Abortion
'The termination of a pregnancy'

Roman Catholic:

WRONG in all circumstances.....why?

All life is sacred because God created us – its a GIFT from God

It is taking a life – life begins at conception – Only God can take life away

“Thou shall not kill” (Ten Commandments)

'Euthanasia'
Basically it is;

“the practice of ending a life in a manner which relieves pain and suffering”

'IVF'
Basically it is;

“the process where egg cells are fertilised outside the body – in vitro fertilisation”

Roman Catholic

Wrong in all circumstances....why?

1. Because only God should give life

2. Children have a right to know who their parents are

3. Involves some fertilised eggs being thrown away

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

RELATIONSHIPS - R.E

Human Dignity

Christians believe that all people are worthy or respect and care.

Why?
We are all unique and have a sense of identity
We have souls that make us special
God created all humans “in his own image”
Jesus taught the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This shows we should care for all people.
“Love your neighbour” “Treat others as you would like to be treated”

CHARITIES
Christian Aid (Catholic)
Speak out against injustice and campaign for positive change
Encouraging people to trade weapons for farming equipment
Follow the teachings of Jesus -“Love your neighbour” and follow his example

Salvation Army (Protestant)
Help the poor and needy
Run soup kitchens, homeless shelters and charity shops
“Faith without action is dead” “Treat others as you would like to be treated”

Areas you need to know about!

RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION
.Pilgrimage
.Sharing faith
.Clothing
.Charity
.+ Symbols
.Worship in a Church

CLOTHING

Cross – Worn to remind Christians of Jesus’ resurrection or death.

Ichthus Fish – Secret Symbol used in Roman times. Reminder of Christian belief in Jesus.

Salvation Army Uniform – Reminder of the fight for justice and against poverty for Jesus and God.

Need to know
“Should be allowed vs. shouldn’t”

PILGRAMIGE

Purpose of Pilgrimage

To feel closer to God (Jerusalem)
To feel part of the religious community
To understand their faith better (these are sacred places)
Healing – For example Lourdes in France

Is it right to share faith?

Yes
Christians are told to spread “the good news” in the Bible (Fishers of men) so it’s an important part of their faith.
If done correctly, it can help give people an understanding of someone else's belief that might not have been possible.
Interfaith Dialogue is an important part of bringing about a peaceful society.

No
Faith is personal
Christians may try to convert people and force people to change their beliefs

Faith through what is worn
Key words – faith, identity.
Should religious believers be allowed to express their faith this way?

NO
Faith is personal
It is not a religious requirement that you have to wear a religious item of clothing

YES
Expression of someone's faith and shows their identity (E.g. Wearing a cross symbolises a belief in the resurrection of Jesus)
It can help spread religion (evangelism)

Why worship in a religious building?

Sense of God’s presence
Sacred and holy place
Opportunity to worship as a community
The symbols and objects that help in worship
(Stained Glass windows, cross etc.)
Tradition

Nevertheless…
Jesus’ didn’t need a church to pray and worship
God is believed to be everywhere…so are churches really necessary?

What’s special about pilgrimages?

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus – tracing the roots of their faith – example - Jerusalem
Deepen faith – a time for prayer and reflection
Miracles – Catholics in particular may visit Lourdes in France hoping to be healed
Sense of community and belonging

Nevertheless,

Old places – are they still relevant?
Expensive
Does the water at Lourdes really heal people?

The Media

Could the media be used more effectively?
YES BECAUSE…
Religious programmes are never on at prime time
Newspapers etc. can portray certain religious groups in a negative way. This can lead to discrimination
Some programmes can be seen as offensive

BUT…
Programmes like Songs of Praise allow worship and prayer at home
Some Christians would say faith is personal and has no place on television