Lesson video

Hello, and welcome to your RE lesson today on Christianity and types of punishment.

My name's Mrs. Rawbone, and I'm very pleased that you're going to be joining me for this lesson.

In today's lesson, you will be able to describe types of punishment and explained Christian and other views on justice and rehabilitation.

Some key words we'll be using today are chaplain, punishment, and rehabilitation.

A chaplain is a religious representative who provides spiritual care, support and guidance in places like prisons, hospitals, schools, or the armed forces.

A punishment is a penalty given to someone for a crime or wrongdoing they have done.

And rehabilitation is the process of helping offenders regain skills, change behaviour, and reintegrate into society after committing a crime.

Today's lesson will take two parts.

We will be looking at punishment and at Christian views on punishment.

So let's get started looking at punishment.

There are various types of judicial punishment.

Examples of types of punishment include fines, community service, prison, corporal punishment, and the death penalty.

Fines are a type of punishment used for minor offences where the offender pays a set amount of money as a penalty for breaking the law.

Community service is a type of punishment used for less serious nonviolent crimes where an offender completes unpaid work to benefit the community.

Prison is a type of punishment used for more serious crimes where an offender is kept in custody to protect the public and restrict their freedom.

Corporal punishment is a type of punishment where physical pain is deliberately inflicted on the offender.

It's now banned in UK law, but still used in some countries.

And the death penalty is punishment where the offender is legally executed for committing a very serious crime such as murder, though it is banned in the UK.

Andeep, Sofia, Lucas and Aisha are discussing punishment.

Andeep says, "One benefit of prison is that it protects society and can deter others from committing crime." Sofia says, "People say prison provides retribution, but also offers help for reform." Lucas says, "Some people question whether community service delivers justice or protects the public." Aisha comments, "It may be retribution, but giving back through community service could help offenders reform." So what other viewpoints have you heard on punishment? Take some time to turn and talk to someone nearby or talk to me, and come back when you're ready to move on.

Most types of punishment relate to multiple aims of punishment.

However, some are more strongly associated with particular ones.

So fines, for example, are a deterrence.

In other words, they put people off committing crime.

Prison is also thought to be a deterrence.

People don't want to go to prison so they don't commit a crime.

Same with corporal punishment.

People don't want to have physical punishment.

And one possible aim of the death penalty is that it puts people off crime.

Thinking about justice as a aim of punishment.

Do fines put things right and make things fair? Maybe if someone is paying back what they took.

Prison certainly seems to be someone paying for what they did and putting things right.

And the death penalty some might argue is justice because it is a fair payment for the crime that was committed.

What about protection? While fines might not appear to protect nor might community service, but prison certainly does seem to do that and so does the death penalty.

Offenders are restricted or taken away, so they cannot re-offend and they cannot cause a public harm.

What about reformation? Do fines help reform? Probably not.

But community service does seem to focus on this idea that the offender can think and reflect and change.

In prison, prisoners are supposed to engage in rehabilitation programmes, so you can argue that helps with reformation.

So with corporal punishment, it's usually thought it doesn't help much with reformation, and certainly the death penalty doesn't either.

What about retribution or payback, getting revenge? Well, a fine might do that.

Community service perhaps less so.

Prison again might seem to be someone paying back, getting revenge.

Corporal punishment.

Well, if someone has caused harm, then they probably deserve, you might argue, some kind of punishment, possibly even a physical one.

And the same would go for the death penalty.

Sofia is asking Neil, who's a humanist standard defence barrister, about his views on prison and community service as punishments.

She says, "I've heard people say prison is a good deterrence, but community service is an easy way out." Neil responds, "I've worked with serious offenders and have visited many prisons.

Although some offer excellent education and rehabilitation support, others suffer from overcrowding and provide limited opportunities for rehabilitation.

Some offenders reform, but many re-offend.

Community service requires offenders to take responsibility for their actions, and so isn't necessarily an easy option.

It can lead to real change, although not in every case." Sofia decides to ask Neil about his views on using violence as a punishment.

She says, "Some people say hurting someone physically is the best way to deter people from committing crime.

It means the offender suffers in the same way as their victim." Neil replies, "While some argue corporal punishment could deter crime by making offenders supper like their victims, there is little evidence to support this.

In the UK, it has been abolished because it does not support the aims of punishment according to the law, which include punishing offenders, reducing crime, rehabilitation, protection, and reparation to victims." So why might going to prison make re-offending more likely? you can choose from A, prisoners are given too much freedom and choice; B, people spend time around others with more criminal experience and little chance to change; C, most prisoners are released too early without serving full sentences; or D, prisoners have access to luxuries like the internet and games.

So take a moment, jot down your answer, pause if you need to.

Come back when you are ready to check.

So well done if you chose B: people spend time around others with more criminal experience and have little chance to change.

Someone's view on punishment could be influenced by a number of factors: religious beliefs, moral worldview, their personal experience, their ideas about human rights, ethical theories, or societal and cultural values.

A YouGov survey in 2025 asked participants whether they thought the prison system in the UK was functioning well.

So people were asked and responded either well, don't know, or badly.

And we had a range of factors looked at punishing prisoners, protecting people, preparing prisons for a crime-free life and treating the causes of crime.

So look carefully at the data.

Does it suggest people think the prison system is working well? Pause the video, work out your answer and come back when you're ready to move on.

So you should have noticed that in most areas people say it is working badly.

The same YouGov survey asks participants whether they thought community service was effective.

And answers range from very effective to not effective at all.

Have a good look at the chart.

Do most people think community service is effective? Take a moment, pause if you need to, come back when you're ready to move on.

So well done if you spotted that the answer is no.

In fact 64% do not rate it as effective.

Alan's a humanist, and he's expressing his views on punishment.

Alan says, "I believe punishment should help people change.

I support the Howard League for Penal Reform because it promotes dignity and rehabilitation.

Everyone deserves respect, even when they've done wrong.

Harsh punishments go against Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment." For less serious crimes, community service is often more effective than prison as it allows people to make amends and stay connected to society." So what does Alan base his views on? Pause a video, take some time to reread what he said and come back when you are ready to move on.

So hopefully you noticed he's based it on the idea of human dignity and on human rights.

Warren is an atheist.

He's explaining his view on punishment.

Warren says, "Following utilitarianism, I believe punishment should reduce overall suffering and maximise happiness.

If harsh punishment deters crime, it can be justified as it reduces suffering.

However, humane treatment isn't a problem as long as it leads to better outcomes such as lowering re-offending, or increased safety.

If harsh punishment achieves those outcomes more effectively than rehabilitation, then it is the better option.

The right response is always the one that maximises happiness." So what ethical theory does Warren use to support his argument? Take a moment to skim over what he's said and come back when you're ready to move on.

So well done if you spotted that he uses utilitarianism.

Let's check your understanding.

Name one factor that might influence someone's view on punishment.

So take your time, pause the video, come back when you're ready to check your answer.

You could have said any one of the following: human rights, psychology, ethical theories such as utilitarianism, personal experience, and religious beliefs.

Good work if you managed to put one of those examples.

For our task on punishment, I'd like you to complete the table on types of punishment by explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each.

So the type of punishment: prison, community service and corporal punishment, and then the advantage of each of those and the disadvantage.

Pause the video, take your time to think about those three types of punishment.

Come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

You could have said for prison, an advantage is it protects the public from dangerous people.

It can deter crime and some offer help to reform.

Disadvantages are it can lead to re-offending.

Often prisons are overcrowded.

Prisoners will mix with other criminals, and there might be limited opportunities for rehabilitation.

With community service.

Well, an advantage is it helps offenders take responsibility, they give back to the community, and it can lead to real change.

But on the other hand, for disadvantages, some see it as an easy option and not everyone thinks it keeps the public safe.

For corporal punishment an advantage is that some think it's a strong deterrent because it causes pain like the victim felt.

But on the other side, disadvantages, it's seen as cruel, is banned in the UK, and it doesn't seem to help people change or stop future crime.

So well done if you manage to get across the basic pros and cons of each of those types of punishment.

For the second part of our lesson, we're going to be looking at Christian views on punishment.

Christians try to answer questions about punishment by consulting sources of authority such as the Bible and church teachings.

And they might also use their conscience and reason, which they see as God-given gifts and consider non-religious arguments to work out what to do.

They may interpret the sources differently or emphasise one more than another.

The Bible is a source of wisdom and authority for Christians when thinking about punishment.

"So God created mankind in his own image," Genesis 1:27.

Father Gerald says, "As a prison chaplain, this verse reminds me that every person I meet, no matter what they've done, still reflects the image of God.

Their dignity isn't lost because of their crime.

This means they need to be treated humanely.

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil, overcome evil with good," Romans 12:17-21.

Frank tells us, "In my work as a restorative justice practitioner, we don't ignore the harm done, but we don't punish for its own sake.

Instead, we create space for the offender to take responsibility and make things right, aiming to bring something good out of what went wrong." "I was in prison and you came to visit me," Matthew 25:36.

Fiona says, "This verse is part of the parable of the sheep and the goats, where Jesus says that whatever we do for those in need, we do for him.

When I visit someone in prison, I'm responding to Christ's call to see him and the lives of those society often forgets." In John 8:11, Jesus says to the woman caught in adultery: "Then neither do I condemn you.

Go now and leave your life of sin." "This verse," Simon tells us, "shows how Jesus offers forgiveness but also calls for change.

That's why I support Prison Fellowship, a Christian charity that runs rehabilitation and restorative justice programmes.

It helps people take responsibility and start a new life.

Most Christian denominations support the use of prison as a punishment to an extent, but they also favour the use of community service.

Quakers are strongly critical of the prison system, especially when it focuses on punishment over rehabilitation.

They support restorative justice and believe in healing and accountability, reflecting their belief in that of God in everyone.

While some accept the prison may be unavoidable, in rare cases, many prefer non-custodial options like community service.

And some Quakers go even further than that, campaigning for the complete abolition of prisons in favour of more transformative approaches.

Methodist believe prison should be a latter resort and focus on rehabilitation, not just punishment.

They speak out against poor conditions and injustice and promote a prison system based on dignity and the chance for change.

The church supports prison chaplaincy and non-custodial options like community service, especially for nonviolent offences as a way for the offender to take responsibility and to stay connected with the community.

The "Catechism of the Catholic Church," paragraph 2266, teaches that prison may be necessary to uphold justice and protect society, but that punishment must contribute to the correction of the guilty party.

Catholics are actively involved in prison chaplaincy, and visiting prisoners is seen as an act of mercy.

The Church supports community service in suitable cases as it helps offenders make amends, take responsibility, and reintegrate into society.

So we have a range of responses there with Catholics generally being the most supportive of prison and Quakers at the other end of the scale being the least supportive.

Let's check your understanding.

What is the missing word? "I was in prison and you came to, me." Plus Matthew 25:36.

Pause if you need to.

Come back when you're ready to check.

So well done if you put visit.

This timeline shows how Christian views on punishment have developed over time.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the Church supported legal systems that used imprisonment, corporal punishment and execution.

Courts run by the Church, punished moral and religious offences, often with imprisonment.

In the 12th to 19th century, the Mediaeval Inquisition began in the 12th century, and the Spanish Inquisition started in 1478.

Imprisonment, forced confessions and torture were used against people accused of heresy.

In the 16th to 19th centuries.

During these times, people were often imprisoned for poverty, debt, or political descent.

Churches sometimes remain silent or aligned with state power instead of challenging injustice.

John Howard, who lived from 1726 to 1790, and Elizabeth Wright, who lived from 1780 to 1845, were key Christian prison reformers.

They campaigned for better prison conditions, education for prisoners and an end to corruption.

In the late 20th century to present many Christian thinkers and charities have begun to support community service as a formal punishment.

The work of Christian prison reformers inspires modern views on reform and rehabilitation today.

Here we can see a portrait of Elizabeth Fry, a famous prison reformer.

Now, John Howard was a Christian who exposed poor prison conditions across Britain and Europe leading to the 1774 Gaol Act for cleaner prisons and inspections.

Elizabeth Fry, who we see in the picture, was a Quaker.

She saw the conditions in Newgate Prison in 1813 and gave women and children food, clothing and educated them.

She was the first woman to speak to parliament on prison reform.

The Howard League for Penal Reform, which was founded in 1866 by Quakers and named after John Howard, is now a secular charity that campaigns for a fairer and more humane justice system.

So inspired by the work of people like John Howard and Elizabeth Fry.

Tamara is a Quaker who supports prison reform.

She's talking about Galatians 6:1, which says, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the spirit should restore that person gently." Tamara says, "This verse reminds me that justice should be compassionate.

I visit a women's prison each month and I volunteer with Quaker Peace & Social Witness, which campaigns for prison reform and supports alternatives to prison.

As a Quaker, I believe everyone has that of God within them and deserves the chance to change." So what is the main focus of the Howard League for Penal Reform? Is it A, campaigning for harsher prison sentences; B, promoting prison expansion across the UK; C, working to reduce the use of prison and support rehabilitation; or D, providing legal aid for police officers? So pause the video, have a look at the options again, choose your answer and come back when you're ready to check.

Excellent work if you spotted it, C, the Howard League for Penal Reform works to reduce the use of prison and it supports rehabilitation and prison reform.

Father Gerald is talking about his role as a Catholic prison chaplain.

He says, "It's really important that offenders are treated humanely when they're in Prison.

PACT, the Prison Advice and Care Trust is a Christian charity focused on prisoner wellbeing.

I have worked with their team to help organise family visits and provide emotional support to prisoners during difficult times." So what does PACT focus on? Take a moment, pause if you need to.

Come back when you're ready to move on.

So well done if you notice it's about prisoner wellbeing, a really important part of support in prison.

Father Gerald continues, "Education is an important part of rehabilitation.

The Shannon Trust is a secular charity that helps prisons improve their literacy through peer mentoring.

I support their work by identifying prisoners who struggle with literacy, encouraging them to join, and organising meeting spaces.

So what does the Shannon Trust support? Again, take a moment.

Pause if you need to.

Come back when you're ready to move on.

Well done if you noticed it's a charity that supports literacy in prisons.

"Prison Fellowship UK," Father Gerald says, "is a Christian charity that runs restorative justice programmes in prisons.

It also offers mentoring for prisoners and supports victims of crime.

Restorative justice can help heal the hurt caused by crime.

So I work with them to facilitate sessions.

Again, take a moment, have a think.

What charity does Father Gerald support by facilitating restorative justice sessions? Come back when you're ready to move on.

Well done if you noticed it's Prison Fellowship UK.

Father Gerald continues, "It's really important that people are ready for life after prison.

I've worked with St Giles Trust, a secular charity that supports prisoners by offering mentoring and practical help with housing and employment.

I've connected people nearing release to their team and referred former prisoners for ongoing support.

So we can see that Father Gerald's work continues throughout someone's time in prison.

Which charity does he work with to support prisoners both before and after release? Pause, have a look at what he said and come back when you're ready to move on.

Well done if you noticed it's called St Giles Trust.

Let's check your understanding.

I'd like you to name one organisation that supports the rehabilitation of people who've committed crime.

So pause the video, come back when you're ready to check your answer.

You could have said any one of the following, PACT, which is the Prison Advice and Care Trust; the Prison Chaplaincy Service, Prison Fellowship UK, St Giles Trust, or the Shannon Trust, all ones mentioned by Father Gerald.

Well done if you managed to choose one of those answers.

For part one of that ask on views on punishment, I'd like you to describe religious beliefs about punishment.

And you're going to be using Christianity, which we've been learning about today, to answer the question.

So ideas for guidance are to use point-develop, point-develop.

Now throughout your answer, you should include a range of religious/specialist terms. And for at least one part of your answer, you should use a source of wisdom and authority.

So it could be an exact or paraphrased quotation, or a general teaching from a named source, and accurately apply this to the point in question.

So pause a video, take your time to really answer that question describing Christian beliefs about punishment.

Come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

Let's have a look at what you could have said.

Christians believe punishment should allow for reformation, helping offenders change for the better.

Many support rehabilitation and restorative justice, which encourages responsibility and offers a chance to make amends.

This reflects Christian values of forgiveness and hope.

In Matthew 25:36, Jesus says, "I was in prison and you came to visit me." This shows that offenders should be treated with dignity and care.

It supports a view that punishment should not just cause suffering but help people change, linking to the Christian emphasis on reformation.

So you might have noticed there I've used quite a few key terms such as restorative justice, punishment, forgiveness, and that I've also got my source of authority from the Bible and I've linked in with the point being made.

So well done if you've managed to do some of those things.

For part two of that task, Jun has started to conclude his evaluation of the statement: "Punishment should be harsh to stop people committing crime." I'd like you to use the guidance to help him finish his conclusion.

So Jun started, punishment is a difficult issue because, the argument that rehabilitation needs to change shows the statement is wrong because, the idea that only harsh punishment works is unconvincing because, and ultimately, punishment should.

So guidance for what Jun is doing is that he's first recognising the complexity of the issue.

So the challenges involved in this issue.

Secondly, he's starting to explain the strongest reason to support his position.

Then he's looking at opposing arguments on why they don't convince him.

And finally, he's going to provide a clear and final judgement.

So use that guidance and use Jun sentence starters and come back when you're ready to see how that conclusion could have developed.

For your conclusion, you could have said: punishment is a difficult issue because it needs to balance justice, public protection, and the chance for offenders to change.

The argument that rehabilitation needs to change shows the statement is wrong, because helping people reform can reduce re-offending and benefit society in the long term.

The idea that only harsh punishment works is unconvincing because it often fails to address the causes of crime and can make re-offending more likely.

Ultimately, punishment should be fair and constrictive, focusing not just on deterrence, but also on reformation and rehabilitation.

So fantastic work if you have managed to develop a conclusion using that structure.

Now, of course, that may not support your point of view, so good idea is to practise doing it for your own arguments.

In today's lesson, we have learned that punishment includes fines, prison, community service, corporal punishment, and the death penalty, and that each of these can be linked to aims like deterrence, justice, retribution, reformation, and protection.

Humanist and utilitarians debate whether harsh punishment or community service better reduces re-offending.

Christian teachings suggest dignity, forgiveness, and reform, supported by Bible verses and church teachings.

Prison chaplains provide spiritual care and work with charities to support education, wellbeing, and reintegration.

And reformers like Howard and Fry, inspire charities like PACT and the Howard League, which promote justice through compassion and rehabilitation.

We've covered a lot today in this lesson.

Thank you so much for working with me and putting in all of that effort.