All humans should be treated with respect

Essay by lilmissqwertyHigh School, 12th gradeA-, October 2014

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Margaret Iyekowa

Explain religious teachings about equality and difference (30 marks)

In examining the religious teachings about the values of human life using religious teachings it is easy� to see that God thinks all human life equal regardless of race�, gender or disability and encourages all his 'sheep' (followers of his, who he regards not as servants but as friends) to do so as well. This is proven in 1st Corinthians 7 18- 20 where it is said, 'Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.', the passage suggests that God cares not about the outward appearance or position of his followers but their obedience to his command, regardless of what life they have lived or what they were before, it also supports the fact that God was willing to take converts and so did not make distinctions between the human race or bear prejudice to those who were previously not his followers and had converted.

The belief of equality for all of mankind is further supported by the bible which (Genesis 1:27) proclaims that all were made 'in the image of God' and therefore bear a likeliness to him regardless of any differences we might show. This theory is known as imago dei and is one shared by the three Abrahamic� religions - it is thought that our likeliness to God means all human life should be treated with respect and dignity. (Matthew 5:43-38) 'Ye have heard it that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy. But...