Catholic Christianity & Human Rights (AQA GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Note

Biblical teaching on human rights

What are human rights?

• Human rights are basic freedoms and protections that all people are entitled to, simply because they are human beings

• These rights are meant to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect, no matter their race, religion, gender, nationality or any other status

• Human rights apply to everyone, everywhere in the world, regardless of nationality, background or beliefs

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

• In 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

  • This document outlines a set of fundamental human rights that should be protected for all people

• There are many different aspects to human rights that all people should be entitled to

  • Civil and political rights: These include the right to life, freedom of speech, vote and a fair trial

  • Economic, social and cultural rights: These include the right to education, healthcare and a decent standard of living

  • Environmental rights: These rights involve having access to clean air, water and a healthy environment

What does the Bible teach about human rights?

• Many religions, including Christianity, support human rights because they believe in the dignity and worth of every person

• Christians believe that all humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and, thus, deserve to be treated with respect and fairness

• Christian teachings such as “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31) emphasise compassion, equality and the protection of others' rights

• Christians believe that everyone is equal in the eyes of God

• This passage emphasises equality and challenges discrimination

• This teaches that no one should be unfairly treated or denied basic rights because of their race, gender or social status

• The Bible stresses the importance of justice, particularly for the vulnerable, such as the poor, the oppressed and the marginalised

  • Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed”

  • Christians are called to stand up for justice and protect the rights of those who are less fortunate or are being mistreated

• In Matthew 7:12, Jesus says, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you”

  • This rule teaches Christians to treat others with the same respect and fairness that they would want for themselves, which aligns with the principles of human rights

Catholic understanding of human rights

What do Catholics believe about human rights?

• Catholic views on human rights are rooted in the Bible

• Catholics believe that all humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)

  • Every person has equal value and dignity, regardless of race, religion, gender or status

  • Because life is God-given, it is sacred and must be protected

• Catholic views are influenced by Jesus’s teachings, which include “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) and “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31)

  • These teachings support respect, equality and fairness for all people

• The Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred from conception to natural death

  • Every person has human dignity, which must never be violated

    • This leads Catholics to oppose torture, slavery, genocide, terrorism and unjust war

• Catholic teaching supports human rights through key principles, including:

  • The importance of human dignity and the fact that every person deserves respect

  • The idea of justice, fairness and equality in society

  • The need to work for the common good, indicating that society should benefit everyone, not just the powerful

  • The need to protect the vulnerable who deserve special protection

• However, Catholics believe rights come with responsibilities

  • People must respect others’ rights, not just claim their own

  • They believe that governments have a duty to protect human rights, promote justice and care for the vulnerable

Catholic attitudes towards freedom of religion

What is religious freedom?

• Religious freedom refers to the right of individuals or groups to practise, express and observe their religion without interference from the government, society or other individuals

  • It includes the right a person has to choose their religion, change it or not follow any at all

  • In some parts of the world, changing or not following a religion is restricted, but internationally, it is considered a personal liberty

• Religious freedom is often considered a fundamental human right 

  • It is recognised in various international human rights documents, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 18)

• Religious freedom guarantees that individuals can believe in and practise any religion (or none) without fear of punishment, discrimination or repression

  • This includes freedom to:

    • Worship

    • Pray

    • Assemble

    • Participate in religious activities

• Religious freedom also ensures that no one should be forced to follow a particular religion

• In many countries, laws protect religious freedom as part of human rights legislation

  • This protection is often framed in terms of non-discrimination and the principle of freedom of conscience

• Religious freedom is also intertwined with other rights, such as freedom of:

  • Speech

  • Assembly

  • Privacy

• In other countries, religious minorities may face oppression or restrictions

• International bodies such as the United Nations and European Union work to promote and protect religious freedom globally

What are Catholic attitudes towards religious freedom?

• Catholic attitudes towards religious freedom are rooted in the Bible

  • God gives humans free will, so faith must be freely chosen, not forced

  • Jesus never forced belief; he invited people to follow him

  • Forcing religion would go against love, respect and human dignity

• The Catholic Church supports freedom of religion for everyone, not just Christians

  • They believe that no one should be forced to believe or punished for their beliefs

  • It would be wrong for anyone to be prevented from practising their faith peacefully

  • Catholics believe that religious tolerance is essential for peaceful societies

• Catholics reject forced conversion, and persecuting people for their beliefs is seen as a violation of human rights

Different perspectives on human rights

What are the different perspectives on human rights?

• Catholics believe human rights come from God, not governments, because all humans are made in the image of God

  • Catholics believe that protecting human rights is a moral duty and is not optional

• Catholics have biblical support for their point of view

  • The Bible teaches that life is sacred and should be protected

  • Jesus showed concern for the poor, the oppressed and the outcast

  • Christians are commanded to treat others with love, justice and compassion

  • From a biblical perspective, denying human rights is a sin

• From a secular (non-religious) perspective, human rights are not based on religious belief

  • Instead they are based on reason, ideas around equality and the belief in a shared humanity

  • Rights are often protected through laws, constitutions and international agreements

  • People have rights because they are human, not because of God

  • Catholics would agree with many outcomes but believe rights need a moral foundation, not just law

• From a legal perspective, human rights are protected and governments are responsible for enforcing rights

  • Catholics believe that laws around human rights are important but that any unjust laws should be challenged

• Views regarding human rights may vary depending on different cultures

  • Some believe that human rights are dependent upon culture, transitions and social values

  • What is considered a “right” may vary between societies

• Catholics would reject this view because they believe that human rights are universal, not cultural

Rights and responsibilities

What are the responsibilities that go with rights?

• A key Catholic belief is that rights and responsibilities go together

  • Catholics believe people have a responsibility to:

    • Respect the rights of others

    • Treat everyone with dignity

    • Act with justice and compassion

    • Help the poor and vulnerable

  • Catholics believe that you cannot demand your own rights while ignoring others'

• Catholics believe that governments have a duty to protect human rights, create just laws, care for the vulnerable and promote peace and equality

  • Unjust laws that deny human dignity should be challenged

• Catholics today are encouraged to stand up against injustice. They can do this by:

  • Supporting charities that protect human rights

  • Using rights responsibly, not selfishly