1. Matters of Life and Death

2. Key Words Heaven -A place of paradise where God rules. Hell -A place of horrors where Satan rules. Immortality of the soul - Idea that the soul lives on after the death of the body.

3. Purgatory -A place where Catholics believe souls go after death to be purified. Resurrection - After death the body stays in the grave until the end of the world, when it is raised again.

4. Why Christians believe in life after death 1. Main Christians belief is that Jesus rose from the dead. All 4 Gospels say he was crucified and buried in a stone tomb. On the Sunday it was found empty.

5. 2. The creeds teach that there is life after death. Christians should believe what they say.

6. 3. Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and Pentecostal churches have differences in what life after death will be like but they all teach that it exists.

7. 4.Belief in life after death gives a meaning and purpose to life. Makes no sense for everything to end when you die. An afterlife where the evil are punished gives justice.

8. How believing in an after life affects the lives of Christians. Believe they will be judged by God after death. Good go to heaven and bad to hell. They try to live a good Christian life following the Bible and Church teachings. Believe they will be judged by God after death. Good go to heaven and bad to hell. They try to live a good Christian life following the Bible and Church teachings.

9. Being a good Christian means following Jesus’ teachings to love God and their neighbour as themselves. So a Christian will demonstrate love for God by praying and going to Church – 3 rd Commandment ‘Keep holy the Sabbath’ Being a good Christian means following Jesus’ teachings to love God and their neighbour as themselves. So a Christian will demonstrate love for God by praying and going to Church – 3 rd Commandment ‘Keep holy the Sabbath’ Jesus encouraged Christians to feed and clothe the poor; visit the sick and befriend strangers. This is how they will get into heaven. This is why Christians set up charities like CARITAS & Vinnies Jesus encouraged Christians to feed and clothe the poor; visit the sick and befriend strangers. This is how they will get into heaven. This is why Christians set up charities like CARITAS & Vinnies

10. Believing life has a meaning and purpose affects the way Christians act and live. Surveys show that Christians suffer from depression, and are less likely to commit suicide than atheists or agnostics. Believing life has a meaning and purpose affects the way Christians act and live. Surveys show that Christians suffer from depression, and are less likely to commit suicide than atheists or agnostics.

11. Non-religious reasons for believing in a life after death Paranormal -Unexplained things that are thought to have spiritual causes e.g. spirits, angels. There are three forms of paranormal evidence.

12. 1)Near Death Experiences (NDE) – when someone about to die has an out-of- body experience. Happens when people are clinically dead for a time and are brought back to life. Research by Dr Sam Parnia found that 4 out of 63 people found to survive a heart attack had a NDE. Similar results seen all over the world.

13. What is an NDE? Feelings of peace and joy Floating out of the body Seeing a bright light Meeting deceased relatives Entering another world

14. ‘(research on NDE’s)…is very good…but it proves absolutely nothing about the soul.’ Dr Sue Blackmore ‘It is possible that these experiences happened during the recovery or just before the cardiac arrest. There is little evidence it happened when the brain was shut down.’ Dr Chris Freeman Evidence

15. 2) Evidence for a spirit world Occult Practices: Some see ghosts and ouija boards as evidence of peoples’ souls surviving death. New Agers believe their clearest evidence may come from alleged mediums. Also called psychics or spirit guides. They allegedly help the dead to contact the living.

16. Deuteronomy 18:9-14New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Child-Sacrifice, Divination, and Magic Prohibited 9 When you come into the land that the L ORD your God is giving you, you must not learn to imitate the abhorrent practices of those nations. 10 No one shall be found among you who makes a son or daughter pass through fire, or who practices divination, or is a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts spells, or who consults ghosts or spirits, or who seeks oracles from the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is abhorrent to the L ORD ; it is because of such abhorrent practices that the L ORD your God is driving them out before you. 13 You must remain completely loyal to the L ORD your God. 14 Although these nations that you are about to dispossess do give heed to soothsayers and diviners, as for you, the L ORD your God does not permit you to do so. The Bible forbids these practices

17. 3) Reincarnation Belief that after death souls are reborn in a new body. The Catholic Church teaches from Hebrews 9:27 ‘man has one life to live’

18. Why some don’t believe in life after death They don’t believe in God. Evidence of science says nothing on life after death, as it can’t be sensed. Nowhere for life after death to take place e.g. heaven not in the clouds, as it is a ‘state’ not a place. Majority of evidence in various sacred texts which contradict each other.

19. The sanctity of life – key word Sanctity of life -The belief that life is holy and belongs to God. As we are made in the image & likeness of God

20. Christian teachings on sanctity of life ‘While we are alive, we are living for the Lord, and when we die, we die to the Lord: and so alive or dead we belong to the Lord.’ (Romans. 14:8) Meaning – God made us and only he can decide when our life should end. ‘Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us now and at the hour of our death.’

21. Genesis.1 – God made man in his image and it was good. Meaning – who are we to interfere with what God has designed and made. Exodus.20:13 – The 10 Commandments ‘Do not kill.’ Meaning – these are God’s direct laws that should be followed by Christians.

22. Abortion

23. Key word Abortion -The removal of a foetus from the womb before it can survive.

24. Law on Abortion 1967 Abortion Act – 2 Doctors must agree that: mother’s life is at risk risk to mother’s mental or physical health risk to mental or physical health of existing children risk that the baby will be born seriously handicapped 1990 Act – can’t happen after 24 weeks, unless mother’s life is at risk

25. Arguments Pro-abortion ‘When does life begin?’ ‘When does life begin?’ a) Begins at conception b) When capable of surviving outside the womb. ‘A woman can do what she wants with her own body.’ ‘A woman can do what she wants with her own body.’ a) Freedom of choice b) Unborn child’s rights supersede that of the mother’s.

26. Christian attitudes to Abortion 2 different views: 1)Evangelical Protestant and Catholic = abortion is always wrong because… Only God can end life. Life begins at conception. 10 Commandments – ‘Do not kill.’ Catholic catechism says it is always wrong.

27. Key concepts for abortion Principle of double effect - Take one action to achieve an effect knowing it will lead to another, means I can’t be blamed for the second effect. E.g. mother has cancer. Chemotherapy would kill the baby. Primary aim is to stop the cancer; the death of the baby is secondary (the double effect). This means that an abortion has not been intended.

28. ‘Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception…The law must (punish)… every deliberate violation of the child’s rights.’ (Catholic Catechism)

29. 2) Other Christians = abortion is wrong but should be allowed under certain circumstances e.g. mother’s life is at risk, handicapped or social reasons.

30. They mistakenly believe this because… Jesus said ‘love thy neighbour’, at times abortion might be the most loving thing to do. Believe life does not begin at conception. Should accept advances in technology e.g. amniocentesis tests help prevent disease and suffering.

31. ‘Methodists would strongly prefer that…all abortions should become unnecessary. But termination as early as possible in the course of pregnancy may be the lesser of two evils.’ Statement of the Methodist Church in England and Wales

32. Nature of Euthanasia

33. Key Words Assisted suicide -Providing a seriously ill person with the means to commit suicide. Euthanasia - easy death The painless killing of someone dying from a painful disease. Quality of life - Idea that life must have some benefits to be worth living

34. Non-voluntary euthanasia - Ending someone’s life painlessly when they are unable to ask, but there is good reason to think they want death e.g. switching off life support machine. Voluntary euthanasia - Ending life painlessly when someone in great pain asks for death.

35. There are different ways of providing euthanasia e.g. voluntary, non-voluntary euthanasia or assisted suicide. British law sees all of these as a crime. But removing food and water is not. Some countries e.g. the Netherlands has made it legal if it is agreed to by the patient, patient’s family and at least two doctors.

36. Two Types of Euthanasia Passive Euthanasia – Withdrawal or withholding of treatment. Positive or Active Euthanasia - This is actually bringing someone’s life to an end.

37. Why so Controversial? Want to keep Euthanasia illegal because… There will be doubt as to whether it is what the person really wants. Is the disease terminal? Could a cure be found? Doctors should save lives and not end them. Hippocratic Oath from HippocratesHippocratic Oath

38. Want it made legal because… Some kept alive with poor quality of life. Only medical advances keep them alive. Life support machines have brought in a form of euthanasia by turning them off. Hospitals cant afford to keep people on them for long. Basic human right to control ending of own life. ‘preserve life is not stated’ Why so Controversial?

39. Key concepts for euthanasia Principle of double effect - Take one action to achieve an effect, knowing it will lead to another means I can’t be blamed for the second effect. E.g. give large amount of pain killer to ease suffering, knowing it will shorten the dying person’s life means I can’t be blamed for their death as all I meant to do was relieve their pain. Passive Euthanasia

40. Various Christian attitudes to euthanasia It is wrong but there are different attitudes. 1)Most believe it is wrong, but don’t see switching off life support machines as wrong (as long as the person is brain dead). Not wrong to give dying people pain killers that will shorten their life.

41. They believe this because… of belief in the sanctity of life. Only God decides when we die. Bible condemns putting ourselves on par with God. See AE as murder, which is forbidden in the 10 Commandments. If someone is brain dead then they have already died. Believe in the principle of double effect.

42. ‘The use of painkillers to alleviate the suffering of the dying, even at the risk of shortening their days, ca be morally in conformity with human dignity if death is not willed…’ Catholic Catechism

43. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead we belong to the Lord. Romans.14:8

44. 2) Evangelical Protestants believe any form of euthanasia is wrong because… Take Bible literally when it bans suicide. Switching off a life support machine or giving large doses of pain killers is seen as murder.

45. 3) Some liberal Protestants allow a limited use because… Jesus’ teachings of love your neighbour and helping people in trouble could justify using assisted suicide. Modern medical science means that we can no longer be sure what God’s wishes actually are about someone’s death.

46. Wanting to stay alive causes problems. Drastic chemotherapy is painful and may give only a few extra weeks of life (quantity), but not quality. However, stopping all drugs could be seen as direct (active) euthanasia.

47. The media and matters of life and death What do we need to know… 1) Arguments which say that the media should no be free to criticise what religion says about these issues. 2) Arguments which say that the media must be allowed to criticise what religion says about these issues.

48. Arguments which say that the media should not be free to criticise what religion says about these issues. Criticising what religions say could stir up religious hatred which is banned by the Racial and Religious Hatred Act (2006). Criticising a religious leader and what they say could be seen as blasphemy. They could cause offence to believers. A Danish paper published a picture of Muhammed. It caused riots!

49. Arguments which say that the media must be allowed to criticise what religion says about these issues. Freedom of expression is covered by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Religion can’t be allowed to say things that can’t be criticised. A free media gives people a chance to hear alternative ideas.

50. Issue dealt with in the media? A Short Stay in Switzerland A Short Stay in Switzerland My Sister’s Keeper My Sister’s Keeper

51. The Causes of World Poverty Key Terms MEDCs – More Economically Developed Countries or First World e.g. USA EDCs – Economically Developing Countries or Second World e.g. Mexico LEDCs – Less Economically Developed Countries or Third World e.g. Bangladesh

52. Natural Disasters Many LEDCs are in areas where natural disasters are more frequent. Earthquakes destroy homes and farmland. A lack of rain means that crops will not grow. Many LEDCs are in areas where natural disasters are more frequent. Earthquakes destroy homes and farmland. A lack of rain means that crops will not grow.

53. Debt LEDCs have to borrow money from banks in developed countries. These banks charge interest. African countries have paid back $550bn in interest alone on $540bn in loans between 1970 and 2002 but still owe $295bn. LEDCs have to borrow money from banks in developed countries. These banks charge interest. African countries have paid back $550bn in interest alone on $540bn in loans between 1970 and 2002 but still owe $295bn.

54. Wars Many LEDCs have been badly affected by wars. During wars crops, homes, schools and hospitals are destroyed which in turn leads to more poverty. Many LEDCs have been badly affected by wars. During wars crops, homes, schools and hospitals are destroyed which in turn leads to more poverty.

55. HIV/AIDS LEDCs suffer very badly with this disease. People are dying young before they can gain an education or earn money. All of this leads to these countries becoming poorer. LEDCs suffer very badly with this disease. People are dying young before they can gain an education or earn money. All of this leads to these countries becoming poorer.

56. How and why Christian Aid is trying to remove world poverty 1. Speaking out on behalf of poor communities to bring social justice. 2. Development Programmes Solidarity 3. Disasters and emergency relief

57. Speaking out on behalf of poor communities to bring social justice Involved in Jubilee 2000 and Make Poverty History in 2005. This was the biggest attempt to end world poverty. Involved in Jubilee 2000 and Make Poverty History in 2005. This was the biggest attempt to end world poverty. Speak out against misuse of power and the neglect of human rights that lead to poverty. Speak out against misuse of power and the neglect of human rights that lead to poverty. They campaign to cancel the debt (interest & loan) owed by the poorest countries. They campaign to cancel the debt (interest & loan) owed by the poorest countries.

58. Development Programmes Spend half of their budget on development projects. E.g. in Gaza they support agricultural production and long term food security for unemployed daily wage earners who can’t get their goods to markets because Gaza’s borders are closed for long periods of time. Spend half of their budget on development projects. E.g. in Gaza they support agricultural production and long term food security for unemployed daily wage earners who can’t get their goods to markets because Gaza’s borders are closed for long periods of time.

59. Disasters and Emergencies Have a disaster fund to deal with natural disasters and refugees. Emergency aid includes sending water and food, antibiotics and shelters to victims of disasters such as the tsunami in 2004. Have a disaster fund to deal with natural disasters and refugees. Emergency aid includes sending water and food, antibiotics and shelters to victims of disasters such as the tsunami in 2004.

60. Why Christian Aid is trying to end world poverty The New Testament says that riches must be shared for the help of others e.g. poor. The New Testament says that riches must be shared for the help of others e.g. poor. Parable of the Sheep and the Goats says that in order to get to heaven you should help those less fortunate. Corporal Works of Mercy Parable of the Sheep and the Goats says that in order to get to heaven you should help those less fortunate. Corporal Works of Mercy In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught that Christians should share their time and possessions to help those in need. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught that Christians should share their time and possessions to help those in need.