Edexcel GCSE Religious StudiesEdexcel GCSE Religious StudiesUnit 8 - Religion, RightsUnit 8 - Religion, Rights

and Responsibilityand Responsibility

Key Words Key Words

Bible: The Holy Book of Christianity made up of the 66 books of the Old and the New Testament (also known as ‘Scripture’).Church: The community of Christian believers (small ‘c’ refers to the building).Conscience: An inner feeling of what is right or wrong.Situation Ethics: The idea that Christians should base moral decisions on what is the most loving thing to do.Electoral Processes: The ways in which voting is organised. Democratic Processes: The ways in which local citizens can take part in government.Political Party: A group which tries to be elected into power based on its policies.Pressure Group: Groups formed to influence government policies on particular issues.Social Change: The way in which society has changed and is changing.Human Rights: The rights and freedoms to which everyone is entitled.Decalogue: The Ten Commandments.Golden Rule: Jesus’ teaching to treat others as we would like to be treated.

Sources of AuthoritySources of Authority

When making moral decisions, the Christian wants to When making moral decisions, the Christian wants to know what their God would want them to do. To find know what their God would want them to do. To find this out they turn to trusted sources that they this out they turn to trusted sources that they believe have some authority [credibility] to help believe have some authority [credibility] to help guide their decisions. These will include...guide their decisions. These will include...

When making moral decisions, the Christian wants to When making moral decisions, the Christian wants to know what their God would want them to do. To find know what their God would want them to do. To find this out they turn to trusted sources that they this out they turn to trusted sources that they believe have some authority [credibility] to help believe have some authority [credibility] to help guide their decisions. These will include...guide their decisions. These will include...

• 66 books (73 for 66 books (73 for Catholics).Catholics).• Written over a Written over a period of 1000 years.period of 1000 years.• 40 different 40 different authors. authors. • OT compiled OT compiled around 300around 300BCEBCE. . • NT compiled and NT compiled and combined around combined around 375375CE.CE.

• 66 books (73 for 66 books (73 for Catholics).Catholics).• Written over a Written over a period of 1000 years.period of 1000 years.• 40 different 40 different authors. authors. • OT compiled OT compiled around 300around 300BCEBCE. . • NT compiled and NT compiled and combined around combined around 375375CE.CE.

Sources of Authority: The BibleSources of Authority: The Bible

Did You Did You Know...?Know...?

‘‘God-breathedGod-breathed’ ’ in this passage in this passage

has the same has the same idea in both idea in both

Greek and Greek and Hebrew as Hebrew as when God when God

breathed life breathed life into Adam in into Adam in Genesis 2 at Genesis 2 at creation. In creation. In

other words, other words, what is in the what is in the bible gets its bible gets its life from God.life from God.

““All scripture is All scripture is God-breathed God-breathed

and is useful for and is useful for teaching and teaching and

training in training in righteousness.”righteousness.”

““All scripture is All scripture is God-breathed God-breathed

and is useful for and is useful for teaching and teaching and

training in training in righteousness.”righteousness.”2 Timothy 3:162 Timothy 3:16

The Decalogue The Decalogue The ProphetsThe Prophets

Jesus’ TeachingJesus’ Teaching- Sermon on Sermon on

MountMount- ParablesParables

- Kingdom of Kingdom of GodGod

Apostles’ Apostles’ TeachingTeaching

-St Peter, St PaulSt Peter, St Paul St John, St St John, St

JamesJames

These are in the Bible & These are in the Bible & Xians use them to guide Xians use them to guide

decisions.decisions.

The Word of God?The Word of God?Most Christians refer to the Bible as the ‘Word of God’, Most Christians refer to the Bible as the ‘Word of God’, however, not all agree what this means:however, not all agree what this means:

The Words of The Words of GodGod: : Some Some Xians, mainly Xians, mainly fundamentalists, fundamentalists, believe the Bible believe the Bible contains the contains the actual words of actual words of God. These God. These people are called people are called literalists as they literalists as they believe every believe every word is literally word is literally as God wanted it as God wanted it to be. As such, to be. As such, the bible has the bible has total authority in total authority in all situations all situations

The Words of The Words of GodGod: : Some Some Xians, mainly Xians, mainly fundamentalists, fundamentalists, believe the Bible believe the Bible contains the contains the actual words of actual words of God. These God. These people are called people are called literalists as they literalists as they believe every believe every word is literally word is literally as God wanted it as God wanted it to be. As such, to be. As such, the bible has the bible has total authority in total authority in all situations all situations

Words inspired by GodWords inspired by God: Other Xians : Other Xians feel the Bible was written by humans feel the Bible was written by humans but inspired by God. Although it has but inspired by God. Although it has God’s authority, it needs interpreting God’s authority, it needs interpreting in light of its day when considering in light of its day when considering an application for today.an application for today.

Words inspired by GodWords inspired by God: Other Xians : Other Xians feel the Bible was written by humans feel the Bible was written by humans but inspired by God. Although it has but inspired by God. Although it has God’s authority, it needs interpreting God’s authority, it needs interpreting in light of its day when considering in light of its day when considering an application for today.an application for today.

Words about GodWords about God: Some : Some Xians see the bible as Xians see the bible as written by people who written by people who genuinely loved God, but genuinely loved God, but the words do not have the words do not have God’s direct authority. God’s direct authority. They may use They may use conscience, reason and conscience, reason and logic to interpret its logic to interpret its meaning for them.meaning for them.

Words about GodWords about God: Some : Some Xians see the bible as Xians see the bible as written by people who written by people who genuinely loved God, but genuinely loved God, but the words do not have the words do not have God’s direct authority. God’s direct authority. They may use They may use conscience, reason and conscience, reason and logic to interpret its logic to interpret its meaning for them.meaning for them.

JesusJesus

ApostlesApostles

312 Constantine312 Constantine

Eastern OrthodoxEastern Orthodox

Free/House ChurchFree/House Church

Salvation ArmySalvation Army

MethodistMethodist

BaptistBaptist LutheranLutheran

QuakersQuakers

Church of EnglandChurch of England

Roman CatholicRoman Catholic

1517 Reformation1517 Reformation

1378 Great Schism1378 Great Schism

At first the Christian Church had identical beliefs.

In 1517 a priest called

Martin Luther objected to

how the Catholic

Church ran the religion.

In 312 the Emperor Constantine became a Christian and so Rome helped the spread of Christianity.

1000 yearslater a split happened between East and West.

He listed 95 objections he had.

Since then

different groups

(denominations)

felt the need to

worship god in different

ways. These are just some of the denominations

Rome

Carthage

Alexandria

Athens

Constantinople

Antioch

Jerusalem

Authority of the ChurchAuthority of the Church

• The Apostles established The Apostles established small communities of small communities of converts across the converts across the region.region.

• Trusted and trained Trusted and trained leaders helped growth leaders helped growth and prevent heresies. and prevent heresies.

• As matters arose requiring clarification key leaders As matters arose requiring clarification key leaders (Bishops) gathered together (councils) to discuss and (Bishops) gathered together (councils) to discuss and agree a consensus of opinion as to what theologies were agree a consensus of opinion as to what theologies were correct or incorrect. correct or incorrect.

Catholics Catholics believe God believe God reveals to the reveals to the Pope and Pope and bishops the true bishops the true meaning of meaning of Scripture.Scripture.

Catholics Catholics believe God believe God reveals to the reveals to the Pope and Pope and bishops the true bishops the true meaning of meaning of Scripture.Scripture.

The Church has been shown to The Church has been shown to be the best forum for deciding be the best forum for deciding the meaning of scripture the meaning of scripture formulating considered formulating considered theological responses to theological responses to modern situations and issues.modern situations and issues.

The Church has been shown to The Church has been shown to be the best forum for deciding be the best forum for deciding the meaning of scripture the meaning of scripture formulating considered formulating considered theological responses to theological responses to modern situations and issues.modern situations and issues.

The church The church was Jesus’, was Jesus’, St Peter’s St Peter’s and St Paul’s and St Paul’s chosen chosen structure.structure.

The church The church was Jesus’, was Jesus’, St Peter’s St Peter’s and St Paul’s and St Paul’s chosen chosen structure.structure.

Sources of Authority: The ChurchSources of Authority: The Church

Situation EthicsSituation Ethics

Situation Ethics: ‘Situation Ethics: ‘The idea that Christians should The idea that Christians should base moral decisions on what is the most base moral decisions on what is the most loving loving thing to do.thing to do.’’Joseph Fletcher was a Christian ethicist Joseph Fletcher was a Christian ethicist who wrote the book ‘who wrote the book ‘Situation EthicsSituation Ethics’ in ’ in 1966.1966.Fletcher proposed that Biblical rules should be Fletcher proposed that Biblical rules should be taken in consideration only with other, greater taken in consideration only with other, greater rules, in mind. rules, in mind.

Fletcher referred to these as ‘greater rules’ because Fletcher referred to these as ‘greater rules’ because he believed a Christian will one day be personally he believed a Christian will one day be personally

responsible for the choices they make and so, their responsible for the choices they make and so, their conscience should be their final guide. He also conscience should be their final guide. He also

believed that his ‘greater rules’ reflected the teaching believed that his ‘greater rules’ reflected the teaching of Jesus that ‘Christian Love’ over rules ‘Religious of Jesus that ‘Christian Love’ over rules ‘Religious

Laws’ E.g. Jesus healing on the Sabbath. Laws’ E.g. Jesus healing on the Sabbath.

Fletcher referred to these as ‘greater rules’ because Fletcher referred to these as ‘greater rules’ because he believed a Christian will one day be personally he believed a Christian will one day be personally

responsible for the choices they make and so, their responsible for the choices they make and so, their conscience should be their final guide. He also conscience should be their final guide. He also

believed that his ‘greater rules’ reflected the teaching believed that his ‘greater rules’ reflected the teaching of Jesus that ‘Christian Love’ over rules ‘Religious of Jesus that ‘Christian Love’ over rules ‘Religious

Laws’ E.g. Jesus healing on the Sabbath. Laws’ E.g. Jesus healing on the Sabbath.

Ethics is about decision making in REAL situations. Strict religious rules Ethics is about decision making in REAL situations. Strict religious rules don’t take into consideration that every situation is different.don’t take into consideration that every situation is different.

Decisions made do not offer ‘universal guidelines’. A decision made Decisions made do not offer ‘universal guidelines’. A decision made about one situation does not then become the rule for all.about one situation does not then become the rule for all.

It is the person who is the centre of concern. The person at the centre It is the person who is the centre of concern. The person at the centre of the situation is more important than the religious rules.of the situation is more important than the religious rules.

Some ‘truths’ should be accepted as self evident. Each person knows Some ‘truths’ should be accepted as self evident. Each person knows intrinsically what the right thing to do is.intrinsically what the right thing to do is.

Fletcher believed the primary motivation should be Fletcher believed the primary motivation should be lovelove for the individual, and recognition that the most for the individual, and recognition that the most loving way out of a situation should be the ultimate loving way out of a situation should be the ultimate motive.motive.

““In resolving any situation the primary motive In resolving any situation the primary motive must be lovemust be love.”.”

Situation EthicsSituation Ethics

Joseph Fletcher would say that Situation Ethics Joseph Fletcher would say that Situation Ethics should come before the Biblical rules, so does this should come before the Biblical rules, so does this make it unbiblical? Not at all, as these examples make it unbiblical? Not at all, as these examples show.show.

Jesus, St Peter and St Paul all spent time with people who the

religious laws declared ‘unclean’ and so banned any association with.

Jesus spoke to women about

religious issues and stood up for a

woman found guilty of adultery, both these things were

against Jewish cultural and religious

laws

Jesus healed people on the Sabbath when it was forbidden by Jewish religious law

to work. Jesus’ concern for the

person overruled the religious Law.

Some Christians believe if a twelve year old girl Some Christians believe if a twelve year old girl was raped she should not be allowed an was raped she should not be allowed an abortion. However, Fletcher would say it would abortion. However, Fletcher would say it would be the most loving thing to do for her, so would be the most loving thing to do for her, so would allow it.allow it.

11) Situation ethics is concerned about the ) Situation ethics is concerned about the individual not the rule.individual not the rule.

22) Situation Ethics considers each person and ) Situation Ethics considers each person and their situation individually.their situation individually.

33) The basic is principle is to seek what is best ) The basic is principle is to seek what is best for the individual concerned, based on the for the individual concerned, based on the premise of ‘love’.premise of ‘love’.

StrengthsStrengths

11) Fletcher believed the end justified the ) Fletcher believed the end justified the means, this is not true in every situation.means, this is not true in every situation.

22) It ignores clear biblical teaching on certain ) It ignores clear biblical teaching on certain issues relegating that teaching to mere issues relegating that teaching to mere ‘suggestions for life’.‘suggestions for life’.33) Situation Ethics does not consider what is ) Situation Ethics does not consider what is the most loving thing to do for the most loving thing to do for all,all, only the only the individual.individual.

WeaknessesWeaknesses

Making a Moral DecisionMaking a Moral Decision

Odd Biblical LawsOdd Biblical Laws• You must not You must not wear clothes made wear clothes made from two different from two different types of fabrics.types of fabrics.• You must not You must not plant two different plant two different crops in the same crops in the same field.field.• If a child swears If a child swears at his parents or at his parents or disobeys them he disobeys them he should be put to should be put to death,death,• Shellfish are Shellfish are banned as food and banned as food and must not be eaten.must not be eaten.• If a person If a person commits adultery commits adultery they should be they should be killed.killed.• Parents can sell Parents can sell their children into their children into slavery to pay off slavery to pay off debts.debts.

Although the Bible may be the first place Although the Bible may be the first place Christians turn to for guidance, most feel Christians turn to for guidance, most feel

the Bible needs interpreting in light of the Bible needs interpreting in light of modern day issues as not all laws may be modern day issues as not all laws may be

relevant to today’s cultures. Therefore, relevant to today’s cultures. Therefore, most Christians believe they should use a most Christians believe they should use a number of sources to help them make the number of sources to help them make the

right moral decisions.right moral decisions.

GovernmentGovernmentThe government is responsible for managing a wide range of issues The government is responsible for managing a wide range of issues

including:including:

EmploymentEmploymentHealthHealthEducationEducationHousing Housing EnvironmentEnvironmentEconomyEconomyForeign Foreign AffairsAffairsLaw and Law and OrderOrderDefenceDefenceSocial Social ServicesServicesHuman Rights Human Rights

It costs around It costs around £550bn a year to run £550bn a year to run

the country (that’s the country (that’s about 10 x the value about 10 x the value of Bill Gates). Where of Bill Gates). Where

does it get the money does it get the money from? You. What is it from? You. What is it spent on? You. Who spent on? You. Who decides who gets to decides who gets to

spend it? You. spend it? You.

The The government igovernment is s simply a simply a political party political party who made promises who made promises (in a manifesto) to the country, and on the (in a manifesto) to the country, and on the basis of that, were basis of that, were votedvoted into power by the into power by the

citizens of that country.citizens of that country.

Voting SystemVoting SystemThe UK is divided up into 659 The UK is divided up into 659 voting areas known as voting areas known as constituencies. Each area is constituencies. Each area is supposed to have roughly the supposed to have roughly the same number of voters – about same number of voters – about 70,000 in each. In a general 70,000 in each. In a general election voters can vote for one election voters can vote for one of a number of candidates of a number of candidates (usually from each of the main (usually from each of the main political parties and a few political parties and a few othersothers). ). Whoever gets the most votes Whoever gets the most votes wins & becomes an MP. wins & becomes an MP. Whoever has the most MPs Whoever has the most MPs becomes the governmentbecomes the government..

In Britain we vote on who will In Britain we vote on who will represent us in three main areas.represent us in three main areas.

• Local Council (Councillors) Local Council (Councillors) • UK Parliament (MPs)UK Parliament (MPs)• European Parliament (MEPs)European Parliament (MEPs)

All of these people make All of these people make decisions that affect the whole or decisions that affect the whole or our community.our community.

Pressure GroupsPressure Groups

Besides voting you can influence Besides voting you can influence government decisions on issues you government decisions on issues you feel are important. Pressure groups feel are important. Pressure groups representing thousands of citizens representing thousands of citizens speak to the government and let speak to the government and let them know what their members them know what their members

want. E.g. Civil Rights, War in Iraq, want. E.g. Civil Rights, War in Iraq, Euthanasia etc.Euthanasia etc.

The Electoral & Democratic processThe Electoral & Democratic processMany people feel that as a citizen of a country you not only have a Many people feel that as a citizen of a country you not only have a rightright to have your say, but you have a to have your say, but you have a responsibilityresponsibility to take part in to take part in the electoral process (voting) and the democratic process (citizens the electoral process (voting) and the democratic process (citizens choosing and influencing Parliament). They think this because...choosing and influencing Parliament). They think this because...

It gives you more control over local

issues that affect you on a day to day basis.

It gives you more control over local

issues that affect you on a day to day basis.

National government make new laws that affect your life. You have a say in these

laws.

National government make new laws that affect your life. You have a say in these

laws.National government

are responsible for many things. You have a say in the decisions

made.

National government are responsible for

many things. You have a say in the decisions

made.

In the past, people died fighting for our right to choose those who

govern us. We owe it to these men and women to use these

rights.

In the past, people died fighting for our right to choose those who

govern us. We owe it to these men and women to use these

rights.Decisions in Europe affect UK laws. We

need to elect people who will speak out for

us.

Decisions in Europe affect UK laws. We

need to elect people who will speak out for

us.

National government sets our taxes to raise money and chooses

how our money is then spent.

National government sets our taxes to raise money and chooses

how our money is then spent.

The term ‘democracy’ means ‘a government of

the people, by the people, for the people’ .

The term ‘democracy’ means ‘a government of

the people, by the people, for the people’ .

Not all countries have a democracy, their citizens have no say over how the country is

run or who will lead them.

Not all countries have a democracy, their citizens have no say over how the country is

run or who will lead them.

How can you complain if you

don’t use your right to have your say?

How can you complain if you

don’t use your right to have your say?

Religion and The Democratic ProcessReligion and The Democratic Process

Dr Thomas Dr Thomas BarnardoBarnardo (established (established housing and housing and training for training for destitute children).destitute children).

William Wilberforce William Wilberforce (led (led the parliamentary the parliamentary campaign against campaign against slavery).slavery).

Lord Shaftsbury Lord Shaftsbury (stood against (stood against child labour and child labour and fought for child fought for child education). education).

William BoothWilliam Booth (famed for (famed for establishing homes establishing homes for society’s for society’s outcasts through outcasts through the Salvation Army). the Salvation Army).

These people becameThese people becameinvolved with the involved with the democratic process because democratic process because they believed their religion they believed their religion compelled them to stand up for compelled them to stand up for human rights. human rights.

It still happens It still happens Today:Today:

Gordon BrownGordon Brown, , organised the organised the government’s policy government’s policy on dropping third on dropping third world debt because world debt because of his Christian of his Christian beliefs.beliefs.

Muslimyouth.net Muslimyouth.net and the Oasis Trust are and the Oasis Trust are both religious organisations that involve young both religious organisations that involve young Muslims and Christians in social action and Muslims and Christians in social action and human rights activities, and in lobbying the human rights activities, and in lobbying the government for these concerns.government for these concerns.

• The Greatest Commandment. (Matthew 22:36-40) ‘Love God and love your neighbour, the whole of the Law and Prophets hinge on these twocommands. ‘

• The Greatest Commandment. (Matthew 22:36-40) ‘Love God and love your neighbour, the whole of the Law and Prophets hinge on these twocommands. ‘

• The Decalogue. The Decalogue. (Exodus 20) Six of the Ten (Exodus 20) Six of the Ten Commandments are based Commandments are based on how we treat others. on how we treat others. Human rights Human rights and social change for good and social change for good is a fundamental part of is a fundamental part of the Biblical & Church the Biblical & Church teaching. teaching.

• The Golden Rule. (Matt 7:12)The Golden Rule. (Matt 7:12)‘‘So in everything, do to others as So in everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the this sums up the Law and the Prophets.Prophets.’’

• The Golden Rule. (Matt 7:12)The Golden Rule. (Matt 7:12)‘‘So in everything, do to others as So in everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the this sums up the Law and the Prophets.Prophets.’’

• The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. (Matt 25:31-46) ‘Whatever you did not do for the least of my people you did not do for me.’

• The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. (Matt 25:31-46) ‘Whatever you did not do for the least of my people you did not do for me.’

• Faith and Deeds. (James 2:26) ‘As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.’

• Faith and Deeds. (James 2:26) ‘As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.’

Many of the reformers and politicians who worked Many of the reformers and politicians who worked to establish social change for the to establish social change for the better, were Christians. better, were Christians.

• The right to life. No one has the right to end your life.• Freedom from inhuman treatment. Torture is banned.• Freedom from slavery. Forced labour is outlawed. • Right to liberty. Everyone has the right to do what they want if it is not against the law.• Right to a fair trial. Under UK law. • Retrospective penalties. You cannot be charged with a crime if it wasn’t a crime when you did it.• Privacy You right to your private life.

• Freedom of conscience & religion. Hold the opinions and beliefs you want to without persecution. • Freedom of expression. Express your views so long as it doesn’t break the law.• Freedom of assembly. To gather with others and if necessary to demonstrate.• Marriage and family. To get married and have a family (within the rules of the law).• Freedom from discrimination. Not to be discriminated against for an reason.• The First Protocol (Civil Liberties). Have the right to own possessions, have an education and participate in the democratic process.

All these rights are declared to be for all people for all time.

All these rights are declared to be for all people for all time.

It outlaws discrimination against Christians and others.

It outlaws discrimination against Christians and others.

It allows for the freedom to have a religion and meet

together.

It allows for the freedom to have a religion and meet

together.

It is in line with Biblical teaching on how we should

treat others.

It is in line with Biblical teaching on how we should

treat others.

Human RightsHuman Rights:: The rights and freedoms to which everyone is entitled.

In 1998 the UK passed the Human Rights Act giving UK citizens by law, the fundamental rights already laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Christians believe human rights are important

because:They believe in the Sanctity of Life as all are made in God’s

image.

They believe in the Sanctity of Life as all are made in God’s

image.

Xian groups could break the Act by refusing to give a non-

Xian a job.

Xian groups could break the Act by refusing to give a non-

Xian a job.

Some Christians feel homosexuals should not adopt

children.

Some Christians feel homosexuals should not adopt

children.

The Catholic church discriminates against women

as priests.

The Catholic church discriminates against women

as priests.

However, the Act can cause problems for religious

people.Xians could break the Act if they refuse to support gay

marriage.

Xians could break the Act if they refuse to support gay

marriage.

Most genetic research is based on two methods:Most genetic research is based on two methods:

Gene Therapy: This enables : This enables changes to be made to cells that changes to be made to cells that

pass on defective information pass on defective information from one generation to the next, from one generation to the next, allowing permanent changes to allowing permanent changes to

be made. be made.

Gene Therapy: This enables : This enables changes to be made to cells that changes to be made to cells that

pass on defective information pass on defective information from one generation to the next, from one generation to the next, allowing permanent changes to allowing permanent changes to

be made. be made. Stem Cell Research is the most recent is the most recent form of genetic research. Stem cells form of genetic research. Stem cells are the ‘ are the ‘ building blocks of life’ and and can be used to create can be used to create ((clone)) new new organs or cells to replace diseased organs or cells to replace diseased ones. They are ‘harvested’ from ones. They are ‘harvested’ from either embryos created by in-vitro either embryos created by in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) , bone marrow or fertilisation (IVF) , bone marrow or blood.blood.

Stem Cell Research is the most recent is the most recent form of genetic research. Stem cells form of genetic research. Stem cells are the ‘ are the ‘ building blocks of life’ and and can be used to create can be used to create ((clone)) new new organs or cells to replace diseased organs or cells to replace diseased ones. They are ‘harvested’ from ones. They are ‘harvested’ from either embryos created by in-vitro either embryos created by in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) , bone marrow or fertilisation (IVF) , bone marrow or blood.blood.

PGD: Pre-implantation Genetic : Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis. This removes Diagnosis. This removes

defective genes from embryos defective genes from embryos so women at risk of passing on so women at risk of passing on diseases can produce healthy diseases can produce healthy

babies.babies.

PGD: Pre-implantation Genetic : Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis. This removes Diagnosis. This removes

defective genes from embryos defective genes from embryos so women at risk of passing on so women at risk of passing on diseases can produce healthy diseases can produce healthy

babies.babies.

Genetic Engineering: Genetic Engineering: The deliberate alteration of a person by manipulating its genetic framework in order to cure or prevent

diseases and disabilities in human beings.

Genetic Engineering: Genetic Engineering: The deliberate alteration of a person by manipulating its genetic framework in order to cure or prevent

diseases and disabilities in human beings.

Some people believe this Some people believe this will eventually lead to us will eventually lead to us picking and choosing any picking and choosing any

characteristic of a child characteristic of a child including gender, eyeincluding gender, eyeand hair colour, even and hair colour, even

their sexual orientation. their sexual orientation.

Some people believe this Some people believe this will eventually lead to us will eventually lead to us picking and choosing any picking and choosing any

characteristic of a child characteristic of a child including gender, eyeincluding gender, eyeand hair colour, even and hair colour, even

their sexual orientation. their sexual orientation.

Stem cell research is illegal in the United States of America. Stem cell research is illegal in the United States of America. However, it has been legal in the UK since February 2001 under certain However, it has been legal in the UK since February 2001 under certain

conditions, regulated by theconditions, regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

Stem cell research is illegal in the United States of America. Stem cell research is illegal in the United States of America. However, it has been legal in the UK since February 2001 under certain However, it has been legal in the UK since February 2001 under certain

conditions, regulated by theconditions, regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

In May 2008 the UK government made it

possible for scientist to use ‘cybrids’ for research. That

is; a human nucleus (the inside of a human embryo) implanted in to an animal

egg, to create a new embryo for DNA research into causes and cures for

diseases.

In May 2008 the UK government made it

possible for scientist to use ‘cybrids’ for research. That

is; a human nucleus (the inside of a human embryo) implanted in to an animal

egg, to create a new embryo for DNA research into causes and cures for

diseases.

From this research, scientist have From this research, scientist have found out how to reproduce human found out how to reproduce human organs. They believe that they will organs. They believe that they will eventually be able toeventually be able torecreate all human tissue recreate all human tissue and organs to help replace and organs to help replace diseased kidneys, livers, diseased kidneys, livers, lungs and even hearts. lungs and even hearts. It may one day be possible It may one day be possible to recreate a complete human being.to recreate a complete human being.

From this research, scientist have From this research, scientist have found out how to reproduce human found out how to reproduce human organs. They believe that they will organs. They believe that they will eventually be able toeventually be able torecreate all human tissue recreate all human tissue and organs to help replace and organs to help replace diseased kidneys, livers, diseased kidneys, livers, lungs and even hearts. lungs and even hearts. It may one day be possible It may one day be possible to recreate a complete human being.to recreate a complete human being.

The The Human Genome Project plans to plans to map out the complete human map out the complete human

genetic outline. It is believed if we genetic outline. It is believed if we can identify every human gene, can identify every human gene,

then we can remove the defective then we can remove the defective ones, replace them with healthy ones, replace them with healthy

ones, and eradicate illnesses ones, and eradicate illnesses completely. completely.

• Stem cell research, genetic Stem cell research, genetic engineering and cloning, engineering and cloning, offer the prospect of cures offer the prospect of cures for currently incurable for currently incurable diseases.diseases.• It is available in some It is available in some countries and so is only countries and so is only available to the rich who can available to the rich who can afford to travel and pay afford to travel and pay medical bills.medical bills.• Cloning has been used to Cloning has been used to grow healthy cells to replace grow healthy cells to replace malfunctioning ones.malfunctioning ones.• Genetic research is a vital Genetic research is a vital tool in medical science, it tool in medical science, it wouldwouldbe wrong to ignore the be wrong to ignore the advantages genetic advantages genetic engineering can bring.engineering can bring.• The laws on what can The laws on what can be done are strictly be done are strictly monitored to protect monitored to protect from abuse.from abuse.

• Stem cell research, genetic Stem cell research, genetic engineering and cloning, engineering and cloning, offer the prospect of cures offer the prospect of cures for currently incurable for currently incurable diseases.diseases.• It is available in some It is available in some countries and so is only countries and so is only available to the rich who can available to the rich who can afford to travel and pay afford to travel and pay medical bills.medical bills.• Cloning has been used to Cloning has been used to grow healthy cells to replace grow healthy cells to replace malfunctioning ones.malfunctioning ones.• Genetic research is a vital Genetic research is a vital tool in medical science, it tool in medical science, it wouldwouldbe wrong to ignore the be wrong to ignore the advantages genetic advantages genetic engineering can bring.engineering can bring.• The laws on what can The laws on what can be done are strictly be done are strictly monitored to protect monitored to protect from abuse.from abuse.

• Genetic engineering treats Genetic engineering treats the human body as a the human body as a commodity to be manipulated commodity to be manipulated no different to plants.no different to plants.• Once started there is no Once started there is no going back, scientist will be going back, scientist will be able to reproduce able to reproduce scientifically created human scientifically created human beings.beings.•There is no information There is no information about the long term about the long term consequences.consequences.• The process is irreversible The process is irreversible so if anything went wrong it so if anything went wrong it would be would be permanent.permanent.

• It opens the It opens the way for genetic way for genetic screening screening where people where people could be could be checked for checked for likely illnesses likely illnesses before getting before getting jobs or life jobs or life insurance.insurance.

• Genetic engineering treats Genetic engineering treats the human body as a the human body as a commodity to be manipulated commodity to be manipulated no different to plants.no different to plants.• Once started there is no Once started there is no going back, scientist will be going back, scientist will be able to reproduce able to reproduce scientifically created human scientifically created human beings.beings.•There is no information There is no information about the long term about the long term consequences.consequences.• The process is irreversible The process is irreversible so if anything went wrong it so if anything went wrong it would be would be permanent.permanent.

• It opens the It opens the way for genetic way for genetic screening screening where people where people could be could be checked for checked for likely illnesses likely illnesses before getting before getting jobs or life jobs or life insurance.insurance.

• Jesus was a healer who Jesus was a healer who encouraged his followers to encouraged his followers to cure the sick.cure the sick.• Being responsible stewards Being responsible stewards of creation includes improving of creation includes improving the lives of others with the the lives of others with the scientific knowledge God has scientific knowledge God has allowed us to gain (or given to allowed us to gain (or given to us).us).• Creating cells is not working Creating cells is not working against God rather it is against God rather it is working with God.working with God.• An embryo is not considered An embryo is not considered regarded as a potential life regarded as a potential life until it is 14 days old.until it is 14 days old.• Liberal Christians will Liberal Christians will accept most of the secular accept most of the secular arguments for genetic arguments for genetic engineering.engineering.• Genetic engineering is Genetic engineering is another form of medical another form of medical science like medicines and science like medicines and surgery which we allow. surgery which we allow.

• Jesus was a healer who Jesus was a healer who encouraged his followers to encouraged his followers to cure the sick.cure the sick.• Being responsible stewards Being responsible stewards of creation includes improving of creation includes improving the lives of others with the the lives of others with the scientific knowledge God has scientific knowledge God has allowed us to gain (or given to allowed us to gain (or given to us).us).• Creating cells is not working Creating cells is not working against God rather it is against God rather it is working with God.working with God.• An embryo is not considered An embryo is not considered regarded as a potential life regarded as a potential life until it is 14 days old.until it is 14 days old.• Liberal Christians will Liberal Christians will accept most of the secular accept most of the secular arguments for genetic arguments for genetic engineering.engineering.• Genetic engineering is Genetic engineering is another form of medical another form of medical science like medicines and science like medicines and surgery which we allow. surgery which we allow.

• Life begins at conception, be Life begins at conception, be it in the womb or a glass dish.it in the womb or a glass dish.• Killing an embryo is taking a Killing an embryo is taking a human life which is banned by human life which is banned by in the Bible and by the in the Bible and by the Church.Church.• God has created the genetic God has created the genetic make-up of a child for people make-up of a child for people to overrule that would be to to overrule that would be to interfere with God’s plans.interfere with God’s plans.• Cloning or creating a life is Cloning or creating a life is taking the role of Creator taking the role of Creator which is God’s role.which is God’s role.

• Cloning Cloning another human another human being devalues being devalues both people as both people as individuals individuals made by God.made by God.• A child should A child should be born as a be born as a product of love product of love not need. not need.

• Life begins at conception, be Life begins at conception, be it in the womb or a glass dish.it in the womb or a glass dish.• Killing an embryo is taking a Killing an embryo is taking a human life which is banned by human life which is banned by in the Bible and by the in the Bible and by the Church.Church.• God has created the genetic God has created the genetic make-up of a child for people make-up of a child for people to overrule that would be to to overrule that would be to interfere with God’s plans.interfere with God’s plans.• Cloning or creating a life is Cloning or creating a life is taking the role of Creator taking the role of Creator which is God’s role.which is God’s role.

• Cloning Cloning another human another human being devalues being devalues both people as both people as individuals individuals made by God.made by God.• A child should A child should be born as a be born as a product of love product of love not need. not need.

The Bible as a source of authority.

The Church as a source of authority.

The conscience as a guide for making moral decisions.

Joseph Fletcher and Situation Ethics.

Christians using a variety of sources for making moral decisions.

The role of government and the electoral system.

voting and the democratic process.

Religion and the democratic process.

Christian motivation for moral duties and responsibility for social change.

The Human Rights Act in the UK.

Religion and human rights.

Genetic engineering and cloning.

Secular arguments surrounding genetic engineering and cloning.

Religious arguments surrounding genetic engineering and cloning.