RE - Issues of life and death

What does the design argument suggest?

The design argument suggests that because the world is well-ordered gives us strong evidence for the existence of a creator God.

Richard Dawkins says what explains the illusion of design?

Richard Dawkins theory is that the illusion of design in the world is explained by Darwin’s natural selection

What is stewardship

Stewardship means caring for the planet and implies that humans have a duty to ensure that the demands placed on natural resources can be met.

What’s a Christian quote in support of stewardship

‘You made them (humans) rulers’ Psalm 8

What is a Buddhist quote supporting stewardship

‘We should not harm ourselves’

What are points in support of abortion

• It’s a woman’s choice

• Financial concerns

• Unwanted child

What are points against abortion

• other options

• wrong to end human life

What is the church of england’s view on abortion

Strong opposition to abortion but there can be strictly limited conditions which it may be morally preferable

Roman catholic view on abortion

Never - “thou shall not kill”

Buddhist view on abortion

Ahimsa (non-violence) would go against Abortion?

However the Buddha himself hastened his own death eating food known to be lethal/ Some would say it was acceptable in some cases.

Humanist view on abortion

Depends on situational ethics

What is the sanctity of life?

Life is precious/ sacred because humans are made in gods image. Many think only humans have this status.

Christian view on sanctity of life

Life was created by god, so it should only be taken by god.

Buddhist view on sanctity of life

Do not believe in God but each life is bound to all others- so all life should be treated with kindness

Humanist view on sanctity of life

Life has importance because you only have one

What is the quality of life & what makes a good one

The extent to which life is meaningful and pleasurable, If we are relatively free from pain, if we live in freedom and dignity (self-respect) then we have a good quality of life

What are supporting arguments of euthanasia

end pain and suffering/Quality of life

Arguments against euthanasia

Opt for it when not needed/Sanctity of life

Can you be euthanised in the UK

You cannot be euthanised or travel to where its legal by uk law

What is euthanasia?

Sometimes referred to as ‘mercy killings’ its the act of killing a person either directly or indirectly as a decision has been reached that death is the best option.

Roman catholic views on euthanasia

• never allowed

• ‘thou shall not kill’

Liberal views on euthanasia

• acceptable with proof that you won’t get better

• would consider turning off life support/ supportive measures that prolong life

• church of wales is neutral

Buddhist views on euthanasia

• Ahisma (non violence ) would go against euthanasia

• Many Buddhists feel compassion

• Buddha himself hastened his own death

Humanist view on abortion

• uses situational ethics

What is a hospice

Places where people go for treatment before they die, or to give family members breaks. Not a religious place but founder dame Saunders said religion inspired her.

What did dame Saunders say quality of life & why we need hospices

‘We should concern ourselves with the quality of life as well as its length’

How long are hospice breaks

10-14 days

How many deaths occur in hospices

Upwards of 4%

What organs can you donate alive

• kidneys

• Part of liver

• parts of skin

• Lung

• Part of intestine/ pancrease

What organs can you donate when dead

• lungs/ kidneys/ heart

• liver/ intestine/ pancrease

• Bones

• eye cornea

Who said “Giving organs is the most generous act of self-giving imaginable”

The archbishop of wales

What is the welsh organ donation system

The ‘opt-out’ system. You’re automatically a donor unless you opt-out.

What did the dalai lama say about abortion

"I think abortion should be approved or disapproved according to each circumstance."