Edexcel Religious Studies Unit 1
- 2. Section 1: Believing in God
- 3. Why do atheists not believe? OScience explains how the world was created ONo physical proof God exists OMiracles can be explained by science or as coincidences OEvil and suffering prove God doesn’t exist
- 4. How do Christian families encourage their children to believe in God?
- 6. Arguments against We cannot prove God’s existence and this only suggests he is the desginer This appearance of design could be the result of evolution
- 7. Causation argument This cause has to be God A powerful cause was necessary to cause the universe The universe cannot have happened by itself Everything that happens must be caused by something else Therefore God exists Nothing happens by itself
- 9. Arguments against Cannot be proved Even if everything in the world has a cause, it doesn’t mean the universe does There are other possible causes of the universe such as the Big Bang Theory What caused God?
- 10. Science vs Religion O Science offers alternative explanations with no reference to God O Science can be seen and tested O The Bible’s description of creation is a story O The six days were stages not periods of time O Science describes how, Bible explains why O Creationists believe scientific theories are wrong as they conflict with the Bible
- 11. Unanswered prayers God isn’t listening to them God doesn’t care about them God doesn’t exist
- 12. Unanswered prayers God hears and answers prayers just not in the way they expect What they are praying for is not part of God’s divine plan God doesn’t answer selfish prayers They do not have enough faith so must go on trying
- 13. Evil and suffering in the Bible Genesis says that God created a perfect world Adam and Eve used free will in the Garden of Eden to disobey God which allowed evil and suffering to enter the world God sent Jesus to Earth to overcome evil and die for the sins of humanity
- 14. Christian explanations O God gave people free will O It is a test from God O God has a plan and people should trust him as he knows why everything happens O People can follow Jesus’ example by striving to do good
- 16. Section 2: Matters of life and death
- 17. Why Christians believe in life after death Some think the paranormal is evidence
- 18. The effect it has on their lives We can cope with suffering because we know Heaven awaits us The afterlife shows that we should try to repent and forgive We must live a good life and treat others as we wish to be treated Heaven offers us comfort when our loved ones die We should try to live within the guidelines of the Bible and Church because we will be judged by God
- 19. How do they respond? Confessio n
- 20. Islamic beliefs about life after death (akhirah) After death, the angel of death will take a person’s soul to barzakh (the stage between when a person dies and when they face judgement) On the Day of Judgement the body will be resurrected Two angels will open the book which contains the record of what a person has done in their lifetime If their name is on the left side of the book they will be sent to al’Jannah (paradise) If their name is on the right side of the book they will be sent to Jahannam (Hell) Allah will judge each individual on the way they lived their life
- 21. Why Muslims believe in the afterlife Shari’ah law teaches that Muslims will be judged by Allah and their actions will determine their afterlife Surahs 11 and 56 teach that those who live a good life will be rewarded The teaching and practice of Prophet Muhammad The Qur’an states that we came from Allah so must return to Allah
- 22. Non-religious belief in the afterlife O Near death experiences O Paranormal activity O Reincarnation O The idea of death is difficult to deal with O It makes sense that those who are good are rewarded and those who are bad are punished
- 23. Non-belief in life after death There is no evidence- no no one has ever returned to prove it exists Mediums trick people Science explains everything so we should not believe things that are unscientific Beliefs in Heaven and Hell are outdated as the Bible isn’t relevant today Some argue God isn’t real so it does not make sense to believe in the afterlife without reference to God When a person dies their body decays so life after death is impossible
- 24. Abortion For AgainstFor Women should have the right to choose- it is their body In cases of rape, it should be allowed It is kinder to allow abortion if the child will be severely disabled Babies have the right to be loved and cared for and the woman cannot always provide this Against Life begins at conception so it is murder An embryo should have the right to life Even disabled children have the right to life Adoption is an alternative
- 25. Abortion in the Bible God created man in his own image Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit You shall not commit murder
- 26. Christian views against Life is a sacred gift from God God has a plan for every human and we should not interfere Life begins at conceptio n so it is murder All life has value
- 27. Christian views for Jesus taught about compassio n towards others We cannot be sure life begins at conception It is the kindest action in cases of rape or incest Abortion is the best choice if the mothers life is at risk
- 28. Muslim viewsSome Muslim women believe they should be able to choose what happens to their bodies Some argue it is allowed in cases of rape or incest Before ensoulment a foetus known to be suffering from a serious defect or blood disorder can be aborted Abortion is not allowed if it is a result of adultery Abortion is never allowed in cases where parents are concerned they cannot care for the child After ensoulment abortion is forbidden as the Qur’an states ‘whoever has killed a soul it is as though he has murdered all of mankind’ An unplanned pregnancy is not a reason for abortion Abortion is only permitted after 120 days if the mother’s life is in danger
- 29. Ensoulment Life begins when the soul has entered the foetus at 120 days.
- 30. Why is abortion allowed if the mother’s life is in danger? O The mother’s life is established and she has responsibilities to carry out O The foetus would not exist if it was not for the mother
- 31. Euthanasia For o Allows the patient to die a gentle, pain-free death o The patient dies with dignity o Saves medical costs o Relieves the family burden o Allows medical staff to focus on other patients Against o Sanctity of life o Doctors can be wrong o Some people may be pressurised o Hospices provide alternative care o Slippery slope- if it was legalised other things may be made legal o Helping someone commit suicide means living with the guilt forever
- 32. Christian attitudes It could be used for evil purposes It goes against the sanctity of life No person should consider themselves as so worthless Only God has the right to take away life It is seen as murder which is forbidden Life should always be valued, even when a person is in pain God intends for people to have a good quality of life so it is sometimes the lesser of two evils
- 33. Muslim attitudes Human life is sacred as it is given by Allah We should not interfere with Allah’s plans for his creation Allah chooses how long each person lives Suffering is a test of faith and part of life All human life is valuable It is seen as suicide which is not permitted
- 34. Section 3: Marriage and family life
- 35. Reasons for change in attitudes towards marriage & family lifeO The UK is a multi-faith and multi-ethnic society O People are more tolerant of difference O Less focus on Christian teachings O The Church has less influence O Decline in traditional family values O Women are more equal to men O Less people are getting married O Fewer religious marriage ceremonies O Homosexuality is more acceptable
- 36. Christian views against sex outside marriage The Bible says marriage is for sex partners Sex unites a married couple Children born outside of marriage have a less stable family life Promiscuity makes people vulnerable to STIs Adultery breaks the marriage vows made before God
- 37. Christian views for sex outside marriage If the couple love each other it is ok If they are in a long-term committed relationship it is ok If they intend to get married in the future it is ok
- 39. Sex outside of marriage in the Bible You shall not commit adulteryGod wants you to be holy and completely free from sexual immorality Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?
- 40. Muslim views on sex outside of marriage Adultery is a sin and forbidden by Allah
- 41. Muslim views on marriage Prophet Muhammad was married Marriage is Allah’s intention Sexual desire is a gift from Allah and Muslims are taught to fulfil this through marriage Marriage brings Allah’s blessing and forgiveness Muslims do not cohabit as sex should only take place between a married coupleWhy all Muslims should marry
- 42. Reasons for different attitudes to divorce O People are less willing to accept bad treatment O Divorce is more acceptable O Women are better educated so do not need to be looked after by men O People are less religious so don’t take their marriage vows so seriously
- 43. Christian attitudes towards divorce Catholics believe… Some Christians believe… O Marriage is intended to be for life O Jesus said divorce is wrong O Marriage is a sacrament and divorce would break promises made with God O Jesus allowed divorce in cases of adultery O People can make mistakes O God is ready to forgive sins O Divorced people can sometimes remarry in a church
- 44. Divorce in Islam The husband must announce his intention to divorce his wife 3 times over 3 months The couple and their families have a chance to try and work things out During this time the couple live together but do not have sex to avoid pregnancy After three months has passed, the couple are free to remarry
- 45. Muslim attitudes towards divorce For Against O Marriage is a contract, not a promise O The Qur’an allows it O It may be better for children to have divorced parents than to live with hatred and bitterness O Muhammad did not divorce O Muhammad said divorce was the most hated thing Allah permits O Divorce may damage the lives of the children O Divorce shows disrespect to the family
- 46. Christian teachings on family life Family relationships- • The Bible teaches that children should honour and respect their parents • Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about God The Church- • The Church is seen as a family of Christians • The community provides support for families Social environment of the Church- • Children are introduced when they are baptised • Children can attend Sunday school and be educated in their faith The foundation of society- • Children can be brought up in a loving family • Children can be taught right and wrong • The family helps to keep a stable society of mutual respect and love
- 47. Muslim teachings on family life The family is where many religious activities take place Family life is the first level of community in Islam Children are taught to show love and kindness towards one another in the family The worldwide Muslim family is the Ummah The family is the foundation of the Muslim community The parents have a responsibility to raise their children as Muslims Muslims believe extended families offer greater stability and support
- 48. Christian views against homosexuality The purpose of marriage is to have children and same- sex couples cannot The Bible states ‘to lie with another man is an abomination’ It undermines the family unit Marriage was intended by God to be between a man and a woman
- 49. Christian views for homosexuality Jesus taught people to be compassionate towards others Jesus taught to ‘love thy neighbour’ and the Golden Rule They should be allowed to celebrate their commitment as they love each other They can have a civil partnership and remain celibate All humans are created equal by God so they deserve respect
- 50. Muslim views against homosexuality It is believed to harm the health of individuals It is punishable by death in Shari’ah law They cannot produce chidlren Homosexuality is a threat to the stability of Islamic society It is forbidden in the Qur’an
- 51. Reasons for choosing contraception O The couple carry genetic disorders O They could not provide for a child O Their lifestyle is not compatible O They are too young O They can plan when to have children O Pregnancy may be harmful to the mother
- 52. Why Christians disagree with contraception Every sexual act should be open to the possibility of having a child Contraception may encourage promiscuity Sex was a gift from God for procreation Every sperm is sacred The main purpose of marriage is to have children as God said ‘be fruitful and multiply’
- 53. Why Christians allow contraception It is not a sin In times of financial difficulty or ill health, it is more acceptable It can be used to help family planning Sex is also for pleasure so using contraception is sensible
- 54. Why Muslims disagree with contraception Only natural forms are allowed Having children is very important in family life so it is discouraged Methods that cause an early abortion are not acceptable Permanent methods are forbidden
- 55. Why Muslims agree with contraception Muhammad supported the withdrawal method Both partners should be married and should consent to the type used Some suggest that all non-permanent methods are okay for married couples For economic reasons it is acceptable It is allowed to preserve the life of the mother It is more acceptable if the existing children or new child would suffer
- 56. Section 4: Religion and community cohesion
- 57. Gender roles O Women can vote and become MPs O Men have a bigger role in childcare O Women are better educated O Women can do any job they want O Some jobs are still gender stereotyped e.g. nursing is seen as a female career O Men earn more than women for the same job O Girls achieve higher grades in exams
- 58. Equal rights for women in Christianity For God created men and women in his own image Jesus didn’t discriminate e.g. Martha and Mary Women stayed by Jesus’ cross and were the first to see him after his resurrection The Golden Rule suggests that everyone should be respected Some Churches allow female priests Against The Bible says women should obey their husbands The Bible says women should be silent in church All of Jesus’ disciples were men Eve was made from Adam’s rib to be his helper Women were regarded as inferior as Eve was sinful
- 59. Equal rights for women in Islam
- 60. Different responsibilities Men Qur’an teaches men should protect women Men should provide for their family Should dress modestly Should attend Mosque for prayer Worship separately to women Women Required to have children Expected to look after the home and children Should dress modestly in loose clothing Do not have to attend Mosque for prayer Are free to work and have a career, but cannot hold positions of authority in the Mosque
- 61. Benefits of a multi-ethnic society
- 62. What has the government done to prevent racial discrimination? O Race Relations Act O ‘Britishness’ test O Made it illegal to use abusive or insulting racial comments O Commission for Racial Equality established to fight racism and deal with complaints O Programmes set up to ensure ethnic minority communities have skills, opportunities and health care
- 63. Why Christians should promote racial harmony The Bible teaches that all Christians are ‘one people’ Love your neighbour as yourself God created man in his own imageThe Golden Rule The Parable of the Good Samaritan
- 65. Why Muslims should promote racial harmony The Prophet declared ‘there is no difference between Arabs and non-Arabs’ All Muslims are part of the ummah Qur’an teaches that no race is better Allah created all humans so we should respect his creation All races are loved by Allah Prophet Muhammad declared that all people descended from Adam and Eve
- 66. How Muslims promote unity ① Muslims pray together in Arabic ② Muslims from all over the world make the pilgrimage ③ All Muslims fast during Ramadan ④ All Muslims pray facing Makkah
- 68. Multi-faith society benefits Greater tolerance and understanding of other religions Better understanding of other viewpoints New ways of living and enjoying life Offers religious freedom Encourages religious pluralism Can experience the traditions of others
- 69. Multi-faith society challenges ✘ Religious persecution and hatred ✘ Some religious groups and beliefs may be ignored ✘ Religious tension ✘ It is not always easy to be open and understanding towards the views of others ✘ Interfaith marriages ✘ Conversions ✘ Raising children with a mixture of beliefs could be confusing
- 70. Religious believers viewpoints Exclusivism- only one religion is right and all the others are wrong. Members should try to convert others. Religious Pluralism- many different religions lead to God and each one should be respected and treated equally Inclusivism- only one religion is completely right. Other religions may lead to God and should be respected.
- 71. How can religion help community cohesion? ☞ Celebration of festivals and worship where different faiths take part showing respect and unity ☞ Encouraging representation of different faith groups ☞ Muslim Council of Britain encourages Muslims to take part in UK society ☞ Religious groups can work together to heal divisions between faiths ☞ By sharing understandings that God created all humans equal