Read the summary of the content below and then follow the links below to futher revision materials. Remember, if you get stuck, do contact your RE teacher for help and advice.

Key terms | Key themes | Key Quotes | Sample Questions | Extra Revision Materials on this topic

* Discrimination

* Prejudice

* Human Rights

* Equality

* Racism

* Sexism

* Ageism

* Homophobia

* Good Samaritan

* Sheep and the Goats

* Apartheid

* Forgiveness

* Proselytising

* Missionary

* Evangelism

* Ecumenism

* Reconcilliation

The Principle of Equality

Christian beliefs about equality:

Explore the Quaker’s approach to non-violence and the ‘Quaker Declaration, 1660’; also explore why Christians are pacifists (email your teacher if you want the information sheet) and know the example of Jesus Christ and non-violent activists like Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson.

Christian attitudes towards racism:

Punishment has five objectives as follows: Retribution, Deterrence, Protection, Reformation and Vindication.  As Xians believe that Jesus Christ died to forgive them of their sins, they believe that forgiveness is very important (see John 8:7).  Forgiveness for offenders is very important – this pretty much rules out any potential for allowing Capital Punishment.

Christian attitudes towards gender : 

Christians believe that everyone was created equal by God.  Because of this, Xians try to ensure that everyone has equal human rights – the lack of human rights is called ‘social injustice’.  If ‘a sparrow that falls dead is noticed by God’ (Matthew 10:29), then social injustice should be addressed by Xians as God obviously notices that too. 

Christian attiudes towards other religions:

Many Christians see worship (to God) as meaningless unless follow it up by helping others.  Remember that Xians are not always a bunch of ‘do-gooders’!  They would be willing to break the law and put their lives at risk if others were to potentially benefit (for example Norman Kember – a Christian peace activist who went to Iraq to help and tell people about Jesus)

Forgiveness and reconcilliation:

a) What is meant by 'equality'? (1 mark)

b) What does reconcilliation mean? (2 marks)

c) Describe Christian beliefs about equality. (3 marks)

d) Explain Christian teachings about the role of women in society. (6 marks)

e) 'Men and women are not equal.' Discuss this statement. You should include different,

     supported points of view, and a personal viewpoint, You must refer to Christianity in your

     answer (12 marks)

Mark Scheme for the following questions

a) What is meant by 'equality'? (1 mark)

b) What does reconcilliation mean? (2 marks)

c) Describe Christian beliefs about equality. (3 marks)

d) Explain Christian teachings about the role of women in society. (6 marks)

e) 'Men and women are not equal.' Discuss this statement. You should include

     different, supported points of view, and a personal viewpoint, You must

     refer to Christianity in your answer (12 marks)