S2 Chapter 2 - Matters of Life and Death

Question 1

Give reasons why some people are in favour of abortion. (5 marks)

Answer 1

• Every woman has the right to choose what happens to her body
• If a young girl becomes pregnant, abortion may be a better option
• If the child has a disability abortion may be preferred
• Many argue that in the case of rape a woman should be offered an abortion
• A woman with existing children may not be able to afford another child.

Question 2

Explain how a woman’s life might be affected by an unplanned pregnancy. (5 marks)

Answer 2

• If a woman is not married she may have to face difficult choices - whether to bring the child up on her own or have an abortion
• It could be very difficult for a teenage mother to continue with her education, or do as well as she should. A teenage father may feel under pressure to leave full time education and get a job to support the baby
• Relationships can be difficult, especially for young parents living at home with a baby. They may feel lonely and not see friends very often
• Career plans might have to be altered or delayed, depending on the help and support available for child-minding
• An unplanned pregnancy could result in financial hardship
• It may enable the woman to become more responsible
• The child may bring great joy to the wider family.

Question 3

“Christians should accept that sometimes euthanasia is sometimes necessary.”

Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (10 marks)

Answer 3

Answers may include:

• Everyone has the right to decide how and when they should die; they should not have to travel overseas adding further stress to a difficult situation
• If the law was changed, doctors could legally act on a patient’s desire to die without further suffering. Euthanasia can quickly and humanely end a patient’s suffering
• Euthanasia can help to shorten the grief and suffering of the patient’s loved ones
• The law in the UK already acknowledges that a person can take their own life with the Suicide Act of 1961. Christians should accept there is a need for assisted dying to be legalised in the UK

On the other hand:

• The Bible teaches that taking the life of another person is wrong (Exodus 20:13); euthanasia goes against Christian teaching on the sanctity of human life
• Following the example of Jesus, Christians should support measures to care for the sick and dying. The Hospice Movement is seen by many as a better option than euthanasia in helping people who are terminally ill
• Christians should keep to the standards of the Bible and not necessarily follow whatever is the norm in the society
• Allowing euthanasia goes against the teaching of all the main Christian churches (Methodist Church, Catholic Church, etc)

Question 4

What is abortion?

Answer 4

Abortion is the act of deliberately ending a pregnancy before normal childbirth, killing the foetus in the process.

Question 5

In the British Isles, in what countries is abortion legal if certain conditions are met?

Answer 5

England
Scotland
Wales

Question 6

Abortion is allowed in certain countries in the British Isles if certain conditions are met. In the UK, what laws set out the conditions for abortion?

Answer 6

Abortion Act 1967

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990

Question 7

In the UK, what conditions allow abortion?

Answer 7

Abortion is allowed if two doctors agree:
• If continuing the pregnancy is a risk to the life of the mother (abortion allowed until birth).
• If there is a risk that the mother may suffer mentally or physically if the pregnancy is allowed to continue (abortion allowed up until 24 weeks of the pregnancy).
• If continuing the pregnancy is a risk to the physicals or mental health of any existing children of the pregnant woman (abortion is allowed up until 24 weeks of the pregnancy).
• If there is a risk that once the child was born it would have serious physical handicaps or mental defects.

Question 8

Can an abortion be obtained in Northern Ireland?

Answer 8

In Northern Ireland abortion can be obtained only if the woman’s life is at risk and in some cases if there is foetal abnormality.

Question 9

What are some of the cases when a woman might ask for abortion?

Answer 9

1. Fear of parents’ reaction when the mother is a teenager.
2. When the life of the mother is threatened by a medical condition.
3. Because a medical abnormality in the unborn child has been detected.
4. Because the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
5. When a child is not desired because the pregnancy is a result of a casual sexual encounter.
6. Because having the baby would interfere with the career or lifestyle of a person.

Question 10

What are some alternatives to abortion?

Answer 10

Adoption

Single parenthood

Question 11

Give some examples from scripture that emphasise the sanctity of human life

Answer 11

“Every human being is made in the image and likeness of God”. (Genesis 1:26)

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart”. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Question 12

What are some of the arguments against abortion?

Answer 12

1. All human life is of equal value, even a foetus or an embryo.
2. The foetus has the right to life because it is a potential human being from the moment the egg is fertilised.
3. A foetus is not the same sort of thing as a leg or a kidney: it is not just a part of a woman’s body, but it is (to some extent) a separate person with its own right to life.
4. A foetus is an innocent human being and killing an innocent human being is wrong. Abortion is the deliberate killing of a foetus.
5. Abortion is contrary to the medical ethics in the Hippocratic Oath which states, “I will maintain the utmost respect for human life, from the time of conception.”
6. Abortion can damage the long-term physical and emotional health of women.
7. People should take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. When a woman has sex she takes the risk of bringing a foetus into existence and has a duty of care to the foetus.
8. People do not have the complete right to control their bodies. For example, there are laws against euthanasia. The same should apply to abortion.
9. If there is disability, social problems or difficult circumstances surrounding the child’s conception, the right response is one of compassion for the parents and the child. It can never be compassionate to deliberately take innocent human life.
10. If women were not able to have abortions so easily, governments would be forced to invest more money in supporting mothers. Women could be given what they need to survive financially and socially as mothers, such as affordable childcare and flexible working hours.
11. Many women are unable to have children. It is better to have the child adopted than to kill the unborn foetus.

Question 13

What are some of the arguments for abortion?

Answer 13

1. An embryo is a cluster of cells and not an actual human being.
2. The woman should be regarded as a person and not just as a container for the foetus.
3. Women need the right to abortion in order to have full rights over their own bodies, including the right to decide whether or not to carry a foetus to birth. Without this right they do not have the same moral status as men.
4. Banning abortion puts women at risk by forcing them to use illegal and back-street abortionists.
5. Women need free access to abortion in order to achieve full social, political and economic equality with men.
6. A woman may not be able to cope with the birth of a child if she has been raped, or is too young, or is mentally incapable of continuing the pregnancy.
7. People should take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. Abortion is a responsible way of dealing with an unwanted child.

Question 14

What does the Bible say about abortion?

Answer 14

In general the Bible does not have much to say about abortion.

Exodus 21:22 - “When men strive together, and hurt a woman with child, so that there is a miscarriage, and yet no harm follows, the one who hurt her shall be fined, according as the woman’s husband shall lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judgement determines.”

Question 15

From what language is the word ‘euthanasia’ derived from and what does it translate to?

Answer 15

Greek

Good death

Question 16

Euthanasia is sometimes referred to as a …

Answer 16

Mercy killing

Question 17

What is palliative care?

Answer 17

Palliative care is physical, emotional and spiritual care for a dying person when cure is impossible. It includes compassion and support for the patient, the family and friends. It gives the patient and their family a chance to spend quality time together, with as much distress removed as possible. They can use this time to say their last goodbyes in a caring environment.

Question 18

Is euthanasia legal or illegal in Britain?

Answer 18

Illegal

Question 19

In what countries in Europe is euthanasia legal?

Answer 19

Switzerland

Netherlands

Question 20

What are some of the arguments for euthanasia?

Answer 20

Those in favour of euthanasia argue that:

1. Many people think that a person has the right to control his or her life and should be able to determine at what time and in what way he or she will die.
2. A civilised society should allow people to die in dignity and without pain.
3. UK law already acknowledges that people have the right to die. The Suicide Act (UK) 1961 and the Criminal Justice Act (NI) 1966 made it legal for people to take their own lives.

Question 21

What are some of the arguments against euthanasia?

Answer 21

1. Human life is sacred because it’s a gift from God. Only God should decide when to end it.
2. Accepting euthanasia suggests that some lives (those of the disabled or sick) are worth less than others. All human beings should be valued, irrespective of age, sex, religion, social status or their potential for achievement.
3. If euthanasia was made legal, the laws regulating it would be abused, and people would be killed who didn’t really want to die. Age Concern warned that the UK’s elderly feared they were at risk of not being revived simply because of their age.
4. Suffering may have a positive value.
5. Proper palliative care makes euthanasia unnecessary.
6. Vulnerable people - the elderly, lonely, sick or distressed - would feel pressure, whether real or imagined, to request an early death.

Question 22

What does the Bible say about Euthanasia?

Answer 22

The Bible does not directly condemn euthanasia. However, one of the Ten Commandments forbids murder and most Christians apply this to euthanasia.

Genesis 1:27 - “So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He then created them male and female.”

Exodus 20:13 - “Do not commit murder.”

Philippians 1:21 - “What is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more.”

Question 23

What does the Roman Catholic Church say about euthanasia?

Answer 23

“It is necessary to state firmly once more that nothing and no one in any way can permit the killing of an innocent human being.”

Question 24

What does the Presbyterian Church say about euthanasia?

Answer 24

Compassion for our fellow human beings means we have a duty to help them die in as comfortable and peaceful ways as we can.”

Question 25

What does the Church of Ireland say about euthanasia?

Answer 25

The Church of Ireland calls for “greater training in palliative care, a care which embraces body, mind and soul.”

Question 26

What is capital punishment?

Answer 26

Capital punishment or the death penalty is the practice of executing someone as a punishment for a very serious crime, such as murder. It usually follows a legal trail carried out by the state.

Question 27

In what countries is capital punishment legal?

Answer 27

China
Pakistan
Sudan
USA

Question 28

What are some of the aims of punishment?

Answer 28

1. Protection - Society must be protected from dangerous criminals. They lose their freedom so others do not have to worry about being in danger from them.
2. deterrent - A sentence may be a deterrent to a criminal repeating the same offence. Others may also be deterred from committing crime when they see what happens to those who offend.
3. Reform (or rehabilitation) - It aims to reform the criminal so they learn to be a law-abiding member of society. Many Christians believe this is important because Jesus offered forgiveness and hope to those who had offended in his day.
4. Vindication - People want to see that laws are upheld. Those who break them should be punished to show that society is determined to uphold justice.
5. Revenge (or retribution) - Society and the victims of a crime deserve to take revenge on the criminal. In the Old Testament Moses laid down the principle of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Exodus 21:24). Some Christians support this today. Others disagree and point out that Jesus taught forgiveness.
6. Repayment (or reparation) - The criminal should make good the damage and hurt they have caused. They might do community service where they carry out useful tasks for society, repay money they have stolen or even apologise to their victim.

Question 29

What are some of the arguments for capital punishment?

Answer 29

1. Deterrence - The argument is that capital punishment is a deterrent to other criminals. It will stop them from committing serious crimes.
2. Retribution - It is the ultimate payback for a criminal who has committed an evil act.
3. protection - Capital punishment protects society from the criminal by getting rid of an evil person.
   A person, by their actions, can forfeit human rights and their right to life.
4. God authorises the death penalty - The Bible speaks in favour of the death penalty for murder. A state can act, not on its own authority, but as the agent of God, who has power over life and death.
5. Capital punishment is the cheapest and most cost-effective way of dealing with a serious criminal.

Question 30

What are some of the arguments against capital punishment?

Answer 30

1. Deterrence
   - The death penalty does not deter people from committing serious crimes. The thing that deters is the likelihood of being caught and punished. Statistics show that the death penalty leads to an increase in murder rate. In the USA, more murders take place in states where capital punishment is allowed.

• Capital punishment also ‘lowers the tone’ of society. Many people feel that the death penalty is an inappropriate way for a modern civilised society to respond to even the most dreadful crimes.

2. Retribution
   - Many people believe that retribution is wrong. It is revenge, not justice. Capital punishment is a cruel and inhumane way of punishing a criminal. The methods of capital punishment cause unnecessary suffering to a human being, for example, execution by lethal gas, electrocution or strangulation.

• Many countries that use capital punishment use the lethal injection, believing it to be less cruel for the criminal. But this is unfair on the doctor who has to administer it. It goes against the morals of many in the medical profession.
• Other people argue that the death penalty is not the ultimate payback. It does not cause enough suffering for a criminal who deserves it. They argue that life imprisonment without the chance of parole would cause much more suffering.
• What about martyrdom? For example, it can be argued that capital punishment makes convicted terrorists into martyrs. Again, it would be a worse punishment to keep them alive to face a life in prison.

3. Protection
   - Some people argue that human life is so valuable that even the worst criminals should not be deprived of their lives. They argue that everyone has a right to life, even those who commit murder; sentencing a person to death and executing them violates that right.

• There is also the issue of getting it wrong. Innocent people have been killed, because of mistakes. In the USA, 116 people sentenced to death have been found innocent since 1973 and released from death row.
• What about people who kill because they are insane? Such people are not responsible for their actions. They should be helped, not convicted, and certainly not executed.

4. God authorises the death penalty
   - It can also be argued that as God creates life then it should only be God who destroys life. God commanded “Do not commit murder” (Exodus 20:13), and that it is a clear instruction with no exceptions.

• The Bible also prescribes the death penalty for 35 other crimes that society no longer accepts as just. To be consistent, society should remove the death penalty for murder.
• Christianity in the New Testament is based on forgiveness and compassion. Capital punishment cannot go hand-in-hand with a teaching that emphasises forgiveness and compassion.

5. Capital punishment is the cheapest and most cost-effective way of dealing with a serious criminal
   - Capital punishment is not cheap. In New York, for example, when the death penalty was reinstated between 1995 and 2004, costs for each person condemned to death were approximately $23 million.

Question 31

What are some of the different types of punishment?

Answer 31

1. A fine
2. Community service - a certain number of hours in supervised community work.
3. Suspended sentence - the offender’s prison sentence is not carried out so long as they do not offend for the period of the sentence.
4. Probation - being supervised by a probation officer at regular intervals.
5. Cautioning - the offender admits the crime and this is recorded. No further action is taken unless the person offends again.
6. Tagging - to check that the offender stays at home, for example, at night. This is called a curfew.
7. Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO) - the offender is warned to keep away from certain areas, activities or people. If he or she fails to do so, the courts will impose a penalty such as a fine or prison.
8. Imprisonment

Question 32

What does the Bible say about capital punishment?

Answer 32

Old Testament teaching suggests that God created the death penalty. “Human beings were made like God, so whoever murders one of them will be killed by someone else.”
The Old Testament also seems to permit revenge: ‘But if the woman herself is injured, the punishment shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”

In the New Testament Jesus changed the teaching from the Old Testament. He taught that Christians should not permit revenge. “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too.”
Jesus does not agree with violence. However, at no point does he deny the right of the state to use capital punishment. When Pilate has to decide whether or not to crucify Jesus; Jesus tells him that the power to make this decision has been given to him by God.

The idea of not taking revenge continues with the writing of Paul in the New Testament.
“Never take revenge … Do not let evil defeat you; instead conquer evil with good.”

Question 33

What do the churches say about capital punishment?

Answer 33

In the past, the Christian Church accepted capital punishment as a necessary part of the workings of society. However, there are different views among Christians today regarding the death penalty.

Question 34

What does the Roman Catholic Church say about the death penalty?

Answer 34

From 1929-1969 the law of Vatican City included the death penalty for anyone trying to assassinate the Pope. In 1997 the Church announced changes to the Catechism and stated that it did not exclude recourse to the death penalty. This was more in conformity with the dignity of the human person.

Question 35

What are the two main types of crime?

Answer 35

1. Crimes against the person include murder, assault and sexual offences.
2. Crimes against property include burglary, shoplifting and vandalism.

Question 36

What does the Bible say about repentance and forgiveness?

Answer 36

Christians believe it is important to follow Jesus’ example of forgiveness.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) - This parable teaches that God will forgive us if we forgive others. Jesus stressed that if Christians do not practice forgiveness then God will withdraw his mercy.

The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) - This parable teaches Christians that they should forgive someone who repents. It shows that forgiveness should be possible, no matter what crime has been committed.

Question 37

What is Restorative Justice?

Answer 37

Restorative Justice is a problem-solving approach to crime which involves:

1. The offender
2. the victim
3. The community

It works to resolve conflict and repair harm by:

• Encouraging those who have caused harm to look at the damage they have done.
• Giving them an opportunity to make reparation (make things right).
• Offering those who have suffered harm the opportunity to have their harm or loss acknowledged and amends made.

Question 38

The word ‘restore’ can also mean …

Answer 38

Repair

Question 39

How does Restorative Justice affect those involved?

Answer 39

1. The victim - restoration of the victim to a normal life.
2. The offender - restoration of the offender to a law-abiding life.
3. The community - restoration of the damage caused by crime to the community.

Question 40

What are some of the limitations of Restorative Justice?

Answer 40

1. One of the limitations of restorative justice is that it relies on voluntary cooperation. If one party does not want to take part then the range of options is reduced. If neither party is willing, there is no option but to let formal justice (the courts) take its usual course.
2. If restorative justice involves the community, then there obviously needs to be a community. However, social injustice and inequality are common in many communities. This limits how communities can be supportive and caring. For example. if there is a big gap between the rich and the poor in a community (social divisions) then there is not likely to be much voluntary participation, as the people are unlikely to want to work together.

Question 41

Does Restorative Justice work?

Answer 41

Research in the UK and elsewhere, has confirmed that about 75% of victims are satisfied with the results of mediation. Many victims felt less angry and fearful, felt personally vindicated, experienced a degree of emotional healing, and where happy to witness that the offender had not been let off too lightly. Mediation has been shown to have a considerable impact on offenders as well, and in many cases it is thought to have deterred offenders from re-offending.

Question 42

Unit 8 2012 - Section B

5a) Why are some people in favour of capital punishment? [5]

Answer 42

Answers may include:
• The person who takes the life of another deserves to forfeit their own life.
• It is cheaper than keeping a person in prison for life.
• Other people will be deterred from committing similar crimes.
• Society is protected from a dangerous criminal re-offending.
• The Bible allows capital punishment for murder.
Accept valid alternatives

Question 43

Unit 8 2012 - Section B

5b) Explain what the Bible teaches about repentance. [5]

Answer 43

Answers may include:
• Everyone deserves a second chance; the Bible teaches that God will forgive those who repent.
• Matthew 18:21-35: Jesus taught in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant that a person who is genuinely sorry can be forgiven.
• Luke 15:11-32: Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Son taught that although the son did wrong, when he repented his father forgave him.
• Repentance and forgiveness are key teachings associated with the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Accept valid alternatives

Question 44

Unit 8 2012 - Section B

5c) “Restorative justice is the most effective way to deal with crime.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. [10]

Answer 44

Answers may include:
• Restorative justice is a problem solving approach to crime.
• It focuses on mediation between the victim and offender.
• The offender has the opportunity to confront the results of their crime and make amends.
• Offenders who go through restorative justice schemes are less likely to re-offend.
• One of the aims of punishment is reform and restorative justice can help to bring this about.

On the other hand:
• Restorative justice is not the right approach for all crimes.
• Some criminals will never reform and restorative justice could be a waste of time.
• Capital punishment is more appropriate for people who have committed truly evil acts.
• Those who take the lives of others forfeit their own rights.
• Society has an obligation to protect unviolent citizens who need to be protected from violent criminals.
Accept valid alternatives

Question 45

Unit 8 2015 - Section A
2b) “Euthanasia allows a person to die with dignity.”
Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer showing that you have considered different points of view. [10]

Answer 45

Answers may include:
• Despite advances in medicine, dying can be a painful and distressing process. Some people feel it is their right to decide when their life should end, particularly if they are suffering.

• Everyone has the right to decide how they should die. Some people would prefer this to be quick rather than the result of a long illness and gradual deterioration.
• Euthanasia gives people the dignity of autonomy and control over their own lives.
• Some people would not want their loved ones to see them suffering or unable to look after themselves. Euthanasia can offer a more dignified alternative.

On the other hand:
• Some people would argue that ending a life prematurely, perhaps through a lethal injection, is not a dignified way to die.

• Accepting a serious illness and letting life take its course is seen by many people as being more dignified than euthanasia, even though daily help might be needed from carers and medical staff.
• There are many painkilling drugs which can ease a person’s suffering and help them die with dignity without resorting to euthanasia.
• Euthanasia devalues human life by making it disposable, rather than offering greater dignity.

Accept valid alternatives

Question 46

Unit 8 2015 - Section B
6c) “Our society is too soft on criminals.”
Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. [10]

Answer 46

Answers may include:
• Prisoners often have more luxuries than people who are not in prison.
• Life imprisonments no longer mean life; murderers should face a long prison sentence or even the death penalty.
• The crime rate is rising as criminals do not have enough fear of punishment.
• Schemes such as community service and restorative justice are seen as a ‘soft option’ by some people.

On the other hand:
• A system of punishment should not depend on the need for revenge or retribution.
• The loss of freedom is the punishment; criminals should not be deprived of other rights as well.
• Societies which use severe methods of punishment, such as the death penalty, still have high levels of violent crime.
Accept valid alternatives

Question 47

Unit 8 2012 - Section A
2b) “Christians should accept that abortion is sometimes necessary.”
Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer showing that you have considered different points of view. [10]

Answer 47

Answers may include:
• It is a woman’s right to do what she wants with her own body. Christians have no right to judge.
• There are certain cases, such as rape, where it might be more traumatic for a woman to have the baby than to have an abortion.
• The foetus might have abnormalities.
• The mother might be too young and have no prospects; surely it would be kinder to abort.
• Jesus teaches Christians to be compassionate to all individuals.

On the other hand:
• Abortion is murder and it goes against Christian principles.
• Abortion goes against the teaching of the church.
• Jesus cared for the unwanted; Christians can offer support for unwanted children through supporting adoption schemes.
• Every life is sacred, even the unborn.
• Abortion can harm the woman’s physical and emotional health.
• Christians believe that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Accept valid alternatives