Theme F: Religion, Human Rights and Social Justice

Theme F examines how religious and non-religious people understand human rights, tackle prejudice and discrimination, and respond to poverty and economic inequality.

Human rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) sets out fundamental rights to which all humans are entitled regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, etc. Key rights include: right to life, freedom from torture, freedom of religion/belief, right to education, right to a fair trial.

Religious foundations for human rights:

• Christianity: imago Dei — all humans share God's image
• Islam: all humans are Allah's khalifah; no distinction of race or nationality before God
• Buddhism: all beings possess Buddha-nature; compassion (karuna) towards all
• Humanism: human dignity is inherent to our nature as rational, feeling beings

Prejudice and discrimination

Prejudice: a negative preconceived attitude towards a group without evidence. Discrimination: treating someone unfairly based on prejudice.

Forms: racial, gender-based, religious, disability-related. All major religious traditions teach equality of human dignity. Examples of religious responses: Martin Luther King Jr (inspired by Christian faith), the Anti-Apartheid Movement, interfaith dialogue.

Racial harmony and religious equality

Most traditions affirm that all human beings are equal before God. However, history shows religion has been both used to justify racism (e.g. some interpretations of the "curse of Ham") and to challenge it (civil rights movement). Religious freedom — the right to practise, change or leave one's religion — is contested globally.

Wealth and poverty

Religious attitudes to wealth: Wealth itself is not condemned — it is the attitude to and use of wealth that matters. Zakat (obligatory); Sadaqah (voluntary); tithing; liberation theology. The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16) warns against ignoring the poor.

Global poverty: people-trafficking, exploitation of workers (unfair wages), and structural inequality are condemned by all religious traditions. Organisations: Christian Aid, Islamic Relief, World Jewish Relief, CAFOD, Tearfund.

Exam focus

• Explain why religious people support human rights (connect to religious teaching)
• Evaluate whether wealth is acceptable for religious people
• Use specific examples of religious organisations working for justice