Paper 2

What are Christian attitudes towards Homosexuality?

Many Christians say it was part of God’s plan to have a heterosexual relationship. Leviticus 18:22 “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable."

Many Christians also support homosexuality with the Church of England recognizing same-sex relationships and advocating for inclusivity but will not marry them.

The Catholic Church also promotes acceptance as long as they remain chaste (To not have sex).

What are the Christian Teaching on sexual conduct?

It is traditionally taught that sex before marriage is wrong with many Christians still believing this. For Christians, sex is a deep, loving lifelong union that first requires the commitment of marriage and that you should be chaste before marriage.

Sex outside marriage is viewed as sinful, and the emphasis is on the sanctity and purpose of marital relations, and is agreed both by Christians, atheists and other religions. Exodus 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery,"

What are the Christian Teachings on Contraception?

Many Christian denominations have differing views on contraception. The Catholic Church opposes artificial contraception, advocating for natural family planning and openness to life, while many Protestant groups accept contraceptive methods as a responsible choice within the context of marriage.

What are Christian Teachings on Marriage?

Christian teachings emphasize the sanctity of marriage as a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman, reflecting God's covenant with humanity. Genesis 2:24 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

Cohabitation is generally discouraged as it may undermine the seriousness of marriage. However, modern British society sees it as a popular method before marriage if there are economic problems for example.

What are the Christian Teachings on Divorce?

In modern society divorce is very popular within marriages.

Many Christians believe that divorce is sinful if not for the right reasoning. Matthew 5:32 “If a man divorces his wife for any cause other than sexual immorality, he causes her to commit adultery.”

The Catholic Church teaches that annulments may be granted under specific circumstances, but generally views marriage as indissoluble.

What are Christian Teachings about Family?

Christian teachings emphasize the importance of family as the foundational unit of society, reflecting God's design for relationships.

Families are seen as places of love, support, and spiritual growth, with parents responsible for nurturing and guiding their children in faith. Colossians 3:21 “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."

What are Christian Teachings about Gender Equality?

Christian teachings advocate for the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of gender, reflecting the belief that both men and women are created in the image of God. Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

What happened on each of the seven days in Genesis?

Day 1 - He created light

Day 2 - He creates the sky

Day 3 - He created the seas and land, and covered them with vegetation

Day 4 - He created the sun, moon and the stars

Day 5 - He made animals in the sea and air

Day 6 - He created animals on land and humans

Day 7 - God rested as he was pleased with his creation

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”

Fundamentalists

Christians who believe the statements on the bible are literally true.

Liberals

Christians who believe the bible was guided by God but not everything is true.

The Big Bang Theory

The leading scientific explanation. The universe started at a single singularity and expanded over the next 13.8 billion years.

Stewardship

The idea that believers have a duty to look after the environment on behalf of God.

Animals

The bible does bot teach you to not eat meat. Animal testing is often rejected by christians but modern societies support limited testing.

The origin of human life

In genesis 1 God created humans on the final day of creation.

“So god created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” - Genesis 1:27-29

In genesis 2 Adam was made from the soil and Eve, one of Adams ribs.

The theory of evolution

Many animals evolved form earlier ancestors to increase their chance of survival.

Christians and the theory of evolution

Fundamentalists think human life was exactly as recorded in genesis and some accept that adaptation happens but not evolution. Some Christians believe God is the creator but accept the theory and use it.

Abortion

Catholics believe life starts at conception so abortion is wrong. Other Christians oppose it as well but believe it is acceptable in some circumstances.

Types of Euthanasia

Voluntary - Consents

Non Voluntary - Unable to request but doctor suggests

Involuntary- No consent

Forms of Euthanasia

Active - steps are taken to end them

Passive - Stop providing treatments and let them die

Christians on Euthanasia

Many oppose as it is interfering with God’s plan. Comparable to murder. Unavoidable suffering brings them closer to God. Some support if its the most loving thing to do.

Death

Atheists generally believe that at death one ceases to exist. Catholics believe in purgatory. Others instant judgment to heaven or hell.

Heaven

Christians believe it is indescribably wonderful and where God resides.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” - John 3:16

Hell

Many variations of hell from books. Some say hell is bad as away from God.

What is the Design Argument?

The Design Argument states that God designed the universe because everything is so intricately made in detail that it could not have happened by chance.

It was created by many philosophers such as William Paley, Isaac Newton and Thomas Aquinas.

William Paley’s design argument (Teleological Argument) focuses on the complexity and purposefulness of a watch and how we would not understand it without recognizing a watchmaker. This analogy illustrates the belief that just as a watch implies a designer, so too does the universe.

A modern argument uses our modern knowledge of science to state that if any small thing was different then life would not have existed.

What are some Objections to the Design Argument?

A lot of things like the eye or thumb which Newton used are due to natural selection and evolution.

If God designed the universe, then why is there suffering as he is Omnipotent and Omnibenevolent.

Humans prefer to maintain a sense of order so they try to impose a structure.

What is the First Cause (Cosmological) Argument?

The First Cause Argument posits that everything that exists has a cause, and since the universe exists, it must have a first cause, which is identified as God.

This argument is often attributed to Thomas Aquinas, who argued that an infinite regress of causes is impossible, thus necessitating a first, uncaused cause.

What are some Objections to the First Cause?

The argument contradicts itself as then what would cause God.

If God has always existed then why can the universe not have always existed.

Just because events have a cause, it does not mean that the universe does.

What are Miracles?

A seemingly impossible event that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws, so is thought to be an action of God.

The two types of miracles are coincidences and impossible events.

Marie Bailly was suffering from a disease with no signs of hope but went to Lourdes and prayed to Mary and she was healed.

What are some Objections to Miracles?

Often miracles are lucky coincidences.

They may have scientific explanations not yet discovered.

Miracle healings could be a placebo effect from the mind.

Some miracles are fake, made up for fame or money.

What are two arguments against the existence of God?

Science - many scientific theories explain the origins of the universe and life without needing a divine creator.

Evil and Suffering - The problem of evil questions how a benevolent and omnipotent God could allow suffering and injustice in the world.

What is Special Revelation?

God making himself known through a direct or personal experience or an unusual specific event like visions, prophecies or dreams.

Saul on the Damascus Road is a famous story of special revelation, where he experienced a vision of Jesus when, going to arrest his followers, that transformed his life and mission.

What is General Revelation?

God making himself known through ordinary and common human experiences. This includes nature, conscience, and moral understanding, revealing God's existence and attributes to all people.

What is the value of Revelation?

Revelation provides insight into God's nature and will, guiding individuals in their faith and moral decisions. It helps believers understand their relationship with God and the purpose of life.

For Buddhists it also helps achieve enlightenment and understanding of the nature of reality.

Nicky Cruz was a former gang leader who converted to Christianity after experiencing a transformative revelation, emphasizing the power of personal change through faith.

What are Christian views on war?

While the church may speak out against it and Jesus does not support it, many Christians have been prepared to fight for their country or faith. However people like the quakers disagree with war.

What are religious beliefs about violence?

No religion promotes violence in their teachings and most generally agree it should be avoided if possible.

What are 3 reasons for war?

Greed - To regain land or resources.

Self-Defence - Resistance to protect yourself or others.

Retaliation - Acting back against a group.

Retaliation is taught against by Jesus:

“If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” Matthew 5:39

How are Nuclear Weapons/WMDs Justified?

Some people defend them by saying that they prevent world wars due to the fear of nuclear weapons or WMDs.

What are Christian views on WMDs?

Some people justify war with “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” Exodus 21:24 however this cannot justify WMDs.

No religion promotes the use of WMDs. Some Christians believe they are very wrong as it is a counter to Jesus’ teachings as he was a pacifist.

What is the Just War theory?

Created by Saint Thomas Aquinas (Christian) the just war theory is a criteria which lays out conditions in which a war is just. Here are a few conditions:

The war must have a just cause (Not greed or retaliation).

Fighting must be a last resort (Diplomacy has been tried).

There must be a reasonable chance of success.

Why do some Christians disagree with the just war theory?

They disagree as it defends the concept of war in certain circumstances.

Most Christians believe the at fighting a just war is acceptable but no war is much better.

What is a holy war?

When you go fight for a religious cause or God, probably controlled by a religious leader.

For Christians, a holy war must be authorised by a religious leader. An example of a holy war is the crusades, orchestrated by the pope.

What are Christian beliefs about war and violence?

It is a fundamental Christian belief that as the creator, only God can take life. One of the Ten Commandments states “You shall not murder” Exodus 20:13.

It is also said by Jesus “All who draw the sword die by the sword” Matthew 26:52

What is the Christian view on pacifism?

Not all Christians are pacifists and believe that war and conflict can be justified. Christian pacifists often take inspiration from Jesus and his teachings as he was a pacifist.

“Blessed are the peacemakers” Matthew 5:9

What is the Christian response to victims?

Many Christians feel they should help victims no matter what side of the conflict or where they live. This is supported by the parable of the good samaritan.

What are two organisations that help victims of war?

Caritas - Catholic organisation who serve the poor and promote charity.

Christian Aid - Large Christian organisation that helps the victims of war and end poverty.

What does the bible warn about bad intentions?

“You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment” - Matthew 5:21

Any action that causes suffering and pain is Evil. It is seen as sinful and against God.

What are reasons why people commit crime?

Poverty - Stealing essentials but still illegal.

Upbringing - Household where crime is encouraged.

Mental Illness - Leads to crime from certain conditions.

Addiction - Influenced by addiction.

Greed - The want for more wealth.

Hate - Negative feelings towards people.

Opposition to Unjust Law - Protest for change Rosa Parks

What are Christian attitudes to lawbreakers?

Generally against lawbreakers as morally wrong. Attitude to punishment changes.

Parable of the sheep’s and goats - Jesus treated prisoners well.

Inspires christians to do the same.

What are the three aims of punishment?

Retribution - To punish the victim “Eye for Eye”.

Deterrence - To stop them doing it again.

Reformation - To make their behaviour better.

Christian attitudes towards suffering?

“We also glory in our suffering” - Romans 5:3

Christians believe to help those who are suffering like Jesus has.

Christians are opposed to causing suffering but sometimes it happens by accident. This is important as relationships can be restored.

What are the 3 types of punishment in the UK?

Prison - Serious crimes where they lose freedom. Many christians still support them.

Corporal Punishment - Punishment by physical pain. Illegal in UK. Some muslim countries use it for some offences.

Community Service - Unpaid work for the community for more minor offences.

What are Christian attitudes towards forgiveness?

It is a core belief in Christianity that Jesus emphasised. Jesus said in response to how many times i should forgive:

“I tell you, not seven time, but seventy-seven times.” - Matthew 18:22 - Where 77 is interpreted as unlimited.

As a result, many christians believe reformation is a primary aim of punishment.

Maureen Greaves (Christian) showed forgiveness to attackers and their families after her husband was killed.

Judaism:

Offenders have to ask for forgiveness before the victim can forgive them.

What is the sanctity of life?

Teaching by God that only he has the right to take it away. Humans should bot be misused or abused.

What are the attitudes towards the death penalty?

Many Christians have different beliefs on it.

For:

“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed” - Genesis 9:6

Against:

“I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked” - Ezekiel 33:11 - Prophet Ezekiel said on the behalf of God

Jesus taught about forgiveness and it is not right to take a life.

Muslim countries:

Used as deterrence for major offences but the victim and family are encouraged to show mercy by taking money to reduce it.

What is Social Justice?

It is ensuring that society treats people fairly whether they are poor or wealthy and protects people’s human rights.

What do Christians think of human rights and social justice?

Deuteronomy 32:4 - “All his ways are just” - God is a God of justice.

Mark 12:30 - “Love your neighbour as yourself” - Be kind to others

Parable of the Good Samaritan - Help others

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) - Adopted by Christianity

Galatians 3:28 - “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” - We are all equal.

Christians on Gender and Sexuality?

Catholic/Orthodox - Woman can’t be priests - Equal but different roles - Church of England allowed in 1993.

Genesis 19:24 - God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah because of homosexual activity.

“ Love neighbour” - Don’t condemn them.

Romans 13:1 - “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities” - Legal in Britain so support.

Freedom of Religion?

Article 18 of UDHR - Right to religion - Supported in UK.

All religions support religions freedom.

Islam - Part of God’s Design.

Christianity - Part of Jesus’ teachings.

Christians on Wealth?

Tithe - Tenth of earnings given to God - Old Testament

Timothy 6:10 - “For the love of money is a root for all sorts of evil” - New Testament

Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus - Rich man didn’t help beggar so went to Hell.

Buddhism - Creates bad karma when money is used unethically.

What are some causes of Poverty?

Worldwide - Borrowing money, Corrupt leaders and Exploited land.

UK - Unemployment, Living Cost, Gambling and Alcohol.

Christians on Giving Money?

They believe people should be treated fairly - Responsibility of looking after the world and people.

Christians often support Food Banks (Trussell Trust) and Charities (Send a Cow).