Different religious views about corporal punishment
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why Christians are against corporal punishment, using Bible teachings, Church views and ethical theories to support my answer.
Key learning points
- Christians reject corporal punishment as it goes against dignity, compassion and Jesus’ example.
- Bible verses are read in light of love, mercy and respect.
- The Catholic Church, Church of England and Quakers all oppose it, stressing justice that reforms, not harms.
- Corporal punishment fails to meet aims like reformation and protection.
- Ethical theories like Natural Law and Situation Ethics support this view.
Keywords
Corporal punishment - punishment in which physical pain is inflicted on the criminal
Dignity - the worth and value of each human life
Justice - what is right and fair
Common misconception
All Christians used to support corporal punishment
Early Christians often rejected violence; Quakers and Methodists led opposition in later periods.
Teacher tip
Include a discussion on the law in the UK which currently allows parents to use mild physical punishment on children.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their meanings.
punishment that gives a deserved consequence
punishment that aims to change the offender
discouraging others from committing crimes
Q2.What is corporal punishment?
Q3.Why do many people argue that corporal punishment is a human rights abuse?
Q4.Which aims of punishment does corporal punishment usually focus on?
Q5.What does community service usually involve?
Q6.Which of the following aims of punishment is prison most often used for?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1. challenged violent punishment by saying, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.”
Q2.Christians believe corporal punishment goes against human , which comes from being made in the image of God.
Q3.Which ethical theory suggests punishment should support growth, not pain?
Q4.Which Church banned corporal punishment in its schools in 1987?
Q5.What does Situation Ethics say about corporal punishment?
Q6.Early Christians supported corporal punishment.
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about corporal punishment, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about corporal punishment, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion, crime and punishment unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.