Christianity and the death penalty
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain different Christian and non-religious views on the death penalty.
Key learning points
- The death penalty is state execution. It is banned in the UK but used in China, Iran and some US states.
- Some non-religious people support it to deter crime, others reject it as inhumane.
- Most Christians oppose it, citing “Do not kill” (Exodus 20:13) and Jesus’ message of mercy.
- Jesus taught love and forgiveness, not revenge (Matthew 5:43–45, 5:39).
- A very small minority of Christians support it, using “Eye for eye” (Exodus 21:24) to justify justice through punishment
Keywords
Death penalty - capital punishment; the execution of a criminal which is sanctioned by the state
Forgiveness - letting go of blame against a person for wrongs they have done; moving on
Justice - what is right and fair
Common misconception
Most Christians support the death penalty because the Bible says “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.”
Most Christians reject the death penalty because they agree with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38–39 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.”
Teacher tip
Use real case studies and short video clips (e.g. documentaries or interviews with ex-offenders or victims’ families) to bring the ethical arguments to life.
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.What does protection aim to do?
Q2.What is justice mainly about?
Q3.What is the main aim of rehabilitation?
Q4.Which type of punishment is banned in the UK?
Q5.Prison always helps people change for the better.
Q6.What is one disadvantage of community service?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Jesus said, “ your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5)
Q2.Jesus taught that is better than revenge.
Q3. are Christians who believe every person has a divine inner light.
Q4.What is a common Christian reason for opposing the death penalty?
Q5.Most Christians support the death penalty because the Bible says “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.”
Q6.What did Kant believe about the death penalty?
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Christianity and the death penalty, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Christianity and the death penalty, 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.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Issues of Good and Evil unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.