Theme B - religion and life AQA RS GSCE thematics

Genesis 1 (what its about)

Describes the First Creation Story where the world is created in 7 days.

Creation Day of Rest

Sunday, as it is believed to be the day Jesus rose from the dead.

Genesis 2-3

Tells the Second Creation Story focusing on Adam and Eve.

Key Quotes from Genesis 1

'God created the heavens and earth'

'God created mankind in His own image'

'And it was good'.

Fundamentalist Perspective on creation

Views the Genesis story as the literal word of God.

Liberal Perspective on creation

Interprets the Bible as providing moral lessons.

Conservative View

Accepts the creation story but acknowledges different interpretations and the acceptance of science.

The Big Bang Theory

Scientific explanation that supports some religious beliefs about creation.

Guided Evolution

Belief that God has a role in the process of evolution.

Shabbat (Judaism)

Day of rest that reflects on creation.

Rosh Hashanah (Judaism)

New Year celebration that reflects on creation.

Tu B'Shevat (Judaism)

Marks the new year for trees.

Stewardship Definition

Believers have a duty to care for God's creation.

Dominion Principle

Humans are given authority to rule over creation as seen in Genesis 1.

first mitzvot and key genesis quote

'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'

Intrinsic Value of Creation

Creation has value for its own sake, not just for human benefit.

Assisi Meetings (1986)

Global religious leaders met to discuss environmental stewardship.

Ohito Meetings (1995)

Meeting in Japan where religious leaders and scientists addressed care for the environment.

Hindu Perspective on Animals

Many Hindus do not eat meat to respect all living beings.

Judaism and Environmentalism

Genesis story encourages Jews to take care of the earth.

Pope Francis on Stewardship

Calls for everyone to protect the environment and emphasizes stewardship.

"As stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family.’

London ULEZ

A tax for certain aged cars driving in London to reduce pollution.

Christianity on Animal Use

Encourages ethical treatment of animals and sourcing humane products.

Judaism on Kosher Slaughter

Uses shechita, a humane process for slaughtering animals.

Abortion definition

Termination of a pregnancy, distinguished from miscarriage.

1967 Abortion Act (UK)

Law preventing unsafe abortions, allowing them before 24 weeks.

Statistics on Abortion

88% of abortions in 2022 occurred before 10 weeks.

Sanctity of Life in Christianity

Life viewed as sacred, stemming from God.

Roman Catholic View on Abortion

Pro-life stance; believes life begins at conception.

Church of England View on Abortion

Recognizes abortion may be permitted under certain circumstances.

Judaism on Abortion

Permitted in serious circumstances, not on demand.

Hinduism on Abortion

Views all life as sacred, opposing abortion generally.

Palliative Care Definition

Care focused on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Active Euthanasia

Involves taking actions to end a life.

Passive Euthanasia

Withholding treatment to allow death naturally.

Voluntary Euthanasia

Person requests help to die, usually due to suffering.

Non-voluntary Euthanasia

Decision made on behalf of someone unable to request it.

Involuntary Euthanasia

Life ended without consent; considered murder.

Secular Arguments for Euthanasia

autonomy

relief from suffering

quality of life

Law on Euthanasia (the bill)

Bill passed through House of Commons to legalise Euthanasia

very specific, 6 months of dying, must be their own decision (not coerced) will be reviewed by lawyers and many doctors.

Dame Esther Rantzen

Advocate for legalization of assisted dying in the UK, launched a petition.

Religious Views on Euthanasia

Generally against it due to sanctity of life, accepting less extreme forms.

Luke on Gods involvement in human life

‘yet not one sparrow is forgotten by God. Even the hairs on your head have all been counted’

Salvation Army on Euthanasia

‘all people deserve compassion in their suffering and dying. Euthanasia and assisted suicide should not, however, be considered acceptable responses, they undermine human dignity and are morally wrong’

Psalm on life before birth (abortion)

‘you created every part of me; you put me together in my mothers womb’