Theme A - relationships and families RS AQA GSCE

First Creation Story (Genesis 1)

World created in 7 days

First Creation Story (Genesis 1)

Day of rest (on Sunday) because that’s the day Jesus rose from the dead

Perspectives on Creation Stories

Fundamentalists believe the Genesis story is the direct word of God; everything in the Bible happened literally.

Perspectives on Creation Stories

Liberalists see lessons from the Bible (punishment/reward/temptation).

Perspectives on Creation Stories

Conservatives follow the creation story but accept different interpretations; believe in coexistence of science (e.g., Big Bang, evolution).

Understanding God through Creation

God as a Creator, Judge, Omnipotent

Creation and Evolution

The Big Bang Theory supports some religious beliefs

Creation and Evolution

Guided Evolution

Religious Observances Related to Creation (Judaism)

Shabbat

Religious Observances Related to Creation (Judaism)

Rosh Hashanah

Religious Observances Related to Creation (Judaism)

Tu B'Shevat

Psalm 104

Explores each day of creation - 'He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.'

Stewardship

The idea that believers have a duty to look after the environment on behalf of God. Demonstrated in Genesis 2, where Adam was given responsibility to look after the Garden of Eden.

Dominion

'Dominance or power over something; having charge of something or ruling over it.'

Dominion

Key Quote

Use and Abuse of the Environment

‘And God saw that it was good’ - Genesis 1. Creation has intrinsic value, not just for human benefit.

Use and Abuse of the Environment

Natural resources should be used, not abused.

Use and Abuse of the Environment

Sustainable development is increasingly important as population increases.

Renewable Energy Sources

Main Sources

Waste Management and Resource Conservation

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The Assisi and Ohito Meetings

Leaders from five religions met to discuss caring for the environment. Christians emphasised humans as tenants of God’s world.

Other World Faiths and Environmental Views (Hinduism)

Teachings on protecting the world, often avoiding meat consumption. Belief in the spark of God (atman) in all things.

Other World Faiths and Environmental Views (Judaism)

Preserving the earth based on Genesis; reflected in observances like Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah.

Pollution Examples

London ULEZ (taxes for older cars), litter fines, prosecution of water companies for sewage dumping.

Pope Francis

Called for protection of the environment, highlighting stewardship.

Use of Animals

Animals are used for food, clothing, testing, hunting, medical testing, and as pets.

Christianity and Animal Testing

Christians seek ethical meat sources and care for animals as righteous behaviour (Proverbs).

Judaism and Animal Testing

Kosher slaughter (shechita) minimises animal suffering.

Hinduism and Animal Testing

Strong beliefs against harming animals; many Hindus are vegetarians.

Eating Meat Key Teachings

‘Do not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain’ - Deuteronomy 25.

Eating Meat Key Teachings

‘The righteous care for the needs of their animals’ - Proverbs.

Eating Meat Key Teachings

‘Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God’ - Luke 12

Eating Meat Key Teachings

Genesis 3

Darwinism

Key Themes

Religious Beliefs and Evolution

Some interpret Genesis metaphorically, seeing evolution as compatible with religion.

Abortion Key Definitions

Abortion

Abortion Laws in the UK

1967 Abortion Act allows abortion before 24 weeks with doctor consultation.

Religious Perspectives on Abortion (Christianity)

Sanctity of life

Religious Perspectives on Abortion (Judaism)

Does not forbid abortion but requires serious reasons.

Religious Perspectives on Abortion (Hinduism)

Opposes abortion, as all life is sacred.

Euthanasia Key Terms

Palliative Care

Euthanasia Key Terms

Assisted Suicide

Euthanasia Key Terms

Voluntary Euthanasia

Euthanasia Key Terms

Non-voluntary Euthanasia

Euthanasia Key Terms

Involuntary Euthanasia

Forms of Euthanasia

Active

Secular Arguments for Euthanasia

Autonomy, relief from suffering, resource allocation, public opinion.

Christian View on Euthanasia

Against euthanasia due to sanctity of life. Emphasises dignity, palliative care, and God's image in humans.