1. Our World Revision Guide
Key Words
Humanity
The human race
Topics
Key words
Place and Purpose for Humans (using talents)
Creationism (Literalists and Non-literalists)
Evolution and The Big Bang Theory
Animal Rights
Stewardship
Creation
The art of making
Dominion
Having control over an area
Stewardship
Responsibility given by God to look after the planet
Soul
The spiritual form of a persons identity or personality
Environment
The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives.

2. The place and purpose for Humans
God gave humans the responsibility of caring for the world. So we should natural resources wisely.
Natural resources of the world are there for us to enjoy and to make life better
What is the place and purpose of humans?
Make sure you understand the relationship between God/ Allah and Humans.
Make sure you understand God’s/Allah's expectations of Humans.
How should we use natural resources?
Natural Resources are limited so we should be careful with how we use them as they can not be replaced.
We can not just take – we have to put back too.
The place and purpose for Christians
To serve God and live for him (this includes telling others about and sharing ones faith)
To obey God (following the way of life his commandments show and which Jesus taught)
To enjoy the world, it’s fruits and resources (they are a gift from God)
To look after the world for God (Stewardship). (This includes sensible use of resources and trying to conserve nature)
To look after and live in harmony with others
To have sexual relationships and children.
God gave us our talents so we should be thankful and use it to benefit others.
Failing to use an ability is a waste and an insult to others and God.
Why should we use our talents??
It is important to share our different skills and talents with each other.
Not everyone can do everything for themselves so they rely on others to provide a skill they have not got.
Stewardship
Responsibility given by God to look after the planet
The place and purpose for Muslims
To serve Allah and live for him (There is no God but Allah)
To respect other human beings and animals (there is one creator of us all)
To act as KHALIFAHS or guardians of the planet (Allah gave this responsibility to humans)
To have sexual relationships and children. (this is a natural part of life and a gift from Allah)
Possible questions
Explain what is meant by Humanity (2 marks)
Explain how religious believers feel we should use our talents (4 marks)
‘Life has no built in purpose, you make it yourself’ Give to reasons why a religious believer might agree or disagree with this statement. (4 marks)
Explain the teaching about looking after the world in one
religious tradition (6 marks)

3. Creationism CHRISTIANITY ISLAM: Literalists Non-literalists
Some Christians regard the Genesis story as 100% true, they take it literally.
Non-literalists
Some Christians believe that the Genesis story contains some truths but is not 100% as it is written in Genesis. (For example, they believe the world was created in six periods of time rather than six 24 hour periods of time)
CHRISTIANITY
God created everything that is in the heavens and the earth
There were six 'days' or periods of creative activity; and a seventh of rest – a pattern to be copied in life
The order of creation was –
- light and darkness
- sea and sky
- land and sea, and plants
- sun, moon and stars
- birds and fish
- animals and human beings
Humans were the only ones created 'in the image' of God; and were given special responsibility for the earth
Everything was created 'out of nothing' (ex nihilo)
Some regard the story as literal truth, others as not strictly literal but
containing truths; and others as entirely poetic and/or mythical
Accept references to the 'big bang' only if related to God as the cause.
ISLAM:
Allah made heaven and earth, and all the animals, birds and fish; the sun, moon and stars; the plants and the rain; the angels.
The angels were sent to being seven handfuls of earth – each of a different colour.
From these the first man Adam, was made; and from his side, Eve – the first woman.
They lived in Paradise – a beautiful garden; where they could eat anything, except the fruit of one tree
On disobeying Allah, after being tempted by Iblis (he serpent/snake), they were placed outside the garden as a punishment
Muslims believe…
Human beings were given the role of khalifah or guardian/steward to look after the earth and treat it with respect.
This responsibility is binding on the ummah (community of Muslims), and all believers on the Day of Judgement will be judged for their part in looking after Allah's creation.
Humans are the ruling agents on earth
Humans have higher rank than others on the earth
“He as made you His ruling agents in the earth, and has given some of you higher rank than others, so that He might test you in the gifts.
(Surah 6:165)”
The test is how well the planet is cared for and if you pass the test you go to Paradise for eternity
The gifts are the gift of life, and the gift of al Allah’s creation

4. Oldest footprints on Earth found
The Theory of Evolution
Created by Charles Darwin
19th Century
He noticed how animals adapt to their environment in order to survive (survival of the fittest)
He believes
Over millions of years changes have occurred and animals today have evolved from, simpler and earlier life forms.
Important to note….
The theory has not been proved absolutely
The theory only describes a process of development within a species BUT does not explain the transformation from one species to another (for example; Ape to Human)
Oldest footprints on Earth found
The oldest 'footprints' ever made on Earth by an animal have been discovered in Poland, in Eastern Europe.
The tracks were made by an unknown creature, which scientists think would have looked a bit like a crocodile, and lived 397 million years ago. Scientists are really excited about the discovery, because it shows animals were walking on Earth millions of years earlier than they thought. It's hoped the tracks can teach them more about how animals have developed. The tracks were found on rocks in a quarry in southeast Poland. They are so detailed that scientists can even make out dents made by the creatures' toes when walking.
Muddy Beach
When the animals were alive the quarry would have been a muddy, tropical beach. Scientists can make out 'toes' on the ancient footprints called Nature.
Scientists think these crocodile-like animals were some of the first creatures that adapted to live on dry land.
Little is known about how creatures developed from living underwater to walking on land, and it's hoped these footprints will teach scientists more about this bit of evolution.
According to the theory of evolution, today's animals got here after millions of years of growing and changing.
The research was published in a science magazine
BBC news…
A group of distinguished scientists is calling on the government to require that every school in Britain should teach the theory of evolution, and to ban the teaching of Creationism "as a scientific theory" in all publicly-funded schools. The list of signatories includes some of the country's best-known scientists, and the organisations associated with the petition include both the British Humanist Association and Ekklesia, the Christian public theology think-tank. Creationism and 'intelligent design' are not scientific theories, but they are portrayed as scientific theories by some religious fundamentalists who attempt to have their views promoted in publicly-funded schools. There should be enforceable statutory guidance that they may not be presented as scientific theories in any publicly-funded school of whatever type. But this is not enough. An understanding of evolution is central to understanding all aspects of biology. The teaching of evolution should be included at both primary and secondary levels in the National Curriculum and in all schools."

5. Most astronomers believe the Universe began in a Big Bang about 14 billion years ago. At that time, the entire Universe was inside a bubble that was thousands of times smaller than a pinhead. It was hotter and denser than anything we can imagine.
Then it suddenly exploded. The Universe that we know was born. Time, space and matter all began with the Big Bang. In a fraction of a second, the Universe grew from smaller than a single atom to bigger than a galaxy. And it kept on growing at a fantastic rate. It is still expanding today.
As the Universe expanded and cooled, energy changed into particles of matter and antimatter. These two opposite types of particles largely destroyed each other. But some matter survived. More stable particles called protons and neutrons started to form when the Universe was one second old.
Over the next three minutes, the temperature dropped below 1 billion degrees Celsius. It was now cool enough for the protons and neutrons to come together, forming hydrogen and helium nuclei.
After years, the Universe had cooled to about 3000 degrees. Atomic nuclei could finally capture electrons to form atoms. The Universe filled with clouds of hydrogen and helium gas.
Important to note…
It is only a theory and some scientists don’t accept some f the evidence and question its accuracy.
There are some questions which cannot be answered about the theory such as “what caused the Big Bang?” and “where did the matter come from in the first place?”

6. CHRISTIAN VIEWS TOWARDS ANIMALS
Most Christians are happy
to eat meat for food,
although some are vegetarians.
They believe all animals are part of God’s creation and should be respected.
God did give Adam control over animals but as humans we must exercise that control carefully.
Christians think….
Animals are different from human beings.
Only Humans are made in the image of God.
Animals are for humans to rule and control.
Human beings have a soul, animals do not.
The Christian scriptures look forward to a perfect world in which human beings and animals co-exist side by side.
Jesus said that even the death of a small sparrow does not go unnoticed by God.
GENESIS 1:28
God blessed them and said to them ‘Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and reign over it. Rule over the dish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves
They warn their members not to give too great an importance to animals.
People are still suffering in the world and they should be given the focus and help over animals.
Animals however, should not be treated cruelly.
Genesis
(story of creation)
God made every beast for Adam
Genesis 2:19-20 “He brought them to the man to see what he would call them. Whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all the cattle, every bird of the sky, and every animal of the field.”
PSALM 24:1
The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it
CHRISTIAN BELIEFS:
Humans are more important than animals
God gave humans responsibility to rule over them
Only humans can go to heaven
Animals do not have souls
Animals do not have the same relationship with God
As humans do
Jesus healed a man possessed by a demon and sent
It to live in a herd of pigs.
If you rule animals you can use them for human benefit
Responsibility = ensured the animals are not abused or
Mistreated because everything belongs to God and
Suffering should be kept to a minimum.
Acts 10:10
Peter was hungry and he dreamed sheet came down from heaven. A voice said ‘Get up Peter. Kill and Eat.’
Peter protested he had never eaten anything unclean under Jewish law. But the voice said ‘Don’t call anything unclean that God has made’.
All churches believe that experiments carried out for essential medical research are acceptable.
Because: the value of animal life is less that that of human life. And sometimes it is necessary.
However: Experiments should not be carried out to improve cosmetics or for other trivial reasons. The animals must be treated humanely.

7. MUSLIM VIEWS TOWARDS ANIMALS MUSLIM VIEWS TOWARDS ANIMALS
An ox is readied for the slaughter during the Muslim high celebration of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. This day caps off the hajj, a traditional religious pilgrimage to Mecca that occurs on the 10th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar. This is usually during the months of November or December
MUSLIM VIEWS TOWARDS ANIMALS
Allah created all life for human beings to treat with great respect and care.
Muslims are allowed to hunt animals but only for food, not for sport.
If someone has killed an animal unnecessarily, then the animal will testify against that person on the Day of Judgement.
That person will be refused entry in to heaven.
Experiments on animals are allowed as long as they are important in the battle against human disease.
Suffering of the animal must be reduced to a minimum.
Animal experiments for cosmetic purposes, or any other trivial reason, are strictly forbidden.
Cattle market. One-third of the animal’s meat is consumed by direct family, while the other two-thirds are given away to friends and the poor Islamic residents of the community, respectively
A good deed done to a beast is as good as doing good to a human being: while an act of cruelty to a beast is as good as an act of cruelty to a human being”
Prophet Muhammad PBUH
(Hadith)
Ihram
Ihram is the practice of undertaking a hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). The pilgrimage ends with the celebration of the festival of Eid-ul-Adha, at which animals are slaughtered and their meat is distributed to everyone.
There are two rules laid down about the slaughter of animals.
An animal must not be slaughtered in front of other animals
A person must not slaughter an animal that he or she has bred.

8. HOW SHOULD WE TREAT OUR NATURAL RESOURCES
Being a steward or guardian for the world brings with it responsibility to be careful in using the resources the world contains.
Natural resources are limited so we should be careful with what we have and make sure what we use we replace for the future
God has given humans responsibility of caring for the world, so we should use those natural resources carefully
The natural resources are there for us to use, enjoy and make life better
We can not just take, we have to put back too
TEACHINGS OF HUMAN KIND IN THE WORLD
CHRISTIAN
Humans are to:
Serve God and live for him
Obey God
Enjoy the world, and it’s fruits/ resources
Look after the world for God
Have sexual relationships and children
Take responsibility for the world and others in it
Live lives that are useful and worthwhile
Use their talents to care for others and the world.
HOW SHOULD ANIMALS BE TREATED?
Animals are living creatures and should be treated with respect like any other living being
Animals are a lower form of life, but should still be treated well
An animals life is valuable; but should never be placed above the value of human life.
God created animals and gave humans the responsibility of caring for them
Humans have dominion over animals so they are there to serve ad be of use to humans.
TEACHINGS OF CARING FOR THE WORLD AND THE ENVIRONMENT
CHRISTIAN
Humans should:
Live in partnership with God
Exercise responsibility given by God to look after the world
Preserve and conserve the resources of the world and the environment
Give thanks to God for his provision
RELIGIOUS TEACHING ON HOW ANIMALS RIGHTS
Animals are part of God’s creation and should be treated with respect and care
Although humans were given dominion over animals (Genesis 1) humans should carry out their stewardship responsibilities carefully and not abuse animals
Showing kindness and treating animals well is part of a general lifestyle of gratitude and thankfulness for God’s provision

9. Why should Muslims care for the world?
Why should Christians care for the world?
Why should Muslims care for the world?
Muslims believe
Allah created owns and sustains the world and all its creatures.
Every human has a special role as a KALIFAH which is to protect the environment.
An example of a Christian Steward
Chico Mendes
Situation:
In Brazil there had been environmental problems. Trees were being chopped down t make furniture and buildings. Mercury was being used to separate the gold from the land and mercury is very poisonous for humans and animals.
Many people living there were being affected and wanted the area to be left alone.
Who was Chico Mendes?
Chico was the leader of the rubber tappers. He had been a rubber tapper since he was 9. As a rubber tapper he had not been able to go to school. Later in his life he organised the rubber tappers to defend their homes from cattle ranches (farms). He organised non-violent protests and found ways to use Amazonian resources to support the economic benefit for the local people and to protect the rainforest.
In 1988 he won the rights to stop cattle ranchers developing and deforesting the area.
Chico was killed later that year
In his memory, the land he lived and died for was named the Chico Mendes Reserve and is now protected land.
Kalifah
Agent or steward working for Allah
Muslims believe
They have a duty to use their skills to help keep the balance which Allah created.
On the day of judgment all Muslims will stand before Allah and have to explain how they have treated the earth and all living creatures.
Ummah
The community of Muslim believers
Prophet Muhammad set an example of the care that should be given to the world
He showed kindness to animals
He showed kindness to humans
He spoke of the importance of planting trees and gardens so birds. Humans, and animals can benefit.
Stewardship
Responsibility given by God to look after the planet
Christians believe
God did not only create the world in the beginning but that his hand is still at work in the world.
They remind themselves of God’s work and worship him (harvest, thanksgiving, grace before meals)
There are organisations and charities which protect the earth and wellbeing of animals.
“Live in this world as if you were going to live forever”
Prophet Muhammad

10. OUR WORLD CHEAT SHEET CHRISTIANITY Islam CHRISTIANITY Islam
We are here because:
God/Allah put us on the world
To try and make the world a better place
To get the most out of life
To care for the world and its creatures
To know and love God/Allah
To reproduce
OR we don’t know – we should just live life as we want
OUR WORLD CHEAT SHEET
Animals should be treated:
With respect as should all living things
God/Allah created them so we should look after them as stewards/khalifahs
BUT
We have dominionship over animals so they should be useful to us
Animal life is valuable but should never be placed above humans
CHRISTIANITY
Islam
Care for world & environment:
Live in partnership with God and creation
Exercise responsibility as stewards to look after the world
Preserve and conserve the resources of the world and environment
Give thanks to God for provision
Care for world & environment:
We are Khalifahs and should look after the world
Important to preserve Fitrah (balance) in the world
All that lives or exists on the world is Allahs creation and so should be respected
CHRISTIANITY
Islam
Humans:
Serve God and live for him
Obey God
Enjoy the world and its fruits/resources
Are stewards – look after the world for God
Humans:
Live for Allah alone
Respect other human beings and animals
Act as Khalifahs of the planet
We should care for the world because:
It’s our responsibility
Future generations will loose out if we don’t
Good way to live – be kind and thoughtful to others
Natural resources will run out otherwise – so we must do things like recycle and replant
We are HUMAN not ANIMALS:
Thoughts and experience
Mix of body, mind, personality and soul
We are made in the image of God/Allah – animals weren’t
Conscience – we know the difference between right and wrong
BUT Animal like (evolution suggests we descend from monkeys)
CHRISTIANITY
Islam
Positive Example: CHICO MENDES:
Working against deforestation
Organised non-violent resistance
Concerned for livelihoods of those depending on forests
Protected reserve set up
Positive Example: GUNUNG LEUSER:
Working to identify issues in the environment
Placed cameras in forests to provide knowledge and training
“Operation Khalifah”
Works on TV teachings others about bad effects on the environment
The worlds resources:
Should be used – we were put in charge; Dominionship
The resources are here for us to enjoy
BUT
We are we given responsibility for the world as Stewards/Khalifahs
We can’t just take – we have to put something back
Resources are not limitless so we have to be careful for future generations
Creation
Science:
Big Bang started the world
Evolution has shown that life gradually evolved over thousands of years
CHRISTIANITY
Islam
Animals:
Part of Gods creation and should be treated with care and respect
Although given dominionship (Genesis 1) we are also stewards
God has provided so we should be respectful and grateful by treating animals with kindness
Animals:
Part of Allahs creation and should be cared for
We are Khalifahs of Allahs world and caring for animals is part of that responsibility
The Hadith has examples of the prophet being kind to animals
CHRISTIANITY
Islam
How it happened:
God created the world and “it was good” (Genesis)
There is a purpose to existence – dominion/stewardship
Human beings have a special relationship to God and to the world
How it happened:
Allah made the world and everything in it
Humans were given the role of khalifahs and have a binding responsibility to look after the world and treat it with respect
On the day of judgement Muslims will be called into account for how they have looked after Allahs creation