Yr11 Religious Education - KO Term 2 - Science vs Religion - Creation and Ethics

Sep 5, 2026

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Religious Education notes comparing how Christians and Jews understand creation and how that shapes ethical decisions. The material contrasts literal Genesis with symbolic readings and the scientific Big Bang, then explores whether both can coexist. It addresses stewardship vs dominion for environmental care, kosher food rules and treatment of animals, including experimentation and factory farming concerns. It also covers origins of human life, abortion views, and the sanctity of life based on key scriptural quotations.

LanguageEnglish

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Pages2

Reading Time5 min

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How was the universe created? - Science vs religion

Big Bang and literal vs symbolic Genesis

How should we treat the world?

Stewardship and dominion

Environmental issues and bal tashchit

How should animals be treated?

Vegetarian vs vegan

Kosher meat and animal care

Animal experimentation and religion

The origins of human life

Evolution vs creationism

Do Jews and Christians think abortion is acceptable?

Sanctity of life and key arguments

How was the universe created? Science vs. religion. Christians and Jews believe that God created the world in six days and he rested on the seventh. This account of creation is told in the book of Genesis. God created man in his image.” Genesis 1:27 The Big Bang is a widely accepted scientific explanation that states there was a massive expansion of space (about 13.8 billion years ago), which set into motion the creation of the universe. Some fundamentalist Christians and Orthodox Jews.-The account of creation in Genesis should be taken literally and it describes the exact way the world was created.“Let there be light” Liberal Christians- The creation story is symbolic. God = why. Science = how. Reform Jews-The creation story emphasises the special place human have in God’s creation. | | Is the Big Bang theory compatible with religion? | | | --- | --- | --- | | Yes-the Big Bang can be used alongside religion. No-cannot be used alongside religion. It suggests the world started at a specific point…just like in
Genesis. The Big Bang was just chance, it was not planned. The Big Bang could have been designed by God. If God made the world in 7 literal days (24 hours each) I would not fit with the Big Bang. If each day of creation is not 24 hours it could align with the Big Bang. | | | How should we treat the world? Stewardship: the idea that believers have a duty to look after the environment on behalf of God. VS Dominion: having control or mastery over something. Jews and Christians believe we should use our God given dominion responsibly. Key environmental problems-Pollution ( air, water and land) . Religious reasons for reducing pollution- 􀀹 The world belongs to God, so we should not harm it in anyway. 􀀹 As a steward of God’s creation we should take responsibility for the care of the planet. 􀀹 It is an abuse of dominion to be selfish and pollute the world. 􀀹 The principle of bal tashchit means do not destroy and pollution goes against this. 􀀹 It is a loving act to reduce pollution for future generation and Jews and Christians are taught to love their neighbor. How should animals be treated? 􀂙 Vegetarian: a person who does not eat meat or fish. 􀂙 Vegan: a person who does not eat or use any animal products. | YES | NO | | --- | --- | | Jews can eat some meat, such as beef or chicken, but it must be slaughtered in s specific way (shechita) .“Do not slaughter a cow ora sheep and its young on the same day.” Leviticus 22:28 | Some meat and fish is not considered Kosher (permitted) in Judaism) . Eg.
Pork and Shellfish. | | Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you.” Genesis 9:3 | Factory farming is cruel – not inline with stewardship. | | “The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does noteat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.” Romans 14:3 We should not judge others for their choices. | Meat production is not good for the environment. (Lots of gasses and lots of water used) . | | How should animals be treated? | | | --- | --- | | Can we use animals for experimentation? YES NO Animal experimentation can lead to the development of new medicine. Inhalers were tested on guinea pigs! In 2007 Israel (predominantly Jewish) banned animal experimentation for cosmetics and cleaning products. “Love your neighbour as yourself”Leviticus 19:18 . This quotes is teaches Jews and Christians to treat their fellow HUMAN with love and compassion.
Developing new medicine can alleviate pain and suffering In 1998 the testing of cosmetic products on animals was banned in the UK. The main religious tradition is Christian and many Christians supported this decision. Dominion-humans have God given power to use animals how they wish. Stewardship-we must CARE for all of God’s creatures. Animal testing causes pain and impacts the quality of life for many animals.“The righteous care for the needs of their animals,

FAQs

How do Christians and Jews explain the creation of the universe?

Christians and Jews may hold that God created the world in six days, as described in Genesis, while some interpret the creation story symbolically. The Big Bang is presented as the scientific explanation for the universe’s expansion, and the notes discuss whether it can be compatible with religion.

What ethical approach do believers use for caring for the environment?

The notes contrast stewardship (duty to care for the environment on behalf of God) with dominion (responsible use of God-given power). Pollution reduction is linked to religious reasons including that the world belongs to God and the principle of bal tashchit (do not destroy).

What do Jews and Christians teach about abortion?

The notes define abortion and compare views. Some accept abortion as the lesser of two evils for quality-of-life concerns, while others argue life begins at conception and abortion is murder, emphasizing sanctity of life.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Eliana