Theme B: Religion and Life

Theme B examines how religious and non-religious people approach fundamental questions about life, the universe and our responsibilities to the living world.

Key topics

Origins of the universe: The Big Bang theory and evolution are scientific accounts. Religious creation accounts (Genesis for Christianity/Judaism; Qur'an for Islam) are also studied. Some believers are creationists (literal scripture), some theistic evolutionists (science and faith compatible), and some see creation accounts as metaphorical/spiritual truth not scientific description.

Value of human life: Most traditions hold that human life has intrinsic value (sacred). For Christianity, this is rooted in imago Dei (humans made in God's image). For Islam, humans are Allah's khalifah (stewards). For secular humanists, human life has value because of its capacity for experience, relationships and flourishing.

The environment: Dominant western tradition gave humans dominion over creation (Genesis 1:28) — interpreted as either stewardship or exploitation. Stewardship is now the dominant religious view: caring for creation as God's gift. Islamic concept of khalifah (stewardship).

Animal rights: Do animals have rights? Religious views vary — some support using animals for food/research if humane; others (e.g. some Buddhist and Hindu views) oppose harming animals (ahimsa). Secular utilitarian arguments (Peter Singer) extend moral consideration to all sentient creatures.

Abortion: When does life begin? When does a foetus have moral status? Religious views range from opposition (Catholic: life begins at conception) to qualified acceptance (some Protestant views: early abortion may be permissible in difficult circumstances). UK law: legal up to 24 weeks.

Euthanasia: Ending life to relieve suffering. Active euthanasia is illegal in the UK. Most religious traditions oppose it (sanctity of life). Humanists may support voluntary euthanasia as respecting autonomy and reducing suffering.

Exam focus

• Use precise vocabulary: embryo, foetus, active/passive euthanasia, voluntary/involuntary
• Give both religious and secular perspectives with supporting arguments
• Show awareness of diversity within religious traditions