1.9 Sanctity of Life Flashcards
For Jews, what does the sanctity of life belief stem from?
The story of creation in Genesis, when humans were created in the image of GOD
What is life to be seen as and why?
Holy and sacred because it is given by God
What is the sanctity of life definition?
All life is holy as it is created and loved by God; human life should not be misused or abused
Why does this particularly apply to humans?
They were made in God’s image
What does the sanctity of life help Jews to work out?
Whether an action is moral and acceptable to God
In which areas is the sanctity of life a key consideration?
War, murder, abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment
Why is preserving life a duty in Judaism?
Life belongs to God
What do Jews rule out (death wise)?
The use of active euthanasia and murder
What do Jews believe about keeping patients alive?
- some believe it should happen at all costs
- some believe you shouldn’t prolong a natural death, especially if they’re in great pain
What is the quote from Sanhedrin 4:5?
‘He who destroys one soul of a human being, the Scripture considers him as if he should destroy a whole world, and hi, who saves one soul of Israel, the Scripture considers him as if he should save a whole world’
What is pikuach nefesh?
Saving a life
What is the quote from Leviticus 19:16?
‘Do not profit by the blood of your fellow’
What does the obligation to save a life emphasise?
How valuable human life is for Jews, as it takes precedence over other responsibilities and most Jewish laws
Why do some Jews agree with transplant surgery and others disagree?
- feel it is a great honour to donate organs to save one’s life
- believe body should be completed when buried
How does the principle of pikuach nefesh affect Shabbat?
It allows the Shabbat law to be set aside if it is in order to save a life
