GCSE AQA RS - Religion and Life

What do Buddhists believe about the origin of the universe?

Searching for the orgin of the universe is based on a "wrong view". Instead, Buddhists believe in dependent origination.

Recount the Parable of the Poisoned Arrow.

A man shot with a poisoned arrow would only survive it if was removed quickly enough. But rather than removing it, he tries to find out who shot the arrow and why. He dies before he finds the answers.

Explain the meaning of the Parable of the Poisoned Arrow.

Questions about the origin of the universe are pointless and unanswerable. Instead, they prevent us from living skillfully.

What is deism?

The view that God is merely the first cause of the universe. (He is neither benevolent nor personal).

True or false: "The big bang theory explains why the universe came into existence".

False. It describes how the universe expanded from an initial state of high density and temperature.

Define "awe".

A feeling of deep respect, mixed with fear and wonder

Quote a verse from the Bible that shows we should respond to nature with awe and wonder.

"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?" God's answer to Job's complaints. Book of Job (Old Testament)

What is stewardship?

The Christian belief that we have a duty to look after the environment on God's behalf.

Provide a quote to support the view that Christians should be stewards of nature.

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it" Genesis 2:15

What is dominion?

The traditional Christian belief that the environment belongs to human beings to use as they see fit.

Provide a quote to support the view that Christians should have dominion over nature.

"Fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground" Genesis 1:28

What has the Dalai Lama said about pollution? (Quote!)

"A clean environment is a human right like any other." Dalai Lama

Quote a verse from the Bible that shows we should not pollute the environment.

"Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell." Book of Numbers (Old Testament)

Give a Buddhist reason for protecting the environment.

Dependent origination: humans, animals, and plants all depend on one another.

Name a Tibetan Buddhist Centre in Scotland that cares for the environment through volunteering and activism.

Holy Isle

What are the main types if pollution? (Give 3)

Air, Land, Water

Give a quote to support the claim that Christians can eat meat

"Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you" Genesis 9:3

What did the Buddha teach about eating meat?

It is wrong (though not all Buddhists are vegetarians, and the Dalai Lama occasionally eats meat)

Provide one reason Buddhists believe we should care for animals

We may be reborn as animals. The first moral precept says that we should not harm or kill living beings. Treating animals cruelly is unskilful and will lead to suffering.

What has the Dalai Lama said about animal experimentation?

"In highly necessary experiments, try to minimize pain." Dalai Lama

What does Catholicism teach about animal experimentation?

It must be for medical, not cosmetic purposes.

Why do some Quakers practice vegetarianism?

As part of their "Peace Testimony", i.e. their commitment to promote peace and oppose violence.

What does the book of Genesis say about the creation of the first human? (Quote!)

"Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Genesis 2:7

What is "theistic evolution"?

The belief that God used evolution to create human life. [Theism = belief in God.]

Give two arguments against "theistic evolution".

(1) It contradicts the Genesis story; (2) Natural selection is too cruel to be used by a benevolent God.

Give an argument in favour of "theistic evolution".

God would not ask us to ignore clear scientific evidence.

What does Buddhism teach about the origin of life?

It has no origin, because everything depends on everything else.

What is the sanctity of life?

The belief that human life is sacred and should be protected no matter what.

Quote a verse in the Bible that supports the sancity of life.

"God created man in His own image" Book of Genesis (Old Testament)

What is the 'quality of life' approach in debates over abortion and euthanasia?

The belief that a person's capacity to enjoy their life matters more than obeying strict moral or religious principles (e.g. sanctity of life).

Quote a saying of the Buddha that supports the value of human life.

"All tremble at violence; life is dear to all." The Buddha, Dhammapada (Pali Canon)

Quote a verse from the Bible that might be used to oppose abortion.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." Jeremiah 1:5

What is the Catholic view on abortion?

It is always wrong unless the mother's life is at risk

Give a pro-choice argument about abortion

Women own their bodies; a foetus is not a person; laws against abortion affect women more than men; extreme situations may make abortions necessary.

Give a pro-life argument about abortion

Life begins at conception; if infanticide is wrong, abortion must be too; human life is sacred; potential human lives are precious, not just actual ones.

Give two reasons traditional Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists oppose abortion.

(1) The Twelve Nidanas show that life begins at conception; (2) killing violates the First Moral Precept

Why do some modern Buddhists support the right to have an abortion?

Because sometimes it may be the most compassionate action.

What is the difference between passive and active euthanasia?

Active euthanasia involves killing the patient, whereas passive euthanasia is letting the patient die.

What is the difference between voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia?

Voluntary euthanasia is when the patient requests it. Non-voluntary euthanasia is when they are too ill to do so (e.g. they are in a coma).

True or false: "No form of euthanasia is legal in the UK"

FALSE. Passive euthanasia (both voluntary and non-voluntary) is legal in the UK. Active euthanasia (both voluntary and non-voluntary) is illegal.

The Catholic "Declaration on Euthanasia" opposes all forms of euthanasia. What reason does it give to support this view? (Quote!)

"Life is a gift of God." Declaration on Euthanasia

What punishment did the Buddha prescribe for monks encouraging sick people to seek euthanasia?

Excommunication (i.e. expulsion from the Sangha, or community of monks)

Give an argument in favour of euthanasia.

The right to life entails the right to die; dying can be very painful; euthanasia may promote utility; it gives patients control (autonomy); it may be the most compassionate or loving thing to do.

Give an argument against euthanasia.

Sanctity of life; the "slippery slope" argument; suffering is a part of life; patients may feel they are a burden; it violates our natural survival instinct; deontologists may argue killing is intrinsically wrong.

How might a Christian's beliefs about the afterlife affect their view on euthanasia?

Suffering is only temporary, so should be endured.

How might a Buddhist's beliefs about the afterlife affect their view on euthanasia?

Death will not end suffering, since this continues throughout the cycle of samsara. Following the eight-fold path is the cure for suffering, not euthanasia.

Give a reason for believing in the afterlife

Taught by most world religions; near-death experiences; life would be meaningless without it; God would not allow us to perish; the mind is separate from the body.

Give a reason for believing there is no afterlife.

Near-death experiences cannot be scientifically proven; the mind just is the brain; the afterlife is wishful thinking; Buddhism teaches there is no self, so the soul does not live on after death (despite reincarnation).

Quote a verse from the Bible that supports the idea of an afterlife.

"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." Jesus, Gospel of John (New Testament).

How did the Buddha describe his own afterlife in the Deer Park Sermon? (Quote!)

"This is my last birth. There will now be no rebirth for me." Deer Park Sermon