Explain two different views on the death penalty in modern society with reference to religious beliefs. (4 marks)

Within Islam many followers hold the belief that the death penalty is acceptable because justice is greatly emphasised within the religion. Therefore, if someone kills another person, it is permitted to also take their lives as a way of serving justice.However, a different view to this is the Christian view that believes in following the example of Jesus' behaviour, who preached forgiveness and healing. Within this view some Christians would argue against the death penalty and rather propose the chance/guidance to allow the person time to reform and change their behaviour by the love of God.

IB

Related Religious Studies A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the main themes of theodicies in the Augustinian tradition


"The criticisms of the Ontological Argument are very strong" Assess this claim.


How might some Christian philosophers of religion overcome the Euthyphro Dilemma?


critically assess the philosophical problems raised by the belief that God is omniscient