Religious Studies GCSE
Compassion
What Compassion means in Religious Studies GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Compassion
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Reference: AQA
An ethical principle that, where a marriage involves abuse, infidelity or severe conflict, forcing a couple to remain together causes greater harm, so individuals should have the opportunity for a fresh start and happiness.
The belief that all animals are created by Allah and must be treated with compassion, so unnecessary cruelty is strictly forbidden.
Religious teachings focus heavily on cultivating this, along with contentment, to prevent criminal behaviour at its root.
A principle used by some to argue that allowing a person to suffer is unloving, supporting voluntary euthanasia.
Topics that use Compassion
- Theme A: Relationships and families (AQA GCSE)
- Theme B: Religion and life (AQA GCSE)
- Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Agape
- Christianity in Britain
- Contemporary British society
- Contrasting beliefs
- Ethical arguments
- Justice
- Sanctity of life
- Sources of authority
Using Compassion in the exam
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