Religion, ethics and society · KS3 Religious Education

Making moral decisions

Religious people use sacred texts, the teachings of religious leaders, prayer and conscience to decide what is right.
The Golden Rule, found in many religions, says to treat others as you want to be treated.
Humanists and others use reason, evidence and the likely consequences for people's happiness.

Prejudice is judging someone unfairly without knowing them; discrimination is treating them unfairly because of it.
Religions teach that all people are equal: Christians believe everyone is made in the image of God; Sikhs believe God is in everyone.
Martin Luther King Jr, a Christian minister, led peaceful campaigns for civil rights in the USA. Archbishop Desmond Tutu opposed apartheid in South Africa.
Social justice means fair treatment and fair shares for everyone. Many religious charities, such as Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and Tzedek, work against poverty.

Stewardship is the belief that humans have a duty to look after the world for God (Christianity and Judaism). In Islam, humans are khalifah (guardians) of the Earth.
Hindus and Buddhists stress respect for all living things (ahimsa and the First Precept).
Actions include recycling, cutting waste, protecting habitats and caring for animals.

Pacifism is the belief that all war and violence is wrong, as held by Quakers.
The Just War theory sets conditions for when war might be justified, such as a just cause, being a last resort, and protecting civilians.
Religions teach forgiveness and reconciliation after conflict.