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Christian beliefs on creation
God designed and created the universe
God created all things ex nihilo (out of nothing)
Genesis gives Christians a detailed story about how the earth was created
Genesis 1 account of creation
God created day and night
God made the sky
God formed the seas and the land, covering the land with vegetation and plants
God created the sun, moon and stars
God made fish and other animals of the sea and birds in the air
God finished by creating all the animals on land and made humans. He made humans in his own image
God rested and was pleased because his creation was good
Muslim beliefs on creation
God created the world in 6 phases (could be periods of time)
before time existed, God existed and He created the universe on his divine word
Qur’an doesn’t specify what happened on each day
Qur’an doesn’t mention a day of rest but instead states God put the whole universe under his command
Muslims believe that God’s work and creation never ends as it continues with every new birth and every new seed that grows
creation - Big Bang Theory
scientific explanation for how the universe began
13.8 billion years ago all matter was compressed into a small, hot and dense collection of mass
a massive expansion of space took place and matter was flung in all difference directions
the universe expanded and cooled
stars grouped together and formed galaxies
fundamental Christian views on creation
believe that creation stories in the Bible are 100% true
influenced by the belief that every word in the Bible has been inspired by God
liberal Christian views on creation
God brought the universe into being but we should use science to try and understand it
influenced by the belief that creation stories in the Bible are more similar to a parable or symbol
some believe that the Big Bang was God’s way of forming the universe
Muslim views on creation
Islam encourages the search for clear understanding and scientific explanations that may enable a greater understanding of God
Qur’an encourages scientific exploration about the origins of the universe
Muslims believe that the Qur’an links well to the Big Bang Theory
Qur’an explains why the universe came into being but science should explain how as long as Muslims understand that it is created by God
Muslims believe that the universe was not an accident but was designed and God’s creations were perfect and good
non-religious views on the value of the world
humans are the most intelligent species on earth
humans should live in harmony with each other and the environment
Muslims views on the value of the world
believe humans should respect nature and care for the environment
influenced by the belief that every living and non-living thing is God’s creation
believe that living on God’s earth is a privilege
Islam stresses that we must live in harmony with all creatures of God
Christian views on the value of the world
believe humans should respect nature and care for the environment
influenced by the belief that every living and non-living thing is God’s creation
believe that living on God’s earth is a privilege
Christian views on dominion
in order to manage the earth, Christians were given power and authority to rule
some believe this means Christians can do what they like with the earth
other Christians say they cannot do what they like if it damages something God has made
awe and wonder definition
when people see something beautiful
they are awestruck
and filled with wonder
Christian views on awe and wonder
Christians believe that the beauty and complexity of the world proves that God must exist
influenced by the belief that God’s creations inspire awe and wonder as they are made by God
believe that nature is amazing because it represents the glory of God
Christian views on stewardship
believe God has given humans the privilege of living in the world, thus they should take responsibility and look after it
influenced by the belief that one planet cannot be replaced
believe that Adam was the first steward when he was told to take care of the Garden of Eden
Muslim views on stewardship
believe God has given humans responsibility to take care of the planet
Muslim stewards are called khalifah
believe we need to look after the world for future generations
believe looking after the environment brings balance
influenced by the belief that humans will be judged on the day of judgement about their treatment of the planet
also influenced by the belief that God is the creator therefore we should not damage His creation
pressures on the environment
the world’s population is growing therefore it has implications on the environment
large populations create more waste and there is a real danger that the planet is getting seriously damaged
natural resources definition
material found in nature
that can be used by people
sustainable development definition
building and progress
that tried to reduce the impact on the natural world
for future generations
abuse definition
misuse of the world and environment
non-renewable energy definition
things the earth provides
that will eventually run out
deforestation definition
the cutting down of large amounts of forest
recycling definition
reusing old products to make new ones
Muslim views on abuse of the environment
Hadith advises Muslims to take only what is needed from the world
IFEES project is an Islamic approach to caring for the environment and spreading awareness about caring for the environment
Christian views on abuse of the environment
believe being in charge does not give people the right to abuse, spoil, waste or destroy what God has made
believe humans are only tenants of God’s world
believe that thoughtless exploitation should be opposed
the Assisi and Ohito meetings were used by Christians to bring together religious leaders and environmental scientists to discuss how their faith relates to the environment
non-religious views on ways to look after the environment
recycling
reusing items
donating items not needed
reducing the number of vehicle journeys by walking, cycling or public transport
being careful to turn lights off and use water responsibly
planting trees
pollution definition
making something dirty and contaminated
risks of pollution
pollution puts the health of humans, animals and plants at risk
pollution is a problem as technology advances and the world’s population grows
water pollution
caused by dumping waste into the sea
has a bad effect on marine life
e,g, deep water horizon oil spills kill thousands of birds and marine animals
air pollution
caused by fumes from factories and vehicles
long-term exposure can lead to asthma, lung cancer and other diseases
it also causes global warming, climate change and acid rain
land pollution
caused by the ineffective disposal of waste
when chemicals enter the earth this can poison wildlife
this can make farming less efficient and result in contaminated food
Christian views on pollution
Christians believe that the world is on loan to humans, who have been given responsibility by God to look after it
influenced by the belief that polluting the planet is not good stewardship
also influenced by the belief that pollution harms others, thus it goes against ‘love thy neighbour’
Parable of the talents - story about a master how gives his servants talents and expects them to use it wisely
parable teaches Christians they must were put on earth to world
Pope Francis on pollution
Pope called for the world to act to protect the environment in a letter
Francis called the letter ‘To care for our one common home’
Pope states that we need to reduce waste, pollution and change poverty
he says the world looks like an immense pile of filth
Pope says we should recycle
animal experimentation
scientists test new products, such as medicines, cosmetics and additives on animals
to test to make sure it is safe for humans
testing cosmetics on animals was banned in the UK in 1998
most animal testing now is on rats or mice that are bred for that purpose
Christian views on animal testing
Christians support limited animal testing, providing there is no other safe way to develop medicines
influenced by the belief in the Christian concept of the Sanctity of Life, where medicines help to protect human lives, as humans are more important than animals
Christians believe it is acceptable as long as it’s in a caring way
Muslim views on animal testing
believe harming an animal is not allowed
influenced by the belief that causing the animals to do a job beyond their power is not acceptable
an acceptation can be made if it’s to protect human life
influenced by the belief that all suffering must be kept to a minimum
humans will be judged on judgement day based on their actions towards animals
Muslims views on the value of animals
God creates all living things and they all worship God in their own way
each animals is valuable to God and should be treated with kindness and compassion
there are over 200 verses in the Qur’an about animals
Christian views on the value of animals
Christians believe God created animals for humans to use and care for
humans are more important because they were created in the image of God
the story of Noah’s ark teaches Christians to protect animals but that it is also acceptable to use them for our benefit
non-religious views on using animals for food
those who decide to be vegetarian or vegan usually do so because they are against killing animals
some object to the ways animals are treated rather than actually eating animals
some people simply do not like the taste
other believe animal products are a key part of a balanced human diet
Christian views on eating animals
Christians have been afforded the choice by God to be meat eaters
but Christians must also be sensitive to others who are against killing animals
some Christians believe that since humans have dominion, we can do what we like
Muslim views on eating animals
Muslims are allowed to eat meat that has been killed according to Shari’ah law
food must be halal and slaughtered correctly
Muslims believe that animals must be killed in the name of God
Muslims are forbidden to eat pork
Christian beliefs about the origins of human life
in Genesis, God created male and female humans on the 6th day of creations
in Genesis 2, Adam was formed by God from soil and God breathed life into him
in Genesis 2, Adam was told to look after the Garden of Eden and not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil
while Adam was sleeping, God took one of his ribs and formed Eve, the first woman
fundamental Christians believe Genesis is literally true and the whole human race are descendants of Adam and Eve
liberal Christians say it is just a story to say that God created humans to be close to him
Muslim beliefs about the origins of human life
when God has finished creating the universe, he created the first human being
some believe he named him Adam and he taught him the names of all thing and created his wife, Eve from his soul
Eve is referred to as the ‘Mother of humankind’
Muslims believe that God allowed Adam and Eve to dwell in the garden of paradise with free will, but commanded them not to eat from a certain tree
Iblis tricked Adam and Eve into eating from the tree
Adam and Eve realised they were naked and tried to cover themselves, whilst feeling shame and regret
God sent Adam and Eve down to earth from paradise to start the human world
the whole human race is descended from Adam and Eve
non-religious views on evolution
evolution suggests all living things in the world have developed over time from simple forms
Charles Darwin studied the variation in plants and animals and recognised the differences in species around the world
Darwin wrote ‘On the origin of species’ in which he put forward the idea of natural selection
Darwin argues that the creatures with characteristics most suited to the environment are more likely to survive, reproduce and pass on their genes to their offspring
species will adapt to survive in their natural habitats and thus will create new species
the most adapted species will survive whereas the less adapted will eventually go extinct
Christian attitudes to evolution
Christians believe that they do not need to worry about what the natural selection theory implies about God’s role in creation
some Christians believe Darwin is wrong as life started the way the Bible states
some accept evolution and natural selection but do not believe there is enough evidence to rely on that
some Christians say God is the Creator but the Bible is saying why things were created, whereas science can explain how
Muslim attitudes to evolution
some Muslims reject evolution and are creationists as they believe that God formed all the different species
some Muslims believe that evolution is not compatible with the Qur’an
some Muslims support human evolution as a key principle of modern biology
some Muslims argue that evolution is acceptable but doesn’t apply to humans, as God created man for a certain reason
abortion definition
removal of the foetus from the womb
to end a pregnancy
before the child is born
legal position of UK on abortion
before 1967, abortion was illegal in the UK
you can now have an abortion up to the 24th week of pregnancy
there is no limit on abortion if the mother’s life is in danger or if the foetus is severely deformed
Christian views on abortion - FOR
accept abortion if it saves the mother’s life
acceptable if the mother was raped or the child would be disabled
abortion may be the lesser of two evils for the parents or children
Christian views on abortion - AGAINST
abortion is against the Sanctity of Life
life is a gift from God and a blessing, abortion is against this concept
some Christians believe that life begins at conception, thus abortion is murder
Muslim views on abortion - FOR
abortion is allowed in certain contexts: if the mother’s life is in danger, if the pregnancy is a result of rape or if the baby is severely disabled
abortion may be the lesser of two evils for the parents or children
Muslim views on abortion - AGAINST
Muslims believe everyone should value human life
Muslims believe abortion is haram
believe it isn’t acceptable if it is due to finances
Muslims believe abortion must happen before ensoulment (40-120 days)
some Muslims believe abortion is murder
non-religious views on abortion - FOR
pro-choice groups agree with abortion because a woman’s life comes first
women have the right to choose if the pregnancy is terminated as they carry the baby
if the mother will be harmed mentally or physically, she should be allowed an abortion
it is cruel to bring a severely physically or mentally disabled child into the world
non-religious views on abortion - AGAINST
pro-life argues that life begins at conception, thus abortion is murder
unborn children needed to be protected
disabled people can have a good life, thus terminating them solely based on their disability is unjustifiable
a lot of people who have abortions will suffer from depression and guilt
euthanasia definition
euthanasia means good death in Greek
the intention to end the life of someone
who is in pain or has a poor quality of life
due to a serious illness
active euthanasia definition
when active steps are taken
to end someone’s life
e.g, lethal injection
passive euthanasia definition
when doctors stop providing treatment
or do something that is intended
to quicken the natural process of dying
e.g. not resuscitating
Christian views on euthanasia - FOR
some Christians do support euthanasia and believe that the drugs that are used to end a person’s life are God-given
some Christians believe it is the most loving thing to do for those who are continually-suffering
some Christians believe God has given people free will, so they should be able to choose when to end their lives
Christian views on euthanasia - AGAINST
believe euthanasia interferes with God’s plan
believe it provides the possibility to abuse and manipulate those suffering into prematurely ending their life
euthanasia is against the Sanctity of Life
modern drugs and hospice care provide the dying with a chance to end their lives with dignity and without pain
going through pain and suffering brings you closer to God as you understand the suffering of Jesus
Muslims views on euthanasia - AGAINST
euthanasia is not included in the reasons allowed for killing
euthanasia is against the Sanctity of Life
all life is a gift from God and should be looked after
only God is allowed to decide when life ends
suffering is part of God’s plan to test Muslims’ faith
euthanasia is haram and a sin against God
Christian views on the value of human life
God has given humans free will to choose between right and wrong
each person has one life and it is their choice how they live it
Christians believe that what they do in life will affect them eternally
this encourages them to follow the instructions of God
Muslims views on the value of human life
God has given humans free will to choose between right and wrong
each person has one life and it is their choice how they live it
Muslims believe that what they do in life will affect them eternally
this encourages them to follow the instructions of God
Christian views on if death is the end
Christians believe death is not the end as God will judge whether a person will spend eternity in heaven or hell
Catholics believe in purgatory, where souls undergo purification in order to achieve holiness to be with God and enter heaven
some Christians believe that the afterlife begins the moment you die, where others believe you must wait until judgement day for the afterlife
some Christians believe that heaven is bodily, whereas others believe it is spiritual
Muslims views on if death is the end
Muslims believe that death is not final, but a new beginning of a new stage
Muslims believe they will be waiting until the day of judgement (barzakh)
the soul doesn’t die but continues in the afterlife (Jannah or Jahannam)
current life is a test or trial before the next realm of existence
Christian views on heaven
believe heaven is wonderful and where God resides
it is a place where everyone worships God
there is no death, mourning or pain in heaven
heaven is more important than any other human ambitions because of Jesus’ crucifixion
Christians should try to avoid sinning in order to go to heaven
Christian views on hell
Bible says that hell was originally designed for Satan and his demons
hell is a place for punishment
hell is a place of torment and there is no rest
some believe that it is just punishment to be without God
hell is something that should be avoided by humans
Muslims views on heaven
Muslims should aim to reach Jannah
after judgement, everyone will have to cross the Sirat Birdge over Jahannam
if given the book of life in the right hand, you will enter Jannah
Jannah is an eternal beautiful garden of physical and spiritual pleasures and delights
Jannah contains no suffering
Muslim views on hell
Qur’an describes Jahannam using vivid imagery of blazing fire and terrible punishment
Jahannam is a place of both physical and spiritual torture
Muslims who do not do enough good deeds might find themselves in Jahannam
Jahannam will eventually end and Muslims trapped here will enter heaven
non-believers will stay their forever
Muslim views on judgement
everyone is accountable for their actions
Israfil will blow a trumpet announcing the last day and the dead will be resurrected
good angels will look at a human’s actions (compiled by recording angels) and decide their fate based on these
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