The Nature of Good & Evil (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

Moral decisions

• Morality refers to the principles and standards determining whether actions are right or wrong

• Moral decisions are decisions people must make about the right or wrong approaches to take in a situation

• Several factors can help people make moral decisions

Image

• Conscience is a key factor in making moral decisions. It is an inner voice that guides people and helps them make the right choices

  • Some religious believers think that God gives us the instinct to make the right choices

• We then choose which actions to take. It is our free will that enables us to make such choices. This means that humans can make moral choices independently and voluntarily. Nothing is predetermined

Types of morality

• There are two common forms of morality

• Absolute morality occurs when a person has a moral principle that they stick to in all situations, regardless of the context or circumstance

  • For example, they hold the principle “it is wrong to kill”. They will not take part in war, even if it is for a good cause

  • Several religious groups, such as Roman Catholics, take this absolute moralist approach

• Relative morality occurs when a person has a moral principle but is prepared to adapt it in certain situations

  • For example, they hold the principle “it is wrong to kill”. However, if it reduces future suffering, killing in warfare may be deemed justifiable

  • Several religious groups, such as Buddhists and many Protestant Christians, take this relative moralist approach

  • Humanists follow a relative moral approach to judging situations

What is a crime?

• A crime is an action that breaks the law of the state

• The causes of crime are complex, and several factors often contribute to criminal acts

• It is important that people are brought up with a strong sense of good and bad and know the difference between the two

• All people have a duty to follow the laws of the country and keep order in society

  • All major religions agree on the importance of law and the role it plays in protecting citizens

• Parents and schools have a duty to teach young people the difference between right and wrong, so that they grow up to obey the law and be respectful of others

• Christians believe that the Bible teaches people the difference between right and wrong, for example, in the Ten Commandments. 

  • Committing a crime goes against these teachings

  • Following these teachings can lead people to be good and to be a “child of God” according to the New Testament writer John (John 3:10)

  • However, sin is part of human nature; therefore, everyone has the potential to commit a crime

  • When someone is wronged, they should forgive rather than take revenge. This is because God forgave them their sins

• Muslims believe that Allah, who is Al ‘Adl (the Just), expects Muslims to act fairly and justly, which means committing no crimes

  • If people avoid crime, they can advance to do further good in the world

  • They will be accountable for every action on the Day of Judgment, which should make them conscious about avoiding crime

  • Muslims should avoid anything that distracts them from focusing on Allah and their faith and which may lead to crime