Theme B: Religion and life Flashcards
Buddhist use of animals for food
Many Western Buddhists are vegetarian out of respect for all life - animals are also the part of the cycle of rebirth.
Keeping the first precept of non-harming would encourage vegetarianism
Christian use of animals for food
Many Christians eat no red meat on Fridays; many eat no meat at all during the period of Lent - in both cases out of respect for the sacrifice of Jesus on Good Friday.
Buddhist attitudes to the environment and animals
-All life should be respected. As we will use the earth during our many lifetimes, we protect it for ourselves as well as our children
- Ignorance and greed lead to the most of the pollution being caused - for example companies building factories in 3rd world countries so they can pay workers less, have fewer pollution levels to keep to, all leading to bigger profits
-First Precept teaches humans to not harm other sentient beings
-Right livelihood implies that Buddhist should not work in a job that exploits animals
-All living things fear being put to death - let no one kill or cause others to kill (Dhammapada)
Christian attitudes to the environment and animals
-God gave humans the world, entrusting them with this great gift. Humans have the responsibility to look after it as stewards. We also have a responsibility to each other, the poor of the world and our future children to make sure the world is still intact for many generations to come
-Animals are part of creation and deserve respect and protection (Assisi)
-Scientist must abandon laboratories and factories of death (Pope John Paul II)
Buddhist attitudes to life
-Life is special and must be protected
-First Precept is to help others, not to harm them
-The heart of Buddhist practice is to overcome suffering (dukkha)
-Dalai Lama has said, ‘Where a person is definitely going to die, and keeping them alive leads to more suffering, then termination of life is permitted under Mahayana Buddhism’
Christian attitudes to life
-God created life in his own image (Genesis)
-Do not murder (10 Commandments)
-I, your God, give life, and I take it away (Job)
-The Catholic Church teaches that life must be respected from conception until natural death
-Doctors do not have an overriding obligation to prolong life by all means possible (CofE)
Buddhist views on abortion if the mother’s life is at risk
The primary intention is the key - helping to save the woman’s life is compassionate even if the foetus dies
Christian views on abortion if the mother’s life is at risk
If the pregnancy threatens the woman’s life it is justified (CofE)
Where abortion is a side effect of a medical procedure to save a woman’s life it can be accepted (Roman Catholic Church)
Euthanasia
Mercy killing - helping someone to die if they have a terminal illness. It is done out of compassion and love.
Buddhist attitudes to abortion and euthanasia
-First Precept is not taking life, therefore generally speaking, abortion and euthanasia are wrong. However, intention is key, so at times it may be the case that an abortion or euthanasia is actually the right option
-Existence is suffering; karma and craving result in suffering. Compassion is a positive response. If we face death with anxiety, anger and upset, our next rebirth is negatively set, so a comfortable death, where the dying accept death, is facilitated.
-Buddhism Supports hospices, which help people to face their death with calmness
Christian attitudes to abortion and euthanasia
-Abortion is morally wrong, although some people accept it as a necessary evil. While death might mean going to heaven to be with God, it should not be hastened.
-Life should always be protected. Where the mother’s life is at risk, most would accept procedures which save her life, which is sacred, even if they lead to the ending of the pregnancy
-Few Christians support active euthanasia, regardless of what a person might themselves wish for. This is seen as killing, so it is wrong. However, in countries where euthanasia is legal some Christians see it as an act of love and compassion and a good use of the medical knowledge God has granted humans.
Buddhist views on life after death
Buddhists believe in rebirth. There is no permanent soul, rather a mix of ever changing skandhas - emotions, feelings, intelligence and so on.
After the death of the body, this mix fuses with a new egg and sperm at conception. The actions and intentions of each life shape the quality of the next. The goal is to achieve enlightenment, and stop being reborn.
Christian views on life after death
Christians believe in the physical resurrection of the body. At death, the body waits until Judgement Day. Catholics call this purgatory. At judgement, the person faces God and Jesus to evaluate their deeds. If they were good in life, they go to heaven (paradise and wonderful forever). If they were bad, they go to hell (eternal punishment).
