RE – Our World

Origins of the World and Life 2 Scientific Arguments - Cosmological Theory (universe) - Evolutionary Theory (humans) Religions have different theories Christianity – identical to Judaism. God created everything in 6 days and human beings come from Adam and Eve. Started with light and darkness ended with humans and animals (literal) – Genesis Some view it as symbolic so people believe in both bible and science (non-literal) In 1996 Roman Catholic Church accepted big bang theory. Genesis explain why not how. Islam is very similar – Allah created everything. Creation stories are supported by Science, but not creation of Humans. Believe in Adam clay.

Our Place in the World Humanity – could be all humans on the planet or human nature, specifically feelings that humans have in common like compassion. Makes us different from animals. Science – We make and use tools and can speak languages. Religions believe we are special because we were made in God’s image and that we have a body and a soul. Religious view – We were created for God, by God for his enjoyment and his want to love us and have a relationship with us. Christians believe that God created us to be stewards and look after all his other creations. What happens after we die is decided on what we do during our lives. Muslims believe we were created to serve and worship Allah. We are also here to have children and look after each other. Science view – We are not here for a particular purpose. No one made humans, we come from evolution. The special human characteristic like compassion are just a result of our evolution and adaptation. We are just brainy animals.

Environmental Issues Our planet has a lot of big man – made problems. Global warming, deforestation, pollution, extinction, depletion of natural resources. Developed countries are mainly the source of problems. Government not really helping, care more about the needs of people. Developing countries don’t want to be criticised by developed countries because that would be hypocritical. We can do things to save our planet e.g. recycling. Religious ideas – Christianity and Islam have a lot of similar ideas. God has put us in charge and wants us to act responsibly. Christianity – God gave us earth and we should look after it properly (stewardship) Must try to balance human consumption with human resources. Everything is interdependent and harming the world will in the end harm us. Christian organisations were made to tackle issues e.g. Christian Aid. Islam – We are Kalifahs ‘trustees’. For any bad things we have done to Allah’s creation we will answer for it on judgement day. Earth is a product of love of Allah’s so we must love it too.

People and Animals Christianity – animals were created for use by humans. We have dominion over them and are superior. Animal rights are still a matter of debate. Can’t decide if animals have souls or not. We should be kind but they can be used for mankind as long as their suffering is accounted for. Don’t believe money should be wasted on animals. Idea of interdependence and the way we treat animals will be reflected on us. Roman catholic church allow animal testing only if it benefits us and are in light of ethical principles. Apposed to harm to animals for pleasure e.g. hunting. No rules for food, all individual choice. Islam – Idea of Kalifah, we have to look after Allah’s creation. Cruelty and use of animals for enjoyment is forbidden. Believe in mercy and compassion for all so animals are slaughtered humanely.

Talents and Caring for the World We should serve God to the best of our ability and we are given talents from God. Talents are non specific, singing in choirs, speaking or preaching. There are lots of ways to use talents. Non- religious believe it is good to develop talents to make the earth a better place. Christianity – The parable of talent shows that God gets angry if you do not use your talents. Organisations help utilise our talents e.g. Faiths for change, A Rocha, IFEES.