Christianity and the death penalty

Religious education

Christianity and crime

Christianity and the aims of punishment

Christianity and types of punishment

Christian attitudes to forgiveness

Christian teachings about good and evil

Christianity and suffering

Muslim attitudes to forgiveness

Islam and the death penalty

In this unit pupils will study ideas of crime and how Christians and Muslims may view crime is caused. From that, they will examine different ideas of punishing crime and treating criminals focussing especially on a case study of the death penalty and ideas of forgiveness.

Issues of Good and Evil

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Jesus said, “{{}} your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5)

Jesus taught that {{}} is better than revenge.

{{}} are Christians who believe every person has a divine inner light.

Jesus’ message was one of love and mercy.

What is a common Christian reason for opposing the death penalty?

True – all Christians follow this verse.

False – they believe the death penalty is never used.

False – most follow Jesus’ teaching rather than Old Testament ideas.

Most Christians support the death penalty because the Bible says “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.”

It cannot be universal because it risks killing the innocent.

It is right if the victim’s family wants it

What did Kant believe about the death penalty?

To help offenders change and rejoin society.

Which type of punishment is banned in the UK?

False – prison alone doesn’t always support change.

True – prison removes them from bad influences.

True – strict punishment leads to change.

Prison always helps people change for the better.

What is one disadvantage of community service?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Christianity and the death penalty

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.