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Home , Barzakh, Jahannam

The Study of Religion: Paper 2 Religion and Life Revision Cards Origins of the universe

Christian beliefs on Creation Muslim beliefs on The Big Bang Theory • God designed and created the creation • The scientific explanation for how the universe began. universe. • 13.8 billions years ago all matter was compressed into a small, • God created all things ‘out of nothing’ • God created the hot and dense collection of mass. ex nihilo world in 6 days • A massive expansion of space took place and matter was flung • Genesis 1 gives a a detailed (phases) This could in all different directions. story about how the Earth was be periods of time. • The universe expanded and cooled. created. • Before time existed, • The starts grouped together and formed galaxies. God existed and he Days What happened? created the universe on his divine word. Christian views Muslim views Day 1 God said ‘Let their be light’. He created • The Qur'an does not • Fundamental Christians believe • encourages the search for day and night. specify what that every word in the Bible has clear understanding and Day 2 God made the sky. happened on each been inspired by God and scientific explanations that may day. therefore 200% true. enable a greater understanding • Liberal Christians believe that of God. Day 3 God formed the seas and the land, • The Qur’an does not the Bible is more like a / • The Qur’an encourages scientific covering the land with vegetation and mention a day of rest symbol and the main message is exploration about the origins of plants. but instead says that that God brought the universe the universe. Day 4 God created lights in the sky- sun, moon God put the whole into being but we should use to • believe that the Qur’an and stars, universe under his science to try and understand it. links well to the Big Bang • The Big Bang could have been Theory. Day 5 God made fish and other animals of the command. God’s way of forming the • The Qur’an explains why the seas, and the birds in the air. • Muslims believe that God’s work and universe. universe came into being but Day 6 God finished by creating all the animals science should explain how. on land, made humans. He made humans creation never ends • As long as they understand that in his own image. as it continues with it is created by God. every new birth and • It was not an accident but was Day 7 God rested on the 7th day and made it designed, and God’s creation was holy. He was very pleased with his every new seed that perfect and good. creation because it was good. grows. Value of the world

Value of the Dominion: Awe and Wonder: world: • In order to manage the earth When people see beautiful landscapes, • Humans are Christians were given power and starts etc… many people are the most authority to rule. awestruck and filled with wonder. intelligent • Some believe that this means The beauty and complexity of the species on they can do what they like with world proves to come that God must exist. earth. the earth. • God’s creation inspires awe and Humans should • Some say they cannot do what live in wonder. harmony. they like if it damages something Nature is amazing because it • Muslims and God has made. represents the glory of God Christians believe they should respect Stewardship nature and Christians: Muslims: care for the • God has given humans the privilege of • God has given humans responsibility to take care of the environment, living in the world therefore they planet. • Living on God’s should take responsibility and look • Called khalifah earth is a after it. • We need to look after the world for future generations. privilege. • One planet that cannot be replaced. • Looking after the environment brings balance. • Islam stresses • Adam was the first steward when he • Humans will be judged on the day of about their that we must was told to take care of the Garden of treatment of the planet. live in harmony Eden. • “It is he who has made you successor on the earth.” with all • God is the creator therefore we should not damage is creature of creation. God. • “God created everything and the earth belongs.” Use and abuse of the environment

Key Word Definition Natural resources Material found in nature- such as oil and trees- that can be used by people.

Pressures on the Sustainable development Building and progress that tried to reduce the impact on the natural world for future generations environment Abuse Misuse of the world and environment • The world’s population is Non-renewable energy Things the earth provides that will eventually run out, for example, oil, coal growing therefore Deforestation The cutting down of large amount of forest it has implications on the Recycling Reusing old products to make new ones. environment. • Large populations create most waste Looking after the and there is a real danger that the environment planet is getting seriously damaged. • Recycling • Reusing items such as plastic bags or donating items not needed. • Muslim views to abuse of the environment Christian views to abuse of the environment Reducing the number • The advices Muslims to take only what is • Being in charge does not give people the right to of vehicle journeys by needed from the world. abuse, spoil, waste or destroy what God has walking, cycling or • “ Do not seek from it more than what you need.” made. public transport. • • “Eat and drink but do not be extravagant: God • Humans are only tenants of God’s world. Being careful to turn does not like extravagant people.” • Thoughtless exploitation should be opposed. lights off and use • The IFEES Project • The Assisi and Ohito meetings water responsibly. • Planting trees. Pollution

Pollution: • Pollution puts the health “ The earth is the Christian views on Pollution Making something dirty of humans, animals and LORD’S and • Christian believe that the world is on loan and contaminated, plants at risk. everything in it.” to humans, who have been given especially the • Pollution is a problem as technology advances and responsibility by God to look after it. environment. • the world’s population “Every human Parable of the talents. • grows. act of Polluting the planet is not good Types of Pollution: irresponsibility stewardship. towards • Pollution harms other therefore goes Water Air Land creatures is an against ‘love thy neighbour’. abomination,”

Pope Francis challenge the world to help reduce pollution: • The Pope called for the world to act to • Caused by • Caused by fumes • Caused by the protect the environment. dumping waste from factories and ineffective • He called the letter ‘To care for our into the sea. vehicles. disposal of waste. • Have a bad • Long-term • When chemicals one common home.” effect on marine exposure can lead enter the earth • He states that we need to reduce life. to asthma, lung this can poison waste, pollution and change poverty. • Example- The cancer and other wildlife, making • He says the world looks like an immense deep water diseases. farming less pile of filth. • horizon oil spills It also causes efficient and • He says we should recycle. killing thousands global warming, result in of birds and climate change and contaminated food. marine animals. acid rain. Animals

Animals for experiments Value of Animals • Scientists test new products, such as Animals for food medicines, cosmetics and additives • God created all living things and they all • Those who decide to be vegetarian or that are added to food. worship God in their own way. vegan usually do so because they are • To test to make sure it is safe for • Each animal is valuable to God and should against killing animals. humans. be treated with kindness and compassion. • Some object to the ways animals are • Testing cosmetics on animals was • There are over 200 verses in the Qur’an treated rather than actually eating banned in the UK in 1998. about animals. animals. • Most animal testing now is on rats or • Christians believe God created animals for • Some simply do not like the taste. mice that are bread for that purpose. humans to use and care for. • Humans are more important because they were created in the image of God. Christian views on Muslim views on animals • The story of Noah’s ark teaches Christians Christian views on Muslim views on eating animals testing testing to protect animals but that it is also eating animals animals acceptable to use them for our benefit. • Christians support • Harming an animals • • limited animal is not allowed. Christians have Muslims are the choice to be allowed to eat testing, providing • Causing them to do a “Take with you there is no other beyond their meat eaters. meat that has seven of every • safe way to develop power is not “All creature But they should been kidded kind of animal, a also be sensitive according to medicines. acceptable. that crawl on • Acceptable as long • An acceptation can male and its to others. Shari’ah law. the earth and • • as it is in a caring be made if it is to mate.” Against killing Food must be halal way. protect/ save human those that fully animals. and slaughtered • • Christians believe life. with their wings We are more correctly. • that humans life is • Suffering must be are communities dominant so can Animals must be do what we like. killed in the name more important. kept to a minimum. like yourselves.” “Everything • Humans will be of God. that lives and • judged on judgement Forbidden to eat day based on their moved about will pig meat. actions towards be food for animals. you.” Origins of human life

Christian beliefs about the origins of human life: Evolution • In Genesis, God created male and female humans on the final day of creation; Adam • Suggests that all living things in the world have developed over and Eve. time from simple forms. • In Genesis 2, Adam was formed by God from the soil and God breathed life into him. • Charles Darwin, studied the variation in plants and animals and • He was told to look after the and not to eat from the Tree of recognised the differences around the world. knowledge of good and evil. • He wrote the book on the origin of species, in which he put • While Adam was sleeping, God took one of his ribs and formed Eve, the first woman. forward the idea of natural selection. • Some Christians believe the story is literally true and the whole human race are • Darwin argues that the creatures with characteristics most descendants. suited to the environment are more likely to survive, reproduce • Others say it is just a story to say that God created humans to be close to him. and pass on their genes of their offspring. • They will adapt to survive in their natural habitats and therefore will create new species, Muslim beliefs about the origins of human • The fittest survive and some have to go extinct. life: • When God has finished creating the universe, he Christian attitudes to Muslim attitudes to created the first human being. evolution evolution • Some believe he named him Adam, he taught him • • the names of all things and created from his soul Christians believe that they Some Muslims reject a wife, Eve-who is referred to as the ‘Mother of do not need to worry about evolution and are what the theory implies about creationists; they believe humankind’. • God allowed the to dwell in the garden of God’s role in creation. that all God formed all the • Some believe Darwin is wrong different species. with free will but commanded then to • not eat from a certain tree. as life started the way the Some believe that it is not • tricked/ tempted Adam and Eve into eating Bible states, compatible with the Qur’an. • • from the Tree, Some except adaption but do Some support human not believe there is enough evolution as a key principle • Adam and Eve began naked and tried to cover themselves and felt shame and regret. evidence to rely on that. of modern biology. • Some say God is the creator • Some argue that evolution is • God sent them down to earth to start the human world. but the Bible is saying why acceptable but does not • The whole human race is descended from Adam whereas science can explain apply to humans, as God and Eve. how. created man for a certain reason. Abortion

What is abortion? The Legal position • It is the removal of the foetus from the • Before 1967 abortion was illegal in womb to end a the UK pregnancy before the • You can now have an abortion up to the 24th week of pregnancy. child is born. • There is no limit if the mother’s life • It is usually is in danger or if the foetus is deliberate. severely deformed.

Christian views for Christian views against Muslim views for Muslim views against Non religious views for Non religious views abortion abortion abortion abortion abortion against abortion

• If it saves the • Against the • Allowed in certain • Muslims should value • Pro-choice groups, • Pro-life argue that mother’s life. sanctity of life. circumstances- life. agree with abortion life begins at • • Acceptable if the • Life is a gift from mother’s life is in . because a woman’s conception. • Not acceptable if it life comes first. • Abortion is murder. mother was raped God and a danger, result of due to finances. • Women have the • Unborn children or the child would blessing. rape. • It must happen right to choose as need to be be disabled. • Life begins at • Lesser of two before ensoulment they carry the baby, protected. • Can be the lesser conception evils. (40 or 120 days) • If the mother will • Disabled people can of two evils. • Baby born with • Taking a life- be harmed mentally have a good life serve physical or murder. or physically she therefore why should be allowed an should they be mental abortion. terminated. “Before I formed you in “Do not kill your children disabilities. • It is also cruel to • Unwanted children the womb I knew you, for fear of poverty- we bring a severely should be adopted. before you were born I shall provide for them physical or mentally • A of people who set you apart.” and for you- killing is a disabled child into have abortions will great .” the world. suffer from depression and guilt Euthanasia

Euthanasia in Greek means good . It is the intention to end the life of The Right to Die someone who is in pain or has poor quality of life due to a serious illness. • Some argue that euthanasia gives a dignified and peaceful death. Active Euthanasia: Passive Euthanasia: • Others argue that we should offer ‘care not killing’. When active steps are taken to end When doctors stop providing • Some believe that we need to protect the depressed, someone’s life, for example by giving treatment or do something that is disabled, elderly and sick. • In some countries were it is legal, doctors will not be them a lethal injection intended to quicken the natural persecuted and the patient must request it process of dying, for example not themselves and their suffering must be unbearable. resuscitating.

Christian views for euthanasia Christian views against euthanasia • Some Christians do support euthanasia and • Taking life interferes with God’s plan believe that the drugs that are used to end a • It is open to abuse life murder and people might feel pressured into having it. suffering person’s life are God-given. • Against the Sanctity of Life • It is the most loving thing to do. • Only God has the right to take life. • God has given people free will so they should be “You shall not murder” able to choose when to end their lives. • Modern drugs and hospice care provide the dying with a chance to end their lives with dignity and “Blessed are the merciful.” without pain. • Going through pain and suffering brings you closer to God as you understand the suffering of .

Muslims views against euthanasia • Not included in the reasons allowed for killing. • Against the sanctity of life. • All life is a gift from God and should be looked after. • Only God will decide when life ends. “Do not take life, which God has made sacred except by right.” • Suffering is for a reason. God is testing the faith. • Euthanasia is haram and a sin against God. Death and the

Is death the end? The value of human life Christian Muslim • God has given humans free will to choose between right and wrong. • Death is not the end and God judges whether a • Muslims believe that death is not final, but a • Each person has one life and it is their person will spend eternity or . new beginning of a new stage. • • choice how they life it. Catholics believe in , where souls Muslims believe they will be waiting until the day undergo purification in order to achieve holiness of judgement called , which means • Christians and Muslims believe that to be with God and enter heaven. barrier. what they do in life will effect the • Some believe that the afterlife/ judgement • The soul does not die but continues in the eternally. begins the moment you die, where others believe afterlife, heaven or hell. • This encourages them to follow the you must wait until judgement day. • The afterlife is known as Akirah. instructions of God. • Some Christians believe that heaven is bodily and • Current life is a test or trial before the next others believe it is spiritual. realm of existence.

Christian views on heaven Christian views on hell Muslim views on heaven Muslim views on hell Muslim views on judgement • Heaven is wonderful and • The Bible says that hell was • Called paradise or • Also called . • Everyone is accountable for where God resides. originally designed for • Muslims aim to reach • The Qur’an describes hell their actions. • It is place where everyone and his . paradise. using the vivid imagery of • The will blow a worships God. • A place for punishment. • After judgement everyone blazing fire and terrible trumpet announcing the last • There is no death, mourning • Hell is a place of torment will have to cross the Sirat punishment. day and the dead will be or pain in heaven. and there is no rest. Bridge over hell. • Both physical and spiritual resurrected. • Heaven is more important • Some believe that it is just • If given the book of life in torture. • Good will look at their book than any other ambition. punishment to be without the right hand you will • Muslims who do not do of life and decide the fate • We go to heaven because God. enter heaven. enough good deeds might of the individual. of Jesus’ death on the • Hell is something that • Eternal beautiful garden of find themselves in hell. cross. should be avoided. physical and spiritual • It will eventually end and • Christians should try to pleasures and delights. they will enter heaven. avoid sinning. • No suffering. • Non-believers will stay their forever.