Religion and Science

Question 1

Definition of Big Bang theory

Answer 1

Scientific theory which suggests a massive explosion 13-15 years ago led to creation of whole universe

Question 2

Who was Charles Darwin?

Answer 2

Founder of evolution theory

Question 3

Definition of dominion

Answer 3

Idea that humans have control or responsibility over the earth

Question 4

Definition of environment

Answer 4

Area in which people live or refers to whole world

Question 5

Definition of evolution

Answer 5

Over time animals/species change into different animals/species and have adapted to new environment

Question 6

Definition of ex nihilo

Answer 6

Universe created out of nothing

Question 7

Definition of Genesis

Answer 7

Means origin

First book of the Bible (contains stories of creation)

Question 8

Definition of humanity

Answer 8

Refers to people or humans

Question 9

Definition of natural selection

Answer 9

Theory that tiny differences and genetic mutations between creatures of same species can make one individual more suited to environment than others so it survives longer and has offspring which inherit the trait

Question 10

Definition of stewardship

Answer 10

God-given right or responsibility to care for and manage the world

Question 11

Genesis 1

Answer 11

Day 1: Light
Day 2: Sky
Day 3: Land, plants, sea
Day 4: Sun, moon, stars
Day 5: Animals
Day 6: Humans (Adam and Eve)
Day 7: God rested

Question 12

Genesis 2

Answer 12

• This account shows God to be more personal and shows his involvement with the making of the world
• Myth

Question 13

How can Christians accommodate biblical beliefs with evolution?

Answer 13

• Hebrew word for day in bible means a period of time and so doesn’t mean 24hrs but a long time
• Creation stories just to show God is Lord and Creator of world rather than explaining how world was created

Question 14

How did Sir Charles Lyell discount the immediate miracle of creation?

Answer 14

• Described Earth as process if change
• Showed geological processes such as erosion and sedimentation had taken place over millions and years to form mountains and valleys

Question 15

3 important ideas that affect Christians’ attitudes towards environment

Answer 15

• Worship: celebrate and enjoy God’s work through hymns and prayer e.g. at harvest festivals
• Interdependence: humans are part of God’s creation so any damage to creation damages us
• Stewardship: humans given responsibility within creation so we should be good stewards and care for creation

Question 16

How can we be good stewards?

Answer 16

Conserve (protect) world’s resources and not overuse them

Question 17

Christian aid agencies that draw attention to abuse of creation

Answer 17

Christian Aid, CAFOD, Tear Fund

Question 18

Christian who used non-violence to stop deforestation but was killed

Answer 18

Chico Mendes

Question 19

Ways Christians try and respond to environmental issues

Answer 19

• Pray
• Recycle
• Use cars with low emissions, public transport or car share
• Raise awareness
• Be less wasteful
• Join organisations such as Greenpeace

Question 20

Reasons why Christians feel responsible for the world

Answer 20

• World created by God who gave us stewardship over creation

- World was perfect but destroyed by human selfishness, greed and envy

Question 21

Christian attitudes towards animals and their treatment

Answer 21

• Animals are part of God’s creation
• In Genesis, Adam given responsibility to name animals and told to rule over them (some believe we are caretakers, others believe we are better)
• Dominion

Question 22

Medical experiments and the Christian Churches

Answer 22

Roman Catholics: care and protect animals however human rights are more important, allow experiments to improve human health or save lives
Church of England: animals should receive care and sympathy during life and in manner of death, experiments for veterinary or medical research
Quakers: kind to animals, many are vegetarian and oppose hunting, against animal testing, might accept on medical grounds