What does the Catholic Church teach about the death penalty today?

The Catechism (2267) teaches that the death penalty is inadmissible because it attacks the dignity of the person. The Church works for its abolition worldwide.

When and why did Pope Francis change the Catechism's teaching on the death penalty?

Pope Francis revised the Catechism in 2018. Modern prisons can protect society, so execution is no longer needed and denies criminals the chance to reform.

What did the Catholic Church teach about the death penalty before 2018?

The Church accepted the death penalty in principle when it was the only way to protect society. John Paul II said in 1995 that such cases were very rare, if not practically non-existent.

How do some Christians use Genesis 9:6 to support capital punishment?

Genesis 9:6 says whoever sheds human blood shall have their blood shed, because humans are made in God's image. Some Christians read this as a command to execute murderers.

Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B 1RB0

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Christianity: Matters of Life and DeathPaper 1

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Christianity: Peace and ConflictPaper 2

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Christianity: Philosophy of ReligionPaper 3

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Judaism: Crime and PunishmentPaper 2

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Topic overview The purpose of marriage in Sikhism Sikh teaching on sexual relationships The purpose of the Sikh family How the sangat supports Sikh families Sikh attitudes to contraception Sikh attitudes to divorce and remarriage Men and women in the Sikh family Sikh opposition to gender prejudice

Sikhism: Matters of Life and DeathPaper 1

Topic overview Sikh responses to the origins and value of the universe Sikh teaching on the sanctity of life Sikh responses to evolution Sikh attitudes to abortion Sikh responses to arguments for life after death Sikh responses to arguments against life after death Sikh attitudes to euthanasia Sikh responses to the natural world and animal rights

Sikhism: Crime and PunishmentPaper 2

Topic overview Sikh attitudes to justice Sikh attitudes to crime and the Five Thieves Sikh teaching on good, evil and suffering Sikh attitudes to punishment Sikh views on the aims of punishment Sikh teaching on forgiveness Sikh teaching on the treatment of criminals Sikh attitudes to the death penalty

Sikhism: Peace and ConflictPaper 2

Topic overview Sikh teaching on peace Sikhs and peacemaking Sikh attitudes to conflict Sikh attitudes to pacifism and passive resistance Dharam Yudh: the Sikh Just War The saint-soldier and Sikh views on holy war Sikh attitudes to weapons of mass destruction Sikh responses to violence, war and terrorism

Sikhism: Philosophy of ReligionPaper 3

Topic overview Gurbani and Guru Nanak's revelation at the river Visions and mystical experiences in Sikhism Numinous experience, vismaad and enlightenment in Sikhism Miracles and Sikh belief Sikh attitudes to religious experience The design argument and Sikh belief The cosmological argument and Sikh belief A Sikh upbringing and belief in God

Sikhism: EqualityPaper 3

Topic overview Sikh teaching on human rights Sikh attitudes to equality and solutions to inequality Sikh attitudes to religious freedom and a multi-faith society Sikh attitudes to prejudice and discrimination against religions Sikh teaching on racial harmony and Begampura Sikh responses to racial discrimination Sikh attitudes to social justice and Deg Tegh Fateh Sikh attitudes to wealth and poverty

Catholic Christianity: Crime and Punishment

Catholic attitudes towards the death penalty

3 things to know
Paper 2

Overview

The purposes claimed for capital punishment, Pope Francis's 2018 change to the Catechism and the teaching before it, Genesis 9:6 read two ways, Exodus 21, Matthew 5:38 to 48, and situation ethics.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What does Exodus 21:8–13 teach about the punishment for killing?

Key term

What is capital punishment?

Key term

What are the main purposes claimed for capital punishment?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is capital punishment?
Model answer
Capital punishment is the execution of a person by the state as punishment for a crime. Capital punishment is also called the death penalty.
2
What are the main purposes claimed for capital punishment?
Model answer
Supporters say the death penalty deters others, protects society permanently and gives retribution for the worst crimes.
3
What does the Catholic Church teach about the death penalty today?
Model answer
The Catechism (2267) teaches that the death penalty is inadmissible because it attacks the dignity of the person. The Church works for its abolition worldwide.
4
When and why did Pope Francis change the Catechism's teaching on the death penalty?
Model answer
Pope Francis revised the Catechism in 2018. Modern prisons can protect society, so execution is no longer needed and denies criminals the chance to reform.
5
What did the Catholic Church teach about the death penalty before 2018?
Model answer
The Church accepted the death penalty in principle when it was the only way to protect society. John Paul II said in 1995 that such cases were very rare, if not practically non-existent.
6
How do some Christians use Genesis 9:6 to support capital punishment?
Model answer
Genesis 9:6 says whoever sheds human blood shall have their blood shed, because humans are made in God's image. Some Christians read this as a command to execute murderers.

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