Religion and Life - Unit 2 - Revision Notes 2015 Exams Wednesday, May 13 - PM: Unit 2 Religion and Life Tuesday, June 2 - PM: Unit 4 Religious Philosophy and Ultimate Questions TOPICS: (Only Answer 4 topics) 1- RELIGION AND ANIMAL RIGHTS 2- RELIGION AND PLANET EARTH 3- RELIGION AND PREJUDICE 4- RELIGION AND EARLY LIFE 5- RELIGION, WAR AND PEACE Islam & Christianity Religious Education Revision Notes Updated February 2015 By: JDA
Religious Quotes You shall harm no living thing. (Buddhist First Precept) Treat others how you want to be treated. (Golden Rule) The Good Samaritan Sanctity of Life (The belief that all life belongs to God) Made in God s image.
Main Religious Teachings CHRISTIANITY Jesus two key teachings: Love God; Love your neighbour Equality of all, because in Genesis we are told that God made each of us. Justice (fairness) since everyone is equal, everyone deserves fairness. Forgiveness and love are ideas taught by Jesus, and shown in his actions. ISLAM The Ummah brotherhood of all Muslims. This means that all Muslims are equal, and deserve equal respect and treatment. That everyone has to follow duties set by Allah (God), for example, the Five Pillars. Shari ah Law, which is Muslim law stemming from the Qur an and Hadith, and applied to modern life by Islamic scholars. BUDDHISM Whilst we are not spending time with Buddhism, there are some key teachings which you can find useful: Reincarnation/Rebirth and karma our words, thoughts and deeds create energies that shape our future rebirths. We need to make sure these are positive. The Five Precepts (guidelines for living). These are: Not harming others (ahimsa); using language kindly; not taking what is not freely given; not clouding our minds; no sexual misconduct.
Topic 1 - Religion and Animal Rights CHRISTIANITY God made the world and gave humans dominion over it. (Genesis) Animals are part of creation and deserve respect and protection (Assisi Declarations). The Earth and everything in it is the Lord s (Genesis). Jesus said God cares about even the sparrows. Scientists must abandon laboratories and factories of death (Pope John Paul II) Many Christians do not eat red meat on Fridays to remember Jesus death on Good Friday. All Religions Teach: Stewardship Sanctity of life Companionship ISLAM Humans are Khalifah trustees (stewards) of the world. Nature is inferior to humans and can be used to improve the well-being of people. Showing kindness to an animal is an act rewarded by Allah. Muhammad (pbuh) insisted animals were well treated. If a man unjustly kills an animal he will be accused by the animal on Judgement Day. Muslims should only eat halal meat.
The Basics Key Knowledge How animals help humans. How humans use and exploit animals How humans and animals differ. Religious attitudes to: Animal rights Slaughter methods Food rules Animal experimentation Zoos, including their role in conservation of species Animals in sport, including hunting, bull fighting and racing Farming, including factory farming The rights and wrongs of each of the ways humans use animals. Students often write very generally when answering questions. To get the higher marks you must be specific. Uses of Animals Pets, Exercise, Helpers, Work Animals, Food, Sport, Entertainment, Experiments, Providers (wool, leather, milk etc.) Learn about an animal that can fit lots of categories and use them all the time.(ie: dogs companionship, sport, hunting etc..) Animal Rights means that animals have the right to be treated properly, fairly and with kindness - even when we intend to kill them. Are Animals Equal to Humans? YES Both are created by God Both live in the same world. Both depend on the same resources Both depend on each other They are just different species on the same world. NO Humans are smarter God gave humans control over animals Humans have a soul The impact of humans is greater so they are not equal We can kill animals, but cannot kill other humans. Humans and animals are different! Humans have greater impact on the world around them. Humans use logic and reasons to work things out. Animals use instinct. Humans have a soul Humans follow moral codes; animals follow nature and instinct. Humans communicate in complex ways.
Key Issues Companions and Helpers Animals can bring great comfort to humans. Trained animals seem to have a higher status than others Companion animals seem to have more rights than others. (guide animals are allowed into buildings) Workers or Transport Beasts of burden are often worked to death. Many of these animals need special training, which can be harsh or if they fail they are discarded. This is not a natural life for them, and they can be poorly treated, although it can also give them special status. Eg: police dogs. Farming Animals are just treated as products. Framing means animals live unnatural lives, which can be in cruel conditions. Many animals are fattened and killed before they reach adulthood. Hunting Traps used in hunting are cruel, often not killing an animal quickly, and catching unintended victims, e.g. pet dogs. Just killing an animal for sport is immoral in many people s eyes religious or not. Some species are being hunted into extinction. Sport Animals that don t make the grade are often slaughtered Most blood sports are very cruel to at least one of the animals, often to the death. Treatment of injured animals is often very poor, so they die anyway. These sports do not let animals live their natural lives. Experimentation. Animals can suffer greatly in experiments. Many experiments seem unnecessary, e.g. to test yet another version of a product that has already been tested, or testing a product in one country that has already been tested in another. Animals cannot in any way live natural lives. Fur and Ivory Trades Humans don t need fur as a material in the modern world. Elephants are killed simply for their ivory, which is a small part of them. Fur farms are very cruel. Zoos Animals are rarely in their natural environment or climate Animals have less space than they have in the wild Many zoo animals display clear signs of boredom and distress. Genetic modification and cloning Many people believe it is morally wrong to do this to animals when we don t know the exact outcomes. It costs a lot of money which many people believe could be used more effectively in other ways, e.g. for medical treatments. Donor/host animals don t get to live natural lives. Vegetarian or Vegan Some reasons why people are vegetarian or vegan are: Medical problems Dislike the taste of meat. Disagreeing with farming methods or slaughter methods. It s morally wrong to eat meat. How they were brought up. Religious rules.
Topic 2 - Religion and Planet Earth CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS God made the world humans are stewards of it (Genesis). The Earth is the Lord s (Psalms). More than ever people are responsible for the planets future (Pope John Paul II) Jesus said love your neighbour. Respect for life extends to all of creation (Pope John Paul II). All Religions Teach: Creation Stewardship Awe Community Conservation CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES God created the world. It was a good creation, which was perfection at its making. God gave us the world and the responsibility to look after it. Many Christians actively campaign to heal the world as the Earth is a great gift that God has entrusted us with. We also have a responsibility to each other, the poor of the world and our future children to make sure the world is still intact for many generation to come. Loving your neighbour means not destroying the world. ISLAMIC TEACHINGS The world is green and beautiful Allah made you Khalifahs over it (Qur an). The world was created as a place of worship (Qur an). The Earth has been created as a mosque (Hadith). Muhammad (pbuh) gave the example of not wasting nature water was his example. Even on doomsday a palm shoot should still be planted (Hadith). ISLAMIC ATTITUDES The world is the work of Allah. Humans are Khalifahs trustees of Allah s world. Allah knows who damages his creation and punishment will follow on Judgement Day. It is an act of worship to look after the world. The idea of the Ummah means we have a duty to pass on the world to the next generations in good condition.
The Basics Key Knowledge How the world and life began. The planet as a source of awe and wonder. How and why people damage the environment. How and why individuals help the environment. The world s response to environmental problems. Religious attitudes to: The natural world Climate change Pollution Use and abuse of natural resources Destruction and conservation of natural habitat Environmental problems caused by modern lifestyles, and potential solutions. Always include at least one religious way of helping with the environment. E.g. praying Creation Christianity and Islam have a similar story: God create the world from nothing in six days First he made the air, land & water. Then vegetation, stars, moon and sun. The birds fish and animals and finally humans. Stewardship The world belongs to God so we have a duty to look after it. Looking after the world shows respect and gratitude to God. It is like an act of worship to look after the world. If I ruin the world I have to live in the mess; so do others and our children. God will reward me if I look after his world, but punish me if I don t. The Big Bang Twenty Billion Years ago there was nothing. A huge explosion caused a cloud of dust and gas. Cloud settled to form the universe and the planets in it. God and Nature The beauty, complexity, power, cannot be an accident, suggesting a creator God. The world s design seems deliberate so it must have a designer. Science can t explain why something that began with nothing suddenly became a place with the right conditions for life. The more you look at the beauty of the world the more you are filled with awe and wonder.
Key Issues Pollution Examples: acid rain, oil spills, toxic chemicals, litter, noise, air. Problems Rivers and waterways become contaminated Land is covered with litter and landfill sites Air is polluted by factories, cars, noise. Beaches and sea are polluted with sewage. Solutions Cut the level of toxic waste Recycle rubbish Use cars and planes less often Use cleaner fuels Governments can make world agreements and enforce them. Destruction of Habitats Deforestation is an example of this. Problems Animals die and species can become extinct Rainforests contain many plant species that we can use in new medicines. These will be lost. Trees are good for the environment. They capture carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Solutions We need to balance human needs for land with our use of the environment. International agreements to protect areas. Modern Living Our modern lifestyles puts a big demand on the earth and its resources. Problems We have cars that produce pollution. We produce tons of rubbish per family each year We use a great deal of energy, often without care. A lot of foods are grown with pesticides and these poison the land. Solutions Take responsibility for our own contribution Recycle, reduce energy use, eat organic. Reduce our individual carbon footprint. Global Warming Climate change can also be used. Problems Ice caps melting as oceans get warmer. Severe weather patterns Floods and droughts. Sea life dying as sea temperatures change. Animal habitats being destroyed. Cancers are on the increase because of UV rays. Solutions Use less energy. Industries find alternative energies. Create more renewable energy sources. Create less pollution. Natural Resources Fossil fuels are produced from the decomposition of organic matter from millions of years ago. Once they are gone we can t reproduce them. Problems Fossil fuels are being used very rapidly. Increasing use of technology means more energy consumption. More people travel more often and further. Natural resources are running out. We are reliant on oil and when it runs out this will be a serious issue. Solutions To cut down on energy use. Create renewable energy (wind, solar, wave, hydro.) Stop cutting down rainforest. Any question over 3 marks must specifically mention a religion. You must know the Kyoto agreement, Assisi Declarations and the Earth Summits. You also need to know about sustainable development and conservation efforts.
Topic 3 Religion and Prejudice All Religions Teach: Respect Community Tolerance Justice Fairness Equality Harmony CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS God created all of us equal There is neither Jew no Gentile, slave or free man, male or female. We are all one in Christ. (New Testament) Do to others as you would want others to do to you. Jesus said love your neighbour. In the story of the Good Samaritan, the man is helped because he needs it, not because of who he was or wasn t. ISLAMIC TEACHINGS Difference was Allah s design so persecution is unjustified. Allah loves the fair minded. Muhammad (pbuh) allowed a black African man to do the call to prayer. The Muslim Declaration of Human Rights states all people are equal. On Hajj everyone is equal in dress and action. Martin Luther King Jr. (Remember to say how and why don t tell the life story.) Black Baptist (Christian) minister in the 1950 s and 1960 s. Lead the US civil rights movement. Used political speeches, sit-ins, marches, boycotts, etc. as a method of political pressure. His actions were based on his Christian belief that God created us all equal. He was assassinated in 1968 but had gained many equal rights for blacks.
The Basics Key Knowledge Different types of prejudice and examples of each. Why people are prejudiced, and how they show it. Relevance of tolerance, justice, harmony and the value of each person. Religious attitudes to prejudice. Religious attitudes to: Racism Sexism Homophobia Ageism Religious prejudice. How religions help the victims of prejudice and discrimination. What specific individuals have done to fight prejudice. What pressure groups and the government have done, e.g. the Race Relations Act. How and Why! People often mix up how and why. Read the questions carefully! How religious believers fight prejudice is not the same as why they do it. How do religions respond to prejudice Pray, look to holy books to help, speak to religious leaders, campaign for change, petition governments, school assemblies. Causes of Prejudice Upbringing parents attitudes are also believed by their children. Bad experience a bad experience from someone in a group can influence peoples attitudes. Media biased coverage of an event an influence attitudes. Ignorance Judging a group without having any real knowledge of them. Scapegoating blaming others as an excuse for a problem. Watch the news. There are lots of current examples in the media about prejudice in society these can be used as examples in the exam. Effects of Discrimination Negative: Emotional feeling left out Isolation within a community Physically driven out of a community Sense of total injustice Loss of property or possessions Actual death Positive Feelings of determination Sense of community as people fight together Sense of purpose Can provide jobs and support to people underrepresented Balancing up society
Key Issues Sexism Sexism mainly affects women, who suffer from discrimination which comes from traditional practices. Religious state that everyone is equal. Some religions stop women from being in leadership. The 1975 sex discrimination act give legal protection to both sexes. Racism Racism is illegal in the UK (2000 Race Relations Amendment Act) All religions teach that it is wrong to discriminate because or colour/race Holy books and leaders teach respect, harmony and tolerance of each other. Religious believers are encouraged to stand up against racism. Ageism The Law is not ageist age limits are set for our own good. Ageism can affect anyone at any time you might not get a job because you are too young or too old. Holy books teach that parents and the elderly should be respected. Young people are the future and their views should be valued. Homophobia Homosexuals often receive little support from religions and families. All religions believe it is wrong to be homophobic. It is against the UK law to be homophobic Many holy books condemn homosexuality. Many religious people view the relationships as unnatural. 2007 Sexual Orientation Act provides greater equality to homosexuals. Disability Everyone is equal God creates us in different ways Most people with a disability live full and fulfilling lives. We should not try and judge the quality of life of another person. 2005 Disability Act makes discrimination against disabled persons illegal and all religions would support this. Religious Prejudice People are free to practise their own religion within Britain. It is against the law to discriminate on the basis of religious expression e.g. wearing symbols, clothing etc. Most religious groups promote tolerance of others. Some religious people see different religions as a different way to the same goal. Religious groups often argue against each other and in some places there can be violent conflicts between and within religions. E.g. Northern Ireland and ISIS. Looks and lifestyle We should not be too eager to judge just on looks. It is character not looks that matters People should always be given a chance Religions might not agree with certain lifestyles but they are not in a position to discriminate. Help, understanding, tolerance and respect should be shown. Further research. You must know about positive discrimination You must know of an organisation that works against prejudice and be able to say why they help people or how they help people: Hope not hate Age UK The Fawcett Society Stonewall.
Topic 4 Religion and Early life All Religions Teach: Rights Sanctity of life Miracle of life Quality of life CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS God gives life and takes it away not us (Old Testament) All life is sacred special to God All humans are created in the image of God (Genesis) God planned all our lives The Ten Commandments say Do not kill CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES Only God has the right to take life The Catholic church is totally against abortion life must be protected Many protestants accept abortion as a necessary evil but it must be as a last resort after much careful thought. ISLAMIC TEACHINGS Life is sacred (Qur an) Allah decides on the time of our birth and death, and has planned our lives. We are all created from a clot of blood and known by Allah (Qur an) It is wrong to kill Ensoulment (When the soul becomes part of the foetus) is after 40 days, not at conception. ISLAMIC ATTITUDES Muslims believe that abortion is wrong. It is allowed in Shari ah law as a necessary evil. It destroys Allah s plan for a life The soul enters the body at 40/120 days therefore before these times it may be allowed It is acceptable if the woman s life is at risk as duty to family is more important.
The Basics Key Knowledge When life beings Children as a blessing and the miracle of life What we mean by abortion Why women have abortions Arguments around the quality or sanctity of life Abortion law Religious attitudes to abortion The rights of all those involved mother, father, foetus. Alternatives to abortion The work of pressure groups. The Law 1967 Abortion Act Abortion can only be carried out in the following specific conditions: There is a danger to the woman s mental or physical health That the foetus will be born with a physical or mental disability That the welfare of existing children may be affected. The limit for abortion was 28 weeks It must be done by a registered doctor. 1990 Human fertilisation and Embryology Act Abortion reduced to 24 weeks as babies were surviving. Alternatives to Abortion Complete the pregnancy, keep the child. Choose to risk own life: both might survive. In the case of ectopic pregnancy or cancer, the mother might die leaving the child alone or seriously ill for life. Fostering: this gives the chance for the child to be looked after by its natural mother some time later Adoption: the child is bought up by a good family. There are many more alternatives to abortion. When does life begin? At conception? (when the sperm meets the egg?) When the foetus has a clear shape? When the heart begins to beat? At birth or when the foetus is viable? Why do people want children? To carry on the family name and religion. It fulfils marriage promises and completes the family The child is the expression of the love that the couple share Religious duty to accept this gift of life. Why do people NOT want children? Too expensive Not ready for the responsibility Not in a stable or happy relationship Too young or old Medical reasons. You might be asked to briefly describe the work of a pressure group or organisation that works for the rights of the unborn child or the right to choose. Learn these: Prolife.org.uk Abortion Rights
Key Issues Pro-Life The life of the foetus is at least as important as the life of the mother The foetus must have someone to speak for it. All life has potential and should be given the chance Abortion is murder murder is wrong All life is sacred and must be protected God created all life so humans must protect it. We must not abort for a disability as we should not judge the quality of life of another. Quality of Life Sometimes used to support abortion Applies to disability as that effects the quality of life of a person. It would be unfair to let a person live with a serious disability that means they would never be able to look after themselves. However, we should not judge the quality of life of another person. Pro-Choice A woman has the right to decide what happens to her body Some foetuses are so damaged it would be cruel to let them be born If the woman s life is at risk she should have the right to abortion Where rape has occurred then abortion has to be available as an option. Women would have abortions anyway, just not safe ones. Whose right is it to choose? In the UK a woman can not be forced to have an abortion. You may need to suggest why someone other than the woman should have a say in an abortion. Think about the following roles: Husband Boyfriend Parents Religious leader Doctor Common Mistakes Mixing up Quality of Life and Sanctity of life Saying why people believe something rather than what they do Mixing up contraception with conception. Getting pro-life and pro-choice confused Writing too briefly and not explaining their answers. Always give a reason to support your view.
Topic 5 Religion, War and Peace All Religions Teach: Peace Justice Sanctity of Life CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS Those who live by the sword die by the sword (Jesus) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Jesus in the Beatitudes) Love your neighbour (Jesus) If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other. (Jesus) Everyone must commit themselves to peace (Pope John Paul II) ISLAMIC TEACHINGS Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress the limits if they cease let there be no hostility (Qur an) Lesser Jihad to fight in the name of Allah and defend one s faith. Hate your enemy mildly, for he may become your friend one day (Haddith) Fight them until there is no more oppression and there justice prevails (Qur an) Allah loves those who fight in His cause (Qur an) Religious Leader Working for Peace Dalai Lama (1935-present) (Remember to say how and why don t tell the life story.) Believes in the Buddhist first precept Spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists. Campaigns for Tibetan liberation from Chinese rule Forced into exile from Tibet by the Chinese government. Has promoted the preservation of the Tibetan culture by refugees in India Believes all violence is wrong, that peace is found in mutual respect. Has become an international symbol of peace.
The Basics Key Knowledge The concepts of peace, justice and the sanctity of life The causes of war Just War and Holy War Religious attitudes to: Pacifism War Helping victims of war Nuclear war Terrorism The work of organisations that help the victims of war The work of a religious believer who has worked for peace The role of peacekeeping forces such as the United Nations and NATO Effects of War Victims - killed, maimed, orphaned, refugees Soldiers killed, traumatised, desensitised Environment destruction of landscape, hazardous areas e.g. landmines Economy loss of farming and industry, cost of rebuild Political bitter tensions created between opposing forces that lead to future conflicts. Causes of War Defence against invader Defence of religion, freedoms, way of life. Defence of a weaker nation Pre-emptive strike to prevent expected attack To gain land or resources To remove an unjust leader To end injustice such as genocide An A-grade student will make very good use of teachings and beliefs. They will use specific references that exactly fit the topic they are discussing. Just War Theory The religious criteria for engaging in war. Controlled by a just authority Just Cause Aim is clear Last resort Winnable Proportional Good outcome Types of War Between nations Civil Wars (internal conflicts) War against terrorism Key Concepts Peace Peace is: Absence of war Harmony between people and nations Justice for all Justice Justice is: What is right and fair Respect for freedom Just laws and punishment for offenders Protection of individual and group rights Sanctity of life Sanctity of life is: A gift of God Sacred and holy Valuable and precious purposeful
Key Issues Holy War Fought for God or faith Last resort Believers obligated to fight Conducted fairly Protection of civilians and the landscape Justice and peace should be restored at the end of the war The war must end when the aim has been achieved. Religions have different attitudes to war and you will need to be sure you know what the specific views are. Religious Attitudes to WMD s Use of WMDs is wrong as their effects are extreme and uncontrollable WMDs are against Just/Holy war rules. WMDs are against the religious principles of peace. WMDs are used as a means of oppression Some believers accept the maintaining of nuclear weapons as a deterrent, but they should never be used. Terrorism Use of violence to create fear Indiscriminate targeting of civilians and civilian areas. Non-democratic Used to promote minority views, often fundamentalist. Religious views: Against principles of religious beliefs (e.g. ignores justice and kills innocents) Religious teachings promote peace, justice and respect for life. Most religious people condemn terrorism. Nuclear Weapons for proliferation Nuclear weapons are a deterrent which discourage attack and maintain peace. Countries that don t have nuclear weapons feel they should be allowed to have them. Countries that are allies in war share military technology There are huge risks and expense involved in destroying these weapons. Nuclear Weapons for disarmament Nuclear proliferation makes the use of nuclear weapons more likely No moral justification for their use. Waste of valuable resources to produce them. Monetary cost of these weapons for their production and storage could be used for peaceful means. The threat of nuclear weapons makes more countries develop them to defend themselves. Religious Prejudice You need to know about organisations that help the victims of war: (Red cross/red crescent) Providing humanitarian aid Counselling and support for those who have lost loved ones to conflict Support when the conflict ends Campaigns to bring and end to war and conflict. Peacekeeping forces Peacekeeping forces are different to charities as they aim to promote international law and security. Often peacekeepers are armed but won t use their weapons unless absolutely necessary. Protection of human rights in conflict zones Use of international pressure such as sanctions. Use of military forces to implement peace agreements Brokering of peace agreements Supporting allied nations. Peace Religious views: Promoted by all religious faiths The Golden rule Necessary for peoples physical and spiritual well-being Some religious believers are pacifists Pacifism Oppose all use of war and violent conflict Believe in the sanctity of life Believe peace can be achieved using non-violence Are often conscientious objectors who refuse to participate in wars.
The Good Samaritan Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) 30 Jesus replied with a story: A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. 31 By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant [b] walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. 33 Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, [c] telling him, Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I ll pay you the next time I m here. 36 Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits? Jesus asked. 37 The man replied, The one who showed him mercy. Then Jesus said, Yes, now go and do the same.