a scientific theory of the universe's origin, starting from a singularity approximately 14 billion years ago

a Belgian priest and physicist who laid the foundations for the Big Bang theory in 1927

someone who rejects modern knowledge in favour of a literal interpretation of religious texts

someone who prioritises modern knowledge and interprets religious texts metaphorically

a British physicist (1942–2018) who supported the Big Bang theory

Religious teachings about the origin of the universe

Religious education

The value of the world and stewardship

The use and abuse of the environment

The use of animals for food

Different religious views about animal experimentation

Religious teachings about the origins of life

The relationship between religious and scientific views on the origin of life

Sanctity of life

Quality of life

Ethical arguments related to abortion

Different religious views about abortion

Euthanasia

Different religious views about euthanasia

Beliefs about death and the afterlife

Impact of beliefs about death and the afterlife on the value of human life

In this unit pupils will focus firstly on the relationship between religion and science - looking at ideas of creation. They will examine how religions view the world - examining concepts such as stewardship. Finally they will examine how religions speak about the sanctity of life.

Religion and life

the act of bringing everything in the world into existence

the belief that humans have been given control/charge of the world

something is valuable based on what it provides or how it benefits us

something is valuable just because it exists, regardless of its usefulness

the duty given by God to humankind to look after the created world, and all life within it

something that can be used for personal gain

the world around us; this can be made up natural or artificial surroundings

contamination of an environment with harmful substances

resources which are found in nature – fossil fuels (eg coal, oil, natural gas), plants etc

showing compassion, kindness and care for others, particularly in the treatment of animals or people

duty given by God to humankind to look after the created world and all life within it

someone who does not eat meat, but may consume other animal products like dairy or eggs

the use of animals in scientific research to study biological processes, test medical treatments, or assess product safety

the belief that humans are superior to other animals, justifying their use for human benefit, seen by Peter Singer as morally equivalent to racism

the first book of the Bible, which includes the creation story describing how God made the world and human life

the belief that humans reflect God's nature

the spiritual aspect of a being; that which connects someone to God

the belief that God created life exactly as described in Genesis

scientific theory of the development of species which involves a process of natural selection and survival of the fittest

the process where the fittest organisms survive and reproduce

the belief that God works through the process of evolution

the belief that life is sacred/special because it was created by God, or because we are each unique individuals

the worth, importance, or usefulness of something

the standard of health, comfort and happiness or fulfillment experienced by a person or group

the developing human from around eight weeks of pregnancy until birth

generally support a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion

generally opposed to abortion and in favour of the life of the foetus

generally in favour of a woman's right to choose to have an abortion

something that is considered holy, divine or deserving of great respect

an ethical theory which argues that the most loving action should guide decisions in each situation

helping someone end their life, often through euthanasia or assisted suicide

providing someone with the means to end their life due to terminal illness or severe suffering

intentionally ending a person's life to relieve suffering, either by causing death or allowing it to occur

medical care that focuses on providing relief from pain aiming to improve the quality of life for patients

a place where people with terminal illnesses receive palliative care

a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes for medical treatment if they cannot communicate

medical treatment that aims to relieve pain and improve quality of life

a place of eternal happiness and union with God for those who have lived righteously

a state of eternal separation from God for those who have rejected him or lived sinfully

in Catholic belief, a temporary state of purification for souls who are destined for heaven but need to be cleansed of sin first

being raised from the dead; the form that many Christians believe the afterlife will take, referring to either physical or spiritual bodies

what follows the physical life on earth; life after death

the feeling of caring for someone’s suffering and wanting to help alleviate it

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Religion and life

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