1. 4.6 Lesson aims  To investigate different Christian attitudes to capital punishment.  To explore why there are different Christian attitudes to capital punishment.

2. 4.6 Learning outcomes By the end of the lesson students should be able to:  explain why Christians have different attitudes to capital punishment  explain their own opinion about Christian attitudes to capital punishment  explain why some people may disagree with them.

3. 4.6 Exam Tips Use the evaluation technique making sure that you answer both parts. If you agree with the statement, your answer should look like this: (i)I agree because ….  Jesus came to save (reform) sinners, but you cannot reform a dead person.  Jesus said that an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is wrong for Christians.  Christianity teaches that all life is sacred, if abortion and euthanasia are wrong so is capital punishment. ‘You can’t be a good Christian and support capital punishment.’ (i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion. (3) (ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you. (3)

4. 4.6 Exam Tips  The Bible gives the death penalty as the punishment for various offences.  The Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England have not cancelled their statements that capital punishment can be used by the state.  The Christian Church itself used capital punishment in the past for the crime of heresy (not believing official Church teachings). ii) Some people may disagree with me because…

5. 4.6 Exam Focus EVALUATION QUESTIONS  Decide what you think about the statement.  Give at least three brief reasons, or two longer reasons, or a paragraph reason, supporting your point of view  Look at the opposite point of view and give at least three brief reasons, or two longer reasons, or a paragraph reason, for why people have this view. The evaluation questions mean that you must always be aware not only of your own point of view about a topic, but also about the opposite point of view. REMEMBER One of your points of view should always be a religious one.

6. 4.6 Summary  Many Christians think capital punishment is wrong because of the teachings of Jesus.  Some Christians agree with capital punishment to keep order in society because it is the teaching of the Church.