world.
Define inequality of the disabled.
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.
Define gender inequality.
The obvious or hidden difference between people based on their gender. In many societies, women are regarded as inferior.
Define ageism.
Discrimination against those who are no longer young. Many people regard older folk as having little value in society, with old-fashioned views.
Define racial inequality.
The unfair treatment of people because they belong to a particular race or have a different colour of skin. It is a worldwide problem.
Define religious inequality.
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.
Define prejudice.
A negative view of someone based on an unfounded or unreasonable idea; it can lead to discrimination.
Define discrimination.
To act unfairly towards a person or group of people; to put prejudice into action. To exclude people from equal treatment.
Recall 2 of Jesus’ parables and state what they mean.
⭐️ 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.
Give 3 Bible teachings on racism.
⭐️ 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.
Briefly describe the work of Gandhi against racism.
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.
Briefly describe the approach to equality by the UN Human Rights 1948.
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.
What does the Roman Catholic Church teach about racism?
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.
What do both the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches teach about racism?
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.
List 8 practical ways churches fight against racism.
⭐️ 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.
Describe the work of Embrace NI against racism.
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.
Give 3 Bible teachings on disadvantaged groups.
⭐️ 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.
Describe the story of Emmett Till linked to racism.
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.
