Section 1 - Rights and Responsibilities Flashcards
Why do many Christians only use the Bible when making moral decisions?
- Bible is word of god
- Bible contains teachings –> Letters from disciples, Jesus + Decalogue
Why do some Christians not only use the Bible when making moral decisions?
- Believe Bible was written by people inspired by god
- Authority of the Church for some Christians (RC’s)
- Others use the conscience
Why do some Christians believe only the Church is a basis for making moral decisions?
- Church is the body of Christ. God speaks thru church
- Nobody is following unchecked conscience
- Moral decisions are important part of life
What is situation ethics?
The idea that Christians should base moral decisions on what is the most loving thing to do
Why do some Christians use SE as a basis for moral decisions?
- Jesus followed SE
- Should only do what produces loving outcomes
- Jesus’ statement -> only laws are love
Why do some Christians think situation ethics is wrong?
- God gave laws on how to live life in the Bible
- Church knows best?
- Unsure of all consequences –> SE could be wrong
Which authorities do Protestants use when making moral decisions?
- Bible contains straightforward teachings e.g 10 cmds
- Bible doesn’t contain teachings on contraception or civil partnerships -> conscience or Church
Which authorities do Catholics use when making moral decisions?
- Usually use the Church and Magisterium
- Sometimes have to use SE e.g prevention of AIDS
Why may a Christian who usually follows their conscience turn to other authorities when making moral decisions?
- If conscience disagrees with Christian teachings -> turn to Bible or Church and see what they teach
Why may a Christian who usually uses SE turn to other authorities when making moral decisions?
- If issue is too complicated -> safer to follow the Church or Bible. More likely to make best decision for the matter
What are human rights?
The rights and freedoms which everyone is entitled to
Why are human rights important for Christians?
- Belief of sanctity of life-life is holy and belongs to god
- Freedom of religion, conscience and thought are essential for being Christian
- The right for non discrimination is important for them
Why can human rights cause problems for Christians?
- Many against civil partnerships, interfaith marriage and homos raising a family
- Catholics could be against women who want to be priests
Why are many Christians against Civil Partnerships?
- Against God’s will -> shown in Bible
Why are many Christians against homosexuals raising a family?
- Children should be brought up with a Christian mother and father
What are Electoral processes?
The ways which voting is organised
What are Democratic processes?
The ways which all citizens can take part in government
What is a Political Party?
A group which tries to be elected into power by its policies
What is a Pressure group?
A group formed to influence government policy on a particular issue
Why is it important to take part in electoral and democratic processes?
- Gov sets taxes and vat, voting could change the rates
- EU Parliament has control over EU spending -> could affect UK
- Can have a say in how NHS etc are run
- We fought for equal human rights
What is the golden rule?
Treat others in the same way which you would like to be treated - Jesus
What is Social change?
The way which society has changed and is changing
Why do most Christians believe it is important to take part in electoral and democratic processes?
- Would use golden rule on some policies
- Parable of Sheep and Goats - Christians should help the sick, feed the hungry and clothe the poor
- Cain and Abel - Christians are responsible for others rights
Why may some Non-Religious people be in favour of genetic engineering?
- Offers cures for dangerous diseases
- Available in other countries
- Doesn’t involve loss of human life
- Has vast potential benefits
Why may some Non-Religious people not be in favour of genetic engineering?
- Too little information about consequences
- Irreversible effects
- Puts a lot of power into scientists
- Treats people the same as plants
Which branch of Christians believe in genetic engineering?
Liberal Protestants
Why are Liberal Protestants mostly in favour of genetic engineering?
- GE can heal and Jesus was a healer
- Research into drugs can improve human life
- Difference in creating cells and people
- Embryos aren’t humans until they are viable
Why are some Catholics in favour of GE as long as it doesn’t involve embryos?
- Life begins at conception
- Killing an embryo is murder
- Embryos have been produced with methods the Church disagrees with
Why are some Christians against all forms of GE?
- People don’t have the right to interfere with God’s Will
- Believe it’s ‘playing god’ -> sin
- It is wrong to try and make Earth perfect
