RE unit 1 Flashcards
What are the 5 pillars of Islam.
Shahaadah (Profession of Faith)
Salaat (Prayer)
Zakat (Almsgiving)
Sawm (Fasting)
Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Why would a Christian be against abortion?
‘thou shall not kill’
‘only God can take life’
Why would a Muslim be against abortion?
‘do not take life except by Allah’s leave’
‘Do not take life which Allah has made sacred’
Why would a Christian be for abortion?
‘most loving thing to do’
Define ‘Evolution’
belief that all creatures developed from less complex forms.
Define ‘Environmental responsibility’
Our duty, as humans, to preserve nature.
Define ‘Sanctity of life’
The belief that all life is sacred or precious.
Define ‘Quality of life’
The extent to which life is pleasurable.
Define ‘Abortion’
The deliberate ending of a pregnancy.
Define ‘Euthanasia’
The act of killing a person because a decision has been reached that death is the best option.
Define ‘Afterlife’
Life after Death (an example of this would be heaven and hell).
Define ‘Soul’
The spiritual aspect of a being.
Define ‘Morality’
Standards determining what is right and wrong.
Define ‘Free Will’
The ability to choose independently.
Define ‘Conscience’
Our moral sense of right and wrong.
Define ‘Justice’
Everyone has equal opportunities and provisions.
Define ‘Forgiveness’
Granting a pardon for wrongdoing.
Define ‘Pacifism’
The belief that violence and war cannot be justified.
Define ‘Good’
Something that is considered morally right.
Define ‘Evil’
Something that is considered immoral and wrong.
Define ‘Suffering’
Pain or distress, emotionally or physically.
Define ‘tawhid’
The oneness of Allah.
Define ‘Shahada’
One of the five pillars: the declaration of faith.
Define ‘Shirk’
Regarding anything as being equal to Allah. It is a sin against God as nothing can compare to God.
Define ‘Qur’an’
The holy book of Islam revealed to Prophet Muhammad
Define ‘Hadith’
The sayings of prophet Muhammad.
Define ‘Salat’
One of the five pillars: pray five times a day
Define ‘Adhan’
The call to prayer.
Define ‘Dur’ah’
Personal Prayer.
Define ‘Zakat’
One of the five pillars: Muslims give 2.5% of their earnings to charity once a year.
Define ‘Saddaqah’
Voluntary payment separate from Zakat.
Define ‘Sawm’
One of the five pillars: fasting in the daytime during Ramadam.
Define ‘Halal’
Any action that is permitted, or lawful.
Define ‘Haram’
Any action that is forbidden, or unlawful.
What are the qualities of Allah according to the Qur’an?
- Transcendence (beyond all things)
- Beneficence (always loving and kind)
- Creator (the cause of everything)
- Merciful (always forgives when there is sorrow)
- Omnipotence (all powerful)
Define ‘Hajj’
One of the five pillars: a pilgrimage to Mecca.
What is the Greater Jihad?
The personal struggle to do what is right for God and live a perfect Muslim life.
What is lesser Jihad?
To defend and fight for their religion.
What is Shahadah?
This is the first pillar of Islam: the pillar of faith and the declaration of their belief.
Why are images of Allah prohibited?
any images of Allah might become the object of worship and therefore shirk (a sin).
what does the Qur’an teach Muslims?
- gives rules about a halal and haram diet
- teaches how to pray
- helps guide every action and thought
-gives advice on showing kindness - teaches about living good lives
why is the Hadith and Sunnah important to Muslims?
Prophet Muhammad was the example of a perfect Muslim. Therefore, many Muslims turn to the Sunnah and the Hadith for guidance as the books recount his actions and sayings.
How do Muslims show respect to the Qur’an
- placed on higher shelf
- wash hands before use
- wrapped in a clean cloth
- no food or drink whilst reading
- no speaking or noise whilst reading
- put into daily practice
- be in the right frame of mind
How do Muslims perform Salat (prayer)?
Muslims will first perform Wudu, by washing parts of their body before prayer (hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head and feet)
Muslims will then perform a sequence of movements (rakat). Their prayer mat must be facing Makkah. They must not be wearing shoes.
When is Salat performed?
- Fajr (just after dawn)
- Zuhr (just after midday)
- As’r (late afternoon)
- Maghrib (just after sunset)
- Isha (after dark)
Why is Salat important to Muslims?
- It removes sins
- It reminds believers to give thanks to God
- It is a constant reminder of God’s presence
What preparations do Muslims need to do in order to pray at home and privately?
Muslims must:
- have a quiet, clean place to bow
- preferably use a room set aside for prayer
- use a space where no shoes are worn
What are some forms of Du’ah (personal prayer)? (e.g what is the reason for this prayer)
- giving thanks to God
- asking God for forgiveness or help
- seeking guidance
- seeking blessings from God
What are some occasions Shahadah is recited?
- in daily prayers (Salat)
- During du’ah (personal prayer)
- at aqiqah (after the birth of a baby)
- as a Muslim approaches death
- when a person wants to covert to Islam
What can or can’t Zakat (giving 2.5% of earnings to charity or a good cause) be used for?
can:
- the poor
- travellers
- those in need
- Muslim aid agencies
can’t:
- funeral expenses
- building mosques
- clear debts of those who have died
Why is Sawm (fasting) important to Muslims?
- It is a reminder of God’s mercy and blessings
- It helps Muslims identify with the poor
- It helps inspire and refresh personal faith
In how many days do literalist christians believe God created the world?
7 days:
1- light and darkness
2- sky and sea
3- land and plants
4- sun, moon and stars
5- birds and fish
6- land animals (including humans who were created last
7- God rested
What is the original sin?
Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s only rule by eating the forbidden fruit, therefore releasing evil in the world
How long do muslims believe it took Allah to create the world?
In 6 long periods, Allah created the heavens and earth
How do Muslims believe Adam and Eve were created?
They believe Adam was made of clay and Allah breathed life into him. A wife (Eve) was made for him.
Why might there be different attitudes and opinions between the same religions?
- translations from different languages have resulted on different interpretations
- some people believe in literalist Reading of sacred texts
- in some religious traditions, sacred texts have different stories and teachings
- often beliefs will change due to life’s experiences
what is the difference between planned and blind evolution?
Blind evolution is the belief that evolution happened by chance whereas planned evolution is the belief that there is a creator (such as God) who created conditions to allow evolution to take place.
What do literal Christians believe about the creation of humans?
God created Adam and Eve who started the human race and therefore God is the creator of all life.
What do non literal Christians believe about the creation of humans?
Some believe that God created and set the right conditions in order for evolution to take place. They connect science to God.
What are the main points that all Christians believe about the creation of human life?
- there is a purpose to existence
- human beings have a special relationship with God
- God created the world and it was fundamentally good
What are literalist Christian and creationist views on the creation of the universe?
- the world was created in 7 days
- the world is 6000 years old
- Dinosaurs did not exist
- God made the world
What are non literalist views on the creation of the universe?
- the world is 13.7 billion years old
- the big bang happened
- God started the big bang and therefore God made the world
What are Muslim beliefs about the creation story?
- Allah made heaven and earth, birds and fish, sun moon and stars, plants, rain and angels in 6 days/ periods of time.
- Allah created Adam and Eve from 7 different coloured handfuls of earth
-they disobeyed Allah by eating the fruit of the only tree they weren’t allowed to
What do Muslims think of scientific beliefs on the creation of the universe?
- science dies not affect their belief in Allah’s creation of the world
- scientific explanations are welcomed as they help Muslims gain a better understanding of Allah
- Muslims are interested and respect science
What are some quotes from the Qur’an which suggests evolution and the big bang happened?
The big bang:
‘The earth were a closed up mass’
Evolution:
‘ we made from water every living thing’
Define ‘Iblis’
It is the Arabic word for Satan or the devil that Muslims use
What do Muslims believe about environmental responsibility?
- Muslims believe that humans were given the role of Khalifa or steward and have a binding responsibility to look after the world and treat it with respect.
- They should use their skills to preserve the fitrah or balance in the natural world
- avoid waste, respect the earth and animals as they are Allah’s creations
What do Christians believe about environmental responsibility?
- They should live in partnership with God and creation
- they should preserve and conserve the environment and its resources
- they should support charities such as Christian aid
- they should look after the world and exercise the responsibility given to them by God to look after the world
Define ‘Fitrah’
An Arabic word meaning the natural balance in nature. this is a useful term to mention when the topic is the creation story of Islam or environmental responsibility.
Define ‘khalifah’
An Arabic word meaning guardian or guardians. this is useful when talking about environmental responsibility as Muslims believe that they are the guardians of Allah’s creation.
what are Christian views on sanctity of life?
- All life is sacred and precious as it was created by God
- God is interested and involved in every human’s life
- Only God should take life away
what is a good quote from the bible that references God knowing people before they are born?
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you’ (Jeremiah 1:5)
What are Islamic views on the sanctity of life?
- All life is special as it was created by Allah
- Every soul was created by Allah
- No one has the right to take their own life or anyone else’s.
- in the Qur’an it is forbidden to take a life (Qur’an 6:151)
- Allah has a plan for each life written before each person is ‘planted as a seed in your mother’s womb’
What system does wales have for organ donation?
Wales has an opt-out system of consent to organ donation, meaning that after a person’s death their organs will be given to someone who needs a transplant unless they have specifically said they don’t want this to happen
what are some Christian views that agree with organ donation?
- Jesus taught that we should love one another and donating organs is a loving act
- There is no issue about life after death as the body is not needed in heaven
- It is a way to show you care about God’s gift
- Protestant churches believe that it is a matter of personal conscience and people should make their own decisions about it
what are some Christian views that are against organ donations?
- transplant surgery results in people ‘playing God’
- Organs are an essential part of an individual which God has created and it would be wrong to replace that part of a person
- transplant surgery is playing with God’s plan for each individuals
what are some Islamic views agreeing with organ donation?
- some Muslims believe saving one life is like saving all of mankind
- many Muslims would allow living donor transplants if the donor is a close relative
what are some Islamic views against organ donation?
- the Qur’an teaches that the body should not be interfered with after death and should be buried as soon as possible
- Muslims believe that on the last day the body will be resurrected and therefore all the organs will be needed
- Some believe that organ donation violates the sanctity of life and only Allah has the right to give life and take it away
what has the Shari’ah Council said about organ donation?
Muslims can carry donor cards as a means to help someone in pain and save lives
what are Roman catholic views on abortion?
- they are against abortion under any circumstances
- a new and unique life is born from the moment of conception
what are church of England views on abortion?
- certain situations might allow abortion
- these situations include if the mother’s life is at risk or issues related to quality of life, but don’t include social reasons
which of the 10 commandments can be used as evidence against abortion or euthanasia?
‘Thou shalt not kill’
why are humans special according to the bible?
Humans were created in God’s image (from the first book of the bible)
what is the Didache?
A Christian manual giving unique detail regarding things such as baptism and church leadership. it came from an early period of Christian development
What does the Didache say about abortion?
‘You shall not not kill the embryo by abortion’
what are some Islamic views against abortion?
- Abortion is usually considered as haram (forbidden)
- only Allah can take away life
- abortion for economic reasons is forbidden in the Qur’an (6.151)
what are some Islamic views for abortion?
-the mother’s rights are more important than the foetus’ right up until 120 days when it is believed ensoulment takes place
- abortion to save the mother’s life is seen by some as acceptable
- Allah takes a person’s intention (niyyah) into account at judgment
Define ‘niyyah’
intention in Arabic
what are some general Christian views on euthanasia?
- guidance must be sought from prayer as the bible has no clear teaching about euthanasia
- the wishes of the patient are important
- the doctor’s views are important
- the aim should be to ease suffering
what are some Christian views against euthanasia?
- All life is sacred and precious
- God gave life and only he can take it away
- the 10 commandments state ‘Thou shalt not kill’
- it is wrong for human beings to play God and take life
what are general Islamic views on euthanasia?
- euthanasia is regarded as haram (forbidden)
- Allah created life and chooses how long each person will live
- Euthanasia is not included in the reasons for killing in Islam
- the Qur’an teaches that God created all life
- the importance of the doctor’s views
- importance of the wishes of the patient, for example through a living will
what are general Christian beliefs about death and the afterlife?
- humans have a soul
- there is eternal life after death, which is received by faith
- there is a heaven and entry to it depends on a person’s response to Jesus and those in need on earth
- there is a hell, opposite to heaven, which is a place of separation from God
- there is a judgement, which will determine the soul’s future
- there is resurrection from the dead
what is a good quote from the bible which refers to resurrection?
‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they will die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die’
What are Roman Catholic views on the afterlife?
- souls of very good believers will go directly to heaven
- most other believers will fi through purgatory, a place if cleansing that is between heaven and earth
- prayers can be said for those in purgatory to shorten their stay there, and intercessions can be made through indulgences and penances
What are some Islamic views on the afterlife?
- there is an afterlife (akhirah) which is determined by one’s deeds on earth
-there is a soul (ruh) which is released straight after death - there is a heaven (Janna) and a hell (Jahannam)
- there is a day of judgment
What are some quotes from the Qur’an about the afterlife and judgment day?
- ‘And everything they did is in written records’ (54:52)
- ‘And the evil consequences of what they did appear to them’ (46:33)
Define ‘Akhirah’
The belief in everlasting life after death
What is ‘Janna’?
The Arabic word for Heaven
What is ‘jahannam’?
The Arabic word for Hell
What happens at a Christian funeral?
- prayers are said for the dying person and they can ask God for forgiveness
- Roman catholics have the last rites in which the priest gives Holy Communion
- In the funeral service the words ‘I am the resurrection and the life’ (John 11.25)
- candles may be lit for a funeral in a church
- some Christians consider it important to be buried rather than cremated
What beliefs are shown by praying at a christian funeral?
Shows the importance of establishing a relationship with God through asking forgiveness
What beliefs are shown when Roman Catholics have the last rites at a christian funeral?
Shows the importance of the sacraments and the belief in forgiveness of sins through Christ
What beliefs are shown when the words ‘I am the resurrection and the life’ are read at a christian funeral?
Shows that those who believe in Jesus will be resurrected to spend eternity with God
What beliefs are shown when candles are lit at a christian funeral?
Shows the belief that Jesus is the ‘light of the world’ who guides a passage to heaven
What beliefs are shown when Christians choose to be buried over cremation?
Some Christians believe that on the day of judgment, bones of the dead will reform for bodily resurrection
What happens at a Muslim’s funeral?
-when close to death, often the shahada is recited
- a simple white shroud is wrapped around the body
- the body is normally buried
- the site of the ground is often raised in a mound, often with no gravestones
- as the body is being lowered into its grave, the words ‘We shall bring you forth once more’ (20.55) are often said.
- the grave usually faces Mecca
What beliefs are shown when the shahada is recited to the dying person?
Shows the belief that at death you return to the creator
What beliefs are shown when often Muslims don’t have a gravestone?
Shows that everyone is equal in death
What beliefs are shown when a white shroud is wrapped around the body at an Islamic funeral?
Shows the belief that all are equal before God in death
What beliefs are shown when Muslims usually choose to be buried?
Shows the belief that the body should remain whole ready for resurrection on the Day of Judgment
What beliefs are shown when as the body is lowered the words ‘We shall bring you forth once more’ are often said at an Islamic funeral?
Shows the belief that Allah will one day bring people back to life
What beliefs are shown when a Muslim’s grave usually faces Mecca?
Mecca is the holiest city for Muslims
What is absolute morality?
Absolute morality is the belief that each action is right or wrong in each situation regardless to time, culture, religion or age
What are the strengths of absolute morality?
Court cases would be quite easy as you would know whether they did the right or wrong thing
- it is the fairest approach
What are the disadvantages of absolute morality?
- life isn’t so ‘black and white’
- doesn’t take in the circumstances and situation
What is relative morality?
Relative morality is the belief that different courses of action might be needed in different situations
What are the strengths of relative morality?
- takes the situation into account
- more empathetic
What are the weaknesses of relative morality?
- open to manipulation
- contradictory
What 5 main points do most religions believe have a great influence on crime?
- the presence of evil and sin in the world
- alcohol and drug use
- poverty
- quality of family time
- low self esteem
what are the aims of punishment?
- Retribution
- Reparation
- Reformation
- Protection
- Justice
- Deterrence
what is Retribution?
A form of revenge on behalf of those who were wronged or subject to attack
what is Reperation?
Criminals should have the right to ‘pay’ for what they have done to show they are sorry and ‘repair’ the damage done
what is Reformation?
trying to ensure the criminal is helped to change their approach and way of life
what is Protection?
Making sure that all people, and society itself, are kept free from possible recurring of a crime by a criminal; criminals themselves also need protection
what is Justice?
To show that the law and authority are of supreme importance and ensure that the law is upheld and justified
what is deterrence?
To try and deter (or discourage) people from committing crimes, because they know what the punishment is and know it will be given to those caught committing the crime.
What do Christians believe about the aims of punishment?
- everyone was created with free choice to accept or reject God’s ways
- If people do sin or commit crimes then justice must follow, but Jesus also taught the importance of forgiveness
- Most Christians believe that to gain justice, punishment should be given and forgiveness sought
- Most Christians believe that the end of life God will be the final judge
- Jesus taught compassion and not revenge
What do Muslims believe about the aims of punishment?
- the Qur’an teaches that believes should make the choice between good and evil deeds
- Punishment is seen as an important aspect of justice but forgiveness is also important.
- Allah will be the final judge on the day of Judgment (Qiyamah)
- the Qur’an teaches that God sets the rules and shows the way, and admonishes as a way of reminding
what is Qiyamah?
the Arabic term for the ‘Day of Judgment’
What are some Christian views that doesn’t support the death penalty?
- Most Christians believe only God has the right to take life
- all life is sacred and precious
- taking lives results in people playing God
- some Christians may argue that if they were the one who had committed the crime, they would want to be forgiven and not receive the death penalty: the golden rule
what are some quotes from the bible that doesn’t support the death penalty
-‘thou shalt not kill’
- ‘if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also’
- ‘love your enemies and pray for those who prosecute you’
what are some Christian views which support the death penalty?
- the death penalty is administrated by the authority and not carried out in anger by an individual
- it is designed to maintain law and order
- some would also argue that the failure to show the seriousness of certain crimes leads criminals not fearing serious punishment and therefore more prone to committing serious crimes
what are some quotes from the bible that support the death penalty?
- ‘An eye for an eye’
what are some Islamic views that does not support the death penalty?
- some want to stress the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation within the religion
- many agree there are more beneficial ways to punish an offender
what are some Islamic quotes that does not support the death penalty?
‘never take life’
what are some Islamic views that supports the death penalty?
Some criminals believe that criminals should be punished on earth as well as by God on the day of judgement.
what is an Islamic quote that supports the death penalty?
‘never take life except for just cause’
what are some Christian views about forgiveness?
- ## Christians believe that if they confess their sins, God will forgive them
