Different religious views about forgiveness
I can explain different Christian beliefs about forgiveness and evaluate how they are expressed.
Different religious views about forgiveness
I can explain different Christian beliefs about forgiveness and evaluate how they are expressed.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Forgiveness is central to Christianity and is closely linked to salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
- The Bible teaches that forgiveness should be unlimited and essential, for example in Matthew 18:22 and Matthew 6:14–15.
- Christian traditions practise forgiveness in different ways, such as through confession, reconciliation or worship.
- Many Christians support organisations like Caritas or restorative justice programmes.
- The stories of Gee Walker and Julie Nicholson show how Christians live out forgiveness in different, personal ways.
Keywords
Forgiveness - to grant pardon for a wrongdoing; to give up resentment and the desire to seek revenge against a wrongdoer
Reconciliation - making up and rebuilding relationships between two groups/sides after disagreement
Restorative justice - an approach to justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by wrongdoing through dialogue and understanding
Common misconception
Forgiveness comes naturally to all Christians because it is part of their faith.
Christianity teaches that forgiveness is important, but not that it is easy. Julie Nicholson’s story shows that even people of strong faith can struggle to forgive, especially after traumatic events. Forgiveness can be a long and difficult process.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about forgiveness, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about forgiveness, 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.
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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.
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- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
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Adult supervision recommended
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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