Attitudes to Lawbreakers & Types of Crime | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Christian Perspectives on Crime and Lawbreakers

Most religious adherents believe that crime is rarely justifiable, regardless of the reasons provided.

Divine Authority and Governance

• Christians hold that God established governmental systems to maintain societal order, ensuring a peaceful existence free from fear.
• St. Paul emphasized this in his letter to the Romans:
  ‘Everyone must submit to governing authorities, for all authority comes from God’ (Romans 13:1).

Respect for Law and Punishment

• Laws should be upheld, and those who break them should face consequences as dictated by the legal system.
• However, punishments should honor the inherent dignity and rights of individuals.
• The goal of punishment should be rehabilitation, aiming to restore offenders to society as positive contributors, ideally preventing recidivism.

Jesus’ Teachings on Forgiveness

• This perspective aligns with Jesus’ teachings and actions, which advocate for aiding and forgiving wrongdoers.
• During his crucifixion, Jesus forgave a criminal crucified beside him, saying:
  ‘Today you will be with me in paradise’ (Luke 23:43).
• In the parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus taught that visiting prisoners is an act of compassion:
  ‘I was in prison, and you came to visit me’ (Matthew 25:34-36).

Muslim Perspectives on Crime and Lawbreakers

Since Allah commands justice, criminal acts contradict His desires for humanity.

Crime as a Deviation from Faith

• Muslims view crime as a diversion from following Allah’s path.
• For this reason, Muslims are urged to avoid criminal behavior under all circumstances.
• The Qur’an warns:
  ‘Intoxicants and gambling are abominations from Satan’s work, so avoid them to prosper’ (Qur’an 5:90).
• Muslims are encouraged to emulate the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) teachings and example.

Equality and Justice

Allah created all humans as equals, and committing crimes against others is wrong as it diminishes their significance.

Shari’ah Law

• Islam follows Shari’ah, a religious legal framework that forms the basis of state law in countries like Saudi Arabia.
• In the UK, Shari’ah councils offer guidance to Muslims, but UK state law takes precedence.

Categories of Crime in Shari’ah Law

Shari’ah classifies crimes into four types:

• Unforgivable Crimes (Hadud Crimes)
  These include acts explicitly prohibited in the Qur’an, such as adultery, theft, and consuming alcohol or drugs.
• Forgivable Crimes (Al-Jynayaat)
  Offenses against individuals, such as bodily harm or murder. Victims or their families can earn merit by showing mercy.
• Community Crimes (Al Ta’azir)
  Offenses impacting the community, like fraud or antisocial behavior.
• Crimes Against State Law (Al-Mukhalafat)
  Violations of state laws rather than Qur’anic principles, such as speeding.

Religious Perspectives on Specific Crimes

Hate Crimes

Hate crimes target individuals based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or disability, often involving violence or aggression.

Christian Views on Hate Crimes

• All Christians condemn hate crimes, as every person is created equal in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
• Such acts violate the Golden Rule: ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you’ (Matthew 7:12).
• They also breach Jesus’ command to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Luke 6:31).
• St. John equated hatred with murder: ‘Whoever hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and no murderer has eternal life within them’ (1 John 3:15).

Islamic Views on Hate Crimes

• Muslims widely denounce hate crimes, as Allah created all humans equal, and such acts devalue others.
• A Hadith advises: ‘Hate your enemy lightly, for they may become your friend one day’ (Hadith).

Murder

Christian Views on Murder

• Murder is unequivocally condemned.
• The Ten Commandments explicitly state: ‘You shall not murder’ (Exodus 20:13).
• Christians view life as sacred and God-given, with only God having the authority to end it.

Islamic Views on Murder

• Murder is a grave sin, condemned in the Qur’an: ‘Whoever kills a soul … it is as if he had killed all of humanity’ (Qur’an 5:32).
• Life is sacred, and the Qur’an instructs: ‘Do not take life, which God has made sacred, except by right’ (Qur’an 17:33).
• In some Shari’ah-governed countries, murder may result in the death penalty, the harshest punishment.

Theft

Christian Views on Theft

• Theft is prohibited by the Ten Commandments: ‘You shall not steal’ (Exodus 20:15).
• While less severe than crimes like murder, theft may stem from issues like addiction, poverty, or mental illness, which require support and rehabilitation.
• Nevertheless, theft causes harm to victims and warrants state punishment.

Islamic Views on Theft

• Theft is forbidden, with the Qur’an prescribing severe punishment: ‘Cut off the hands of thieves, male or female, as a penalty for their actions—a deterrent from Allah’ (Qur’an 5:38).
• Theft due to poverty is not excused, but Muslims are encouraged to work toward a just society where theft is unnecessary.