Religion plays a massive role in shaping how we think... Show more
Politics
Law
Religious Studies
SociologySign 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
3
0
Crystal
04/12/2025
Religious Studies
Religion, human rights, and social justice - re
317
•
4 Dec 2025
•
Exploring Religion, Human Rights, and Social Justice
Crystal
@aestheticallyprongs
1 / 4
Religion, Human Rights, and Social Justice - Key Terms
Ever wondered why some people get treated differently just because of who they are? Understanding social justice helps you make sense of fairness in society - it's about everyone having equal rights to wealth, opportunities, and legal protection.
Prejudice happens in your mind when you make unfair judgements about people, whilst discrimination is when those thoughts turn into harmful actions. Think of prejudice as the thought, discrimination as the deed. Both Christianity and Islam teach that these behaviours go against their core beliefs about equality.
The UN Declaration of Human Rights was created in 1948 after World War 2 to protect people worldwide. In the UK, the Human Rights Act (1998) turned these international rules into British law, giving you legal protection for things like freedom of religious expression - your right to openly follow any faith you choose.
Key Quote: "There is neither Jew or Gentile, slave or free man, male or female. We are all equal in Christ" - this biblical teaching shows how religion promotes equality.
Both Christianity and Islam emphasise treating others fairly. Christians follow the Golden Rule ("Treat others as you wish to be treated"), whilst Muslims believe Allah created everyone equal but different, making discrimination completely unjustified.
Understanding Human Rights and Discrimination
Your human rights aren't just fancy legal concepts - they're practical protections you use every day. You've got the right to free speech, fair trials, basic necessities like food and shelter, and protection from torture or unfair imprisonment.
Discrimination usually stems from four main causes: bad past experiences, influence from others, biased media representation, and simple ignorance about different groups. When people don't understand others who seem different, they often resort to scapegoating - unfairly blaming them for society's problems.
Religious expression lets believers show their faith through clothing, jewellery, and symbols. Christians might wear crosses, Muslims wear hijabs or thobes, Sikhs wear turbans and carry the five Ks (including the kirpan dagger and kara bracelet), whilst Jewish people wear kippahs and payot side curls.
Did you know? On hajj pilgrimage, all Muslims wear identical white clothing to demonstrate complete equality regardless of wealth or status.
Both Christianity and Islam teach tolerance through their versions of the Golden Rule. The parable of the Good Samaritan shows Christians should help everyone, even traditional enemies. Islam teaches "There shall be no compulsion in the religion," meaning people must freely choose their beliefs.
Tackling Poverty and Wealth
Why should anyone help the poor? It's not just about being nice - religions teach it's a fundamental duty. Christianity emphasises that "it is harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to go to heaven," showing wealth can become a spiritual obstacle.
Zakah in Islam directly addresses poverty by requiring Muslims to give 2.5% of their wealth annually to help balance society's inequalities. The Qur'an states "If he be rich or poor, Allah is near to them both in compassion," showing divine care for all economic classes.
Three main groups tackle poverty differently. Governments use taxes to fund health services, benefits, and homeless support - they've got a duty to protect society's most vulnerable. Charities often have religious foundations and raise money through donations, events, and charity shops to provide direct help.
Think about it: Religious leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and Oscar Romero all fought poverty and injustice using their faith as motivation.
Religious communities approach poverty through preaching, community events, and organised collections. They don't just throw money at problems - they build long-term relationships and address root causes of inequality through education and social support.
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.
Most popular content: Justice
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
Exploring Religion, Human Rights, and Social Justice
Crystal
@aestheticallyprongs
Religion plays a massive role in shaping how we think about fairness, equality, and helping others in society. This topic explores how different faiths tackle issues like discrimination, human rights, and poverty - stuff that directly affects your daily life... Show more
Religion, Human Rights, and Social Justice - Key Terms
Ever wondered why some people get treated differently just because of who they are? Understanding social justice helps you make sense of fairness in society - it's about everyone having equal rights to wealth, opportunities, and legal protection.
Prejudice happens in your mind when you make unfair judgements about people, whilst discrimination is when those thoughts turn into harmful actions. Think of prejudice as the thought, discrimination as the deed. Both Christianity and Islam teach that these behaviours go against their core beliefs about equality.
The UN Declaration of Human Rights was created in 1948 after World War 2 to protect people worldwide. In the UK, the Human Rights Act (1998) turned these international rules into British law, giving you legal protection for things like freedom of religious expression - your right to openly follow any faith you choose.
Key Quote: "There is neither Jew or Gentile, slave or free man, male or female. We are all equal in Christ" - this biblical teaching shows how religion promotes equality.
Both Christianity and Islam emphasise treating others fairly. Christians follow the Golden Rule ("Treat others as you wish to be treated"), whilst Muslims believe Allah created everyone equal but different, making discrimination completely unjustified.
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
Understanding Human Rights and Discrimination
Your human rights aren't just fancy legal concepts - they're practical protections you use every day. You've got the right to free speech, fair trials, basic necessities like food and shelter, and protection from torture or unfair imprisonment.
Discrimination usually stems from four main causes: bad past experiences, influence from others, biased media representation, and simple ignorance about different groups. When people don't understand others who seem different, they often resort to scapegoating - unfairly blaming them for society's problems.
Religious expression lets believers show their faith through clothing, jewellery, and symbols. Christians might wear crosses, Muslims wear hijabs or thobes, Sikhs wear turbans and carry the five Ks (including the kirpan dagger and kara bracelet), whilst Jewish people wear kippahs and payot side curls.
Did you know? On hajj pilgrimage, all Muslims wear identical white clothing to demonstrate complete equality regardless of wealth or status.
Both Christianity and Islam teach tolerance through their versions of the Golden Rule. The parable of the Good Samaritan shows Christians should help everyone, even traditional enemies. Islam teaches "There shall be no compulsion in the religion," meaning people must freely choose their beliefs.
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
Tackling Poverty and Wealth
Why should anyone help the poor? It's not just about being nice - religions teach it's a fundamental duty. Christianity emphasises that "it is harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to go to heaven," showing wealth can become a spiritual obstacle.
Zakah in Islam directly addresses poverty by requiring Muslims to give 2.5% of their wealth annually to help balance society's inequalities. The Qur'an states "If he be rich or poor, Allah is near to them both in compassion," showing divine care for all economic classes.
Three main groups tackle poverty differently. Governments use taxes to fund health services, benefits, and homeless support - they've got a duty to protect society's most vulnerable. Charities often have religious foundations and raise money through donations, events, and charity shops to provide direct help.
Think about it: Religious leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and Oscar Romero all fought poverty and injustice using their faith as motivation.
Religious communities approach poverty through preaching, community events, and organised collections. They don't just throw money at problems - they build long-term relationships and address root causes of inequality through education and social support.
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
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.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Justice
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