Curriculum Portal

neurologyYou need to know

• Christian teaching says that God created the universe intentionally and that creation is good, and Genesis may be read literally by some Christians or symbolically by others.
• Muslim teaching says that Allah created the universe by his command and that creation shows his power, wisdom and purpose.
• The Big Bang theory explains the universe beginning from an extremely hot, dense state and expanding, and many religious believers see this as compatible with belief in a creator because it explains process rather than ultimate cause.
• Christian belief about human origins includes the teaching that humans are made in the image of God, which gives human life unique value and dignity.
• Muslim belief about human origins includes the teaching that Allah created Adam and gave human beings a special status and responsibility.
• Evolution explains the development of life through natural selection, and some Christians and Muslims accept it as part of God's design while others reject it because they read sacred texts more literally.
• Sanctity of life means that life is sacred because it comes from God, so human life should be protected and not deliberately destroyed.
• Quality of life means that the value of life is judged partly by factors such as pain, awareness, relationships and ability to function or flourish.
• Stewardship means that humans have a duty to care for the world on God's behalf, and dominion is often interpreted as responsible rule rather than exploitation.
• In Islam, humans are seen as khalifah, meaning guardians or trustees of the earth, so they should use resources responsibly and avoid waste and damage.
• Abuse of the environment includes pollution, overuse of natural resources, habitat destruction and other actions that harm ecosystems, animals and future generations.
• Many Christians and Muslims teach that animals are part of creation and should not be treated cruelly, although humans may use animals responsibly for food and other legitimate needs.
• Animal experimentation is supported by some people when it may save human lives or develop medicines, but opposed by others because it causes suffering and may ignore the value of animal life.
• Christian views on abortion are often against it because unborn life is sacred, but some Christians may allow it in exceptional cases such as when the mother's life is at serious risk.
• Muslim views on abortion are generally against it, especially after ensoulment, often understood as 120 days, but some Muslim scholars allow it earlier for serious reasons and many permit it to save the mother's life.
• In Great Britain, abortion is legal under the Abortion Act 1967, as amended, when legal conditions are met, commonly up to 24 weeks, with later abortions allowed in more serious circumstances such as grave risk or severe foetal abnormality.
• Euthanasia means intentionally ending a person's life to relieve suffering, and assisted suicide means helping someone to end their own life.
• Most Christian and Muslim teachings oppose euthanasia because only God has authority over life and death, while some non-religious arguments support it on the grounds of autonomy, mercy and quality of life.
• In the UK, euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal, although patients may refuse treatment and doctors may give pain relief intended to ease suffering even if it may unintentionally shorten life.
• Christian beliefs about resurrection, judgement, heaven and hell, and Muslim beliefs about Akhirah, judgement, Jannah and Jahannam, can strengthen the view that human life has eternal significance and should not be ended deliberately.

• Explain contrasting Christian and Muslim beliefs about the origins of the universe and human life, using relevant teachings and showing whether they are interpreted literally or non-literally.
• Compare religious and scientific explanations for origins by identifying points of agreement, points of tension and possible ways believers reconcile them.
• Apply the concepts of sanctity of life and quality of life to case studies on abortion and euthanasia, using each concept accurately to reach a justified view.
• Distinguish between different forms of euthanasia and assisted suicide, and classify examples correctly using precise terminology.
• Analyse arguments for and against abortion, including situations where the mother's life is at risk, by using religious teachings, ethical principles and relevant British legal context.
• Evaluate animal experimentation by weighing medical benefit against animal suffering and by referring to stewardship, dominion and responsibility.
• Interpret scriptural or religious teachings about creation, stewardship and the value of life, and connect them clearly to present-day ethical issues.
• Construct balanced evaluative responses that include Christian, Muslim and non-religious perspectives, explain contrasts clearly and end with a reasoned judgement.