GCSE RS: Religion, Human Rights and Equality Guide

Human rights and religious freedom

Most religions teach that all humans have inherent worth, often because they are seen as created by God, which shapes teachings supporting human rights and the freedom to practise (or not practise) a religion.

Equality

Many religious traditions teach that all people are equal in the eyes of God, regardless of race, gender or background, even where historical practice within a religion hasn't always reflected this equally.

Prejudice and discrimination

Most religions teach against prejudice and discrimination, viewing it as contrary to teachings about human dignity and equality, though religious communities themselves have not always lived up to this teaching.

Wealth and poverty

Many religions teach a responsibility to help those in poverty, through charity, fair distribution of wealth, and social justice, seeing this as a moral duty rather than optional generosity.

Common mistakes

• Assuming religious teaching and religious practice always match perfectly.
• Failing to use specific teachings, quotations or examples as evidence for a viewpoint.
• Treating equality and human rights as identical concepts rather than related but distinct ideas.