CRIME
- When somebody breaks the law it is a crime.
- Laws show what is acceptable behaviour so that people can live safely and without fear.
- Laws are made by the government and can vary from country to country. For example in the USA you need to be 21 to buy alcohol but in the UK you only need to be 18.
- What is a crime can change over time. For example, homosexuality was illegal in this country but is not anymore.
SIN
- A sin is an action which goes against the will or the laws of God
- Some sin are crimes, for example murder and stealing. Other sins such as adultery and pride are not against the law.
Crimes and Sins are about WHAT IS WRONG
HOW we decide what is right or wrong is known as morality.
Making decisions on how we should behave is very complex. Here are two simple common forms of morality you need to know about:
ABSOLUTE MORALITY
- This is when a principle applies in all situations no matter the context or circumstance.
- For example ‘stealing is always wrong’. It would be wrong for me to steal food, even if my family were starving.
- Another example would be the belief that it is wrong to directly and intentionally take innocent life. This would apply in all situations, including abortion and euthanasia. There is no circumstance where it is acceptable. Taking a life in self-defence or in defence of one’s society, for example, in war, is not an exception to this ABSOLUTE MORAL PRINCIPLE
RELATIVE MORALITY
- This is the idea that a moral principle can be adapted or adjusted in certain situations.
- So stealing in principle is wrong, but if I have no other way to get food then stealing is acceptable.
- I might think killing is wrong but if I need to defend myself then it might be reasonable to do so.
RED ZONE
List examples of sins that you know
List examples of crimes that you know
Explain, with the use of examples, the difference between a sin and a crime
Explain, with the use of examples, what is meant by ‘relative’ and ‘absolute’ morality
Mr Fox's Online RE Classroom 