Religion & Human Rights

What I expect from everyone is……… What I expect from most is……… What I expect from a few is ………  To understand what is meant by religious freedom  To be able to give advantages & disadvantages in allowing religious freedom.  To consider whether religion in the world is a good thing or a bad thing & give reasons

There are 3 of these human right articles that collectively mean “freedom of religion.” They are 3 that are together in the list. Can you work out which 3 they are? STARTER

Articles 18, 19 & 20 are commonly associated with the freedom to believe & practice your religion as well as gather with others of the same beliefs. Why is it important for someone to be allowed to practice their religion freely? Are there any exceptions in allowing others the right to practice their own religion? What circumstances could they be? What would a society be like that didn’t allow others religious freedom? Would this be somewhere you would want to live?

Throughout history there have been attempts to deny others the freedom of religion. Why do you think someone’s religious beliefs cause so much conflict?

Last week we looked at Remembrance Day and why we stop and remember those that have died in conflicts representing this country. In 2010, on the 11 th hour of the 11 th day on the 11 th month when most people fall silent to recognise the sacrifice that others made, an extremist Muslim group calling themselves Muslims against the Crusades protested in London. Watch the video & consider the following; Should everyone be able to express their beliefs & have freedom of speech no matter what their beliefs are?

It is important to recognise that the Muslim extremists involved in the protest are a very small minority of people & don’t reflect the views of many other Muslims living in this country. Here is a Muslim protest against extremism. Should freedom of speech extend to those who express a view that is unpopular & controversial? Is it ok to express religious beliefs, if those beliefs are radically different to those held by the majority? What do you think?

You will now be given the task of deciding whether freedom of religion is a good thing or a bad thing. You will see evidence to support both arguments and you must formulate your own argument.

On the nights of November 9 th & 10 th 1938 rampaging mobs throughout Germany freely attacked Jews in the street, in their homes and at their places of work and worship. At least 96 Jews were killed and hundreds more injured, more than 1,000 synagogues were burned (and possibly as many as 2,000), almost 7,500 Jewish businesses were destroyed, cemeteries and schools were vandalized, and 30,000 Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps. This night is known as kristallnacht or night of broken glass.

Can denying religious freedom ever be justified?

The Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) is an independent Baptist church known for its extreme stance against homosexuality and its protest activities, which include picketing funerals of dead soldiers and burning the American flag. The church is widely described as a hate group. It’s extreme views and methods of protesting have led to the family being dubbed, “the most hated family in America.” The family & followers claim to be following the words of the bible & would claim to be Christian in their views & actions. In 2007 the British journalist Louis Theroux visited the family. Part of the documentary can be viewed above.

Can allowing religious freedom be more problematic than denying it?

Under the heading Religion & Human Rights copy down the following statement. “Every religious person deserves the right to think & act according to their beliefs.” Now decide if you agree or disagree with this statement & give reasons for your answer. Once you have given your own opinion, consider why others might disagree with you. Use the next slide if you need help with the layout of your answer.

I (agree / disagree) with the statement The reasons for this are; Some people might disagree with me. Some reasons they might have the opposite viewpoint are; “Every religious person deserves the right to think & act according to their beliefs.”

PLENARY 2. Give 2 advantages & 2 disadvantages of allowing religious freedom 3. “The world would be a better place without religion” Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons 1. Religious freedom means ………

What I expect from everyone is……… What I expect from most is……… What I expect from a few is ………  To be able to explain what religious freedom is.  To demonstrate an understanding of the advantages & disadvantages of religious freedom.  To provide a reasoned opinion as to whether or not religion is a good thing or a bad thing.