Religion and Life
Religion and Life
This theme covers ethical issues related to the origins of life, the sanctity of life, abortion, euthanasia and animal rights from Christian and Islamic perspectives.
The Sanctity of Life
Both Christianity and Islam teach that life is sacred — it is a gift from God and only God has the right to take it away.
- Christianity: "So God created mankind in his own image" (Genesis 1:27) — human life has unique value because of Imago Dei
- Islam: "Do not take life, which Allah has made sacred, except by right" (Surah 17:33) — life belongs to Allah
Abortion
Abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy. In the UK, it is legal up to 24 weeks under certain conditions (Abortion Act 1967).
Christian views:
- Catholic: abortion is always wrong — life begins at conception; it is murder. The only exception is the principle of double effect (e.g. treating an ectopic pregnancy may indirectly end the pregnancy)
- Church of England: generally opposed but accepts abortion in some circumstances (rape, severe disability, risk to the mother's life)
- Liberal Christians: may support a woman's right to choose, emphasising compassion
Islamic views:
- Life is sacred — abortion is generally haram (forbidden)
- However, most scholars permit abortion before 120 days (ensoulment — when the soul enters the body) if there is a valid reason (mother's health, severe abnormality)
- After 120 days, abortion is only permitted if the mother's life is in danger
- Surah 17:31 — "Do not kill your children for fear of poverty"
Euthanasia
Euthanasia means "good death" — deliberately ending a life to relieve suffering. It is illegal in the UK.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Voluntary euthanasia | The patient requests to die |
| Non-voluntary | The patient cannot give consent (e.g. coma) |
| Passive euthanasia | Withdrawing treatment and allowing death to occur naturally |
| Active euthanasia | Deliberately acting to end life (e.g. lethal injection) |
Christian views:
- Catholic: all forms of euthanasia are wrong — only God decides when life ends. However, withdrawing extraordinary treatment (where recovery is impossible) may be acceptable
- Liberal Christians: may argue that a loving God would not want people to suffer; compassion might justify euthanasia in extreme cases
- Hospice movement: founded by Christian Dame Cicely Saunders — provides palliative care to manage pain without ending life
Islamic views:
- Euthanasia is haram — life belongs to Allah, and only he decides when it ends
- Suffering can be a test from Allah and may bring spiritual reward
- However, withdrawing treatment when there is no hope of recovery may be acceptable to some scholars
- Surah 4:29 — "Do not kill yourselves. Surely Allah is Most Merciful to you"
Animal Rights
- Christianity: humans have stewardship over animals — they should be treated humanely but may be used for food and medical research if suffering is minimised
- Islam: animals are part of Allah's creation and must be treated with kindness; halal slaughter aims to minimise suffering; animal cruelty is a sin. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever is kind to the creatures of God is kind to himself"
Exam Tips
- Know the difference between types of euthanasia — this catches many students out
- Present at least two different views within Christianity (Catholic vs liberal)
- For AO2: Does the sanctity of life mean never ending a life, even when there is extreme suffering? Who has the right to decide — the patient, the doctor or God?
- Use specific teachings from both religions to support your arguments