Non-religious attitudes to human life
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain scientific views on the origins and value of human life.
Key learning points
- Life began approximately 3.8 billion years ago, and modern humans appeared about 300,000 years ago.
- Species evolve via natural selection.
- Some see divine design in evolution, while others, such as Richard Dawkins, see natural selection.
- Laws regulate how animals are used.
- Peter Singer argues against speciesism and in favour of moral consideration of all sentient beings.
Keywords
Evolution - scientific theory describing the development of species from earlier less complex forms through a process of natural selection and survival of the fittest
Sentientism - the belief that moral consideration should be given to all beings that can experience pain or pleasure (sentient beings), regardless of their species
Speciesism - the belief that humans are superior to other animals, justifying their use for human benefit, seen by Peter Singer as morally equivalent to racism
Common misconception
All scientists reject the idea that God is involved in evolution.
Many scientists who accept the theory of evolution do not see it as incompatible with a belief in God. For example, some see evolution as the process through which God works, allowing for the possibility of divine involvement in the natural world.
Teacher tip
Recap Christian teachings on the origins of the universe, focusing on theistic evolution, in preparation for considering the views of scientists who accept God's involvement in creation.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is creationism?
Q2.What does ‘sanctity of life’ mean in Christianity?
Q3.What does it mean to be created in the “image of God”?
Q4.Which Christian denomination emphasises the belief that “there is a part of God in everyone”?
Q5.According to Genesis 2, how was Adam created?
Q6.Many Christians believe that while human life has a unique status, they still have a duty to care for .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which scientist argued that evolution is evidence of God’s design?
Q2.What does the term ‘sentientism’ mean?
Q3.Which philosopher is best known for promoting the concept of speciesism?
Q4.What does Alice Roberts believe about human life?
Q5.Which law regulates how animals are used for food in the UK?
Q6.Richard Dawkins argues that the appearance of design in nature is an .
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Non-religious 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: Non-religious 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.