9.4 Sanctity & Quality of Life (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Flashcards
Exam code: 8062
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Define sanctity of life.
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Define sanctity of life.
The belief that human life is precious, sacred and a gift from God because it is part of God's creation.
Define quality of life.
How good a person's life is — their standard of health or happiness, and whether life is worth living, e.g. with a serious medical condition.
Name three life-and-death issues where the sanctity of life is relevant.
Abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, war and medical treatment.
Why do Christians and Muslims believe only God can take life?
Life is a gift from God; God has a plan for every life, so humans do not have the right to decide between life and death.
Which verse shows Christians believe humans are made in God's image?
Genesis 1:27: 'So God created mankind in his own image... male and female he created them.'
What does Deuteronomy 32:39 teach about life and death?
'I, your God, give life and I take it away' — God gives life and only God can take it away.
What does the Catholic Church teach about respecting human life?
Human life must be respected from conception until natural death.
How might some Christians prioritise quality of life over sanctity of life?
They may accept that for someone terminally ill and in extreme pain, euthanasia could be an act of compassion — citing Jesus' teachings on kindness and free will.
Define Al-Qadr.
Predestination — the Muslim belief that everyone's life is already mapped out by God, who decides who lives or dies.
Why is taking a life considered Shirk in Islam?
Because deciding who lives or dies is taking the role of God, which is Shirk — the ultimate sin.
What does Qur'an 5:32 teach about the value of life?
'If any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.'
How do Muslims view suffering in relation to quality of life?
Suffering is purposeful and part of Allah's plan; ending a suffering life is 'cheating the test' and will be punished, but helping those who suffer is rewarded.
Qur'an 17:33 teaches: 'Nor take life – which Allah has made ______ – except for just cause.'
Qur'an 17:33 teaches: 'Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause.'
True or False?
Sanctity of life and quality of life are always opposing ideas.
False.
They are not necessarily opposed — religious people believe in the sanctity of life but also want to support those suffering; they clash only when quality-of-life views justify ending a life.
Define abortion.
The removal of a foetus from the womb before the end of pregnancy, with the intention of destroying it.
Give two situations in which someone might consider an abortion.
The foetus has a genetic condition, the mother is too young, pregnancy resulted from rape or incest, or the mother needs medical treatment that ends the pregnancy.
What did the Abortion Act 1967 establish?
That a pregnancy may be terminated by a registered medical practitioner if two doctors agree it meets certain conditions.
An abortion in the UK cannot normally take place after ______ weeks, unless the mother's life is at risk or the foetus would be born with a severe disability.
An abortion in the UK cannot normally take place after 24 weeks, unless the mother's life is at risk or the foetus would be born with a severe disability.
What is the Catholic Church's position on abortion?
It does not allow abortion under any circumstances — life begins at conception, abortion is a mortal sin, and 'thou shalt not murder' (Exodus 20:13).
What does the Church of England teach about abortion?
That abortion is wrong in most cases (sanctity of life), but may be allowed as the 'lesser of two evils', e.g. if the mother's life is at risk.
Which Christian teaching do some use to show compassion towards a mother considering abortion?
'Love your neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12:31) and Jesus' teaching on forgiveness.
What is the general Muslim view on abortion?
Most Muslims believe it is wrong (sanctity of life); Qur'an 17:31 warns 'do not kill your children... their killing is ever a great sin'.
Define ensoulment (in Islam).
The point, believed to be at 120 days, when the soul enters the foetus — abortion is considered particularly sinful after this.
In what two situations might some Muslims permit abortion?
Before ensoulment if the child has a serious birth defect, or if the mother's life is in danger (the only time it is permitted after 120 days).
Define pro-life and pro-choice.
Pro-life = arguments against abortion (the unborn child's right to live); pro-choice = arguments for abortion (the woman's right to choose).
Why is the question of 'when life begins' central to the abortion debate?
If life begins at conception, abortion is murder; if life begins at birth, abortion may be acceptable.
Why do many religious groups prefer adoption as an alternative to abortion?
It means an innocent life is not taken (respecting the sanctity of life), helps childless couples, and shows agape (unconditional love).
Give one argument for and one against abortion.
For: a woman has the right to choose what happens to her body. Against: every human being, including a foetus, has the right to live.
True or False?
All Christians hold identical views on abortion.
False.
Views differ — the Catholic Church forbids it entirely, while the Church of England permits it in strictly limited circumstances.
Define euthanasia.
The painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma (also called mercy killing).
Define active euthanasia.
Taking action that kills a person, e.g. giving lethal drugs — physically doing something to cause death.
Define passive euthanasia.
Stopping treatment that is keeping someone alive, e.g. turning off life support — not doing something, which then causes death.
What is the difference between voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia?
Voluntary = the person has consented; non-voluntary = the person is unable to give consent (e.g. in a coma), so others decide.
Define assisted suicide.
Providing someone with the means to kill themselves — legal in Switzerland (e.g. via Dignitas) but illegal in the UK.
What is the legal status of euthanasia in the UK?
It is illegal — those who help someone die could be charged with manslaughter or murder.
Give one argument in favour of legalising euthanasia.
People should have the right to choose how and when they die, and shouldn't have to suffer if it can be avoided — prioritising quality of life.
Give one argument against legalising euthanasia.
It could lead to a 'slippery slope' where life is devalued, people feel pressured, and it weakens respect for the sanctity of life.
Why do most Christians oppose euthanasia?
Life is sacred and given by God, so only God can decide when life ends; ending life prematurely cuts short a special time of spiritual preparation.
What is the Roman Catholic view on euthanasia?
It is morally unacceptable — 'Nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being... one who is suffering from an incurable disease, or a person who is dying' (Catholic Declaration on Euthanasia).
Many Christians view euthanasia as murder, citing the sixth commandment: 'You shall not commit ______' (Exodus 20:13).
Many Christians view euthanasia as murder, citing the sixth commandment: 'You shall not commit murder' (Exodus 20:13).
How do some other Christians justify supporting euthanasia?
They highlight free will and Jesus' teachings on love and compassion, arguing it can be a loving act — but only if voluntary and passive, never involuntary or active.
Which of Jesus' actions do Christians cite against euthanasia?
Jesus healed the sick and dying, so humans must care for the terminally ill rather than prematurely ending life.
What alternative to euthanasia do Christians point to for the dying?
Hospices, where sick people can live out their lives in relative comfort and receive pain-relieving drugs.
True or False?
There is a single, agreed Christian teaching on euthanasia.
False.
There is no single Christian teaching — different denominations take different views; there is also no direct reference to euthanasia in the Bible.
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