Theme B religion and life Flashcards
Origins of the universe
Big Bang:
13.7 billion years ago
all matter concentrated and began to expand
primordial soup became life that developed to humans
Background microwave radiation proves that the earth is expanding
Genesis:
God was the only thing before the universe
God is a single person
God created the world in 6 days + 1 rest day
some people say God started Big Bang
Evolution
Charles Darwin
Theory to survive species evolved and adapt to live
survival of fittest
Stewardship
God gave duty to look after world
Dominion
God gave humans world so they have right to do what they want with it
Environmental damage
Pollution:
damage to air sea and land
kills life
Climate change:
causes greenhouse effect changing climate of world
Dehabitation:
deforestation causes habitats to be destroyed
CO2 taken by tree to produce O2
Use of natural recourses
vegetation, minerals and fossil fuels take millions to form and is being used faster than produced non renewable
renewable energy source - solution
Caring for world
Stewardship
Sustainability
Conversation of natural recourses
Endangered animals protected
Animal rights
Laws protect pets and endangered animals
uses of animals
Pets
Helpers
Work
Providing goods
Food
Testing
Sport
Animal experimentation
Animals can be used to test on for medicine
Utilitarianists would agree with testing for medicine as it results in the greater good
Animals can also be used to test on for cosmetics
However some products might be harmful to animals but not for humans or vice versa
Buddhists can not justify animal experimentation. First moral precept “Do not harm another living being”
Religious attitudes of the use of animals for food
Buddhism:
First moral precept do not harm another living being
many are vegetarian out of respect
Animals are part of the cycle of rebirth
Christianity:
Eat no red meat on Fridays
Many don’t eat meat in Lent
Religious attitudes to the environment and animals
Buddhism:
All life should be respected
Right Livelihood: job should not exploit animals
All living things fear being put to death Dhammapada
Christianity
Stewardship: responsibility to look after the world
Animals are part of Gods creation
value of life
human life is the most valuable and special of all life forms
sanctity of life
All life is sacred is it was created by God so it should be protected
Ahimsa
All living beings should be respected
Quality of life
How good a person’s life is
Religious attitudes to life
Buddhism:
Ahimsa
All life is sacred
Mahayana Buddhism allows euthanasia as it limits suffering
Christianity:
Ten commandments do not murder
Catholic life begins from conception so abortion is not allowed
Abortion
Ending pregnency
UK law on abortion
illegal after 24 weeks
can be done if there is a danger to health
disabilities
child at risk
Euthanasia
Mercy killing
assisted suicide: end it them self
not allowed to help someone die
doctors can switch off life support when patients have no sign of brain activity
Religious attitudes to abortion and euthanasia
Buddhism:
First moral precept: both are wrong
Existence is suffering: karma and craving result in suffering
Compassion
Christianity:
Abortion is morally wrong
Life should always be protected
