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

Christian and non-religious beliefs about creation

Religious education

Dominion, stewardship and environmental responsibility

Christian attitudes to human life

Non-religious attitudes to human life

Contrasting views on abortion

Contrasting views on euthanasia

Christian beliefs about death and the afterlife

Non-religious beliefs about death and the afterlife

Christian and humanist funerals

In this unit pupils will focus firstly on the relationship between religion and science - looking at ideas of creation. They will examine how Christians and non-religious people view the world. Finally they will examine how people speak about the sanctity of life.

Issues of life and death

something that can be used for personal gain

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

contamination of an environment with harmful substances

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

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

the belief that God created life exactly as described in Genesis

the belief that humans reflect God's nature

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

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

the belief that God works through the process of evolution

scientific theory describing the development of species from earlier less complex forms through a process of natural selection and survival of the fittest

the belief that moral consideration should be given to all beings that can experience pain or pleasure (sentient beings), regardless of their species

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 deliberate ending of a pregnancy so it does not result in the birth of a child

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

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

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

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 state of being aware of and able to think about one's existence, thoughts, and surroundings

the spiritual aspect of a being; that which connects someone to God. The soul is often regarded as nonphysical and as living on after physical death, in an afterlife

what follows the physical life on earth; belief in life after death

a formal event or ritual held to mark a significant occasion

a speech given to honour and remember someone

a ceremony marking a person's death which takes place before burial or cremation; family and friends gather to honour the deceased and support one another

passages of text read aloud during an event to convey a message, offer reflection, or provide comfort

Issues of life and death

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