Unit 8.1

Question 1

Why are human rights important to Christians?

Answer 1

• we are all made by God (“in god’s image he made them”) so we should all be treated equally, which HR supports
• Jesus loves us all “We love because he loved us”, so we should be like Jesus and love and help all, which means believing in HR
• RCC: Pope John 13 “each individual man is truly a person with rights” ∴ since is is source of authority, Christians must also support HR
• in line w Biblical teachings on how to treat others, e.g. Decalogue, Golden Rule ∴ since HR so similar to bible teachings they must be followed

Question 2

Why are human rights important in the UK?

Answer 2

• people don’t have to live in fear of being killed: “right to life, liberty and personal security” ∴ have peace of mind
• enforce British value of respecting others: “freedom from discrimination” this reflected in race relations act 2001 ∴ we need HR to ensure we uphold decent values
• encourage democracy, e.g. ‘The right to vote’ ∴ is imp as democracy is a BV
• enable freedom of speech ∴ people can say what they want as long as it doesn’t harm anyone’s ∴ imp as BV is individual liberty

Question 3

Why is it important to take part in democratic and electoral processes?

Answer 3

• People have fought for the vote, e.g. Suffragettes ∴ we must not waste it as difficult to obtain
• The outcomes affect your life, e.g. These bodies enforce taxes/laws that you must pay/follow ∴ since you’re affected you should decide on how you want things to be
• you can influence what happens in the country by being in favour or against a party, e.g. General elections every 5 yrs ∴ people can have their voices heard on important issues
• without democracy, people treated badly by the state, e.g. Cuban Gov enforces political conformity using criminal prosecutions ∴ we must promote and enjoy democracy to avoid this

Question 4

What is the golden rule?

Answer 4

Main teaching of Jesus.

“Do unto others as you would have them do to you” Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Question 5

What is the parable of the sheep and goats?

Answer 5

God separates the sheep(bad people) and the goats(good people). The sheep to bad things to each other, and God says that they hard him. The goats do good things to each other, and God says they helped him.
God wants everyone to be nice to each other, and people who hurt others and like hurting God.

Question 6

What is Am I my Brother’s keeper?

Answer 6

Cain gave God harvest and Abel gave him meat. God took the meat but not the harvest. Cain got annoyed and killed Abel, even though God told him not to. When God asked where Abel was, Cain said “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
This means that we should look after our ‘brothers’, as it is our moral duty as a Christian.

Question 7

What is a saviour sibling? What is an issue with one?

Answer 7

A child born to give organ/cell transplants to a sibling with a fatal disease.
This could not be fair on the child, as they were never wanted, and only born to be used, so they may not have much of an identity.

Question 8

What is stem cell research? What is an issue with it?

Answer 8

Undifferentiated stem cells can be used to regenerate and repair tissue, and help genetic diseases.
However, adult stem cells have limited ability to differentiate, so you may need to use embryonic stem cells.

Question 9

What is genetic modification of animals? What is an issue with it?

Answer 9

Altering the DNA of animals to give them special characteristics.
It may not be fair on the animals, and people may not want to buy the animal products if they have been altered.

Question 10

What is cloning? What is an issue with it?

Answer 10

Reproducing a plant/animal to make an exact genetic copy, to it can have desired characteristics.
People may consider this as unnatural, as it is interfering with the creation of life. Also, if in humans, could create a lower class of person.

Question 11

What is embryo research? What is an issue with it?

Answer 11

Research using embryos. Useful for IVF and stem cells.

However, the embryos die, which could be classed as killing life, e.g. RCC

Question 12

What is genetic modification of crops? What is an issue with it?

Answer 12

Changing the DNA of plants to give them desired characteristics, e.g. pest resistant, improved nutritional content.
People may not want to buy these products, as they are ‘not natural’

Question 13

What is eugenics? What is an issue with it?

Answer 13

Improving the human race by controlling who reproduces. This could lead to elimination of some genetic diseases etc.
However, this would also lead to loss of individuality, and perhaps genocide, e.g. Hitler wanted to kill all the Undesirables.

Question 14

What are designer babies? What is an issue with them?

Answer 14

Babies whose DNA has been altered to give them desired characteristics, e.g. Gender.
However, this could be unfair, as it is expensive so only available to rich people.

Question 15

What are some non religious arguments for genetic engineering?

Answer 15

• Has potential to cure currently incurable diseases, e.g. Scientists recently managed to cure head and neck cancer with a GE version of the herpes virus, ∴ if it helps ppl must be good
• important for science: Integral part of medical research- should be allowed so scientists can learn more
• Allows couples to enhance better qualities in children to make them better, e.g. W eugenics you can choose better genes ∴ if we can make ppl look better, why not?
• Will carry on even if banned, because of high demand, ∴ better to allow it, but regulate it to ensure safety

Question 16

What are some non religious arguments against genetic engineering?

Answer 16

• Effects could be irreversible, e.g. Altering genes is v serious so if anything goes wrong it’s permanent
• Puts too much power in doctors’ hand- could created human beings, and they have ability to change things deviously unchangeable ∴ too dangerous, so we should not allow it
• Treats body as a commodity, no different to plants, however life is intrinsically valuable ∴ we should respect this
• little info about LT consequences, could be bad for health in long run ∴ best to avoid this danger

Question 17

What are some religious arguments for genetic engineering?

Answer 17

• Jesus healing, e.g leper ∴ if he is a role model they should use GE as it’s a modern form of healing
• God gifted us w science and knowledge, e.g. Have scientist knowledge to carry out experiments to lead to GE ∴ if we have this knowledge God wants us to make life better so we should use it
• Golden rule: “treat others as you would like to be treated”- if you we dying of an incurable disease, you would want other to find a cure, even using GE
• God gave us power over the world, “Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky” ∴ we should use this power to our advantage by having GE, can help by getting insulin from bacteria

Question 18

What are some Christian arguments against genetic engineering?

Answer 18

• we’re made in god’s image: “in his own image he made them” ∴ we are like God, so we shouldn’t change ourselves by GE
• RCC: life begins at conception and murder is a sin ∴ embryonic research bad
• Playing god: “in your boom were written all the days that were formed for me when none of them yet existed” ∴ People are meant to die for a purpose, and we have no right to change his will
• We shouldn’t change what God has made “Who can straighten what He made crooked?” ∴ wrong to make earth perfect as heaven only perfect, so shouldn’t use GE

Question 19

Why may a Christian use the bible?

Answer 19

• fundamentalists believe it is actual word of god ∴ true, e.g. Feeding of 5000 happened ∴ as God has ultimate source of authority, so does Bible
• teachings of Jesus in NT, e.g. Good Samaritan ∴ tell christians what sort of life to lead
• contains rules accepted by society, e.g. Decalogue ∴ teaches christians how to act
• now influenced by modern soc or culture, e.g. Still says being gay condemned by god ∴ supported by RCC and Evangelics. ‘Unpolluted’

Question 20

Why may a Christian not use the bible?

Answer 20

• large book, appear to be contradictions + guidlines appear immoral, e.g. Talks about rape, genocide, slavery. Sources say the flood was both 40 and 150 days
• may not find example of moral problem they’re looking for, e.g. Stem cell research, nuclear war ∴ use another source
• translated from original language ∴ not v accurate, e.g. “Virgin” mary could mean young woman
• though inspired by god written by Humans ∴ must be looked at through context of history, e.g. Noah’s flood based on Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh

Question 21

What are the 10 commandments and what is their significance?

Answer 21

Rules for life given by God to Moses. V important, must check all actions against them.

Question 22

What is the sermon on the mount and what is its significance?

Answer 22

Teaching from Jesus telling Christians how to live their lives. Detailed and copies lots of areas, so Christians know the right way to act in most situations.

Question 23

Why may some Christians use the church?

Answer 23

• Bible says the Church is the body of Christ on earth∴ This would mean that the church has the same authority as Christ, and through it Jesus continues to act in the world
• authority given to apostles by Jesus, and this was passed down e.g. “So Christ himself gave the apostles…to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”
∴ Holy Spirit is present in Church today through its leaders
• Christ is head of Church in NT, so Church teachings come from Jesus
➯ ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything as I have commanded you’
• Holy Spirit is present in Church today to guide leaders on modern issues where you can’t use Bible
e.g. Stem cell research, nuclear bombs. Church is community of believers in God ∴ Christians believe God guides the Church’s moral teachings, so they must be followed

Question 24

Why may some Christians not use the church?

Answer 24

• may not have easy access to clergy, e.g. Live remotely
• pope + Magisterium made up of white, celibate men ∴ don’t have experience to give judgement on matters like contraception and abortion
• General CofE synod has such broad views that hard to reach decision, e.g. Women bishops

Question 25

What did Freud believe about the conscience?

Answer 25

Not God given, developed from experience and study. Voice of shame and guilt.

Question 26

What did Newman believe about the conscience?

Answer 26

God-given, guides us to God. Always right.

Question 27

What did Butler believe about the conscience?

Answer 27

God-given, must be followed. However, not actually God, so can be fallible.

Question 28

What did Dawkins believe about the conscience?

Answer 28

Due to evolution. We are inherently good and want to help others, so the whole race flourishes.

Question 29

Why may some Christians use their conscience?

Answer 29

• inner feeling of right or wrong. Given by God, Butler: “had it the strength as it had right…it would absolutely govern the world “ ∴ it will always be right.
• Rcc teaches that they must “A human must always obey the certain judgement of his Conscience” CCC ∴ to follow church they must use their conscience
• If you don’t use it the situation will be worse ➯ syneidesis (idea that anyone who disobeys conscience will suffer pain for going against moral principles) ∴ always best to use.
• helps Christians know what to do in specific circumstances, e.g. Dietrich B “Christians are, ∴ faced with a dilemma: when assaulted by evil they must oppose it through direct action” ∴ in situations where they can’t be guided by other sources they must use their conscience

Question 30

Why may some Christians not use their conscience?

Answer 30

• Not from God but from environment, reference Freud: Children learn world restricts desires. Superego internalises + reflects anger and disapproval. ∴ not necessarily good
• conscience could be mistaken, e.g. Peter Sutcliffe,Yorkshire ripper said that God told him to kill people, ∴ would be bad.
• could be biased towards personal preferences
➯ St Paul points out that law in place bc humans likely to be selfish and sinful if decide themselves
• Shouldn’t be used alone as may not be properly understood ∴ should have a look at Bible or Church before using conscience

Question 31

What is situation ethics?

Answer 31

Christians should base moral decisions on the most loving thing to do. Joseph Fletcher. Shows agape => Christian love for all

Question 32

Why may some Christians use situation ethics?

Answer 32

• Jesus followed situation ethics, e.g. Healed leper on Sabbath ∴ overrules OT when unloving, as thought more important to do good than follow law
• Jesus’s teachings, e.g. “Love each other as I have loved you” ∴ to follow his teachings use sit ethics
• in some cases better to show love than follow Bible e.g. divorce can sometimes be best option, even if against some Churches ∴ well-being of people more imp than strict adherence to the law
• it is flexible and allows for special circumstance e.g. A young mentally ill girl is raped. Should her father insist on an abortion? ∴ better than following Bible rules just for sake of following them

Question 33

Why may some Christians not use situation ethics?

Answer 33

• can lead to sinful acts,e .g. Joseph fletcher indicates booming of Japan could be most loving action ∴ goes against bible etc.
• goes against fundamental biblical commandments Jesus made it clear that divorce not permitted, and abortion goes against sanctity of life, yet these may be permitted under SE
• idea of love too subjective e.g. in case of raped girl you could argue that most loving would be to have abortion, but the child could have a positive effect on her∴ hard to predict consequences
• St Paul points put that law exists bc people liable to act selfishly and sinfully if choose themselves∴ Christianity has laws for weak character of the followers. Hard to think rationally if you are directly involved

Question 34

Why may a Christian use a variety of sources?

Answer 34

• moral dilemmas so complicated multiple approaches needed, e.g. Dietrich B. closely followed agape and pacifism but used his conscience to try to assassinate Hitler
• God speaks through all sources of moral authority. In general agree, so christian should seek most accessible form at the moment ∴ christian may use different sources depending
• may consult Bible, but doesn’t have modern stuff e.g. Transplant surgery. RCC would turn to Pope and Magisterium, and find out it is supported ∴ sometimes one source doesn’t contain all the info
• bad to use one source by itself e.g. If only sit ethics, could do bad act thinking it is most loving. E.g. Fletcher suggests that Bombing of Hiroshima could have been most loving outcome, however, this unthinkable to followers of Jesus ∴ a christian should consult multiple sources

Question 35

What are problems associated with Human rights?

Answer 35

• fundamentalists may not agree w HR ruling on civil partnerships, as they follow OT “a man shall not lie with another man as he would with a woman”
• those who have committed a crime have rights taken away, e.g. Prisoners can’t vote, this can be controversial
• various groups have been viewed as sub-human by some groups, e.g. Untermensch , untouchables in Hinduism ∴ we have not always adhered to human rights
• impractical: v. Difficult to provide clean water housing, education for people in v remote areas ∴ can’t always be enforced so is pointless sometimes
• Thomas aquinas said protection of society more important than individual rights, e.g. Banning gun ownership to protect state may trump individual right to bear arms

Question 36

Who are some Christians how have supported HR?

Answer 36

• Archbishop Desmond Tutu- campaigned against racism and apartheid
• MLK- campaigned for racial equality using non-violent methods, e.g. Bus boycotts. Baptist Minister
• Mother Theresa- RCC nun. Worked to ensure poor in Calcutta had access to basic medical care, sanitation and food
• Eleanor Roosevelt- episcopalian. Worked for women’s right and civil right. First chairman of UN commission for HR

Question 37

How can people get their voices heard?

Answer 37

• being in school council
• joining a youth parliament
• going on a protest march
• writing letters to local MPs