Philo (Religious And Non Religious Beliefs) Flashcards
(90 cards)
1
Q
What are both definitions of church
A
Place of worship
Body of believers world wide
2
Q
Definition of state
A
Nation conserved as an organised political community under one gov (eg. USA)
3
Q
What’s the relationship between the church and the state (in general)
A
Memorial services (November)
Calendar (Christmas, Easter etc)
Religious schools seats for bishops in house of parliament
House of Lords
Chops close early on Sundays.
4
Q
What is an established religion?
A
A religion that is officially recognised by the government of a country. In England, this is the Church of England.
5
Q
Who is the monarch?
A
The king or queen who is the head of state and also the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
6
Q
What was the Reformation?
A
A 16th-century movement that led to the creation of Protestant churches separate from the Roman Catholic Church, beginning with Martin Luther.
7
Q
What is the Act of Supremacy?
A
A law passed in 1534 making the English monarch the head of the Church of England instead of the Pope.
8
Q
What is religious diversity?
A
The existence of multiple different religions or beliefs within a society.
9
Q
What is a multi-faith society?
A
A society where people of various religions live together and are free to practice their beliefs.
10
Q
What is the House of Lords?
A
The upper chamber of the UK Parliament. It includes Lords Spiritual (bishops from the Church of England) and Lords Temporal (non-religious members).
11
Q
What are ‘Lords Spiritual’?
A
Bishops from the Church of England who have seats in the House of Lords and contribute to law-making.
12
Q
What is secularism?
A
The belief that religion should not play a role in government, education, or public affairs.
13
Q
What is secularisation?
A
The process by which religion loses social and cultural significance in a society.
14
Q
What is a secularist?
A
Someone who supports the separation of religion from public life and government.
15
Q
What is an atheist?
A
A person who does not believe in the existence of God or gods.
16
Q
What is humanism?
A
A non-religious worldview that values reason, empathy, and human experience, often promoting ethical living without belief in the supernatural.
17
Q
What role do the bishops play within the House of Lords
A
Ensure morality of the decisions
Lead people in prayer and preach gods words
They speak to be a voice of faith not just Christians
18
Q
Why are some people unhappy that we have bishops in the House of Lords
A
Other faiths or people of no faiths don’t like the idea of faith mingling with politics
19
Q
How is the national remembrance service a Christian service
A
Includes bible readings, prayers, hymns and attended by thousands of people even ones of diff or no faith
2 mins of silence on 11/11/11 hour day month. Which is when the guns fell silent in Europe
National anthem is sung (head of church and state)
Long month of prayer
20
Q
State the 3 different ways that the established church faith affects public life
A
Bishops in House of Lords (politically)
Remembrance Day and shops on Sunday being closed (British traditions in society)
Faith schools (education)
21
Q
Why may people think that public services such as remembrance days should be kept seperate from religion
A
They believe that the ceremony is diminished by the dominance of religion and that each year fewer people follow
26000 serving members of the army have described them self as non-religious which in some ways can make them feel uncomfortable when relating patriotism with religion.
Dying for your country does not equal gods plan or faith
22
Q
What are 2 arguments that’s in favour of shops closing
A
England is historically a Christian country and should maintain this heritage. Other religions or people of no religions can use this day to rest.
Stress and pressure is relieved off of employees if they’re not expected to work Sundays. Which boosts morale
23
Q
What are two arguments that are against shops closing on Sundays
A
Not a core component in their beliefs. Many Christian’s have no problem wioth working on a Sunday therefore cannot be a strict rule
Puts all the pressure on people who work a 9-5 5 days a week that have to do the shopping on Sunday
Also people that need the extra hours to have a good QoL
24
Q
What are the 4 public holidays that are based on Christian festivals or events
A
Easter
Christmas
Valentines
Halloween (all hallows eve)
25
Why, in the past, was the Church of England so involved in education
First schools were founded by the Church and attached at the end of cathedrals and monasteries
These schools, after the act of supremacy, changed from Roman Catholic to the Church of England
Church of England was responsible for most pf the educational establishments until the state became involved in the education of children
26
What are 3 ways that religious schools are different from non religious schools
Values and morals surrounding the commandments and Jesus’ actions
Religious services (assembly and masses)
Religious education is mandatory for GCSEs
27
State some statistics about the numbers of Protestant schools and catholic schools that currently exist in the UK
1/3 of state schools are faith schools
98% of wales has faith schools (68% is Protestant and 30% is catholic)
7000 faith secondary and primary schools
28
State 2 reasons why the national secular society is against faith schools
Faith schools may cause division, not unity
• The NSS argues that faith schools separate children based on religion, which can limit integration and increase misunderstanding or prejudice.
Faith schools may promote one belief system and limit freedom
• The NSS believes faith schools can promote only one worldview, which may limit children’s ability to explore other beliefs freely and critically.
• From a Christian view, free will is a gift from God — forcing one belief without openness may go against authentic faith and true discipleship.
29
How would religious groups respond to the criticisms about religious school from the national secular society
• Faith schools are not about division but about teaching values like compassion, forgiveness, and love, which benefit society as a whole.
Many faith schools consistently deliver strong academic results and provide a safe, caring environment.
• Christian groups argue that they serve local communities, especially in deprived areas, offering pastoral support and a sense of belongin
30
Compare the 2001 census of religion to the 2021 census
Christianity. Atheism. Islam.
2001 - 63%. 16%. 0.25%
2021 - 46.2 37.2%. 4.9%
31
What’s the definition of reformation
The act of reforming the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church as a result of the act of supremacy
32
Give me a summary of how religion has changed over 20 years
Christianity decreased
Islam increased
Atheism increased
33
What is the role of the monarch as the head of the Church of England
Largely symbolic role (has changed a lot since Henry)
No direct involvement in its government decision-making process as its left to the archbishops
34
What are 3 things the monarch actually does
Ceremonial duties
Appoints bishops
Promotes religious unity
35
Who is the General synod
Has the power to propose laws on any matter concerning the Church of England (called measures) but it has to be passed by both Houses of Parliament and then passed by the monarch
36
How do Christian beliefs affect daily lives in Britain
Liturgical calendars (Christmas and Easter)
Bank holidays
Shops closing on Sunday
Freedom of speech
House of Lords
All shops close on Christmas Day
Catholic schools
37
Why is religion declining in the uk
Advance of science and technology which disproves religious beliefs (eg. Hadron collider - re-enacts the Big Bang and what caused it)
Internet and social media which moves peoples opinions and beliefs. People also get distracted and lose time to social media
Traditional views not fitting into todays society (not tolerant)
Migration (islam)
38
What do sociologists claim the 3 steps towards secularisation are
Rationalisation - people use science to explain the universe instead of accepting religion which cannot be proved
Differentiation - church used to control and influence large parts of peoples lives (hospitals, schools, government)
Decline of community - due to social media, church is no longer at the centre of communities or holding them together
39
Why are humanist views important
Non religious secular philosophy
Values evidence, reason and empath over doctrine, religious belief and superstition
Increasing secular world and a decrease in religion
There’s now humanist ceremonies in Scotland which shows society is changing
Sunday assembly group
No right or wrong questions no rules because its not a religion
Morals made on human moral values instead of idols eg Jesus
40
What are the 3 central principles of humanism
Scientific view of the universe and rejects supernatural and religious beliefs
Concern for the welfare of other human beings based on reason not on divine authority
Need for each person to create meaning in their own life without belief of life after death
41
Quote from the British humanist association
“This is our world, our responsibility, our possibility”
42
What do thre British humanist association work towards
To abolish bishops in the House of Lords, faith schools and establish the Church of England
43
What are the differences of RE in faith schools and non faith schools
Re is learnt from a Christian perspective (confessional) and set by the catholic bishops
It’s compulsory and there’s worship in assembly
Dietary requirement (no meat on Fridays)
Days off (Holy Week)
Sacred spaces (chapel)
Values held up by the school (charism)
Sacred heart is a religious order
Art around the school (cloisters)
Legally allowed to discriminate people that are not of that religion
44
What is confessional re
Purpose of re is to reinforce the beliefs of the particular faith that school is.
Through prayers, assembly’s and other parts of school life
45
Arguments that argue that yes faith schools are still relevant
Relevant to children and families of faith that close to go to a religious school
Reinforces faith in pupils and promotes a Christian world view
Allows student to deepen their religion
Relates catholic diathermy to daily life
Desire for personal meaning
Religions freedom
Provides education of other faiths
46
47
Arguments against faith schools still relevant today
Undermines integrity of the state education, state funded and tax paying
Young peoples religious freedom
Students may be forced to be there by parents
Forced to participate in beliefs that they don’t agree with
Other religions into account
48
Definition of abortion
Deliberate termination of a human pregnancy
49
When can abortion take place in England Scot and wales
First 24 weeks and must be approved by 2 doctors
50
When was the abortion act and what did it say
1967 - 28 weeks reduced to 24 weeks
51
When can abortion be allowed after 24 weeks
Mothers life is in danger
Mental health risk
Serve fetal abnormalities
52
At how many weeks can does the foetus become viable
22 weeks
53
What are catholics believes about abortion
Sanctity of life
Catholics believe that life begins at contraception
Pope john Paul 2ND said that every sexual act must be done with being open to having children
“Do not kill”
Divine providence - gods plan is the right plan
Marriage is life giving
Adoption is a better option to an unwanted pregnancy
On the grounds of rape. One sinful act cannot provoke another
54
What is the doctrine of double effect
the doctrine of double effect says it’s okay for a pregnant mother to have chemotherapy to save her life, even if it sadly causes her baby to die, because the goal is to cure the cancer, not to harm the baby.
Another example is an ectopic pregnancy (egg gets stuck in tubes)
55
What do liberal Protestants believe about abortions
Abortion is wrong, sanctity of life
Permitted in certain situations (mothers life is at risk, rape, QoL of baby)
Life does not begin at contraception
Technological advances in medicine allows to see severe fetal abnormalities
Concerned if abortion is banned then the poor would have back street abortions
56
Pro life non religious beliefs about abortion
Viability
Non Christian’s can still value rights of an unborn child
57
Pro choice non religious views about abortion
Women should be allowed to make choices for their own body
Bad circumstances eg rape
Abortions can help manage population size especially countries with high levels of poverty
58
What does the bible say about fertility treatment
“Be fruitful and multiply”
“Only i know the plans i have for you”
“She who was said to be unable to conceive in her sixth month”
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son”
59
What does the Catholic Church say about fertility treatment
“Life is gods gift, we do not have a right to children” catechism of the Catholic Church stating that we shouldn’t play god
Disagrees with IVF and surrogacy as surrogacy involves a third person
60
What does the Church of England say about fertility treatments
All methods of fertility treatment are aceptable
Scientists should learn more about causes and cures for fertility
Embryos only have rights after 14 days, before that is okay to be used for ivf
People do have a right to children
61
What is therapeutic cloning
Therapeutic cloning is a process where scientists create a cloned embryo to use its stem cells for medical research or treatment, not to create a baby.
62
What does the Catholic Church say about therapeutic cloning
“The human being is to be respected and treated as a person from the moment of conception”
Does accept that stem cell research is vital in reaching cures therefore as long as the embryos are not made or cloned specifically for this purpose its fine.
Completely rejects the idea of cloning due to the sanctity of life and mankind being made in “the image of god”
63
What does the Church of England believe about therapeutic cloning
Believe that bioengineering is unnatural and makes us guilty of “playing god”
“We support the recommendation that research, under licence, be permitted on embryos up to 14 days and agree it shall not be created just for science”
64
What does the Methodist church believe about therapeutic cloning
“As human embryo even at its earliest stages commands our reverence and respect”
“We call for a ban on all human cloning”
65
Two quotes against cloning
Made mankind in his own oimage
You knit me together in my mothers womb
66
What is euthanasia
Euthanasia is a form of assisted dying
67
What is the uk law surrounding euthanasia
Illegal and seen as assisted suicide, murder (prison sentence of up to 14 years)
But does accept that the patient can resist life prolonging medication as it is known to lower your QoL
But doctors are not allowed to give you anything that will speed up your death (doctrine of double effect) intention is everything
68
Where is euthanasia legal
Netherlands
Spain
New Zealand
69
70
What are the arguments for euthanasia
Many patients that are terminally ill are in incredible pain and experience poor quality of life - shouldn’t have to live this way
Some treatments are very expensive to prolong the life of someone who is gonna die anyway (this is a weak argument)
Relations and friends also suffer when they see a friend in pain death would be a happy release for everyone
Our lives should be in our control
Death with dignity is better than a long lingering painful death
Euthanasia would lesson the burden on nhs funds (very weak argument)
If animals are suffering we don’t hesitate to put them down why not do the same?
It’s valid to at least have the option there fior those who agree. Those who don’t can simply not do it?
71
What are the arguments against euthanasia
Pain can be controlled to tolerable levels but use of drugs, no need for euthanasia
Elderly people may feel like a burden and feel pressured to do it
Devalues life by making death easy
Little difference between suicide and euthanasia
Would be too difficult to regulate
Many religious groups believe that suffering can have a positive impact and you can learn from it
May be depressed or mentally ill and not in the right state of mind to approve of it
72
Definition of fertility treatments
Treatments that help the couple increase the Likelihood of pregnancy
73
What is voluntary euthanasia?
When a person requests that their life be ended, perhaps because they have a terminal illness causing them a lot of pain.
74
What is involuntary euthanasia?
When a person is unable to request that their life be ended, maybe because they are in a coma, so a doctor or relative makes the decision.
75
What is passive euthanasia?
Withholding treatment that, if administered, would keep the person alive.
76
What is active euthanasia?
Deliberately ending a person's life, for example with lethal drugs. This is regarded as murder or manslaughter under British law.
77
What is the catholic response to euthanasia
Against
Sick and elderly deserve better care
Doctors shouldn’t keep people alive if they’ve got no chance of recovery - QoL
Doctrine of double effect, painkillers that are killing them slowly is okay
“Grave violation of the law of god”
Sanctity of life
Hospice is better
78
What does the Church of England say about euthanasia
Oppose
People allowed to refuse life prolonging treatment
Care for sick and elderly it’s important
God decides , don’t play god
“Dignity and value of human beings comes from the belief that we are made in the image of god”
79
What are arguments for exclusivism
Comes out of the goodness of their hearts and doesn’t do it for malicious intent
They truly believe they will go to hell
Upholds the atoning sacrifice of Jesus
People hold strongly to their belief and reject all other possibilities
“I am, the way the truth and the light”
“No ones comes to the father unless through me”
“Go and make disciples of all nations”
80
What are arguments against exclusivism
Makes other religions seem less important though they believe that their faith is the true faith
Contradicts gods own benevolence why would he send people to hell
Goes against people being tolerant of other religions
Some people haven’t been exposed to Christianity? Why send them to hell for being brought up differently
(Response to that is Christian evangelism, they go to diff countries and preach)
81
What is a quote for exclusivism
“There is one universal church of the faithful. Outside of this no one can be saved”
“We firmly believe that those not living within the Catholic Church cannot have eternal life”
82
Definition of proselytisation
Spreading your belief. Jesus tells disciples to do this
83
What are some legal cases of Christian’s trying to proselytise
Nurses sued for encouraging people to pray
Nursery worker encouraged parents to get children baptised
Nurse disciplined for encouraging Muslim colleague to attend church events
84
Definition of exclusivism
View that only one true religion exist and the others are false and everyone that believes false faith foes to hell
85
What is intra-faith and inter-faith excusivism
Intra - other denominations inside a religion are wrong, one is right
Inter - all members of other religions are wrong
86
What is the parable of the sheep and the goats and how can it be argued against exclusivism
Jesus describes the Final Judgment, where people are separated like a shepherd separates sheep (the righteous) from goats (the unrighteous).
• Sheep: Helped those in need (fed the hungry, clothed the naked, etc.). They are welcomed into eternal life.
• Goats: Ignored the needy. They are sent to eternal punishment.
Argument Against Exclusivism (Christian Perspective):
Exclusivism = Only Christians go to heaven.
This parable suggests that actions (like helping others) are what matter for salvation, not religious identity.
It supports inclusivism or pluralism: good, compassionate people – even non-Christians – may be saved through their loving actions.
87
What is inclusivism
Supported by the Catholic Church
View that Christianity is the only true religion but they also believe that non Christian’s can go to heaven
“Gods mercy has no limits”
88
What is pluralism
Thhere is Not one true religion and god reveals himself in all ways in all religion
“There are many rooms in my fathers house”
89
What was john hicks views about who’s right and who’s wrong about religion
• Religious Pluralism: Hick believed that no single religion has the full truth – all are valid paths to God.
• The Real: All major religions experience the same ultimate reality (which he calls “The Real”), but interpret it differently.
• Cultural Lens: Religions are shaped by culture and history, so people experience and describe God (or ultimate reality) in different ways.
• Common Core in Religions:
• Teach love, compassion, peace, and justice
• Encourage moral transformation and selflessness
• Aim to connect people with the divine or ultimate truth
• No Absolute Right or Wrong Religion: He argued that it’s arrogant to claim one religion is 100% right and all others are wrong.
- argued that everything before Jesus died didn’t get saved?
90
What is interfaith dialogue and who supports this
Pope Francis “we hold in common so that new avenues will be opened for mutual esteem, cooperation and friendship”
It’s cooperative and positive interactions between people of different religions and believes it will relieve tension
