Religion and Life

Give two different ideas about the creation of the universe

One idea about the creation of the universe is the Big Bang Theory. This is a scientific explanation that stars that the universe began from a very small, hot, dense point around 13.8 billion years ago and has been expanding ever since. Many scientists believe this happened by chance and do not think a God was involved.

Another idea is the religious beliefs in creation such as the account in the Bible. The Bible states that the universe was created deliberately and with purpose as described in Genesis. A quote that supports this is stated in the Bible “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Different Religious interpretations of Creation of the world

Literalist Christians - interpret the Bible literally + believe that the Bible was created in 6 days and God rested on the 7th. The believe this because for them scripture is an accurate and literal account of the origin in the universe. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Non literalist Christians - scripture provides a symbolic account of creation which tells them about tells them about God’s character and the place of humans within the universe. They may also use scientific theories for origins of but believe that God is controlling it. “The Bible tells us how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go.” Galileo Showing that the Bible’s purpose is spiritual.

Muslim belief about the universe - Creation shows God’s nature, therefore God watches over everything and creation continues through new life. “We have made the sky as a well secured canopy.” Quran, showing God made the sky to be strong, protective like a safe roof/cover over earth showing his power and wisdom design the universe perfectly.

Dominion and Stewardship

Dominion - humans have authority to rule over the world. They are special because they have souls, are made in God’s image and have a personal relationship with Him. “Rule over the fish…and every living creature.” Genesis. Shows that God gave humans power and responsibility over creation.

Stewardship for Christians - humans are the caretakers of the world, which belongs to God. We must look after it sustainable and be accountable to God for how we treat it. “The earth belongs to the Lord.” Psalms. Reminds us that we are not the owners of the world and we must look after it as God would have wanted us to.

Stewardship for Muslims - Muslims believe they have a very important duty to care for the environment, based on the concept of Khalifah. Khalifah means deputy. Therefore Muslims believe that God created Adam as the first Khalifah, meaning humans were appointed by Allah to look after earth on his behalf. “He has made you viceroys of the earth.” This teaches that the world does not belong to humans but we are simply caretakers.

Environmental issues and religious teachings

Fossil fuels & global warming - burning oil, gas and coal releases gasses that trap heat. This causes temperatures to rise leading to floods, droughts and melting ice caps. Resources are finite and will run out. “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” Psalms Therefore we must not waste what God created.

Destruction of habitats - cutting down trees and pollution destroys where animals live. This endangers species and upsets the balance of nature. “Be fruitful and multiply…and have dominion.” Genesis

Pollution - toxic chemicals in air, water and land harm health and nature. Acid rain and waste damage the environment that God created. “He has placed you as viceroys of the earth.” Quran. We are caretakers and it is out duty to keep the world clean.

Use and abuse of animals

Islam and animal rights - mistreatment is forbidden, humans are Khalifahs and must look after Allah’s creation. “Whoever kills are sparrow, Allah must hold him accountable.” Hadith. Hurting animals without a reason is a sin and will be judged.

Islam and eating meat - allowed but must be done ethically. Animals must be slaughtered humanely and in the name of Allah (halal). “It is Allah who made for you the grazing animals you eat.” Quran. Allah provided animals for use, but we must treat them fairly.

Christianity and animal rights - it is allowed + a personal choice “everything that lives and moves will be food for you.” Genesis. Animals are a resource provided by God for humans to use.

Christianity and animal testing - wrong for cosmetics but often accepted for saving human life. “God created mankind in his own image.” Genesis. Shows that human life is sacred and must always be protected.

Religion and abortion

Against - Catholic Church does not allow abortion under any circumstance. This is because life begins at conception and by terminating the life of the foetus, you are killing. The Bible says “thou shall not murder.”

Against - Muslims believe that abortion is wrong, however unacceptable after 120 days when ‘ensoulment’ takes place. This is because by this point, the baby gains a soul. “Whoever kills a soul, it is as if he had slain mankind entirely.” Quran

For - some people may argue that although abortion is wrong, if the life of the mother is in danger, it is then considered the ‘lesser of the two evils.’ If the life of the mother is at risk, it is part of Christian faith to “love thy neighbour” Bible. And show forgiveness to the mother of the child because they should be supported with their decision.

Religion and euthanasia

For - we should prioritise the quality of life over the sanctity of life. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Bible

Against - euthanasia weakens society’s respect for the ‘sanctity of life.’God made man in his own image.’ Bible

For - we must try to understand the situation of others and not judge their decisions. “Love thy neighbour.” Bible

Death and afterlife

Some Christians believe in life after death because Jesus is evidence of life after death - “he was put to death in the body, but made alive in the spirit. Shows that although your physical body may die, your soul continues to live.

Some Christians believe in resurrection where the body is brought back to life after death - “the body that is sown in perishable, it is raised imperishable.” Corothians.

Muslims believe that life is the preparation of afterlife - what you do in this life determines your rewards in the next. “man shall only have for what he strives.” Quran