OBJECTIVE…

1. OBJECTIVE… To use Biblical quotes, a sorting exercise and the skill of interpretation to understand Christian attitudes to capital punishment.

2. OUTCOMES… Grade C All will be able to outline Christian arguments FOR and AGAINST capital punishment. Grade B Most will be able to explainthe meaning of Christian quotes relating to Capital Punishment. Grade A/A* Some will be able to evaluate Christian arguments on Capital Punishment and express an opinion on these. Your GOALS for the end of this lesson are…

3. Starter… This person is Reverend Paul Hill. He was executed in 2003 for the murder of Dr John Britton and his assistant James Barrett (he also seriously injured Dr Britton's wife). He killed them for carrying out abortions at a clinic in Florida. Hill knew that he would receive the death penalty for their murder but felt no fear. He showed no remorse for his action and expected to receive a heavenly reward. Do you think he should have been executed for his crime? The death penalty was not a deterrent for him, does this make the death penalty meaningless? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c6Cb8EHqhU This picture was taken moments before he was executed for murder. Does anything surprise you? What do you think this tells you?

4. Christian attitudes to Capital Punishment… CX There are two main attitudes to capital punishment among Christians. SOME Christians think capital punishment should be used in SERIOUS cases where the guilt of the person is beyond doubt. OTHER Christians think that capital punishment is wrong as there are no situations when taking a life is acceptable.

5. SOME Christians DO NOT SUPPORT the use of Capital Punishment… Using your common sense what arguments do you think a Christian would use here? If you are struggling use the picture clues to help you…

6. Add anything you are missing in GREEN PEN…

7. SOME Christians SUPPORT the use of Capital Punishment… Using your common sense what arguments do you think a Christian would use here? If you are struggling use the picture clues to help you…

8. Add anything you are missing in GREEN PEN…

9. OUTCOMES… Did you achieve YOUR goals?… • Grade C • All will be able to outline Christian arguments FOR and AGAINST capital punishment.

10. Christian attitudes to Capital Punishment… Look at the Christian quotes and teachings carefully. Organise them into arguments FOR and AGAINST Capital Punishment.

11. “ Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13) • “ You have heard it said . ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also”. (Matthew 5:38) • ‘ The sanctity of life’ • “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) • “Let ye without sin cast the first stone.” (John 8:7)) • ‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged’. (Matthew 7:1) • “...an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (exodus 21:24) • “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed” (Genesis 9:6) • “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13:1)

12. Choose FOUR quotes and EXPLAINwhat the meaning of each in relation to Capital Punishment.

13. This Old Testament quote teaches that the punishment should be fitting of the crime so in cases of murder the death penalty is a fitting punishment.

14. The Old Testament teaches capital punishment should be used for those that take a life.

15. In the New Testament, St Paul teaches that Christians should accept and obey the laws and punishments of the government of the country they are living in, which would mean accepting the death penalty. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Romans 13:1)

17. Jesus taught that revenge is wrong – Capital Punishment promotes the idea of revenge.

18. Only God has the right to give life and take life away – Capital Punishment is playing God.

19. Capital Punishment is not compatible with the overall message of Christianity which is one of LOVE and FORGIVENESS.

20. Only God has the right to judge and condemn those that sin. Jesus came to save and reform people – those executed cannot be reformed.

22. I never taught that the death penalty was wrong! Most Christian Churches have spoken out against capital punishment.

23. Among those Christians that agree with capital punishment, very few would agree with it for crimes other than murder.

24. Exam practice time… Complete page 94

25. OUTCOMES… Did you achieve YOUR goals?… • Grade B • Most will be able to explain the meaning of Christian quotes relating to Capital Punishment.

26. Supportive because… Jesus accepted his punishment. His death was part of God’s plan. Jesus did not oppose capital punishment. The crucifixion of Jesus was a Roman method of capital punishment usually used for the most dangerous criminals. So Jesus was a capital offender… Should this make them more supportive of the death penalty or less? Against it because… Jesus died painfully. Jesus was innocent. Jesus could have gone on to teach more.

27. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDM2e9a_E0E Would most Christians view him as a martyr or murderer? Would any Christians support his execution?

28. OUTCOMES… • Grade A/A* • Some will be able to evaluate Christian arguments on Capital Punishment and express an opinion on these. Did you achieve YOUR goals?…

29. Plenary … Draw a pyramid in the back of your books and spit it into 3... Think of a question you would like answering. What have you been reminded of today? What have you learnt today?