Human rights evaluation

(Q6) 'Religious teachings are the best foundation for human rights.' Evaluate. (12 marks)

Mark scheme (levelled):

Level 4 (10–12) Agree: Imago Dei gives every person inherent dignity regardless of law or culture; the church has led human rights movements (MLK, Tutu, Wilberforce on slavery); religious motivation sustains long-term commitment to justice; natural law provides universal moral foundation.

Disagree: Secular Humanism provides equally strong foundations (UDHR not based on religion; Rawls); religions have historically oppressed minorities (Crusades, caste systems, apartheid justified by some churches); human rights need universal, non-religious grounding to apply across cultures; religion can conflict with human rights (women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights).

Level 3 (7–9); Level 2 (4–6); Level 1 (1–3); 0.