Religious, philosophical and ethical studies in the modern world Flashcards
To help learn the content from the Religious, philosophical and ethical studies in the modern world section of the course, Route A. It includes flashcards on content from all 4 sub-sections of this section. (Issues in relationships, life and death, good and evil and human rights)
1
Q
What is a family?
A
- The foundation for all human activity.
- Within the family the norms and values of society are lived out so that children can be carefully brought into adulthood.
2
Q
What is a nuclear family?
A
- Most common type of family in Britain.
- Two parents and one or more children.
- All living in the same house.
3
Q
What is an extended family?
A
- Several adults and children who are related living in the same home.
- E.G uncles, grandparents etc living together and sharing family roles.
4
Q
What is a reconstituted family?
A
- A family where someone who is divorced and now lives with their new partner.
- A mix of step-parents and step-children.
5
Q
What is a single-parent family?
A
- One parent raising one or more children alone.
- This type of family has increased in modern Britain as a result of an increasing divorce rate.
6
Q
What is a childless family?
A
A married or cohabiting couple are either unable to have children naturally or decide to not have children.
7
Q
What was the traditional role of men in the family?
A
- Christianity, Islam and Judaism all had a traditional role of the man. They were responsible for providing for the family through work.
- This is a ‘patriarchal’ view.
8
Q
What was the traditional role of women in the family?
A
- Christianity, Judaism and Islam all had a similar traditional view of women in family life. The mother was responsible for domestic life.
- This is a matriarchal view.
9
Q
What do Christians, Jews and Muslims all think about family?
A
- It is the most important foundation of society.
- We need to create strong nuclear and extended families.
10
Q
How have views on family life changed?
A
Men and women are thought of as a partnership in family life, with shared responsibilities.
11
Q
How has the role of the woman changed in family life?
A
- Much more likely to continue working when they have got married and had children.
- Men and women can share parental leave.
12
Q
How has the role of the man changed within family life?
A
- Increasing numbers of men are becoming ‘house-husbands’.
- The number of men had doubled since 1993.
- Men and women can have shared parental leave.
13
Q
Why is family important to religion?
A
- Religion is taught by the family and encouraged.
- The 10 Commandments tells you to ‘ honour your mother and father’
14
Q
How do parents encourage religion in their children?
A
- They take their children to a place of worship
- Teach them how to read the Bible
- Teach them how and when to pray
- Join in the celebration of festivals
15
Q
What do Humanists think about bringing your children up religious?
A
- Children should make up their own ideas about religion.
- Everyone should be able to make a free choice about accepting or rejecting religious beliefs.
16
Q
What is a worldwide family?
A
- For many religious believers, those that share the same faith are thought of as extended family.
- Christians use the phrase ‘people of God’.
- Muslims call it ‘ummah’.
17
Q
What does Pope Francis say about the worldwide family?
A
- The family is the basis of human society.
- The role of the mother in passing on religious faith is fundamental.
- ‘it is very important to reaffirm the family’.
18
Q
What do Humanists believe about marriage?
A
- It is a significant part of human life.
- They understand why a couple may want a special ceremony to show their commitment.
- The ceremony would hold no religious aspect.
- The significance is for the couple and for society.
19
Q
What do Christians, Muslims and Jews think about marriage?
A
- It is the basis of family life.
- It is God-given.
- The best basis for creating and environment into which children should be born.
- A lifelong commitment.
20
Q
What is the Christian attitude towards marriage?
A
- It is a given by God ( A Sacrament).
- The phrase ‘ordained by God’ is used. Giving marriage special significance for all.
- Jesus taught about the importance of marriage.
- It is forever - ‘What God has joined together, let no man put asunder’.
- The relationship is the most important human relationship for the couple.
21
Q
What is the order of the wedding service in a Chuch of England ceremony?
A
- The vicar welcomes everyone and gives a talk on the nature and purpose of marriage.
- The couple exchange their vows that reflect the Christian beliefs on marriage.
- The couple exchange rings as a sign of commitment.
- The vicar declares the couple married.
- There are prayers and Bible readings.
- The married couple sign the register in front of a registrar and witnesses making it legal.
22
Q
What does the vow ‘to have and to hold mean’?
A
That the couple will be physically together in a sexual relationship.
23
Q
What does the vow ‘from this day forward’ mean?
A
This day marks the beginning of the marriage.
24
Q
What does the vow’ for better or for worse’ mean?
A
That the marriage should last through both good times and when life is more difficult.
25
What does the vow 'for richer or for poorer' mean?
That the marriage should last whether the couple are wealthy or poor.
26
What does the vow 'in sickness and in health' mean?
In spite of mental or physical illness.
27
What does the vow 'to love and to cherish' mean?
The couple should support and care for each other.
28
What does the vow 'till death do us part' mean?
The marriage is expected to be a lifelong commitment.
29
What does the vow 'according to God's holy law' mean?
The marriage is ordained by God.
30
What does the vow 'and this is my solemn vow' mean?
That the vows are a serious commitment taken by the couple.
31
What are some issues raised by inter-faith marriages?
* In the Christian Orthodox tradition you can only get married in the Church if you marry a baptised Christian.
* In the Catholic tradition the non-Catholic must agree to children being brought up Catholic.
* In the Orthodox Jewish tradition only Jews can marry in the synagogue.
32
What are the problems of an inter-faith marriage?
* How can you follow religious dietary laws?
* Which festivals should they celebrate?
* Which religion should the children be brought up in?
* What if families refuse to accept the marriage?
33
What is cohabitation?
* When two non-married people live in a romantic partnership.
* Some people cohabiting will never marry, some will marry after a period.
* It is the fastest growing family type in the UK.
34
What do Christians think about cohabitation?
* They traditionally prohibit cohabitation.
* Recently they have started relaxing the view on cohabitation. Marriage is the ideal but some liberals accept that cohabitation is part of a committed relationship.
35
Why do some Christians disagree with cohabitation?
* They believe it devalues the special and sacred nature of sex.
* The Catholic Church and conservative Anglicans reject cohabitation and expect couples to not have sex before marriage.
* Some Baptist churches would refuse to marry a cohabiting couple.
36
What is adultery?
* When a married person has a sexual relationship with someone who is not their wife/husband.
* Most people dissaprove of adultery on a moral and social basis.
* The law recognises adultery as a reason for divorce.
37
What do Christians, Muslims and Jews think about adultery?
* It is a great sin.
* It is forbidden in the 10 Commandments 'Do not commit adultery'.
38
Why do Christians think adultery is wrong?
* Marriage should be sexually exclusive.
* It is against the 10 Commandments 'Do not commit adultery'.
* Marriage is a gift from God and adultery goes against this.
* It destroys a special relationship between a husband and wife.
* It harms the family unit.
39
Why can some marriages fail?
* Religious differences.
* Unemployment/ too much focus on career.
* Lack of ability to have children.
* Unacceptable behaviour (alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling, violence).
* Too little time together
* Lack of communication.
40
What do religious communities do to try and prevent a marriage from failing?
They attempt to reconcile the couple by:
1. Offering counselling
2. Offering guidance to the couple
3. The wider community might offer support and prayers.
41
How can you end a marriage?
* Divorce - Legal ending of marriage.
* Separation - Deciding to live separately.
* Annulment - A legal way of cancelling a marriage in the Catholic Church.
42
What is remarriage?
Marrying someone else after you have been previously married.
43
What is the Catholic attitude to divorce?
* They do not permit divorce, Catholic couples may remain separated instead of divorcing.
* Catholics prefer annulment or separation.
* 'Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate' (Mark).
* Catholics who get divorced are not allowed to receive Holy Communion during mass.
44
What is bigamy?
* Marrying more than one person at once.
* This is illegal.
* If someone wants to remarry they must be divorced first.
45
What is divorce?
To legally end a marriage
46
What do Christians think about divorce and remarriage?
1. It is accepted but not preferred.
2. Every attempt to stay together should be made.
3. Jesus' teaching in Matthew teaches that remarriage after anything other than an unfaithful partner as adultery.
4. Ministers are free to choose whether to conduct a remarriage service.
47
What does the Catholic Church teach about divorce?
* The Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a lifelong commitment.
* Divorce in the eyes of the church is therefore not possible.
* A civil divorce may be obtained but this will not be recognised by the church.
* Remarriage is not possible.
48
What do Christians teach about sex and contraception?
* Sex should take place within a committed relationship such as marriage.
* Sex is holy and sacred and a gift from God.
* Casual sex is seen as devaluing people.
* Contraception is acceptable to many Christians as long as both partners agree.
49
What is the Catholic attitude towards using contraception?
* The Catholic Church has always taught responsible parenthood.
* The Church teaches that sexual intercourse is a gift from God as a source of joy and pleasure to married couples as well as a means of creating a family.
* Catholics believe that you can plan your family using natural contraception, like the rhythm method.
50
What are the different methods of contraception?
* Natural Methods
* Artificial Methods
51
Can you give an example of Natural Methods of Contraception?
Natural Family Planning
## Footnote
Planning sex around when the female is most fertile.
52
Can you give an example of Artificial Methods of Contraception?
Condoms, the pill, the injection, the coil, the morning after pill and the implant are some examples.
53
Why do Catholics have that attitude towards using contraception?
1. Pope Pius XI condemned all forms of contraception.
2. In 1951, Pope Pius XII said that Catholics could use natural methods of contraception as these are natural and so part of God’s creation.
3. The Catholic Church regards contraception as a major cause of sexual promiscuity, broken families, the rise in divorce rate and sexually transmitted diseases.
4. Artificial methods of birth control i.e. condoms or the Pill separate the unitive and creative aspects of sex, which is not what God intended.
54
What is the Christian attitude to same-sex relationships?
* Many oppose same-sex relationships and marriages based on biblical ground.
* Anglicans and Catholics do not allow same-sex marriages in Church.
* Quakers allow same-sex marriages.
55
What do Christians think about the roles of women in worship and authority?
* The original disciples were all men.
* Jesus had women followers.
* Roles of men and women are equally important but might be different.
* Anglicans allow women to be ordained and be bishops.
56
What do Catholics think about the roles of women in worship and authority?
* Women have an active role in worship.
* Women cannot be priests.
* Pope Francis has emphasised the important role that women play in the Church.
57
What is prejudice?
When you pre judge a person without any evidence
58
What is discrimination?
Treating people differently because of their race, gender, religion or class
59
What is free will?
The God given ability to make choices voluntarily and independently.
60
What is a crime?
When someone breaks the law
61
Why do we have laws?
* Laws are there to show what acceptable behaviour is so that people can live safely without fear.
* Laws are made by the government and can vary from country to country (Alcohol age in UK is 18, 21 in America).
* What is Lawful can change over time (capital punishment used to be legal in the UK).
62
What is a sin?
1. A sin is an action that goes against the will of God.
2. Some sins are also crimes E.G murder and stealing.
3. Other sins are not against the law (e.g. Adultery).
63
What is absolute morality?
* When a person holds an idea that something is always right, or always wrong.
* For example, murder is always wrong.
64
What is relative morality?
* Something is right or wrong depending on the situation.
* Stealing is wrong in principle, but to save a starving child it would be acceptable.
65
What are the main causes of crime?
* Pressures from society.
* Pressure from the media.
* Pressure from peers.
* Pressures from personal life.
66
What things have a great influence on crime?
* The presence of evil and sin in the world.
* Alcohol and drugs.
* Poverty.
* Quality of family life.
* Low self-esteem.
67
What is reform?
Trying to ensure the criminal is helped to change their way of life
68
What is deterrence?
The punishment should put people off committing the crime.
69
What is the aim of deterrance?
* Criminals should think more carefully about breaking the law as they know they will be punished.
* Punishments must be proportionate to the crime.
* Seeing people be punished puts other people off doing the crime.
70
What is rehabilitation?
Helping criminals reform through education, counselling and training so they don't reoffend.
71
What is the aim of rehabilitation?
Criminals are less likely to commit the crime again as they become productive members of society.
72
Why might people be against rehabilitation?
* Some people see it as being 'soft on criminals'.
* Studies have found that factors like poverty and poor parenting mean people are more likely to turn to crime. Unless these are addressed people will continue to commit crimes.
73
What is retribution?
Making the criminal pay for what they have done.
74
What is the aim of retribution?
* People get what they deserve.
* 'An eye for an eye' - Old Testament.
75
Why would a Christian disagree with retribution?
Punishments should be motivated by justice not revenge.
76
What do Christians teach about forgiveness?
* Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel.
* Christians should treat others with compassion, love, mercy, and forgiveness.
* Jesus makes it clear there is no limit to forgiveness: 'You should forgive 77 times'.
77
What do Christians follow that shows forgiveness?
* The Lord's Prayer: 'Forgive us our sins'.
* The Parable of the Prodigal Son - The father forgives and welcomes back his son.
* Jesus forgave the people who put him to death: 'Father forgive them for they know not what they do'.
78
How do forgiveness and justice/punishment work together?
* It is up to God to judge people and he will forgive those who are truly sorry for what they have done.
* Christians see the main purpose of punishment to be able to help the person involved to reform.
79
What is reparation?
Criminals should have the right to 'pay' for the wrong they have done and repair the damage
80
What is protection?
* Making sure all people and society itself is kept free from crime.
* Criminals also need protection.
81
What are the 6 main aims of punishment?
1. Retribution
2. Reparation
3. Reformation
4. Protection
5. Justice
6. Deterrence
82
What do Christians believe about aims of punishment?
* Everyone was created free to accept or reject God's ways.
* If people sin or commit crimes - justice must follow.
* Forgiveness must be sought
* At the end of life God will be he final judge.
* Jesus taught compassion and not revenge.
83
What Christian views are there FOR capital punishment?
* Jesus never taught that Capital Punishment was wrong.
* In the Old Testament it teaches that Capital Punishment should be used for some crimes.
* Some people argue that it upholds the commandment 'do not kill' as it shows the seriousness of murder as a crime.
* St Paul teaches that you should obey the law of your country - Capital Punishment is legal in some.
* The Catholic Church has not cancelled their statements that Capital Punishment can be used by the country.
84
What Christian views are there AGAINST capital punishment?
* Jesus came to reform sinners - you can't reform a dead person.
* The 5th Commandment says 'do not kill'.
* Jesus said revenge is wrong 'turn the other cheek'.
* Christianity teaches all life is Sacred and only God can give and take away life.
* The message of Christianity is love and forgiveness - Capital Punishment goes against this.
* The wrong person might be killed.
* Pope Francis stated he is against Capital Punishment.
85
What non-religious views are there FOR capital punishment?
* Retribution is a major part of punishment - the only retribution for murder is Capital Punishment.
* Human life is valuable and the worth of it will be shown by giving those who take a life the worst punishment it acts as a good deterrent.
86
What non-religious views are there AGAINST capital punishment?
* No court can be sure the correct verdict is given - you could kill an innocent person.
* It is proven that countries without Capital Punishment have a lower murder rate - so it doesn't work as a deterrent.
* Murderers regard life in prison as worse than Capital Punishment.
* Humanists say that all people have Human Rights and Capital Punishment takes away this.
87
Can you give two examples of Christian forgiveness in action?
1. Gee walker - mother of a Anthony Walker who was murdered in a racially motivated attack. She forgave her son's killer.
2. Desmond Tutu - Encouraged forgiveness after the South African apartheid.
88
What is Original Sin?
The first sin committed by Adam and Eve.
89
How is the Original Sin commited?
1. In Genesis God says Adam and Eve may eat from any tree in the garden but the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
2. In Genesis 3 Eve is tempted by a snake into eating fruit from the tree and shares it with Adam.
3. God punishes them for this.
90
What is another name for the story of Original Sin?
1. 'The Fall'.
2. Genesis 3.
3. It is when humans 'fell' from God's grace.
91
What do Christians believe is the origin of evil?
* Humans are born with original sin which results in an urge to do things that are bad.
* God allows evil to exist to develop our souls to be closer to God.
* Iranaeus said to prevent evil would interfere with free will.
* Hick believes God created humans with the potential for spiritual growth.
92
What do Hick and St Iranaeus think about why evil exists in the world?
1. Humans were made in the image of God, but are not perfect.
2. they need to grow to become spiritually perfect. They do this through suffering- as a way to develop.
3. Through free will we can make the right choices.
4. This is called soul making and explains why God allows natural evil, it helps people grow and become better people.
93
What do Christians believe about free will?
* God has given everyone freedom to live their lives.
* Many believe that although God is all knowing, we still have the ability to choose.
* Others believe humans are free to choose everything except salvation.
94
Why is suffering not always evil for Christians?
* God may use suffering to bring about great goods which could not have been possible without.
* Suffering could be a sign of love.
* Suffering is a proof of commitment to God.
* Suffering is a blessing (Gods way is not our way, so suffering could be a blessing).
* Through the suffering and death of Jesus, we are saved from our sins.
95
What does Isaiah 53 (The Suffering Servant) show us about evil and suffering?
* In the Old Testament Isaiah 53 talks about a 'suffering servant'.
* This is seen as a prophecy of Jesus and how his suffering would bring blessings for others.
* Isaiah says the sufferer bears the sufferings of others so that they do not have to.
* The acceptance of the suffering by the servant brings about their salvation.
96
What do Catholics believe about Creation?
1. Nothing existed before God created the world - Creation Ex Nihilo.
2. Only God creates because he is omnipotent.
3. This belief can be found in the Bible in Genesis.
4. They believe it is a symbolic story.
5. The world was NOT created in 6 days exactly as it says.
97
What does Creation Ex Nihilo mean?
Creation out of nothing.
98
What happens in Genesis 1?
God creates the world in 6 days and rests on the 7th. He looks at all he has made and sees that it is good. He creates humans on the 6th day.
99
What happens in Genesis 2?
Adam names all the animals in the world but is still lonely. God creates Eve from Adams rib.
100
What happens in Genesis 3?
This describes the original sin of Adam and Eve: Eating the fruit from the tree and introduced the idea that sin leads to suffering.
If humans do not obey the teachings of God things cannot work out right or happily.
101
What do Other Christians (Creationists or Fundamentalists) believe about the creation story?
1. They believe that the Bible account is accurate and is exactly how the world was created.
2. The world was created in 6 calendar days.
3. They believe this because the Bible is the word of God and is never mistaken.
102
What can Catholics learn from the creation story?
1. God is creator 'God said "let there be light" and there was light.
2. God as omnibenevolent 'God saw what he had made and it was good'.
3. God as omnipotent 'Let the waters under the heavens be gathered...and it was so'.
4. God as eternal ' in the beginning was the word... and the word was with God'.
103
What do Catholics believe about the Big Bang?
1. They believe in the Big Bang.
2. The theory supports their belief of creation out of nothing.
3. The Big Bang theory was put forward by a Catholic Priest.
4. 'Let there be light' could be reference to the explosion.
5. Science explains HOW the universe came about and Genesis explains WHY.
104
What is the Big Bang Theory?
1. The world was started with a big bang - a big explosion. Which led to stars and planets being formed.
2. It can lead to people such as Hawking to doubt that God exsists as the world can be created without the need for God.
105
Which scholar supports the Big Bang Theory?
Stephen Hawking.
106
Is there a problem between science and religion?
1. No - for Catholics there is no conflict.
2. Yes - for people who take the Bible literally (Creationists) there is a conflict.
107
What is the scientific theory of evolution?
1. Idea proposed by Charles Darwin.
2. The idea that organisms gradually change and develop through natural selection.
3. Certain characteristics help animals to survive.
4. An example is the Giraffe getting a longer neck over time.
5. Evolution takes millions of years to come about.
108
Which modern scholar did we look at for evolution?
Richard Dawkins
109
What does Richard Dawkins say about evolution?
1. Evolution does away with the need for God and the belief that humans have souls.
2. Humans are just survival machines and don't have any other purpose.
3. We are just genetic mutation and advanced animals.
110
What is the Catholic view of Evolution?
1. Catholics think that evolution supports the idea of a loving creator God.
2. It supports the idea that God created the world with purpose and everything exists as part of his plan.
3. The Pope sees no conflict between evolution and Catholic belief.
111
What do Catholics think about stewardship?
1. We should all be stewards of creation.
2. Catholics believe God made humans superior to other animals by giving them reason and free will and this is why they should look after the world.
3. Every individual has a duty to care for their neighbours around the world.
112
What do Humanists think about stewardship?
1. Humanists think we need to look after the world.
2. We need to be stewards of the world out of concern for human beings and other animals.
3. We should work towards a more sustainable world.
113
What does good Stewardship look like?
1. 'love thy neighbour as yourself' - helping people in other countries suffering.
2. Working for the 'common good' - trying to help society.
3. We do not own the world, we are simply looking after it for the next generation, so we should do things which keep the world healthy E.G recycle.
114
What is stewardship?
We should protect the environement so that people, plants and animals can live well now and in the future.
115
What is the Christian view on the Sancity of life?
* God created human and animal life.
* All life is special and should be protected.
* Each life is unique and valuable beyond measure.
* Only God should take away life.
116
What is the Catholic view of the sanctity of life?
1. Human Life is Special and should be cared for.
2. Each person is unique because God made them.
3. Catholic church teaches that all life is sacred and that everyone has the right to life which should be protected and valued AT EVERY STAGE.
117
What is an abortion?
A deliberate ending of a pregnancy
118
What is pro-life when thinking about abortion?
The idea that abortion is always wrong and every human (including embryos) has a right to life.
119
What is Pro-Choice when thinking about abortion?
The idea that a woman should be able to choose what happens to her own body. This includes choosing to end a pregnancy.
120
What are the UK laws on abortion?
1. Abortion was legalised in Britain in 1967.
2. An abortion cannot happen after 24 weeks.
3. Two doctors must agree to the abortion.
4. You must have justification to have an abortion.
5. If the baby is found to have a severe disability abortion may take place after 24 weeks.
121
What does the Catholic Church say about Abortion?
1. Against abortion in all circumstances as Human life is sacred.
2. Life begins at conception, Abortion is therefore seen as murder.
3. The foetus has a right to life.
4. They would encourage adoption after birth rather than abortion.
122
What is double effect? (Catholic views on abortion)
Double effect says that if the mother's life was in danger during pregnancy, then the action to save the life of the mother even if it destroys the life of the unborn child is acceptable as the intention is to save the mother.
123
What are Other Christian views on abortion?
There is no single view on abortion in Christianity.
1. Some fundamentalist Christians think abortion is NEVER acceptable.
2. Most Christians think that it is not a good thing, but sometimes is the lesser of two evils.
Some situations where it would be the lesser of two evils are:
1. If the pregnancy is the result of rape.
2. If continuing the pregnancy might be dangerous to the woman’s health.
3. If the child is likely to be severely disabled and so quality of life is affected.
124
What would a Catholic say in response to Peter Singer?
1. Humans are always people.
2. Even when they are asleep, in a coma or haven't yet been born.
3. Catholics would agree that animals should be treated with care.
4. However, as humans are made in the image of God, so they have a dignity which animals do not have.
125
What do Humanists think about abortion?
1. There is no set Humanist view on abortion.
2. Humanists value happiness and personal choice.
3. Generally, they take a pro-choice stance. Abortion is often the most morally acceptable choice to make.
126
What do some people think about quality of life and euthanasia?
* Quality of life is more important than life being considered sacred.
* If someone is in constant pain beyond any pleasure, they could have they could have a poor quality of life.
* Some people argue if a person has a poor quality of life, they have a right to die.
127
What is palliative care?
* Aims to control pain.
* Medication is provided to give the person as much dignity and quality of life as possible.
128
Why is palliative care important?
1. The Catholic Church supports palliative care.
2. It respects the value of every person until their death.
129
What do non-religious people think about the right to die?
* People who suffer from incurable diseases might choose to end their life before their illness reaches the final stages.
* they wish to end their life before their **quality of life** is diminished.
* a person who is fully conscious and rational has the freedom to choose when to end their life.
130
What do Catholics believe about the Sanctity of life?
* All human life is sacred and holy.
* Life is a gift from God and should be respected.
* Euthanasia and assisted suicide are going **against** the **sanctity of life**.
131
What do Catholics think about euthanasia/assisted suicide?
* It is wrong.
* It goes against the sanctity of life.
* It goes against the Ten Commandments 'do not murder'.
* Anyone who assists in euthanasia is co-operating with murder.
132
What do Catholics think the right way to die is?
* People should die with dignity using palliative care.
* It is acceptable to turn off a life support machine if the patient is braindead.
* It is acceptable for a person to refuse treatment which would prolong a painful illness.
* It is not acceptable to withdraw food and fluids to someone in a permanent vegetative state. As food and water are part of basic human dignity.
133
What would the argument be against no quality of life condoning euthanasia?
Quality of life is subjective. How do we measure it?
134
What arguments are there FOR the right to die argument?
1. Many consider it a basic human right to control the ending of your life.
2. Advances in medicine have led to people being alive who would previously have died. They should be allowed a painless death.
3. Those who believe in free will think it is wrong to keep someone alive who has no hope of recovery.
4. We do not let animals suffer so why should humans?
5. People should be allowed to die with dignity.
135
What arguments are there AGAINST the right to die argument?
1. Life is given by God and so should only be taken by God.
2. If Euthanasia is legalised people might stop looking for cures to stop terminal illnesses.
3. People may want to live but go through euthanasia as they don't want to be a burden to people anymore.
4. The role of the doctor is to save life not to destroy it.
5. People might change their minds, but it would be too late.
6. All life is special and worthy of protection.
136
What is Euthanasia?
* 'Good' or 'gentle' death.
* When a medical professional gives medicine to end the life of a person who is suffering unbearable pain.
* Voluntary euthanasia is done at the request of an individual.
137
What is assisted suicide?
When someone seeks help to end their own life.
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What is the sanctity of life?
* Human life is Sacred because it was given by God.
* Only God has the right to give and take life.
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What is Quality of Life?
The extent in which people's lives are meaningful and pleasurable.
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What is a DNR?
* Do not resuscitate.
* This is a legal order not to resuscitate if a patient stops breathing.
* This is not the same as supporting euthanasia or assisted suicide.
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What do Christians believe about Euthanasia?
* Life is a gift from God.
* Suffering and death is a doorway to the next life.
* The Bible has no clear teaching on it.
* The aim should be to ease suffering.
* 'Thou shall not kill'.
* It is wrong for humans to play God.
* There is no set viewpoint.
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What do Catholics believe about life after death?
* The Nicene Creed teaches us that Jesus rose from the dead and there will be life after death.
* They believe in eternal life.
* They will have a spiritual resurrection body given by God.
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What do Christians believe about the survival of the soul?
* It is a non-physical thing which lives on after death.
* **Most** Christians believe in the immortality of the soul. They believe that when the body dies, the soul leaves the body to live with God.
* **Other** Christians say the body and soul are one and cannot be separated. After death the soul is temporarily apart from the body, but then the body and soul will be reunited on Judgement day.
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What do Humanists think about life after death?
* Humans are just a physical body.
* There is no soul.
* This is the only life we have, and we should make the most of it.
* There is NO life after death.
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What do Christians believe about death and the afterlife?
* Humans have a soul - this is the spiritual part of a being.
* There is eternal life after death
* There is heaven and hell.
* There is judgement - this will determine the soul's future.
* There is resurrection of the dead of spiritual bodies - They will be glorified.
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What happens at a Christian funeral?
1. Prayers are said for the dead person.
2. Catholics have the 'last rites' before the person dies.
3. In the funeral the words 'I am the resurrection and the life' are said.
4. Candles will be lit.
5. Some Christians consider it important to be buried rather than cremated.
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How do Christian funeral rites reflect their belief about the afterlife?
* Saying prayers shows the importance of asking God for forgiveness.
* The last rites show the importance of the sacraments.
* 'I am the resurrection' - those who believe in Jesus will be reunited in heaven.
* Candles - Jesus is the light of the world who guides our passage to heaven.
* Burial - bodily resurrection on judgment day.
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`What happens at a Humanist funeral?
* The funeral can be held in many places.
* Readings and songs are chosen which reflect the life of the deceased.
* The life of the person is remembered at the funeral, there is no mention of God or sacred texts.
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How do Humanist funeral rites reflect their belief about the afterlife?
* No fixed place to hold the funeral - no importance in the place of worship.
* Readings and songs - belief that this life is more important as there is no afterlife.
* No mention of God or sacred texts - they do not believe in either.
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What are Human Rights?
1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
2. These are the rights all humans should have.
3. They include: right to shelter, right to education and right to religion.
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What is social justice?
The desire to achieve a just and fair society where everyone has access to the same basic things to live and can look forward to equal opportunities.
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What do Christians believe about human dignity?
* All humans are created in the image of God.
* Jesus showed that all life should be valued and treated with respect.
* Pope Francis teaches that we should care for the homeless and elderly.
* Each person should be treated with unconditional love.
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How do Christians promote human rights?
* Agape.
* Following in the action of Jesus lots of charities follow agape (unconditional love).
* Working in Church food banks.
* Volunteering for SVP.
* Salvation army hostels.
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Who are St Vincent De Paul (SVP)?
They are an organisation of Catholics who try to help those in need around the UK.
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What do SVP do?
1. Visit and help care for families who are finding it difficult to organise their family or home.
2. Help the lonely, bereaved or housebound.
3. Visits to sick people.
4. Shopping, decorating, gardening, filling in official forms and making sure people receive their benefits.
5. Organise children’s camps for children from poor or troubled homes.
6. Organising stores for unwanted furniture which can help the homeless.
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What is censorship?
Supressing and limiting access to materials considered to be obscene, offensive or a threat to security.
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What is extremism?
Believing and supporting beliefs which are very far from what people consider correct or reasonable.
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What do Christians believe about prejudice and discrimination?
* They are unacceptable and against Christian beliefs and teachings.
* God created humans as equal.
* The Ten Commandments tell us on how to live in harmony with others.
* Jesus did not discriminate against anyone - women, non- Jews, etc.
* Some Christians do not allow women to be priests.
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What do Christians believe about racial discrimination and who helped campaign against it?
* Jesus taught love and non-violence and that all humans are equal in the eyes of God.
* Martin Luther King Jr dreamed of a world where everyone was equal regardless of race.
* He gave speeches and organised campaigns and protest marches - they were all peaceful and non-violent.
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What is the aquisition of wealth?
How people become rich or wealthy:
* Being paid for work.
* Running their own business.
* Inheritance.
* Criminal Activity.
* Gambling.
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How do people use their wealth?
* Buying things
* Paying for holidays and travel
* Giving to charities
* Helping family and friends
* Investing
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What is relative poverty?
How poor someone is in relation to the standards of society
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What is absolute poverty?
Where a person cannot access the most basic of human needs
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What do Christians think about the making and use of wealth?
* Spiritual values are the most important thing.
* A person's value is based on their actions rather than things they own.
* Many Christians oppose gambling.
* Most Christians believe giving to Charities is good.
* The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus warns against putting your faith in riches instead of God.
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What do Christians do to allieviate poverty?
* Christian Aid.
* Aims to challenge systems that favour the rich.
* Committed to being effective students of the planet's resources.
* Organise projects to educate people
* Run Fairtrade activities.
* Works cooperatively with faith and secular groups.
