Unit 2 - Religion and Medicine

Question 1

What are Islam’s teaching on sanctity of life?

Answer 1

• every soul has been created by Allah
• allah has a plan for each life
• no one has the right to take their own, or anyone else’s life

Question 2

How does a believer decide what to do in an ethical decision when their sacred text doesn’t help them?

Answer 2

• think about the major beliefs of the religion e.g. ‘Do not kill’
• discuss the matter with other believers and with experts in the religion
• consider how the decision will affect not only themselves, but also society in general
• search scared texts for beliefs that may relate to the issue
• pray about the issue and seek guidance from God

Question 3

What are Christians views on abortion?

Answer 3

• there is no single view on this issue. Roman Catholics generally forbid abortion under any circumstances. They believe life begins at conception therefore the ending of life is murder and against the 10 commandments.
• other Christians are often against abortion for social reasons but may allow it when the mothers life is at risk or in cases of rap etc

Question 4

What do Christians teach about the sanctity of life?

Answer 4

• humans are made in the image of God
• only God can take life away
• Jesus showed in his teaching that all life should be valued

Question 5

What are Christians view about abortions?

Answer 5

• there is no single view on this issue Roman Catholics generally forbid abortion under any circumstances
• they believe life begins at contraception therefore the ending of life is murder and against the 10 commandments
• others Christians are often against abortion for social reasons but may allow it when the mothers life is at risk or in cases of rape etc

Question 6

What are Muslims views on abortion?

Answer 6

• life is in allahs hands
• abortion is usually allowed if the mothers life is at risk
• up to 4 months after conception the mothers rights are greater than the child’s
• 120 days after the conception ensoulments takes place. Some would forbid abortion after this point
• at judgment day allah will take into account a persons intentions in the act of abortion

Question 7

What are Christians views on infertility treatment, IVF and genetic engineering?

Answer 7

• life is given by God, no one has the right to children
• Catholics ban all embryo research and procedures
• pope pius XII states that IVF with donors eggs/sperm is adultery
• some Christians would accept IVF because it brings happiness to the couple. Technology is also gods gift
• even if the baby is created in a test tube it is still God that gives it life

Question 8

What are Muslims views on infertility treatment, IVF, and genetic engineering?

Answer 8

• many accept IVF because the sperm and egg are from the husband and wife
• it is considered to be important to know who the natural parents are
• the qu’ran warns that semen and sperm should not be wasted or destroyed

Question 9

What do Islam believe about organ donation and transplants?

Answer 9

• the qu’ran teaches that all parts of the body belong to allah
• originally organ donation was forbidden but now it’s allowed provided donors have given their consent
• the transplant must be done to resolve the problem
• the organ donation can only remove after the deceased person has been confirmed
• organs must not be sold

Question 10

What do liberal Christians believe about organ donation and transplants?

Answer 10

• in heaven people have a new body so do not need there old body
• it agrees with Jesus’ ‘golden rule’ to love your neighbors
• it brings health and Christians believe in the value of human life

Question 11

What do Roman Catholic believe about organ donation and transplants?

Answer 11

• it is like playing God
• the surgery is expensive, money could be used to help the thousands who die of starvation etc everyday
• it raises questions about when a donor is really dead

Question 12

What does active euthanasia mean?

Answer 12

Doing something actively to end a persons life

Question 13

What does passive euthanasia mean?

Answer 13

Withdrawing treatment eg turning off a life support machine. This is allowed in this country

Question 14

What do Christians believe about euthanasia?

Answer 14

• humans are made in the image of God, therefore human life is very special and should not be ended by anyone but God
• the 10 commandments states ‘do not kill’. To help someone die would break the commandment.
• humans are very different to animals as they have a soul so the same argument about putting down animals cannot be applied to humans
• people should be cared for eg in hospice, not killed
• death and dying are spiritual processes which ahold not be hurried

Question 15

What do Islam believe about euthanasia?

Answer 15

• every soul is created by allah and is special
• mental and physical suffering are test from God to be endured until the day of judgement
• the prophet Mohammad says that anyone who commits suicide will not be shown mercy on the day of judgement
• shariah (Islamic) law lays out the conditions under which life may be taken. Euthanasia isn’t one of them