Religion and Prejudice

Religion and Prejudice

1. Prejudices are created when someone's opinion of a race, sex, religion, colour, language, disability or age is not based upon fact

   • Prejudice is an attitude and therefore cannot be made illegal, however, discrimination is illegal
     • Discrimination is the act of treating someone differently based on a prejudice
       • All forms of discrimination go against the first two articles of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights
         • Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood
         • Article 2: Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

2. Christian Beliefs

   • Christians heavily teach the importance of treating everyone equally and therefore should be against prejudice
     • "You shall love your neighbour as yourself"-Jesus
     • However, many people think the Christian church is sexist as men and women are not treated equally
       • This idea that women are not equal to men is reflected in the some of the teachings of St Paul
         • "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to enquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church."
       • The fact that Jesus valued and respected women so highly as well keeping them as close companions makes this seem even more peculiar
         • Accordingly, both Church of England and Methodist denominations have decided to appoint some women as priests or ministers whilst the Catholic Church remain firm against this