Religion and life

Question 1

Scientific/ atheist views on creation of Earth

Answer 1

The universe happened by Big Bang
This happened by chance

Question 2

Scientific/ atheist views on origin of humans

Answer 2

Darwin’s theory of evolution
We evolved from animals due to a process of ‘survival of the fittest’

Question 3

Christian view on creation of Earth

Answer 3

In Genesis, God created the Universe in 6 days and rested on the 7th

Question 4

Christian interpretations on creation of the Earth

Answer 4

Literal = Everything in Genesis that happened is completely true
Inspirational = Humans were inspired by God however due to human error it wasn’t 100% accurate. ‘Day’ meant era so perhaps God took many eras, potentially backing up the bing bang
Metaphorical = the story is just a symbol for what actually happened. Believes science too

Question 5

Christian view on NATURE of humans

Answer 5

Humans = made in image of God and reflect good qualities of God
God ‘breathed life’ (soul) into us so we are the highest point of creation
We however contain original sin and ability for moral evil.

Question 6

What does it mean to be ‘made in the image of God’?

Answer 6

Humans are the highest point of creation and reflect God
We rule the Earth for him

Question 7

Bible quote to show humans are in the image of God

Answer 7

“God created human kind in his own image” Genesis

Question 8

Stewardship

Answer 8

Using the fact we are made in the image of God to rule but in God’s definition of ‘good’
Cultivating, protecting and growing the Earth as it’s our duty

Question 9

Arguments in favour of stewardship

Answer 9

The Earth does not belong to us but to God so we shouldn’t ruin it
If we rule by dominion increased chance of sin due to causing destruction
It was God’s original plan before fall of humanity

Question 10

Quotes to support stewardship

Answer 10

“The Earth is the Lord’s and its fullness”
“God placed man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate in” Genesis

Question 11

Dominion

Answer 11

Humans have been given the power to rule by God and therefore should use it how they see fit
They define good and evil themselves and use it for their advantage

Question 12

Arguments in favour of dominion

Answer 12

Sometimes we have to do what’s best for us for our advantage
We were created above animals since we have a soul and they don’t

Question 13

Quotes to support dominion

Answer 13

“You appointed them rulers over all that you made” Psalms

Question 14

Arguments for humans are more important than animals

Answer 14

God has given us a soul not animals
God made us in the image of God
We have greater intelligence and ability for empathy
God gave us ability for leadership: stewardship or dominion

Question 15

Quotes about the human soul

Answer 15

“God breathed into man the breath of life” Genesis
“Your body is the temple for the Holy Spirit”

Question 16

How would Christians adopt Stewardship into daily life?

Answer 16

Gardening, farming (cultivating Earth)
Protecting animals and the environment
Being more sustainable
Day to day life of being rulers over the planet and developing good things

Question 17

How would Christians adopt Dominion into daily life?

Answer 17

Eating meat as they have authority over animals
Supporting animal testing for medical products
Building homes when necessary for more people to live
Treating others based on their own morality

Question 18

Christian arguments against eating meat/ animal testing

Answer 18

Stewardship means we must cultivate and grow the Earth
“Not one sparrow is forgotten by God”

Question 19

Christian arguments for eating meat/ animal testing

Answer 19

We have dominion over the world and can determine what’s morally right or wrong
If it’s to our advantage it should be ok
We are made in image of God and have a soul: above animals
“Every moving thing that lives shall be meat for you” Genesis

Question 20

Non religious arguments against eating meat/ animal testing

Answer 20

Animal can’t consent for testing
Not necessary always, we can survive of no meat and no cosmetics
Purpose of animals isn’t for exploitation but for the environment and natural cycle of Earth
Eating meat bad for environmental

Question 21

Non religious arguments for eating meat/ animal testing

Answer 21

Helps relieve human suffering for medication
Laws for least amount of suffering
We have certain features for eating meat
It’s a good source of protein

Question 22

Sanctity of life

Answer 22

Human life is special as we are made in image of God and have a soul
God has a plan for all human life
So only he can decide when to take life

Question 23

Christian quotes in support of abortion

Answer 23

“Man does not become human until he receives the breath of life” Genesis

Question 24

Christian quotes against abortion

Answer 24

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you”
“For I know and have plans for you”
God has a plan for every human and only he can decide when to end it
“Thou shall not commit murder”

Question 25

Buddhist teachings on sanctity of life

Answer 25

Eightfold Path = right livelihood so Buddhists should take a job that doesn’t harm others ‘Abstain from killing’ = treat all life respectfully and don’t kill Compassion and loving kindness for the world

Question 26

Christian arguments against abortion

Answer 26

Sanctity of life = only God has the power to end life as human life is sacred God has a plan for everyone and we shouldn’t interfere Life begins at conception = murder Abortion doesn’t honour God’s creation

Question 27

Christian arguments for abortion

Answer 27

We should ‘love thy neighbour’ and it may help the mother ‘The breath of life’ could be a reference to when the fetus can breathe on its own so not human = not murder

Question 28

Buddhist arguments for abortion

Answer 28

Giving birth to an unwanted/disabled child might cause more suffering in the long run than terminating it Some Buddhists may have conflicting beliefs if foetus is actually alive

Question 29

Buddhist arguments against abortion

Answer 29

Traditional = life starts at conception as you have a karmic identity and treated as a person Therefore it’s murder ‘Abstain from killing’ Messes up cycle of reincarnation Foetus had no chance to develop good karma so can’t progress to Enlightenment Bad karma for the mother

Question 30

Non religious arguments for abortion

Answer 30

Mother may not be prepared and would give the child a bad life Rape Disability Arguably not an alive human = can’t exist outside the body and only cells Right to choose what you do with your body (bodily autonomy) Mother suffers not foetus since it can’t feel pain

Question 31

Non religious arguments against abortion

Answer 31

A human foetus still a human Alternatives such as adoption Could encourage reckless behaviour such as using it as a contraception

Question 32

Euthanasia

Answer 32

The deliberate ending of someone’s life to relieve them of suffering

Question 33

Voluntary euthanasia

Answer 33

when a person requests that their life be ended, perhaps because they have a terminal illness that is causing them a lot of pain.

Question 34

Non voluntary euthanasia

Answer 34

When a person is unable to request their life is ended ie in a coma

Question 35

Passive euthanasia

Answer 35

Removing treatment the person relies on to be alive

Question 36

Active euthanasia

Answer 36

Actively causing the end of someone’s life by using lethal drugs

Question 37

Assisted suicide

Answer 37

A terminally Ill person asking someone else to help them take their own life

Question 38

Why are Christian’s against euthanasia?

Answer 38

Sanctity of life = all life is sacred because it’s made by god Murder = against 10 commandments Goes against god’s plan who has already determined when you will die “You are not your own”

Question 39

Why are Christians in favour of euthanasia?

Answer 39

Because of doctrine of double effect: something will have a good effect as well as a bad one Most loving thing to do as god is merciful and won’t want us to suffer

Question 40

Why might Buddhists be in favour of euthanasia?

Answer 40

Committing suicide in a clear state of mind can be enlightened and clear Stress on avoiding harm on others = dukkha

Question 41

Why are Buddhists against euthanasia?

Answer 41

Alters someone’s karmic balance and results in bad karma Their next reincarnation may result in even more suffering