religion and life Flashcards
what describes the religious creation of the universe?
teachings in the Qur’an and the story in genesis 1:1-2:3
what is the scientific explanation for the origins of the universe?
the Big Bang theory
what does the creation story in genesis say?
god made the world in six days and rested on the seventh
what do fundamentalist christians believe?
believe that statements in bible are literally true; some believe creation stories describe exactly how universe created whilst others feel seven days represent seven long periods of time
what do liberal christians believe?
believe creation stories are symbolic where main message is that god created universe; might look to science to understand how
what are muslim beliefs about the creation of the universe?
- some believe universe designed/made by god from nothing
- most believe ‘six days’ references six periods of time; no indication of what was made in each day/day of rest as in bible
- god organised universes to be under his watchful command; work of creation continues with every new life/seed that grows
give a reference to scripture about muslim beliefs about creation
“Your Lord is God who created the heavens and earth in six days…He created the sun, moon and stars…All creation and all command belongs to Him.” - Qur’an 7:54
what is the basis of the big bang theory?
- started with tiny dense hot ‘something’
- over 13.8 billion years expanded to become cosmos
- continued to expand and cool
- matter that had been flung everywhere became stars grouped into galaxies
what does islam encourage?
scientific investigation which may provide greater understanding of god
what would some muslims argue about creation?
what is written in the Qur’an about creation closely resembles theories like the Big Bang theory
what is an example of how what’s written in the Qur’an may seem similar to theories e.g. the Big Bang?
the Qur’an describes how when god created the universe, the heavens and earth were one and god split them into two smoke-like forms (Qur’an 21:30)
why do muslims and christians feel the earth is valuable?
god created it
what is stewardship (khalifah)?
belief that humans have a duty to protect and care for the earth and its environment
what can the beauty of the world give christians and muslims?
a sense of awe and wonder
what is awe?
devout respect for god’s power of creation
what is wonder?
marvelling at the complexity of the universe
why do muslims/christians feel the earth/nature are so amazing?
they provide everything living things need to survive
what do muslims see the world the same way as/give example?
they see the world the same way as a place of worship e.g. damaging the earth is a serious sin similar to harming a mosque
give a christian scripture reference about how valuable the world is
“When I consider your heavens…what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” - psalm 8:3-4
give a muslim scripture reference about how valuable the world is
“Every single Muslim that cultivates or plants anything of which humans, animals or birds may eat is counted as charity towards them on his behalf.” - Hadith
what are christian beliefs about stewardship?
- genesis 2 says Adam was given role of stewardship over earth, looking after it for god
- responsibility has been passed down to mankind so role of all humans to look after earth for god ; if they use it wrongly, they are destroying what belongs to god
- in return for looking after earth, humans allowed to use it to sustain life
give a reference to christian scripture to support stewardship
“The Lord God took the man (Adam) and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” - genesis 2:15
what are muslim beliefs about stewardship?
- both sunni and shi’a muslims believe humans have role of stewards (khalifah) so should protect environment for future generations
- only one creator and people responsible to him for actions; on day of judgement humans will be answerable to god for how they fulfilled this role
- Qur’an states laws of god’s creation should not be changed
give a reference to muslim scripture to support stewardship
“It is He who has made you successors on the earth.” - Qur’an 6:165
what is dominion?
Christians teach that god gave humans power and authority to take charge of the earth
what in one interpretation of dominion?
a minority interpret it to mean humans can do whatever they want as they are in charge
give a reference to scripture about dominion
“Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” - genesis 1:28
what is population growth having an impact on?
the environment/natural world
what are two ways humans are using natural resources?
- forests are being destroyed
- non-renewable resources e.g. coal, oil and gas being used up
what do christians and muslims believe about the use of natural resources?
believe they should avoid waste and conserve energy
what are three types of pollution?
- air
- land
- water
what is a cause of air pollution?
fumes from factories and transport
what are possible problems caused by air pollution?
- global warming
- climate change
- acid rain
- diseases e.g. asthma and lung cancer
what is a cause of land pollution?
poor disposal of waste
what is a possible problem caused by land pollution?
chemicals pollute the earth causing wildlife to be poisoned, inefficient farming and poisoned food
what is a cause of water pollution?
dumping waste into rivers and seas
what is a possible problem caused by water pollution?
oil spills and plastic waste kill birds and marine life including whales
what is a reference to the Hadith that emphasises the need for muslims to help the environment?
“Do not seek rom it more than what you need.”
how does the Qur’an reinforce the need for stewardship/need for sustainable living?
“Eat and drink [as we have permitted] but do not be extravagant.” - Qur’an 7:31
which parable warns that god will be the final judge about how responsible humans have been in looking after the earth?
the parable of the talents/bags of gold
in 1986, what did religious leaders do at Assisi in Italy?
discuss how religious people everywhere could help to care for the environment
in the Assisi declarations on nature, what did christians write?
‘Every human act of irresponsibility towards creatures is an abomination’
where did religious leaders meet again in 1995 and why?
- Ohito in Japan
- to stress that being in charge of creation doesn’t give people the gift to abuse/spoil/waste/destroy the earth
what are some examples of groups that christians and muslims join about the environment?
- The Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Science
- Greenpeace
- Friends of Earth
what do christians and muslims encourage people to do?
reduce waste, recycle and reuse materials
what are christian teachings about the use of animals for food?
- christianity has no rules about eating meat/not
- some believe god gave humans animals for food
- non-meat eaters inc. some christians say no need to eat animals as non-meat diet provides all nutrition needed
- some argue if crops grown on land for livestock there would be more food to go around and this would please god
what are muslim teachings about the use of animals for food?
- to provide food is a just cause for killing animals but hunting for entertainment/pleasure is not
- muslims have laws about how/which animals must be killed for food e.g. no animal should be killed for food in front of other animals
- to be halal, animals are killed ‘in the name of God’ and throat is cut with very sharp knife to prevent suffering and blood is drained out
- pigs must not be eaten/any animal not halal inc. those that died in the wild
what is animal experimentation?
scientists use animals like rats, chimpanzees and rabbits to test new products like medicines and food to see if they are safe for humans to use
what are christian and muslim teachings about animal experimentation?
- causing animals unnecessary harm/stress is against muslim principles
- most christians/muslims believe testing should be allowed for essential human needs but animals should be treated with compassion
- islam teaches animal experimentation not essential is not allowed
- many christians believe stewardship involves treating all life with care as given by god
- some christians would use principle of dominion to support their use of animals to benefit humans
what are christian beliefs about the origins of human life?
- story in genesis 1, god created all life/humans last
- genesis 2 shows god creating Adam/Adam given responsibility to look after garden of eden
- god made eve to help Adam
- story shows humans special to god as made in his image
what are muslim beliefs about the origins of human life?
- after god made universe/everything in it, he made humans
- created Adam and then eve
- they were allowed to live in paradise/given free will but forbidden from eating from the tree
- iblis convinced them to eat from it
- awareness of regret Adam and Eve felt is essential for serving god
- god created everything needed for humans to live on earth
give a reference to scripture about origins of human life
“You humans were lifeless and He gave you life.” - Qur’an 2:28
when did Charles Darwin put forward the theory of evolution?
1859
what does the theory of evolution roughly describe?
- life started with single-celled creatures in sea
- they gradually evolved into creatures capable of living on land
- then creatures that could fly developed e.g. birds/insects
- 2.5 million years ago creatures resembling humans formed
- gradually changed into humans about 200,000 years ago
what are some religious debates on evolution?
- some christians/muslims are creationists; believe origin of human life exactly as scripture/reject evolution
- many christians/minority muslims accept mainstream scientific view of evolution/don’t believe should cause conflict with faith; god created beginnings of life/set everything in motion
- some muslims agree evolution correct for everything but humans; god inserted Adam into natural order/ evolution progressed from god’s initial creation
what is abortion?
the removal of a foetus from the womb to end a pregnancy
what is the sanctity of life?
belief that life is holy and given by god so only god can take it away
what is quality of life?
general well-being of a person, in relation to health and happiness
what is the legal position on abortion in the uk?
- abortion must take place in licensed clinic during first 24 weeks of pregnancy
- 24-week limit doesn’t apply if mother’s life in danger/baby will be born severely deformed
- two doctors must agree to taking place if meets one condition
what are the four conditions of which one must be met for doctors to allow an abortion in the UK?
- pregnancy endangers woman’s life
- woman’s physical/mental health endangered
- strong risk baby will be born with severe physical/mental disabilities
- additional child may endanger physical/mental health of other children in family
what are christian beliefs about abortion?
- believe in sanctity of life
- Jeremiah 1:5 shows god has a plan for everyone and abortion takes this away
- psalm 139:13 suggests abortion is taking away what god made
- some christians agree with abortion if baby will have very low quality of life/in instances of rape etc
- Catholic Church and some evangelical churches believe abortion is wrong as life starts at conception
give a christian reference to scripture about abortion
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” - psalm 139:13
what are muslim beliefs about abortion?
- most muslims believe abortion is haram
- some feel acceptable under some circumstances
- mother’s life should be saved if baby putting her in danger; her life takes priority if baby will cause physical/mental harm
- some believe abortion justified if foetus will be born with disabilities or is result of rape
- financial situations to considered acceptable reason for abortion
- abortion must happen before ensoulment (when foetus is given soul); some think 40 days, some 120
give a muslim reference to scripture about abortion
“Do not kill your children for fear of poverty - We shall provide for them and you” - Qur’an 17:31
what does euthanasia mean?
‘a good or gentle death’
what is active euthanasia?
involves taking deliberate steps to end a person’s life e.g. giving lethal injection
what is voluntary euthanasia?
ill person asks for life to be ended as don’t want to live anymore
what is involuntary euthanasia?
person is capable of expressing choice but not given opportunity to do so
what is non-voluntary euthanasia?
person unable to express choice e.g. baby or in coma
what are some christian arguments in favour of euthanasia?
- god gives people free will to end their own life
- may be most loving and compassionate thing to do (“love your neighbour”)
- allows good and gentle death which may not be case if natural death occurs
- allows dignified death
- drugs to end life are god-given so can be used
what are some christian arguments against of euthanasia?
- euthanasia is deliberate killing/murder
- it’s open to abuse and may be against will of the ill person
- only god should take life at time of his choosing
- inheritance issues may encourage relatives to pressure family member to agree to euthanasia
- once certain types allowed it could encourage compulsory euthanasia at certain age in future
what are muslim views on euthanasia?
- it’s haram/forbidden as goes against sanctity of life
- no one knows god’s plans; person may be suffering for a purpose known only to god e.g. illness may enable others to do good by looking after them so gaining place in paradise
- seen as sin against god, individual and community
- al-qadr (predestination) means god has planned everyone’s lives and ending early goes against plan; only god decides when it will be ended
what is a muslim reference to scripture for euthanasia?
“No soul may die except with God’s permission at a predestined time.” - Qur’an 3:145
what do christians believe death is the beginning of?
an eternal life that depends on faith in god
what do christians believe god’s judgement results in?
a person spending eternity either with god in heaven or without god in hell
what is the afterlife that muslims believe in known as?
akhirah
what do muslims believe life on earth is?
a test or trial which will determine what happens in the afterlife
what do muslims believe happens on the day of judgement?
each person will be brought before god and the book of their life will be opened; their good and bad deeds are weighed and god decides their fate
who do muslims believe are sent to hell?
those who rejected god, Muhammad and the teachings of the Qur’an and those who did not do enough good deeds
who do muslims believe are rewarded with eternity in paradise with god?
muslims who did more good deeds than bad deeds
what effect does a belief in the afterlife and god’s judgement have on christians and muslims?
has an effect on how they live their lives
what do all religions emphasise?
that everyone is accountable for their actions on earth and all actions have consequences
