Unit 8.1 Flashcards
Why are human rights important to Christians?
- we are all made by God (“in god’s image he made them”) so we should all be treated equally, which HR supports
- Jesus loves us all “We love because he loved us”, so we should be like Jesus and love and help all, which means believing in HR
- RCC: Pope John 13 “each individual man is truly a person with rights” ∴ since is is source of authority, Christians must also support HR
- in line w Biblical teachings on how to treat others, e.g. Decalogue, Golden Rule ∴ since HR so similar to bible teachings they must be followed
Why are human rights important in the UK?
- people don’t have to live in fear of being killed: “right to life, liberty and personal security” ∴ have peace of mind
- enforce British value of respecting others: “freedom from discrimination” this reflected in race relations act 2001 ∴ we need HR to ensure we uphold decent values
- encourage democracy, e.g. ‘The right to vote’ ∴ is imp as democracy is a BV
- enable freedom of speech ∴ people can say what they want as long as it doesn’t harm anyone’s ∴ imp as BV is individual liberty
Why is it important to take part in democratic and electoral processes?
- People have fought for the vote, e.g. Suffragettes ∴ we must not waste it as difficult to obtain
- The outcomes affect your life, e.g. These bodies enforce taxes/laws that you must pay/follow ∴ since you’re affected you should decide on how you want things to be
- you can influence what happens in the country by being in favour or against a party, e.g. General elections every 5 yrs ∴ people can have their voices heard on important issues
- without democracy, people treated badly by the state, e.g. Cuban Gov enforces political conformity using criminal prosecutions ∴ we must promote and enjoy democracy to avoid this
What is the golden rule?
Main teaching of Jesus.
“Do unto others as you would have them do to you” Treat others as you would like to be treated.
What is the parable of the sheep and goats?
God separates the sheep(bad people) and the goats(good people). The sheep to bad things to each other, and God says that they hard him. The goats do good things to each other, and God says they helped him.
God wants everyone to be nice to each other, and people who hurt others and like hurting God.
What is Am I my Brother’s keeper?
Cain gave God harvest and Abel gave him meat. God took the meat but not the harvest. Cain got annoyed and killed Abel, even though God told him not to. When God asked where Abel was, Cain said “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
This means that we should look after our ‘brothers’, as it is our moral duty as a Christian.
What is a saviour sibling? What is an issue with one?
A child born to give organ/cell transplants to a sibling with a fatal disease.
This could not be fair on the child, as they were never wanted, and only born to be used, so they may not have much of an identity.
What is stem cell research? What is an issue with it?
Undifferentiated stem cells can be used to regenerate and repair tissue, and help genetic diseases.
However, adult stem cells have limited ability to differentiate, so you may need to use embryonic stem cells.
What is genetic modification of animals? What is an issue with it?
Altering the DNA of animals to give them special characteristics.
It may not be fair on the animals, and people may not want to buy the animal products if they have been altered.
What is cloning? What is an issue with it?
Reproducing a plant/animal to make an exact genetic copy, to it can have desired characteristics. People may consider this as unnatural, as it is interfering with the creation of life. Also, if in humans, could create a lower class of person.
What is embryo research? What is an issue with it?
Research using embryos. Useful for IVF and stem cells.
However, the embryos die, which could be classed as killing life, e.g. RCC
What is genetic modification of crops? What is an issue with it?
Changing the DNA of plants to give them desired characteristics, e.g. pest resistant, improved nutritional content.
People may not want to buy these products, as they are ‘not natural’
What is eugenics? What is an issue with it?
Improving the human race by controlling who reproduces. This could lead to elimination of some genetic diseases etc.
However, this would also lead to loss of individuality, and perhaps genocide, e.g. Hitler wanted to kill all the Undesirables.
What are designer babies? What is an issue with them?
Babies whose DNA has been altered to give them desired characteristics, e.g. Gender.
However, this could be unfair, as it is expensive so only available to rich people.
What are some non religious arguments for genetic engineering?
- Has potential to cure currently incurable diseases, e.g. Scientists recently managed to cure head and neck cancer with a GE version of the herpes virus, ∴ if it helps ppl must be good
- important for science: Integral part of medical research- should be allowed so scientists can learn more
- Allows couples to enhance better qualities in children to make them better, e.g. W eugenics you can choose better genes ∴ if we can make ppl look better, why not?
- Will carry on even if banned, because of high demand, ∴ better to allow it, but regulate it to ensure safety
What are some non religious arguments against genetic engineering?
- Effects could be irreversible, e.g. Altering genes is v serious so if anything goes wrong it’s permanent
- Puts too much power in doctors’ hand- could created human beings, and they have ability to change things deviously unchangeable ∴ too dangerous, so we should not allow it
- Treats body as a commodity, no different to plants, however life is intrinsically valuable ∴ we should respect this
- little info about LT consequences, could be bad for health in long run ∴ best to avoid this danger
What are some religious arguments for genetic engineering?
- Jesus healing, e.g leper ∴ if he is a role model they should use GE as it’s a modern form of healing
- God gifted us w science and knowledge, e.g. Have scientist knowledge to carry out experiments to lead to GE ∴ if we have this knowledge God wants us to make life better so we should use it
- Golden rule: “treat others as you would like to be treated”- if you we dying of an incurable disease, you would want other to find a cure, even using GE
- God gave us power over the world, “Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky” ∴ we should use this power to our advantage by having GE, can help by getting insulin from bacteria
What are some Christian arguments against genetic engineering?
- we’re made in god’s image: “in his own image he made them” ∴ we are like God, so we shouldn’t change ourselves by GE
- RCC: life begins at conception and murder is a sin ∴ embryonic research bad
- Playing god: “in your boom were written all the days that were formed for me when none of them yet existed” ∴ People are meant to die for a purpose, and we have no right to change his will
- We shouldn’t change what God has made “Who can straighten what He made crooked?” ∴ wrong to make earth perfect as heaven only perfect, so shouldn’t use GE
Why may a Christian use the bible?
- fundamentalists believe it is actual word of god ∴ true, e.g. Feeding of 5000 happened ∴ as God has ultimate source of authority, so does Bible
- teachings of Jesus in NT, e.g. Good Samaritan ∴ tell christians what sort of life to lead
- contains rules accepted by society, e.g. Decalogue ∴ teaches christians how to act
- now influenced by modern soc or culture, e.g. Still says being gay condemned by god ∴ supported by RCC and Evangelics. ‘Unpolluted’
Why may a Christian not use the bible?
- large book, appear to be contradictions + guidlines appear immoral, e.g. Talks about rape, genocide, slavery. Sources say the flood was both 40 and 150 days
- may not find example of moral problem they’re looking for, e.g. Stem cell research, nuclear war ∴ use another source
- translated from original language ∴ not v accurate, e.g. “Virgin” mary could mean young woman
- though inspired by god written by Humans ∴ must be looked at through context of history, e.g. Noah’s flood based on Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh
What are the 10 commandments and what is their significance?
Rules for life given by God to Moses. V important, must check all actions against them.
What is the sermon on the mount and what is its significance?
Teaching from Jesus telling Christians how to live their lives. Detailed and copies lots of areas, so Christians know the right way to act in most situations.
Why may some Christians use the church?
• Bible says the Church is the body of Christ on earth∴ This would mean that the church has the same authority as Christ, and through it Jesus continues to act in the world
• authority given to apostles by Jesus, and this was passed down e.g. “So Christ himself gave the apostles…to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”
∴ Holy Spirit is present in Church today through its leaders
• Christ is head of Church in NT, so Church teachings come from Jesus
➯ ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey everything as I have commanded you’
• Holy Spirit is present in Church today to guide leaders on modern issues where you can’t use Bible
e.g. Stem cell research, nuclear bombs. Church is community of believers in God ∴ Christians believe God guides the Church’s moral teachings, so they must be followed
Why may some Christians not use the church?
- may not have easy access to clergy, e.g. Live remotely
- pope + Magisterium made up of white, celibate men ∴ don’t have experience to give judgement on matters like contraception and abortion
- General CofE synod has such broad views that hard to reach decision, e.g. Women bishops
