Unit 2 (year 10)

Religion and prejudice

Definitions:

Thought

Prejudice to prejudge someone before you know them. Thinking

badly of them because of the group he/she belongs to
Discrimination to act upon your prejudice but treating a person
differently. Treating someone unfairly or preventing them from
having equal opportunities

Action
Stereotyping: having an over simplified mental image of people
and applying it to everyone in a group (all footballer supporters are
violent)
Positive discrimination: treating people more favourably because
they have been discriminated in the past (wheelchair users front
seats at a cinema)
Scapegoating: blaming certain groups for problems in society.

Why are people prejudiced?

Effects of being prejudice

Causes great harm

Made to feel worthless and depressed
Feeling frightened and vulnerable
Can cause death (Holocaust)
Discrimination

Types of prejudice

Racism

Ageism

Sexism

Disability

Religion

Class

Tolerance (respecting the

beliefs and practices of
others)

Justice (bringing about

what is right, fair
according to the law or
making up for what has
been done wrong)

Harmony (Living in peace

with others)

The universal
Declaration of Human
Rights in 1948 stated
that:
-All humans are born free
and equal.
-Everyone can express their
opinion
Tolerance is about
accepting all people
SOL
Allowing them to keep
their own beliefs,
practices and ways of
life as long as they do
not break the law or
harm others

All religions teach that

people are equal
All humans have the
same value and worth
Religious believers
think people should be
treated with justice, that
is, fairly and according
to the law.
If laws are unjust then
religious believers
should work to change
them

Requires people to act

justly
Have tolerance of
others, even when they
are different
Many religious
believers live within a
community and they
share similar values and
therefore should practise
certain values like
compassion within the
community to help them
live in harmony

Religion

Attitudes towards prejudice and discrimination

LEARN AT LEAST 2 RELIGIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christianity

Goes against Gods design as God created men and women in his own image and
therefore of equal value
love thy neighbour as yourself was explained in the parable of the Good
Samaritan (help anyone in need regardless of background etc)
Jesus healed the sick, disabled
2005 Anglicans selected first black Archbishop. 2015 first woman Bishop
Most allow women to be priests/ministers but Catholics do not

Islam

Allah created all people equal, whatever their race, gender or background
Muhammad preached against slavery and taught that there is never an excuse for
unjust treatment
Equality is shown on the hajj (wear white) and Islamic law is based on justice
and protects the right of non-Muslims living in a Muslim country
Women have different roles to men as they are responsible to bring up their
children
Most women do not pray with the men at mosque and Women cant be an imam

Judaism

Humanity was created by God in his image so all are equal

The Torah commands love your neighbour as yourself and says that everyone should be
treated with compassion
Jonahs narrow-minded prejudice was punished by God
Jews have been victims so they recognise that it is wrong
Men and women are equal but have different roles
Orthodox Jews do not have the genders to sit next to each other, women to handle the Torah
or become rabbis. Reform Jews think the opposite

Religion

Attitudes towards prejudice and discrimination

Buddhism

Hinduism

Sikhism

Buddha left his wealth as he knew it wouldnt bring happiness, he rejected the caste
system.
The Buddha taught everyone has equal potential for reaching enlightenment
Elements of the 8 fold path reflect his teachings (right action, right speech..)
All members of the community are equal
Buddha ordained women
The Dalai Lama believes that people need to increase mutual understanding

Hindus have ben created by God and have a duty to respect everyone God loves all
creatures equally. Everyone can reach the spiritual goal if they seek God
Hindus were divided into 4 castes:
People could not marry between castes
Those not part of a cast (untouchables) had few rights, discrimination against them was
outlawed in 1949 influenced by Ghandi
A persons caste is due to karma and therefore prejudice still exists for lower castes and
untouchables
Hinduism has many paths to God so they are tolerant of other peoples religions
Men and women are equal but have different roles. Priests must be men and women do
have more rights

All equal and are children of God. Since God has no colour or form then discrimination is
wrong
Sikhs are tolerant of all religions and the sacred text contains Muslim/Hindus writings
In the Gurdwara everyone sits on the floor
Men and women usually sit separately
Vegetarian is served at the langar so everyone feels included.

Society and the law

Democracy and justice are founded on religious principles

UK government is secular but religious views are compatible
In Muslim countries Shariah law is based on religious
principles
Many laws have been passed and a person can take someone
to court if they are being discriminated against
2006
1995
1975
How do these acts intend to make a difference?

Prejudice is harder to stop than discrimination as you cant be arrested so

society needs to work at combating these views. (Schools and media)

Individuals and groups

Mahatma Gandhi

Martin Luther King

Desmond Tutu