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Outline three Christian beliefs about justice - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
Outline three Christian beliefs about justice. Explain two Christian beliefs about the use of torture. “People suffer because they have done wrong.” Evaluate this ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline three Christian beliefs about justice - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Christian beliefs about justice.
Answer
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The Bible teaches that God shows justice. The scriptures emphasize the importance of divine justice in the world, highlighting that God’s nature embodies fairness and righteousness.
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Christians are encouraged to show justice themselves. This belief is reflected in calls to act justly, as seen in Micah 6:8: 'And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.'
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Christian justice is restorative rather than punitive. It seeks to restore individuals and communities, as emphasized in teachings about forgiveness and reconciliation.
Step 2
Explain two Christian beliefs about the use of torture.
Answer
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Christianity teaches that every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), leading to the belief that torture is fundamentally incompatible with the dignity and value of human life.
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Jesus’ teachings on love and forgiveness underline the rejection of torture. For instance, the command to 'love your neighbor' (Mark 12:31) emphasizes compassion and opposes actions that inflict suffering.
Step 3
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
The statement 'People suffer because they have done wrong' can be evaluated from different perspectives:
Arguments for the statement:
- Many religious teachings suggest that suffering is a consequence of sin. For instance, Christian doctrine often links wrongdoing with divine punishment.
- Some individuals argue that personal choices lead to negative consequences, suggesting that suffering can be a form of justice for wrongdoing.
Arguments against the statement:
- Some non-religious viewpoints argue that suffering is often arbitrary and not necessarily connected to moral failings. For example, natural disasters or diseases afflict innocent people and are unrelated to any wrongdoing.
- Christians may argue that Jesus' teachings focus on compassion towards those who suffer, regardless of their actions. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates that suffering should evoke mercy rather than judgment.
In conclusion, while some perspectives may support the statement, a more nuanced view acknowledges the complexity of suffering, suggesting it cannot be solely attributed to wrongdoing.