Topic 11 Sanctity of Life

Question 1

What is sanctity of life?

Answer 1

1. Holiness sacredness + inviolability of life
2. Christians = life gift from god and shld be respected (exodus 20 do not murder)
3. God values human life especially since we are made imago die (gen 1) + can have eternal life

GOD GAVE LIFE AND ONLY GOD HAS THE POWER TO TAKE IT AWAY

Question 2

What does the Roman Catholic Church believe?

Answer 2

1. Sanctity of life in all cases due to bible + pope’s words

Evangelium Vitae ‘the killing of innocent human creatures, even if carried out to help others, constitutes an absolutely unacceptable act’

Life begins at conception - no right to take away life at any stage

Question 3

What does the Church of England believe about sanctity of life?

Answer 3

1. Promotes it, but quality of life should be weighed up against SOL

Eg rape of girl who then becomes pregnant (abortion accepted)

Question 4

What are non religious views about the value of life?

Answer 4

1. Intrinsic vale - wrong to take it away (murder seen as wrong in society, morally wrong as would destroy society as termination of life has impact on families etc)
2. If quality of life is poor, then life has no value and not worth living
3. Peter singer: animals + humans lives are of equal value (all sentient life = value as all part of same evolutionary process, have capacity to suffer)

Question 5

Why do Christians attach value to human life?

Answer 5

1. Scripture - human life =gift from god, should not abuse/destroy a gift
2. We have souls, more valuable than other forms of life (god breathed into his nostrils the breath of life)
3. Evangelicals - focus of preaching is to humans as they will be judged before heaven (doesn’t happen to animals)

Question 6

What are some religious beliefs and teachings on the importance of relieving suffering?

Answer 6

1. Jesus = relieved suffering (integral part of ministry) eg healing of blind man in Mark 8
2. Jesus told disciples to heal ppl -> continue actions of relieving suffering in others
3. Love thy neighbour - help the suffering

Question 7

What are some parables that demonstrate relieving suffering?

Answer 7

1. Good Samaritan (luke 10) ‘go and do likewise’
2. Matt 25- judged on how they treat others + need to show love to all, including the sick + in need
3. Matt 7 ‘do unto others as you want done unto you’ no one wants to suffer, so we should relieve suffering

Question 8

What are non religious beliefs about importance of relieving suffering?

Answer 8

1. Humans naturally altruistic, so we help those who are suffering instinctually
2. Emphasis in society to prevent suffering, creates kind culture in society
3. Selfish reasons behind relieving suffering eg recognition + approval, motivates us
4. Sets example to younger generations + makes for a more compassionate society