Master Theme B revision: creation, sanctity of life, abortion, euthanasia, afterlife, environmental stewardship. Develop 12-mark evaluation skills.
Recall: Theme B — Religion & Life
Time to recall what you learned last lesson
5:00
Test your knowledge of creation, sanctity of life, abortion, euthanasia, afterlife, and environmental ethics.
What does Genesis 1:27 teach about humans and creation?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them." Humans uniquely bear God image; basis for sanctity of human life.
What is the Quranic account of creation?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Quran 21:30: "Do not those who disbelieve see that the heavens and the earth were joined together then We parted them?" Creation emphasizes God power and unity (Tawhid).
What is the doctrine of sanctity of life?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Human life is sacred, created in God image (Christianity) or by God will (Islam). Not absolute but deeply protected. Basis for opposition to abortion and euthanasia.
What is the Catholic position on abortion?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Absolute opposition: life begins at conception; abortion always immoral. Evangelium Vitae (1995). Even if mother life at risk, abortion forbidden. Some allow removal of diseased organ.
What is the Islamic position on abortion?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Permitted before 120 days of pregnancy (when soul enters). Most scholars allow on health grounds. After 120 days, forbidden except to save mother life. Quran 23:14 marks ensoulment.
What is euthanasia and Christian teaching?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Mercy killing: ending life to end suffering. Christianity generally opposes: only God gives and takes life. Some allow "switching off life support" (doctrine of double effect) but not active killing.
What is the Islamic position on euthanasia?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Forbidden (Haram). Life is sacred trust from Allah. Suicide and assisted dying violate divine will. However, withdrawing treatment when futile increasingly accepted.
What do Christians believe about the afterlife?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Heaven (eternal communion with God) or Hell (separation from God). Judgment Day: resurrection of body and spirit. Varied views on intermediate state (purgatory, limbo).
What does Islam teach about the afterlife (Akhirah)?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah): all raised and judged. Heaven (Jannah) has levels; Hell (Jahannam) temporary for most. Barzakh = intermediate realm. Emphasis on accountability.
What is environmental stewardship in Christianity?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Humans are caretakers of creation (Genesis 2:15). Pope Francis Laudato Si (2015): ecological crisis is moral crisis. Care for "common home." Dominion means responsible management.
What is Khalifah in Islamic environmental ethics?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Humans are Allah representatives on earth. Quran 2:30: "I am about to place upon the earth a khalifah." Responsible stewardship; harming creation is sin.
Creation & Sanctity of Life
Christian Creation (Genesis 1-2)
Two accounts: Genesis 1 (orderly creation in 6 days), Genesis 2 (relational narrative of Adam and Eve).
Key points: Humans made in image of God (imago Dei). Creation declared "good." Humans given dominion over creatures and earth.
Modern debate: Creation vs evolution; 6-day literal reading vs theological truth about humanity place.
Islamic Creation (Quranic Account)
Quran 21:30: "Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, then We separated them?"
Human creation: Quran 23:12-14 describes stages: drop, clot, lump, bones, flesh, then spirit. Progressive creation emphasizes God power.
Khalifah role: Humans as God trustees to care for creation responsibly.
Abortion: Christian Views
Catholic: Absolute opposition from conception. Life is sacred gift; no exceptions.
Protestant: More varied. Some allow on health/rape grounds. Life and mother life must be weighed.
Key issue: When does personhood begin? Conception vs viability vs birth.
Abortion: Islamic Views
Majority permission: Allowed before 120 days (ensoulment per Quran 23:14).
Conditions: Mother health, severe fetal abnormality, rape. After 120 days: only save mother life.
Emerging consensus: More permissive than Catholic; protects mother wellbeing.
Apply: Euthanasia Case Study
Case: Tony Bland (1993 Hillsborough Disaster)
23-year-old in persistent vegetative state for 4 years. No brain activity; completely dependent. Court allowed withdrawal of artificial nutrition. First UK legal euthanasia case. Sparked major ethical debate.
Life begins at conceptionEnsoulment at 120 daysViability crucialMother health priorityFetal abnormalityRape exceptionSanctity of lifeWoman autonomy
Catholic Position
Islamic Position
Both Consider
Words: 0/280
Guidance
For evaluation: Show both perspectives clearly. Explain theological basis. Avoid imposing your own view; present religiously reasoned positions.
Apply: Euthanasia Case Study
Case: Tony Bland (1993 Hillsborough Disaster)
23-year-old in persistent vegetative state for 4 years. No brain activity; completely dependent. Court allowed withdrawal of artificial nutrition. First UK legal euthanasia case. Sparked major ethical debate.
Life begins at conceptionEnsoulment at 120 daysViability crucialMother health priorityFetal abnormalityRape exceptionSanctity of lifeWoman autonomy
Catholic Position
Islamic Position
Both Consider
Words: 0/280
Guidance
For evaluation: Show both perspectives clearly. Explain theological basis. Avoid imposing your own view; present religiously reasoned positions.
Evaluate: 12-Mark Question
Question: "Religious belief in the sanctity of life makes it impossible for believers to support abortion or euthanasia." Evaluate this using Christian and Islamic perspectives. (12 marks)
Words: 0/400
Guidance
Key insight: Sanctity of life is foundational but NOT deterministic. Show informed believers disagree. Cite specific teachings and modern scholars. Demonstrate theological reasoning.
Key Terms & Concepts
Essential Vocabulary
Imago Dei: Image of God; humans uniquely bear God likeness (Christian).
Dominion: Authority over creation (Genesis 1:28); responsibility, not exploitation.
Sanctity of Life: Human life is sacred, inviolable, gift from God.
Ensoulment: Moment soul/spirit enters body. Christians: conception or viability. Muslims: 120 days.
Euthanasia: Mercy killing; ending life to end suffering. Active (direct) vs Passive (withdrawal).
Doctrine of Double Effect: Action with good intent and harmful side-effect may be permissible if harm unintended.
Akhirah: Islamic concept of afterlife; Day of Judgment and eternal consequence.
Barzakh: Intermediate realm in Islam between death and Resurrection Day.
Khalifah: Trustee/steward; human role as God representative on earth in Islam.
Stewardship: Christian responsibility to care for creation as God caretakers.
Why does Islamic law permit abortion before 120 days?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Quran 23:14 describes ensoulment (Ruh) at 120 days. Before this, fetus considered potential life. Islamic scholars weigh fetal life against mother wellbeing and circumstances.
What is the "doctrine of double effect" and its role in euthanasia?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Action with good primary effect (pain relief) may cause harmful secondary effect (death) if unintended. Allows switching off life support but not active killing.
How does Pope Francis Laudato Si (2015) frame environmental ethics?
🔒Reveal answer
Answer: Calls ecological crisis a "moral and spiritual crisis." Humans are stewards, not masters. Care for poor and creation interconnected. Environmental damage is sin against God gift.