GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES

b603 revision guide

Table of Contents How to answer the questions

Religion and Medical Ethics Christianity

The Sanctity of Human Life

Abortion

Fertility Treatment

Cloning

Euthanasia

Suicide

Vivisection

Example Questions

Religion, Poverty and Wealth Islam

Wealth and the Causes of Poverty

Muslim beliefs about money and wealth

Two uses of money that are forbidden to Muslims:

Moral and immoral occupations

Example Questions

How to answer the questions

Parts a, b and c are point marked. This means that each mark requires one point to be made e.g. part

b is worth 2 marks, so make two points

Examples:

a) What is death? (1)

Death is the end of life

b) Give two examples of environmental issues. (2)

Global warming and pollution.

c) Describe Christian beliefs about God. (3)

Christians believe God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-seeing) and God is the

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, known as the Trinity.

One point made – one mark given

Two points made – two marks given

Three points made – three marks given

Parts d (6 marks) and e (12 marks) are level marked. This means you do not need to make 6 or 12

points, but you need to write a detailed answer. Spend most of your time on these questions.

o d) questions - in these questions, you need to give full explanations.

Accurately state the beliefs and teachings you are explaining, using specialist terms

Use quotes to back up these points of view

Remember there are often different views / beliefs to be explained

o e) questions - in these questions, you need to discuss and evaluate different opinions. Examiners

are looking for THREE things:

A range of different views. This means you have to explain opposing points of view.

Religious views, giving supporting reasons for each one.

A personal conclusion, clearly showing what you think of the

different views in your discussion, giving reasons for your decisions.

PLEASE NOTE that 3 marks are now awarded for your answers

in each unit for spelling, punctuation and grammar

Religion and Medical Ethics Christianity

The Sanctity of Human Life

The Sanctity of Human Life means that human life is sacred or holy (special to God) and

therefore precious, because it is God-given and should be respected. Only humans are created

in the ‘Image of God’; only humans have souls.

Abortion

Definition: Abortion is the deliberate termination of an unwanted pregnancy

In the UK, the time limit for a legal abortion is 24 weeks (pregnancy = 40 weeks). Abortion was made legal to stop ‘Back

Street abortions’.

The Roman Catholic Church is against abortion because it believes:

a) Human life starts at conception

b) Human life is sacred – ‘You shall not kill’ – and therefore abortion is murder

c) Adoption is better than abortion.

The Church Of England is in favour of some abortion because it believes:

a) Jesus’ command to show love and sympathy must always come first, even before the command to protect life at all

costs.

b) Abortion is sometimes the lesser of two evils, which means that allowing a woman to have an abortion might be

less of an evil than forcing her to have the child.

This might be true in cases where: the mother’s life is at risk;

the pregnancy is the result of rape;

the foetus is severely deformed.

Fertility Treatment

Definition: Fertility treatment is medical help to enable a woman to become pregnant.

There are a range of methods available to help couples conceive, including:

a) AIH – artificial insemination using the husband’s sperm

b) Donor Methods – sperm and egg / embryo donation

c) In vitro fertilisation (IVF) – medical procedure where an egg is fertilised in a laboratory, leading to the term ‘test

tube babies’

d) Surrogacy – where a fertile woman allows her womb to be used to carry a child for an infertile woman

Christian Responses to the Methods

a) AIH is accepted by all Christians as it does not interfere with the marriage or the sanctity of life. It helps couples to

have children, which is what God wants for the human race.

b) Donor methods are rejected by many Christians (e.g. Roman Catholics) because they believe that sex between

husband and wife is the only way to conceive a child (i.e. donor methods are like having an affair).

They also have concerns about the use of a donor as this might cause identity problems for the child later in life –

who are my parents?

c) IVF creates spare embryos that are then destroyed or used in experiments

For RC Christians, life begins at conception, so an embryo is considered as a life and destroying it is killing a life. RC

Christians also argue that a child is a gift, not a right. Childlessness can be part of God’s plan for them – frees them

up to do other things!

d) Most Christians reject surrogacy because it makes the child an item of sale. However, some accept it if it arranged

within the family (e.g. one sister is a surrogate for another).

Cloning

Definition: Cloning is the method where cells are copied so that new cells have the same DNA.

There are two types of cloning:

Reproductive – producing a new human / animal that is genetically identical

(Dolly the Sheep was the first ever cloned mammal)

Therapeutic – cloning of particular cells to produce medical treatments such as new organs

Benefits of Cloning:

Scientists argue that cloning has many potential benefits, such as creating:

i. New organs for people who need transplant surgery

ii. Better treatments for life threatening illnesses.

Christian Concerns:

Christians believe that every human life is unique and created by God. It is wrong to artificially create new life

Cloning involves creating embryos, many of which will end up being destroyed. Many Christians (e.g. RC Christians)

believe that anything that leads to the destruction of embryos is wrong.

On the other hand, some Christians argue that while reproductive cloning is wrong, therapeutic cloning can be

acceptable if very early embryos are used (up to 14 days). This could lead to important new medical treatments.

Euthanasia

Definition: Euthanasia literally means ‘a gentle and easy death’.

It is sometimes called mercy killing or assisted suicide.

There are TWO main types of euthanasia:

Active euthanasia – when a person chooses to die, but needs someone to take action to help them to die e.g. a lethal

injection. This is also voluntary euthanasia.

Passive euthanasia – when treatment is withdrawn or withheld e.g. a Do Not Resuscitate Order

ACTIVE EUTHANASIA IS ILLEGAL IN THE UK

Christian Responses

Most Christians argue that euthanasia is wrong, because:

a) Life is sacred and God-given, therefore only God should decide when we die

b) Jesus healed the sick and the dying and always treated people with compassion – we should do the same

o A good example of this is the Hospice Movement which aims to help those who are dying to die naturally through the

use of special medical care.

c) Euthanasia is killing – “You shall not kill.” (Ten Commandments)

d) The most vulnerable members of society, such as the elderly, deserve to be protected, not pressurised into

euthanasia.

However, other Christians believe that euthanasia can be acceptable because:

a) Jesus said “Love your neighbour as yourself” - Isn’t the most loving option sometimes to help someone end their

suffering?

b) God has given us free will – we are able to decide when to die.

c) Euthanasia allows a person to die with dignity, free from pain and suffering.

Suicide Definition: Suicide is where someone deliberately takes their own life

Christians who believe that suicide is always wrong argue:

Suicide shows a lack of faith in God to help you with your problems

The RC Church teaches that suicide is ‘a mortal sin’ – this is a sin that results in hell

Christians who believe that suicide is wrong, but that compassion needs to be shown, argue:

Suicide is sometimes a cry for help and may be the result of mental illness, such as serious depression. People who

are suicidal need help not condemnation.

Jesus treated the sick and the dying with compassion

The Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches that we ought to help those who are in need, whoever they are or

whatever their problems.

The Samaritans

This charity provides support for people who are feeling suicidal. They provide 24hr telephone lines

where people can speak to trained helpers. The Samaritans was started by a Christian priest in response

to the number of suicides of young people in London. This organisation takes its name from the Parable

of the Good Samaritan.

In the past, the Church condemned suicide as a sin. Those who committed suicide were not allowed to be

buried in churchyards. However, today many Christians have a more sympathetic approach.

Vivisection

Definition: Vivisection refers to animal testing.

For example, animals are used in medical research.

Some Christians (e.g. Roman Catholics) argue that the use of animals in medical research is acceptable. They argue

that:

It has brought important benefits to humans and animals, such as new surgical

treatments and medicines that would not have been found without the use of

animals.

Humans are superior to animals and therefore they can use animals for their own

benefit. This could include using animals in medical research to develop

treatments for the benefit of humans

Other Christians (e.g. Quakers) argue that the Bible principle of stewardship means that humans cannot use animals as

they wish:

Experiments on animals are often done without pain relief. This involves great suffering for the animals. The Bible

condemns cruelty to animals.

The species differences between animals and humans means that the use of animals in medical research often fails

to work, so the suffering caused to the animals is unnecessary.

Example Questions (a) What is fertility treatment? [1]

(b) Describe Christian attitudes towards fertility treatment. [2]

(c) What does Christianity teach about abortion? [3]

(d) Explain Christian attitudes to the use of animals in medical research. [6]

(e) ‘Every woman has the right to have a baby.’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer

to Christianity in your answer. [12]

(a) What does euthanasia mean? [1]

(b) Give TWO reasons which might lead a person to commit suicide. [2]

(c) Describe the attitude of some Christians towards suicide. [3]

(d) Explain the attitude of some Christians to helping a terminally ill person to die. [6]

(e) ‘Only God has the right to take life.’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer

to Christianity in your answer. [12]

(a) What is meant by the term ‘Abortion’? [1]

(b) State two reasons which might be given for seeking a legal abortion in the UK. [2]

(c) Describe one Christian attitude towards fertility treatment. [3]

(d) Explain why Christians differ in their attitudes towards abortion. [6]

(e) ‘Religious people should keep their views about Medical Ethics to themselves.’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer

to Christianity in your answer. [12]

(a) What is meant by the term ‘suicide’? [1]

(b) State two reasons why Christians might be against suicide. [2]

(c) Describe one reason why Christians might oppose abortion. [3]

(d) Explain why Christians have different attitudes to euthanasia. [6]

(e) ‘The use of animals in medical research is always wrong.’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer

to Christianity in your answer. [12]

(a) What word means ‘easy death’? [1]

(b) Give two reasons why Christians might be against fertility treatment. [2]

(c) Describe one Christian response to the issues raised by cloning. [3]

(d) Explain different Christian attitudes towards the use of animals in medical research. [6]

(e) ‘Every unborn child has the right to life.’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer

to Christianity in your answer. [12]

Religion, Poverty and Wealth Islam

Wealth and the Causes of Poverty

Causes of Poverty:

Poor countries (e.g. Ethiopia) owe massive debts to the wealthy countries (e.g. USA, UK) and cannot even afford to

pay the interest on these loans.

Poor countries grow crops, such as coffee and cotton, to sell to richer countries to try and pay off debts, rather than

feeding their own populations.

Poor countries are in the hottest parts of the world, where the growing of food crops is difficult as there is little rain.

Civil War in some countries causes serious poverty.

Unstable governments.

Effects of Poverty:

Poverty is often linked with low life expectancy,

poor levels of education and health,

and high levels of unemployment.

The United Nations identifies six basic needs: food, clean water, housing, health care, education and work. A

country in severe poverty is classed as one that cannot meet these needs for most of its population.

Charity refers to any help or money given to those in need.

Examples could include voluntary work, donating clothes to a charity, and raising money for a good cause.

NOTE: a Muslim is a follower of

the religion of Islam Muslim beliefs about money and wealth

The Quran (Holy Book) teaches that Allah (God) is the true owner of all wealth and that humans are only trustees of

their wealth, with the responsibility to use it wisely.

Fasting - during the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast during daylight hours. One of the reasons for this is to

understand what it is like to be poor and starving.

Eid - this is the festival at the end of the Ramadan fast. A special payment is made by those with money so those who

are poor can join in the celebrations.

Zakah – this is compulsory giving and is the Third of

the Five Pillars of Islam. It means ‘clean’. By doing

Zakah, a wealthy Muslim is cleansed of greed and

selfishness. They give 2.5% of their savings each year

to help those in need in the Muslim community.

Sadaqah- this is voluntary giving that all Muslims try to

do, on top of their zakat payments. Muhammad said

that sadaqah is a better judge of a Muslim’s true faith,

because it is voluntary. Muslim charities include Islamic

Relief and Muslim Aid.

Two uses of money that are forbidden to Muslims:

Gambling is forbidden (Haram), because it can be addictive and the cause of people going into debt, which means that

they cannot provide for their families.

Charging Interest (Riba) on money loaned is forbidden to Muslims. It is money not earned honestly and it makes the

rich richer and the poor poorer. For example, people often go into debt by borrowing from ‘Loan Sharks’. In

Muhammad’s day, people were sold into slavery to pay off loan-debt.

Gambling is betting on games of chance for money.

Examples include the National Lottery, playing roulette in a casino,

betting on horses in a Betting Shop, and playing on fruit machines in an

arcade.

Moral and immoral occupations

The Qur’an teaches that it is the duty of every Muslim man to work and provide for himself and his family.

It is dishonourable to live off charity unless there is no alternative.

Muslims have a duty to develop their skills and talents for the benefit of society.

Work is an important way of developing self-respect.

All honest work is considered equal – there should be no snobbery. Many of the prophets had ordinary jobs – e.g.

Moses was a shepherd, Jesus was a carpenter, and Muhammad was a trader

Unfair trading is considered wrong and is classed as theft

Some occupations have a higher status because they help people directly, such as jobs in education and medicine.

A moral occupation is any job that is acceptable as a means of earning money.

An immoral occupation is any job that is unacceptable. It is Haram.

Some jobs are forbidden (haram) to Muslims. These include:

o Any job in the alcohol industry (e.g. working in a pub)

o Any job in the gambling industry (e.g. casino worker)

o Any job in the sex industry (e.g. porn model or prostitute)

o Any job that involves working with pork (e.g. pork butcher)

o Any job in the financial sector, involving the charging of interest (e.g. loan shark)

Example Questions (a) What is meant by an immoral occupation? [1]

(b) What occupations might Muslims believe to be immoral? [2]

(c) What do Muslims teach about concern for the poor? [3]

(d) Why might Muslims give money to charity? [6]

(e) ‘People must look after their family before they worry about the poor.’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer

to Islam in your answer. [12]

(a) State ONE cause of world hunger. [1]

(b) State TWO reasons why Muslims might help the poor. [2]

(c) Describe Muslim teaching about caring for others. [3]

(d) Explain Muslim attitudes towards wealth. [6]

(e) ‘Money is the cause of all evil in the world.’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer

to Islam in your answer. [12]

(a) State what is meant by charity. [1]

(b) Give two reasons why many people are living in poverty. [2]

(c) Describe one Islamic view about wealth. [3]

(d) Explain why a Muslim might try to show concern for other people. [6]

(e) ‘Caring for others should be the most important thing Muslims can do.’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer

to Islam in your answer. [12]

(a) What is meant by the term ‘immoral occupation’? [1]

(b) Give two occupations which Muslims might consider to be moral. [2]

(c) Describe one Muslim attitude towards giving to charity. [3]

(d) Explain how Muslims believe money can be misused. [6]

(e) ‘Religious people should never be wealthy.’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer

to Islam in your answer. [12]

(a) Give one way in which Muslims might put charity into practice. [1]

(b) State two causes of world hunger. [2]

(c) Describe how some Muslims believe wealth should be used. [3]

(d) Explain how Muslims’ beliefs might affect their choice of occupation. [6]

(e) ‘Some people do not deserve to be cared for.’

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer

to Islam in your answer. [12]