Topic 2: Matters of Life and Death

Question 1

2.1 Why Christians believe in life after death

Answer 1

• Jesus rose from the dead
• Many verses in the Bible mention the afterlife
• Christian churches teach that there is an afterlife
• Some Christians believe that they have experienced the paranormal
• It gives life meaning and purpose

Question 2

2.2 How Christians beliefs about life after death affect the way they live

Answer 2

• They believe they will be judged so they live within guidelines. This affects how they live and treat others.
• Jesus rose from the dead = gives them hope, they will be rewarded in the afterlife.
• The promise of the afterlife means forgiveness and repent, hoping for a better future.
• It offers comfort to those who have suffered the death of a loved one.

Question 3

2.3 Why some non-religious people believe in life after death

Answer 3

• Near-death experiences (seriously ill/injured, saw light at end of the tunnel, came back and described)
• Ghosts (some people believe they’ve seen a ghost)
• Contacting the dead (mediums are people who talks to dead people)
• Reincarnation (some people believe that when they die, their souls are reborn in another body)

Question 4

2.3 Why some non-religious people do not believe in life after death

Answer 4

• If death is the end, how can there be more?
• There is no evidence for an afterlife
• Religion offers no good reasons to believe in an afterlife
• Religious beliefs in an afterlife may be harmful
• Ideas of heaven and hell are simply made up

Question 5

2.4 Outline the current law on abortion

Answer 5

Before 24 weeks:
- The physical/mental health of the woman’s existing children would suffer if a new baby was born
- Continuing the pregnancy would pose a risk to the physical/metal health of the woman
- If the child were born it could be seriously mentally or physically handicapped
After 24 weeks:
- A risk to the woman’s life
- Evidence that he baby will be severely handicapped
- Risk of serious physical and mental injury to the woman

Question 6

2.4 Why is abortion such a controversial issue

Answer 6

• When does life begin?
• What determines when something is alive? What is life?
• When is life more important?
• Is it acceptable to take something away that cannot be replaced?
• Sanctity of life argument (life is holy, sacred, a gift from God)
• Is it ever right to kill?

Question 7

2.5 Christian attitudes to abortion

Answer 7

• Life begins at conception, 10 commandments ‘You should not kill’, majority of Christians think it’s wrong
• Catholics - against abortion, life begins at conception, murder is wrong, life is a gift, God has a plan
• Church of England - opposes abortion but allows in some case, if it’s the most loving thing to do, allows it when no alternative way can be found
• Liberal - opposes but considers it the lesser of two evils, Jesus acted with love and compassion so should Christians, free will, modern technology allows early detection, right to kill in self-defence, believe life begins later

Question 8

2.6 The nature of Euthanasia

Answer 8

• Law: Accused of murder, wanting to die is not a defence
• FOR: gentle, pain-free death, dies with dignity, medical costs, financial burdens
• AGAINST: Slippery slop, diminish value of life, pressure

Question 9

2.7 Christian attitudes to euthanasia

Answer 9

• Questions: When is someone dead? Who should decide when someone dies? If people are allowed to help someone die, how might they misuse it? Why might someone want to die?
• Christians - murder, only God can take it away, used for evil purposes, no one should consider themselves as worthless
• Others would allow; pain-killing drugs, turning off a life-support machine

Question 10

2.8 What are the causes of world poverty

Answer 10

• Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods etc)
• War (destroys crops, schools, hospitals)
• Corrupt leaders (aid from others does not go to right cause)
• Debt (borrow money but pay back at high interest rates)
• Lack of health care and education (clean water, birth control, resources, diseases)

Question 11

2.9 How and why Christians work to end world poverty

Answer 11

• CAFOD - Helps short and long term
• They use the teachings of Jesus to guide them
• The bible says that we should help the poor
• ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself’
• Everyone is equal, therefore it is out duty

Question 12

2.10 Matters of life and death and the media

Answer 12

• Story = Mother lost the plot, killed her son then attempted to commit suicide. Suffered with many mental illnesses, son didn’t actually confirm he wanted to die although his actions may of suggested he did
• Fair = Should of rung 999 instead of taking matters into her own hands, poor quality of life, able to do everyday things, sanctity of life - still a human life, if God loved all why did he allow this to happen? if God loved all why did he leave the family to suffer without care?