Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment

Question 1

What is a crime?

Answer 1

An act that breaks the law and is punishable by the legal system.

Question 2

What is punishment?

Answer 2

A penalty given for committing a crime.

Question 3

What is justice?

Answer 3

Fair treatment and appropriate consequences for actions.

Question 4

What do good and evil represent?

Answer 4

Moral concepts that influence laws and ethics.

Question 5

What is one reason for crime related to poverty?

Answer 5

Some commit crimes due to financial hardship.

Question 6

How can upbringing influence crime?

Answer 6

A criminal environment may influence behavior.

Question 7

What role does mental illness play in crime?

Answer 7

Conditions like kleptomania can lead to crime.

Question 8

How does addiction relate to crime?

Answer 8

Drug or alcohol dependency may drive criminal actions.

Question 9

What is a motivation for crime related to greed?

Answer 9

Some steal or commit fraud for personal gain.

Question 10

What is a hate crime?

Answer 10

Crimes motivated by prejudice or discrimination.

Question 11

What does opposition to unjust laws mean?

Answer 11

Some break laws they believe are unfair.

Question 12

What does Christianity say about overcoming evil?

Answer 12

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Question 13

What does Islam say about justice?

Answer 13

“Allah commands justice and good conduct” (Qur’an 16:90).

Question 14

What are crimes against the person?

Answer 14

Harm to individuals (e.g., murder, assault).

Question 15

What are crimes against property?

Answer 15

Damage or theft (e.g., burglary, arson).

Question 16

What are crimes against the state?

Answer 16

Threats to society (e.g., terrorism, treason).

Question 17

What does Christianity say about stealing?

Answer 17

“Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15).

Question 18

What does Islam say about killing unjustly?

Answer 18

“Whoever kills a person unjustly… it is as though he has killed all mankind” (Qur’an 5:32).

Question 19

What is retribution in the context of punishment?

Answer 19

Criminals should suffer consequences for their actions.

Question 20

What is deterrence?

Answer 20

Harsh punishments discourage future crimes.

Question 21

What is reformation?

Answer 21

Helping criminals change their behavior.

Question 22

What is the aim of protection in punishment?

Answer 22

Keeping society safe from offenders.

Question 23

What is vindication in the context of punishment?

Answer 23

Reinforcing respect for the law.

Question 24

What does Christianity say about revenge?

Answer 24

“Do not take revenge… but leave room for God’s wrath” (Romans 12:19).

Question 25

What does Islam say about forgiveness?

Answer 25

"An eye for an eye, but if anyone forgives, it is an expiation for him" (Qur’an 5:45).

Question 26

What is a Christian view on justice and forgiveness?

Answer 26

"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us" (Lord’s Prayer).

Question 27

What does the Parable of the Sheep and Goats teach?

Answer 27

Kindness to prisoners.

Question 28

What is the Christian stance on capital punishment?

Answer 28

Mixed views; some support it for justice, others oppose it due to Jesus’ teachings on mercy.

Question 29

What does Islam say about justice and fair punishment?

Answer 29

"Allah commands justice and good conduct" (Qur’an 16:90).

Question 30

What is Shari’ah Law?

Answer 30

Punishments vary based on severity (e.g., fines, corporal punishment).

Question 31

What does Islam encourage regarding forgiveness?

Answer 31

"But if you pardon and overlook, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful" (Qur’an 64:14).

Question 32

What is the Islamic view on capital punishment?

Answer 32

Permitted for serious crimes like murder under strict conditions.

Question 33

What are arguments supporting forgiveness?

Answer 33

Christian teachings emphasize mercy and rehabilitation.

Question 34

What does Jesus teach about forgiveness?

Answer 34

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Question 35

What is restorative justice?

Answer 35

Programs that reduce crime rates and prevent reoffending.

Question 36

What does Islamic teaching say about mercy?

Answer 36

"But if you pardon and overlook, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful" (Qur’an 64:14).

Question 37

What is the argument for justice in punishment?

Answer 37

"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (Exodus 21:24).

Question 38

Why is protection of society important?

Answer 38

Serious criminals must be punished to prevent harm.

Question 39

What is the deterrent effect of punishment?

Answer 39

Harsh consequences discourage future crime.

Question 40

What does Shari’ah law emphasize?

Answer 40

Justice, including corporal punishment for severe crimes.

Question 41

What are arguments for capital punishment?

Answer 41

Retribution, deterrence, and protection of society.

Question 42

What does the Bible say about shedding blood?

Answer 42

"Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed" (Genesis 9:6).

Question 43

What are arguments against capital punishment?

Answer 43

Mistakes, human rights concerns, and religious opposition.

Question 44

What does Christianity say about turning the other cheek?

Answer 44

"Turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39).

Question 45

What does Islam say about forgiveness in relation to punishment?

Answer 45

"But if you pardon and overlook, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful" (Qur’an 64:14).