Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies

Course Outline• The course is divided into three units.

They are:• Christianity• Morality in the Modern World – Medical Ethics• Christianity: Belief and Science

Christianity1. The Human Condition Human beings are created good by

God but they suffer and die.Human beings suffer and die because they are alienated from God through sin.

2. The goals of life3. The means to achieve

these goals.

Warm up...• What is special about human beings?• Is there such a thing as human nature?• Are humans born bad?• What is the difference between humans

and other life on earth?• Are we alone in the universe?

The Human Condition? What does that mean?

We are all members of the human race, living in human bodies and experiencing the world as human beings. However, this common ‘humanity’ can be understood and interpreted in many different ways.

Understanding what it means to be human can vary according to race, religion, culture, situation and time. Before we look at Christian answers to the Human Condition maybe we should look at what it means to be human.

Activity 1• Discussion:

In pairs consider the following questions:

1. What is important to human beings?2. What is the point in human life?

The Human Condition in films

the answer to life, universe and everything

Activity 2- What is your favourite film? 1 min discuss with partner

• What picture of human beings does this film give?

• What ideas about human beings appear in the film?

• What goals are the characters aiming for and how do they achieve these goals?

• In Spiderman, when Peter Parker realises the changes and powers that he has, he has to learn to use his gifts unselfishly.

• Spiderman is tempted by the demon Green Goblin and must overcome that temptation. His mission changes his whole approach and outlook on life. He has power, but also responsibility.

In The Lord of the Rings trilogy Frodo must forget about his own fear in order to destroy the ring and conquer evil. In one level he is a small unimportant creature, but on another level his actions and choices affect everyone. The message of the film suggests that unselfish actions can be more powerful than the selfish use of great power.

Activity 3 - Brainstorm on Christianity

• As a class make a list of all the things you already know about the Christian religion.

• Consider beliefs, practices, information about the history of Christianity and any other facts you know.

Activity 4 –If God exists why did He create human beings?

• Answers on a postcard...

Why did God create human beings?

So what exactly is the Human Condition?

Genesis is the first book of the Old Testament. The Old Testament is an important part of the Christian Bible. It is also used as the Sacred Scripture for Jews. Genesis is often called ‘the book of the beginnings’ or ‘origins’ and it tells the story of how and why humanity was created.

Activity 5 - Read Genesis 1-2v4

Highlight in different colours ‘God commanded’, ‘God was pleased’, ‘Evening

passed and morning came’.

The Human Condition God, one creator, beyond human understanding, reveals self to humanity .

‘God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. (Genesis 1:31)

Christians believe in ONE God who created everything. God not only creates but also continues to support and provide for the world.

The idea of God a creator is first found in the Genesis story and is an important part of Christian teaching. Christians believe that God created the universe out of nothing (ex nihilo – important term, learn!) Everything owes its existence to God. God as creator guarantees the ‘goodness’ of creation

The Human ConditionGod seeks a loving relationship with humans who are made in His image

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)

What separates human beings from the rest of Creation?

Three things:

1. Humans are relational2. Humans are rational3. Humans exercise Free Will

• God created the universe and everything in it. Therefore life is not an accident-it has meaning and purpose given to it by God.

• God created the universe out of nothing -ex nihilo, therefore he is all powerful and is the cause of all life.

• As God has created the universe and God is good, so the universe must be good.

Genesis – Origins or the beginning

• God created human beings in his own image, - imago dei - which means humans are a special creation.

• God created human beings last. They were the ultimate creation. This shows they are the most important part of creation.

• God has given humans the responsibility of caring for and safeguarding his Creation. This is called stewardship. It gives Christian life another purpose.

An number of important Christian beliefs about God are related to this,

God is one.God and creation are very different.

Nothing created can be worshipped. Only God can be worshipped.

God has power and authority over all creation.

God intended his creation to be perfect and good.

Copy into jotter

• Chapter 1 of Genesis also teaches us that God’s creation was good.

What are the problems with this?

Anything wrong with our world is the result of what human beings have done.

God gave people free will and at times they have used that free will to act in a harmful way.

Activity 6 – Free Will?

How fair is it to say that God’s creation is ‘good?’ Can humans be blamed for all the bad things?

Activity 7 • In your jotter, in full sentences – • Read worksheet on God’s

relationship with humans• Complete all questions.