Christian Ethics: 18th May 2015: Environment and Christianity These notes contain the key facts you need to know plus all past paper questions and model answers in a clear lay out

Explain ways in which people are working to protect the environment. (4)

1. Provision and use of recycling facilities = less landfill sites =reduced demands

2. Better and ‘greener’ public transport - walk or cycle to reduce the number of cars on the road

3. Energy-saving practices in the home, workplace, churches etc.

4. Eco Churches - green policies councils

Explain Christian beliefs and teachings about the environment. (6)

1. Universe created by God creation good 2. Psalm 104 – God loves the world 3. Jesus said he cared about sparrows4. Animals companions for Adam 5. Duty to love neighbours of future and pass on to

other generations – Jesus said we should love our neighbour

6. Stewards of the earth – in charge of creation 7. Dominion over earth but not domination8. “We have rule over animals (Genesis 1) 9. “The earth is the Lords and everything in it”

(Psalm 124) 10. Isaiah the prophet says the mountains sing to God11. Jesus spoke about God looking after the lilles of

the field and birds of the air

Give two other ways in which human actions are harming the environment. (2)

1. Industrial discharge into rivers 2. Oil slicks 3. Litter 4. Fly-tipping5. Deforestation6. Over-fishing7. Use of harmful pesticides 8. Emissions from ships’ engines 9. Extinction of species 10. By not campaigning against climate change

An individual Christian can do very little to protect the environment.’ What do you think? Explain your opinion (3)

1. Massive task – only done on global scale2. Recycling only effective if everyone does it 3. Saving individual soul more important than saving

the world?4. Every little helps – sets example5. We are stewards of earth

Environment being harmed by

1. Pollution - Oil slicks – Industrial discharge in rivers – Pesticides – exhausts – power plants – nuclear waste – factories – aircraft. Chemicals run into air, land, soil, water. Contributes to climate change.

2. Deforestation – destroys trees which produce 02 and take in CO2. Also produce medicine. 50% of mature forests felled in last 200 years.

3. The Greenhouse Effect: Natural process by which sun’s energy in atmosphere by blanket of gasses so planet right temperature. But the burning of fossil fuels causes this to inbalance

4. Ozone Layer destroyed – prevents harmful rays from sun

5. Climate Change – change in global temperature causing ice caps to melt, seal levels to rise and drought

6. Extinction of species

‘

The world exists for humans to use as they wish.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to Christian arguments in your answer. (6)

Agree with q statement Disagree with q statement God gives free will God gives dominion over earth in Genesis Jesus said humans more important than

sparrows Humans must protect families first People enjoy nature

God created beautiful world We are stewards Dominion does not mean domination Not greedy Think of future generations – love

neighbours and neighbours of future

For Christians, ending world poverty is more important than caring for the environment.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view.

Agree with q Disagree with q Justice for poor priority Jesus said humans came before

sparrows Help poor could help them change

environment Help poor = less harm to environment

Both important Harm to environment intensifies poverty Climate change causes disasters We are stewards We should love neighbours now and in future We have duty to look after world God put Adam in charge of Eden

What do Christians do?

1. Get involved in The Earth Charter movement. The Earth Charter gives rules on how we should live. 2. After 1992 Rio Earth summit, Christians responded by producing a report linking Christianity to this. 3. The Bishops of London and Liverpool called for us to cut personal carbon emissions in Lent 20084. The previous Pope, Benedict, had 2700 solar panels installed on the Vatican (below) 5. Some Churches have services highlighting green issues (Eco Christianity / Green Theology

Islam Ethics: 2ND June 2015: Environment and Islam These notes contain the key facts you need to know plus all past paper questions and model answers in a clear lay out

Explain two ways in which humans contribute to pollution. (4)

1. Carbon footprints 2. Waste – landfill3. Chemical pollution of water

What is khilafah (stewardship)? (2)

1. Responsibility 2. Stewards of earth 3. Allah gave us earth 4. We need to look after earth

Explain why many Muslims value the created world. (6)

1. The world is God’s creation

2. Muslims are stewards of the world

3. They must respect and protect the natural world on God’s behalf

4. They will be judged for this on day of judgement

5. Creation provides the ideal situation for humans to live in peace and happiness

6. Neglect of the environment leads to human suffering

7. Pass on to future generations.

Explain how some Muslims take part in conservation. (6)

1. Recycle / encourage recycling or re-use / provide recycling facilities – e.g. charity shops

2. Join international initiatives to prevent environmental damage /3. Campaign for less packaging 4. Green fuels 5. Encourage walking or public transport rather than using the car /

education 6. Support the work of organisations such as IFEES (Islamic Foundation

for Ecology and Environmental Sciences) 7. Support projects aimed at protecting endangered species.

Explain why Muslims should care for the created world. (4)

1. World was created by Allah 2. Teachings of Khalifah 3. Allah made humans responsible for the world 4. Destroying the world destroys humanity 5. Qur’an and teachings of Muhammad require it.

What is meant by conservation? (2)

To look after the planet .To lead a sustainable lifestyle - avoid damaging the environment .Making sure plants and animals do not become extinct.

Caring for the poor is more important for Muslims than caring for the environment.’ What do you think? Explain your opinion. (3)

1. People matter more than the environment 2. Zakah is a pillar of Islam 3. Teachings of Muhammad and Qur’an direct Muslims to care for each

other 4. Once the poor are fed they can care for the environment 5. Teachings of Khalifah 6. If people don’t care for the environment natural resources would run

out and there would be greater poverty.

Explain what Muslims believe about their role as stewards of the environment. (4)

1. Muslims have a responsibility from God to look after the world

2. To act on God’s behalf 3. They should protect

the environment through conservation / recycling

4. Responsible use of resources, etc.

5. They should work, individually and collectively, to achieve harmony and balance between all created things

6. Reference to khalifah.

We are Khalifahs or stewards of creation. Allah creates us to obey and submit .Creation is balanced (mizan) .We have a conscience (Fitra). “He it is who created the heavens and the earth in six days – and His Throne is over the waters” (Qur’an 11.7)

“Whoever kills anything bigger than a sparrow without just cause will be accountable to Allah” (Hadith)

“To Him belong all the things in the heavens and on earth” (Qur’an 4.171)

“Allah’s care for his creatures is universal” (Qur’an 62.1)

“The earth is green and beautiful but Allah has made you stewards over it” (Hadith)

Muslim countries and Governments have done the following:

1. ZANZIBAR Banned fishing in coral2. ASSISI, ITALY World religions gather to set out

teachings on environment 3. TOWER HAMLETS, LONDON Muslim recycling

project inspired by Qur’a4. RIO, UNITED NATIONS EARTH SUMMIT Muslim

countries work together5. JEDDAH, SAUDIA ARABIA Muslim nations meet6. BIRMINGHAM, UK Eco Islam published by The

Islamic Foundation For Ecology and Environmental Sciences. Help control fishermen using dynamite near Zanzibar. Help

“It is acceptable to experiment on animals.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to Islam in your answer. (6)

‘People should be allowed to use animals in any way they want.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to Islam in your answer.(6)

‘Animals do not have any rights.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to Islam in your answer. (6)

Muslims always treat animals with respect.’ What do you think? Explain your opinion. (3)

Agree with animals not having rights/we can do anything we want to animals

Disagree

• Animals gift from God to use• Need for food• Experimentation on animals

allowed• Humans more important than

animals• Animals have no soul• They are a gift from God to use• Animal sacrifice at religious events

• Qur’an says animals have feelings• Stewardship• Treatment must be humane / considerate• Muhammad taught about looking after animals• Life created by God• Experiments should not inflict pain and should be done for

medical research and not self inflicted illness• Islam forbids blood sports• Humans are animals too• Halal meet = respect for animals – not slaughtered in front of

others

‘Caring for people is more important than caring for the environment.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to Islam in your answer.

For the question Against the question• People are more important

than the environment• There are many people

suffering, they should be helped first

• Zakah is a duty and has to come first

• Extinction is natural and should not be prevented.

• The well-being of people depends on the environment / if you protect the environment you help people

• environmental damage affects everyone /

• Khalifah (stewards) /

• Animals gift from Allah • No blood spots, battery

hens, veal cages, cruel circuses.

• Halal meat = throat cut quickly, blood drained from carcas, not in front of other animals . If this is not done it is Haram (unclean)

• Experimented upon for medicine but not for cosmetics or for man made illness