Christian attitudes to human life
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain Christian beliefs about the creation and value of human life.
Key learning points
- Genesis 1 teaches that God made human life in his image; Genesis 2 teaches that God made Adam & breathed life into him.
- Many Christians accept theistic evolution, but some are creationists & interpret Genesis literally, rejecting evolution.
- Being created in God's image gives humans purpose, dignity and a connection with God.
- Catholics and Anglicans believe life is sacred because it's created by God; Quakers emphasise the divine in everyone.
- Although human life has a unique status, Christians believe they have a duty to care for animals.
Keywords
Creationism - the belief that God created life exactly as described in Genesis
Image of God - the belief that humans reflect God's nature
Sanctity of life - the belief that life is sacred/special because it was created by God, or because we are each unique individuals
Soul - the spiritual aspect of a being; that which connects someone to God
Theistic evolution - the belief that God works through the process of evolution
Common misconception
All Christians interpret the Genesis creation story literally.
Many Christians see Genesis as metaphorical or compatible with scientific explanations such as theistic evolution.
Teacher tip
Use a retrieval task to recap pupils' knowledge of the origins of the universe before you start this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an effect of the overuse of natural resources?
Q2.Which of these actions would help reduce pollution?
Q3.What is the relationship between global warming and climate change?
Q4.What is the main concern when natural resources are used faster than they can be replaced?
Q5.Why do some Christians argue that dominion does not mean exploitation?
Q6.How might Christians show environmental responsibility?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does Genesis 1 teach about the creation of human life?
Q2.What is theistic evolution?
Q3.Which of these Christian denominations accepts theistic evolution?
Q4.What do Christians believe about the status of animals?
Q5.Which Christian group believes that the Bible should be interpreted literally, rejecting evolution?
Q6.The Church teaches that life is sacred because it is created by God and remains in a special relationship with the Creator.
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Christian attitudes to human life, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Christian attitudes to human life, 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 Issues of life and death unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.