GCSE Religious Studies: Theme B - Religion and Life

Introduction

• Revising Theme B: Religion and Life
• Topics: Euthanasia, Animal Experimentation, and more
• Aim: Secure 24/24 marks and achieve a Grade 9 in this section
• Exam covers contrasting Christian and Islamic beliefs

Exam Technique

• Question 1: Worth 1 mark, requires ticking the correct keyword.
• Question 2: Worth 2 marks, requires two bullet-pointed beliefs.
• Question 3: Worth 4 marks, requires explaining two beliefs (similar or contrasting).
• Question 4: Worth 5 marks, requires explaining two beliefs with scripture reference.
• Question 5: Worth 12 marks, requires evaluating a statement with arguments for and against, including religious evidence and a justified conclusion.

Topics Covered

1. Origins of the Universe

• Big Bang Theory: Supported by a Catholic priest; universe began 13.8 billion years ago.
• Christian Views:
  • Literalist: Reject Big Bang, believe in creation in 6 days based on Genesis.
  • Non-Literalist: Accept Big Bang as God's method; Pope Francis supports Big Bang and Evolution.
• Islamic Views:
  • Literalist: Reject Big Bang, believe creation in 6 days as per Quran.
  • Non-Literalist: Some accept Big Bang as God's process.

2. Origins of Human Life

• Theory of Evolution: Natural selection and survival of the fittest.
• Christian Views:
  • Literalist: Reject evolution, believe in creation of Adam and Eve.
  • Non-Literalist: Accept evolution as God's method; Pope Francis supports.
• Islamic Views:
  • Literalist: Reject evolution, Adam created from clay.
  • Non-Literalist: Some accept evolution as consistent with stages of creation.

3. Stewardship and Dominion

• Stewardship: Duty to care for the world, known as being a Khalifa in Islam.
• Dominion: Belief in having control over the world.
• Christian Views:
  • Emphasize stewardship based on Genesis.
  • Pope Francis: "Let us be protectors of God's creation."
• Islamic Views:
  • Emphasize stewardship, belief that humans are God's khalifas.
  • Hadith: "Do not take more than you need."

4. Use of Animals

• Animal Experimentation: Use for medical research and product testing.
• Christian Views:
  • Support: Humans have dominion, can use animals for benefit.
  • Against: Stewardship requires care; Pope Francis advocates protection.
• Islamic Views:
  • Support: Quran allows certain animals for use.
  • Against: Animals are communities like humans, should be cared for.

5. Sanctity of Life

• Sanctity of Life: Life is sacred and holy as created by God.
• Quality of Life: Standard of health and happiness.
• Christian Views:
  • Strong version: Life always sacred, against abortion and euthanasia.
  • Weaker version: Consider quality of life.
• Islamic Views:
  • Life is sacred, God's sovereignty over life and death.
  • "Do not kill yourselves or others."

6. Abortion

• Definition: Deliberate ending of pregnancy.
• Christian Support:
  • Situation ethics, most loving action.
  • Church of England allows in limited situations.
• Islamic Support:
  • Allowed if mother's life is at risk.
• Opposition:
  • Catholics: Life begins at conception, always sacred.
  • Islam: Do not kill child for fear of poverty.

7. Euthanasia

• Definition: Assisting with ending life for terminally ill.
• Christian Support:
  • Compassion, autonomy over body.
  • Situation ethics: Case by case basis.
• Opposition:
  • Ten Commandments: "Do not kill."
  • Islam: Only God can take life, euthanasia prohibited.

8. Life After Death

• Christian Views:
  • Heaven as eternal paradise.
  • Hell as place for punishment.
• Islamic Views:
  • Heaven as eternal paradise, journey towards God.
  • Hell as place for hypocrites and disbelievers.

Conclusion

• Consider both sides of arguments for exams.
• Think about which views have stronger arguments.
• Good luck with studies!