Religion and Animal Rights

Question 1

Should religious believers eat meat? - (Buddhism) (2)

Answer 1

1) most are vegetarians (do not harm living creatures).

2) some eat meat if offered but not kill it themselves.

Question 2

Should religious believers eat meat? - (Sikhism) (2)

Answer 2

1) the langar (kitchen) usually offers vegetarian food out of respect to all.
2) freedom of choice.

Question 3

Should religious believers eat meat? - (Christianity) (2)

Answer 3

1) range of different views (some against some for).

2) the Bible does not advise against eating meat but does mention “do not kill”.

Question 4

Should religious believers eat meat? - (Hinduism) (2)

Answer 4

1) most are vegetarians (belief of cycle of birth which includes animals).
2) killing animals is cruel.

Question 5

Why are religious believers against the fur and ivory trade? (3)

Answer 5

• involves the slaughter of animals (“do not kill”).
• endangered species are often killed.
• lack of respect for life created by God.
• principle of ahimsa (no harm to living creatures).

Question 6

How are animals different to humans? (4)

Answer 6

• humans created in the image of God.
• humans have greater intellectual abilities.
• animals make decisions based on their instinct to survive, eat and reproduce.
• humans look after animals and animals work for humans.

Question 7

What might religious people do to help preserve endangered species? (3)

Answer 7

• adopt/sponsor per month an endangered species of animals.
• support zoos, Safari parks and aquariums.
• support wildlife charities (WWF/RSPCA).

Question 8

Religious attitudes towards animals. (4)

Answer 8

• animals should be protected, managed and cared for with respect.
• humans have a duty to care for the planet (STEWARDSHIP).
• Sanctity of Life (including animals).
• Hindus believe in reincarnation (soul reborn after death in different form).

Question 9

Religious attitudes towards working animals and animals in sport. (4)

Answer 9

• most do not object to animals for work/transport as long as they are cared for.
• Islam teaches that working animals must not be beaten or overworked.
• most support use of animals for helpful healing purposes (the sick, blind or elderly).
• Buddhist/Hindus forbid hunting (it is cruel, unnecessary and abuses living creatures).

Question 10

Religious attitudes towards hunting. (4)

Answer 10

• cruelty/inhumane (eg - fox hunting).
• Christians say that animals are part of God’s creation (humans have a duty to protect them - STEWARDSHIP).
• Christians believe that hunting is justified as God told humans to bring animals under control.
• Buddhists see animals as part of he cycle of birth, death and rebirth (non-violence should be shown).

Question 11

Religious attitudes towards genetic modification. (3)

Answer 11

• enables scientists to study how genes work - (genetic modification may help fight diseases).
• some religions believe that scientist are ‘playing God’.
• Buddhists oppose GM as animals life is precious.