The sanctity of life in Christianity
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the concept of the sanctity of life and analyse Christian teachings on it.
Key learning points
- The sanctity of life means that life is sacred or has intrinsic value.
- Life’s value can be seen as absolute or be seen as influenced by factors like suffering and autonomy.
- Genesis 1 says humans are made in God's image, and Genesis 2 describes God breathing life into Adam.
- Christians believe life is holy as God’s creation, with some take suffering into account.
- Humanists see life’s worth in its potential, while sentientists focus on the ability to feel pleasure and pain.
Keywords
Holy - sacred and connected to God
Image (of God) - the belief that humans reflect God's nature
Sanctity of life - the belief that life is sacred/special/holy because it was created by God, or because we are each unique individuals
Value - the worth, importance, or usefulness of something
Common misconception
All Christians see the sanctity of life as a moral absolute.
Different denominations and individuals may have varying perspectives on whether extrinsic factors such as dignity or well-being impinge on the sanctity of life.
Teacher tip
For Task B 2), students could continue by writing a justified conclusion.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How do Young Earth Creationists interpret Genesis?
Q2.What does Genesis 2 describe?
Q3.Which of the following best describes a humanist view of evolution?
Q4.Why do some Christians accept both the Bible and evolution?
Q5.The process where the fittest organisms survive and pass on their traits is called selection.
Q6.Many Christians accept evolution, believing that God used evolution as a tool for creation.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1. of life refers to a person’s well-being, including their health, happiness and autonomy.
Q2. 20:13 states, “You shall not murder”, which supports the concept of the sanctity of life by prohibiting the intentional taking of life.
Q3.Which Bible verse is often used to support the sanctity of life?
Q4.Which group teaches that the sanctity of life is a moral absolute?
Q5.Which of the following is a key idea in sentientism?
Q6.How do humanists determine the value of life?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The sanctity of life in Christianity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The sanctity of life in Christianity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Matters of life and death unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.