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Subjects

291

25 Dec 2025

2 pages

Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies: Exploring Good and Evil, Human Rights

E

Eleanor Heys

@eleanorheys_rvmw

Philosophy and ethics explores the big questions about how we... Show more

HUMAN RIGHTS
The basic entitlements of all human
beings, afforded to them simply because
they're human. eg. we are all born free
and equal.

Human Rights and Social Justice

Every person has human rights simply because they're human - we're all born free and equal. But prejudice prejudgingpeoplebasedoncharacteristicslikeraceorgenderpre-judging people based on characteristics like race or gender and discrimination (treating people differently because of prejudice) still exist everywhere.

Social justice means creating a fair society by challenging injustice and celebrating diversity. Amnesty International fights for human rights globally, helping torture victims and freeing people imprisoned for their opinions. They also oppose the death penalty.

Both Christianity and Islam strongly support human rights. Christians believe we're all made "in God's image" and should "love your neighbour as yourself." Muslims follow Muhammad's teaching that "an Arab is not better than a non-Arab" - treating people fairly strengthens the whole community.

Key Example: Oscar Romero, an archbishop in El Salvador, spoke out against government injustice despite death threats. He was eventually killed during mass for defending human rights.

Censorship, extremism, and racism all threaten our freedoms. However, personal conviction - your strong beliefs about doing right - can drive you to stand up for others, just like Romero did.

Wealth and Poverty

Absolute poverty means you can't access basic needs like food and water. Relative poverty means living below your society's average income - both create real suffering that religions say we must address.

Christianity teaches through parables like the rich man and Lazarus that wealth brings responsibility. The religion warns that gambling encourages greed and often leads to poverty.

Islam considers wealth a gift from Allah that should help others. The Sunnah encourages Muslims to help the poor because "it is wrong to eat whilst your neighbour goes hungry." Islamic law also forbids charging interest on loans.

Remember: Both religions agree that having more than others creates a moral duty to share and support those in need.

HUMAN RIGHTS
The basic entitlements of all human
beings, afforded to them simply because
they're human. eg. we are all born free
and equal.

Good, Evil and Crime

Good actions are morally right and beneficial, while evil actions are extremely immoral and wicked. There's an important difference between sin (breaking religious moral law) and crime (breaking legal law) - though they often overlap.

Absolute morality means principles never change (like "never kill"), whilst relative morality adapts principles to situations (like "killing in war might be necessary"). Catholics tend to support absolute morality, whilst the Church of England leans towards relative morality.

The prison system has mixed results. It protects society and gives criminals time to reflect, but high reoffending rates show it's not perfect. Many ex-prisoners struggle to find jobs, pushing them back to crime.

Modern Approach: Restorative justice lets offenders make amends by apologising directly to victims, focusing on healing rather than just punishment.

Death Penalty and Forgiveness

The death penalty divides opinion. Supporters argue it provides reparation (payback) and closure for victims' families. Opponents believe only God should take life, and that two wrongs don't make a right.

Christians believe suffering exists for several reasons: it builds resilience, stems from "original sin" (Adam and Eve's disobedience), serves as a life test, or fits God's unknowable plan. Jesus himself chose to suffer for humanity's greater good.

Forgiveness is central to both Christianity and Islam. Jesus taught "forgive and you will be forgiven" and died to forgive humanity's sins. Muslims believe Allah rewards those who forgive others, following Muhammad's example of helping even those who hurt him.

Key Insight: Both religions teach that forgiveness breaks cycles of hatred and revenge, creating possibilities for healing and redemption.



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Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content: Ethics

Most popular content in Religious Studies

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Religious Studies

291

25 Dec 2025

2 pages

Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies: Exploring Good and Evil, Human Rights

E

Eleanor Heys

@eleanorheys_rvmw

Philosophy and ethics explores the big questions about how we should treat each other and what makes actions right or wrong. From human rights and social justice to crime and punishment, these concepts shape our daily lives and the society... Show more

HUMAN RIGHTS
The basic entitlements of all human
beings, afforded to them simply because
they're human. eg. we are all born free
and equal.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Human Rights and Social Justice

Every person has human rights simply because they're human - we're all born free and equal. But prejudice prejudgingpeoplebasedoncharacteristicslikeraceorgenderpre-judging people based on characteristics like race or gender and discrimination (treating people differently because of prejudice) still exist everywhere.

Social justice means creating a fair society by challenging injustice and celebrating diversity. Amnesty International fights for human rights globally, helping torture victims and freeing people imprisoned for their opinions. They also oppose the death penalty.

Both Christianity and Islam strongly support human rights. Christians believe we're all made "in God's image" and should "love your neighbour as yourself." Muslims follow Muhammad's teaching that "an Arab is not better than a non-Arab" - treating people fairly strengthens the whole community.

Key Example: Oscar Romero, an archbishop in El Salvador, spoke out against government injustice despite death threats. He was eventually killed during mass for defending human rights.

Censorship, extremism, and racism all threaten our freedoms. However, personal conviction - your strong beliefs about doing right - can drive you to stand up for others, just like Romero did.

Wealth and Poverty

Absolute poverty means you can't access basic needs like food and water. Relative poverty means living below your society's average income - both create real suffering that religions say we must address.

Christianity teaches through parables like the rich man and Lazarus that wealth brings responsibility. The religion warns that gambling encourages greed and often leads to poverty.

Islam considers wealth a gift from Allah that should help others. The Sunnah encourages Muslims to help the poor because "it is wrong to eat whilst your neighbour goes hungry." Islamic law also forbids charging interest on loans.

Remember: Both religions agree that having more than others creates a moral duty to share and support those in need.

HUMAN RIGHTS
The basic entitlements of all human
beings, afforded to them simply because
they're human. eg. we are all born free
and equal.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Good, Evil and Crime

Good actions are morally right and beneficial, while evil actions are extremely immoral and wicked. There's an important difference between sin (breaking religious moral law) and crime (breaking legal law) - though they often overlap.

Absolute morality means principles never change (like "never kill"), whilst relative morality adapts principles to situations (like "killing in war might be necessary"). Catholics tend to support absolute morality, whilst the Church of England leans towards relative morality.

The prison system has mixed results. It protects society and gives criminals time to reflect, but high reoffending rates show it's not perfect. Many ex-prisoners struggle to find jobs, pushing them back to crime.

Modern Approach: Restorative justice lets offenders make amends by apologising directly to victims, focusing on healing rather than just punishment.

Death Penalty and Forgiveness

The death penalty divides opinion. Supporters argue it provides reparation (payback) and closure for victims' families. Opponents believe only God should take life, and that two wrongs don't make a right.

Christians believe suffering exists for several reasons: it builds resilience, stems from "original sin" (Adam and Eve's disobedience), serves as a life test, or fits God's unknowable plan. Jesus himself chose to suffer for humanity's greater good.

Forgiveness is central to both Christianity and Islam. Jesus taught "forgive and you will be forgiven" and died to forgive humanity's sins. Muslims believe Allah rewards those who forgive others, following Muhammad's example of helping even those who hurt him.

Key Insight: Both religions teach that forgiveness breaks cycles of hatred and revenge, creating possibilities for healing and redemption.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Most popular content: Ethics

Most popular content in Religious Studies

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user