Religion & Planet Earth Flashcards
How do many people think we treat the Earth?
Many people believe we are damaging the Earth, which is irreplaceable, beyond repair.
Explain Christian beliefs about the origins of life on Earth.
The Bible begins with a story that tell how God created the heavens and the Earth out of nothing, filled the Earth with living creatures and made human beings. God completed his work in 6 days and rested on the 7th.
Some Christians take these stories literally, whilst most prefer to concentrate on the religious truths they teach about caring for the Earth.
Explain Buddhist beliefs about the origins of life on Earth.
There is no Buddhist creation story. The Buddha thought questions about how the Earth started was idle speculation.
Define awe.
A feeling of respect; insight into meaning greater than oneself.
Define wonder.
Marvelling at the complexity and beauty of the universe.
What is the wow factor?
Science reveals a world filled with mystery, awe and wonder. Without a sense of awe and wonder at the mysteries of nature or its power and beauty, our lives can remain flat and boring.
However, some people worry that humans have lost their sense of awe and take the planet for granted.
What are Buddhist beliefs about the Universe?
To Buddhists, the Universe is a single, vast living thing. Therefore, humans should not act against it.
What are Christian beliefs about the Earth?
Christians believe God created the universe as an expression of his love.
As God’s children, humans have the responsibility to care for and protect the natural world and be thankful to God.
The world really belongs to God, not human beings.
What is meant by stewardship?
The idea that believers have a duty to look after the environment on behalf of God.
What do religious people believe about stewardship?
Some believe God will judge humans when they die on how well they look after the Earth.
Those who believe in reincarnation believe they will return to Earth, so will want to ensure they have a good Earth to return to.
What are the Buddhist beliefs about caring for the Earth?
Buddhists should develop an attitude of loving kindness (metta) to all things, including the Earth.
What are the Christian beliefs about caring for the Earth?
In the past, the instruction by God to ‘rule over…every living creature’ was understood as domination rather than stewardship.
Now, Christians believe they have a duty to conserve the Earth for future generations.
What threats to the environment are posed by humans?
- Carbon emissions from vehicles, power stations and factories.
- Greenhouse gases.
- Increasing amounts of waste.
- Pollution of river and seas.
- Deforestation and destruction of natural habitats.
- Using up natural resources faster than they can be replaced.
What is the greenhouse effect?
Greenhouse gases released from cars, etc. cover the Earth like a blanket, trapping the Sun’s heat. Most people agree that this greenhouse effect causes global warming.
How is household waste disposed of?
Most of it goes to the tip and much of it is not biodegradable. However, people are starting to recycle things like glass and paper.
Why is industrial waste dangerous?
Industrial waste contains dangerous chemicals which can affect human health and the environment so is hard to deal with.
Waste from nuclear power stations is particularly dangerous because its radioactivity lasts for thousands of years and can seep into soil and drinking water, causing cancer and illness.
How does recycling help to save the environment?
- Saves energy, which reduces carbon emissions.
- Conserves natural resources so protects natural habitats.
- Reduces the need for landfill sites which produce methane, another greenhouse gas.
Define pollution.
The contamination of something, especially the environment.