Theme D: Religion + crime
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies revision on Theme D: Religion + crime. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B 1RB0 specification. This bank has 7 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 7)
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Question 1
The four main aims of punishment are...
- A) Retribution, Deterrence, Reformation/Rehabilitation, Protection
- B) Revenge only
- C) Money only
- D) Hatred
Show answer
Answer: Retribution, Deterrence, Reformation/Rehabilitation, Protection
RETRIBUTION: punishment fitting the crime (an eye for an eye - Exodus 21:24). DETERRENCE: discouraging future crime by example. REFORMATION/REHABILITATION: changing the criminal to be productive. PROTECTION: keeping society safe from dangerous offenders. Most justice systems balance all four; Christians + Muslims may emphasise reformation more (in light of repentance + forgiveness).
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Question 2
Christianity teaches that forgiveness is...
- A) Not important
- B) Central - 'forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us'
- C) Only for God to do
- D) Optional
Show answer
Answer: Central - 'forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us'
Jesus' teaching: forgive 'seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22) - unlimited forgiveness. Don't seek revenge: 'turn the other cheek' (Matthew 5:39). Doesn't mean letting evil continue - means giving up personal grudges + leaving justice to God + courts. Practical effect: doesn't oppose punishment, but rehabilitation + restoration valued highly.
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Question 3
Capital punishment (the death penalty) is...
- A) Permitted by all Christians
- B) Opposed by most modern Christian denominations as inconsistent with sanctity of life + Jesus' teachings
- C) Required by Christianity
- D) Never debated
Show answer
Answer: Opposed by most modern Christian denominations as inconsistent with sanctity of life + Jesus' teachings
Catholic Church (since 1997, formalised 2018): capital punishment 'inadmissible'. Most Protestant denominations: opposed. Reasons: only God has authority over life; mistakes can't be undone; Jesus stopped the stoning of the adulteress ('let he without sin cast the first stone'); rehabilitation valued. Some evangelicals still support, citing OT laws. UK abolished death penalty 1965; USA still uses in some states.
Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?
4 more questions on Theme D: Religion + crime — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Religious Studies spec.