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Religion, crime and punishment

Religion, crime and punishment

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Why this why now

This unit is situated in Year 11 so pupils can use their understanding of Christian and their other chosen religions beliefs to apply it to ideas of crime and punishment. Pupils will see how concepts of forgiveness and justice may be applied in societies today and the positions that people of different religious backgrounds may take.

Prior knowledge requirements

  • Some actions are illegal and carry punishment by law
  • Some actions are considered sins and may be punishable by God
  • Some actions are considered immoral, but may not come with formal punishment
  • Not everybody agrees on what should be punished or how

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Why this why now

This unit is situated in Year 11 so pupils can use their understanding of Christian and their other chosen religions beliefs to apply it to ideas of crime and punishment. Pupils will see how concepts of forgiveness and justice may be applied in societies today and the positions that people of different religious backgrounds may take.

Prior knowledge requirements

  • Some actions are illegal and carry punishment by law
  • Some actions are considered sins and may be punishable by God
  • Some actions are considered immoral, but may not come with formal punishment
  • Not everybody agrees on what should be punished or how

Religion, crime and punishment

In this unit pupils will study ideas of crime and how people 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.

15 lessons in unit

  1. 1

    Good and evil intentions

    I can explain different views, including Christian ones, on good and evil, human nature and suffering.
  2. 2

    Reasons for crime: poverty and upbringing

    I can explain how poverty and upbringing can lead to crime, and describe Christian and secular responses to these causes.
  3. 3

    Reasons for crime: mental illness and addiction

    I can explain how mental illness and addiction can lead to crime and describe Christian and secular responses to these causes.
  4. 4

    Reasons for crime: greed and hate

    I can explain how greed and hate can cause crime and describe Christian and secular responses to these causes.
  5. 5

    Opposition to an unjust law

    I can explain how a Christian’s personal conviction may lead them to break the law, using Dietrich Bonhoeffer as an example.
  6. 6

    Views about people who commit crime

    I can explain different views on how offenders should be treated, including Christian beliefs and the role of chaplains and charities.
  7. 7

    Views about different types of crime

    I know some of the different types of crime and understand Christian and other responses to them.
  8. 8

    The aims of punishment

    I can explain the different aims of punishment and how religious and non-religious beliefs influence views about which aims matter most.
  9. 9

    The treatment of criminals: prison and community service

    To understand Christian and other responses to prison and community service as forms of punishment.
  10. 10

    The treatment of criminals: corporal punishment

    I can explain ethical arguments about corporal punishment
  11. 11

    Different religious views about corporal punishment

    I can explain why Christians are against corporal punishment, using Bible teachings, Church views and ethical theories to support my answer.
  12. 12

    The concept of forgiveness

    I can explain the concept of forgiveness and its connection to restorative justice, and assess arguments about it.
  13. 13

    Different religious views about forgiveness

    I can explain different Christian beliefs about forgiveness and evaluate how they are expressed.
  14. 14

    Ethical arguments relating to the death penalty

    I can explain different ethical arguments about the death penalty.
  15. 15

    Different religious views about the death penalty

    I can explain different Christian views on the death penalty and show how they are supported by biblical teachings and ethical theories.

Learn how you can make the best use of Oak resources

A step-by-step guide to getting started

Get more out of Oak