Religion and Medicine

Christianity
1. How do religious people make decision about medical issues? Look through their holy book to find beliefs or stories that are similar and may help. Think about important principles in the religion eg. 10 commandments. Discuss with other believers and faith leaders. Pray and seek God’s guidance. Think about the effects of their actions on those close to them.
2. Christianity – Sanctity of Life 1. Life is a gift from God. 2. Only God can decide when life should be ended. Reasons for believing this: God created life – Genesis 1 v 27 God has a plan for every human life Psalm 139 v 13 -16 It is wrong to kill – Sixth Commandment/ 1 Corinthians v 16/17 (Christians use these teachings to help them to make decisions about all Medical Issue)
3. Christianity and Abortion. Roman Catholics/Evangelical Protestants - Abortion is wrong Sanctity of life. God has created life in the mother, Life begins at conception Sixth commandment – do not murder Other Protestant Christians think it is acceptable in some situations It may be the lesser of two evils. Not allowing abortion causes too much suffering. Life doesn’t begin at conception 4. Love your neighbour is the most important rule.
4. Christianity and Transplants For some Christians it is wrong Sanctity of life; Only God can decide Doctors are trying to be like God It is wrong to buy organs. Acceptable from live donors 1. Love your neighbour 2. Giving is a loving thing to do For Liberal Christians it is acceptable because: 1. Organs are not needed after death 2. You will be given a new body for heaven 3. Loving your neighbour is a golden rule
5. Christianity and Infertility For Roman Catholics/some other Christians IVF is wrong: 1. It is not natural - God only intended for children to come from sex 2. Any process using IVF involves throwing away some embryos and this is the same as abortion. Other Christians accept IVF: Only if the egg and sperm are from the husband and wife New methods should be used to give children For some donated sperm or eggs is like adultery.
6. Christianity and Euthanasia 1. Sanctity of life means that nearly all Christians oppose the practice of euthanasia. 2. Christians must not murder (sixth commandment). The Bible says life and death decisions belong to God. 3. Church leaders have said that life is sacred and comes from God; only God can decide when someone should die. 4. Doctors are required to save lives not kill. 5. Christians support the hospice movement which cares for those people dying with dignity. Loros is the local hospice in Leicester.
7. Genetic Engineering Some support as long as it is to cure diseases and not to create perfect humans. Because: Jesus showed should do all can to cure diseases Genetic cures are just like finding drug cures Embryos used are not a human life Some against because: 1. If embryos are used and discarded it is murder! 2. It is trying to play God 3. It is wrong to try and make the earth perfect as only heaven is perfect
Islam
1. Islam and Sanctity of Life Muslims believe that: Every person has been created by Allah. Allah is the only one who has the right to give and take life. Allah has a plan for each life. Suicide is wrong. No one has the right to take anyone else’s life. Going against these teachings is shirk; trying to compare yourself to Allah. (These ideas guide Muslims when making decisions about Medical Issues)
2. Islam and Abortion Against Sanctity of life – only Allah can take life. Quran – Allah says never should kill your children. Even before the soul enters the foetus – it is a life planned by Allah. Acceptable to some Muslims If mother’s life is at risk because it may be the lesser of two evils Hadith and Muslim lawyers – foetus only becomes a child at 120 days when the soul is breathed in to the foetus
3. Islam and Euthanasia 1. The Qur’an bans suicide and declares that no soul can die without God’s permission. 2. Sanctity of life leads Muslims to forbid any form of euthanasia. 3. Muhammad (pbuh) said that a Muslim soldier who committed suicide because he was dying a painful death on the battlefield would not be allowed into heaven. 4. Life is a test from God and so if you use euthanasia, you are cheating and won't pass the test.
4. Islam and Infertility Most Muslims accept IVF and AIH (Artificial Insemination by Husband) because: The egg and sperm are from the husband and the wife. All Muslims should have children to follow the example of the prophet who had children. The unused embryos are not a life until they are 14 days old. But Islam does not allow donation: Like adoption and adultery, they are both banned in Islam
5. Islam – Transplant Surgery Most don’t agree because: Shariah law says nothing should be removed from body after death It is ‘playing God’ (shirk) which is a great sin Qur’an only God has right to give and take life Some allow transplant surgery using organs from a living donor who is a close relative because: 1. Some Muslim lawyers have said it is allowed 2. Islam aims to do good and help people 3. UK Muslim law council of the United Kingdom has said it is acceptable to carry donor cards
6. Islam – Genetic Engineering Some support if done to cure diseases and not to create perfect humans. Because: Qur’an and Hadith teach should cure diseases Genetic cures are just like finding drug cures Embryos used genetic research not a human life Some against all because: Only God has right to alter people’s genetics Embryo research is the same as abortion It is playing God which is a great sin; shirk

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	Created by SaranganiA almost 9 years ago