Religion and life · GCSE Religious Studies

The origins of the universe and life

Science explains the universe through the Big Bang, about 13.8 billion years ago, and life through evolution by natural selection (Darwin).
Some religious believers take creation accounts literally (creationists). Many accept science as describing how God created; the Big Bang theory was first proposed by Georges Lemaître, a Catholic priest.

Stewardship: humans have a God-given duty to look after the world (Genesis 2:15). Dominion: humans have authority over nature (Genesis 1:28), which most believers say must not be abused. In Islam, humans are khalifah (stewards) of the Earth.
Environmental problems include pollution, global warming, deforestation and using up natural resources. Pope Francis's letter Laudato Si' (2015) called on everyone to care for 'our common home'.
Animal rights: views differ on animal experiments and eating meat. Many Buddhists are vegetarian because the first precept teaches not to harm living beings.

The sanctity of life is the belief that life is sacred because God created it. Quality of life considers a person's well-being.
In Great Britain, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks if two doctors agree, and later in some circumstances.
The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is wrong. Many other Christians accept it in some cases, such as when the mother's life is at risk. Many humanists support a woman's right to choose.

Euthanasia is ending a life to relieve suffering. Assisted dying is currently illegal in England and Wales, although Parliament has debated a bill to allow it for terminally ill adults.
Many religious believers oppose euthanasia because of the sanctity of life, and support hospice care, which began with Dame Cicely Saunders' St Christopher's Hospice (1967). Some believers and many humanists support it out of compassion and respect for a person's choice.
Beliefs about death vary: Christians and Muslims believe in heaven and hell, Buddhists in rebirth, and many non-religious people believe death is the end.
Some people see near-death experiences, or claims about ghosts and mediums, as evidence of life after death. Non-religious arguments against it include the lack of scientific evidence, the brain's role in producing consciousness, and the view that belief in an afterlife is wishful thinking.

Big Bang theory: The scientific theory that the universe began from a single point about 13.8 billion years ago.
Evolution: The theory that living things change over time through natural selection.
Stewardship: The duty to look after the world on God's behalf.
Dominion: Authority or control over nature.
Sanctity of life: The belief that life is sacred because God created it.
Quality of life: How good or bearable a person's life is.
Euthanasia: Ending a life to relieve suffering.
Hospice: A place that cares for people who are dying.
Khalifah: In Islam, a steward or vice-regent of the Earth.