Matters of Life and Death

Why would Christians reject the Big Bang?

Science is always changing but the Bible is the word of God and is stable

Why would Christians accept the Big Bang?

Science and religion are answering two different questions - how and why.

Who suggested the Big Bang Theory?

George Lemaitre, a Catholic priest

What is the Big Bang theory?

The idea that the Universe was formed 13.5 billion years ago from a point of singularity

Why is the universe valuable to Christians?

God created it and sustains it, God shows his love through the earth, it was given to humanity as a gift

What is a quote about the origins of the Universe?

“In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth”

What is the definition of the sanctity of life?

The belief that life is created by God and made holy by Him

Why is human life intrinsically valuable?

Humans are created imago dei, all human life is sacred, people deserve a good quality of life

What does the Bible teach about the Sanctity of Life?

God breathed the breath of life into humans, He planned everyone, body is temple of Holy Spirit

Which Diocese affirms the belief in faith and science?

Diocese of Manchester

What is the definition of evolution?

The process of species development

What do most Christians believe about evolution?

God could use any method for creation

Why may some not believe in evolution?

Believe it undermines the idea that humans are Gods special creation

What does ex nihilo mean?

From nothing

What is a quote against abortion?

“Human life is sacred” Humane Vitae

Why are Catholics against abortion?

Life begins at conception, every life is planned by God, “thou shalt not murder”

What do CofE/Liberal Christians believe about abortion?

It can be the most compassionate, religion allows the Sanctity of Life to be broken during war, not clear when life begins, Jesus taught agape

What is agape?

Unconditional love

When would abortion be permitted?

If the mother is at risk, if abortion will prevent injury, if there’s a high risk of a disabled child

What are the laws around abortion in the UK?

Abortion is legal until the 24th week

Why do Christians believe in life after death?

God promises an afterlife, God is eternal, imago dei means we must live on post-death, resurrection is proof

What are the 5 things that prove that there’s life after death?

Resurrection, past lives, logic, reward, comfort

What is the response to resurrection regarding life after death?

Lack of evidence

What is the response to past lives regarding life after death?

Fraudulent accounts, no evidence

What is the response to logic regarding life after death?

Logical to not believe in a made up place

What is the response to reward regarding life after death?

Social control as it keeps people obeying laws out of fear

What is the response to comfort regarding life after death?

Made up to keep people happy (Marx)

What’s a quote about life after death?

“For Christ also suffered for his sins, the righteous for the unrighteous”

What is euthanasia?

The deliberate administration of life-ending medication to a third party

What are the two types of euthanasia?

Voluntary/active and non-voluntary/passive

Why would some people support euthanasia?

Allows person to have gentle death, can die with dignity, God gave humans free will, Jesus taught compassion

Why would some people be against euthanasia?

Needs judgement as to whether life is worth living, puts pressure on the sick, might not make right decision, goes against sanctity of life

What is a quote that can be used for euthanasia?

“The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away”

What are the beliefs about stewardship of the natural world?

Should care for environment, preserve resources, duty to acts as ‘God on earth’ and care for creation

What are the beliefs about dominion of the natural world?

Given authority over environment and can do what they want, earths resources are for our gain, don’t consider the damage

What are some threats to the natural world?

Pollution, waste disposal, global warming, deforestation

What is a quote about the natural world?

“Every human act of irresponsibility towards God’s creation is an abomination” Declaration of Assisi