Section 8.2Environmental and Medical Issues

KEYWORDS

• Artificial Insemination – injecting semen into the uterus by artificial means

• Conservation – protecting and preserving natural resources and the environment

• Creation – the act of creating the universe or the universe which has been created

• Embryo – A fertilised egg in the first eight weeks after conception

KEYWORDS• Environment – the surroundings in which

plants and animals live and depend on to live• Global warming – the increase in temperature

of the earth’s atmosphere (thought to be caused by greenhouse gases)

• Infertility – not being able to have children• In-vitro fertilisation – the method of fertilising

a human egg in a test tube.

KEYWORDS

• Natural resources – naturally occurring materials such as oil and fertile land, which can be used by humans

• Organ donation – giving organs to be used in transplant surgery

• Stewardship – looking after something so it can be passed on to the next generation

• Surrogacy – an arrangement whereby a woman bears a child on behalf of another woman

Global Warming• The increase in temperature of the Earth’s

atmosphere.

Causes• Greenhouse gases from:-Transport (aviation is one

of the largest growing contributors to greenhouse gases)

• Transport alone is responsible for 22% of carbon emissions in the UK

Solutions

• Investing in renewable energy sources – especially wind and wave

• Reducing deforestation and the use of fossil fuel• 3R’s

PollutionLandfill (25 M tonnes per year!)

Landfill sites emit toxic gasesElectrical waste – contributes to lead found in landfill

sitesChemical waste – some from hundreds of years ago!

Fossil fuels-> vehicles/transport, power stations.Leading to acid rain, poor quality air which can make

people seriously ill.

Chemical pollution – Household and AgriculturalDebris/Plastic waste – can cause animals to become

trapped but can also lead to de-oxygenationSome chemicals cause animals such as polar bears to

become sterile.

Natural Resources

• CONSERVATION – protecting and preserving natural resources and the environment

• SUSTAINABILTY – using natural resources in a way that doesn’t harm the planet; what is used in replaced

Stewardship

• God created the world (GENESIS)• He gave it to humans as a gift• He was pleased with it (it was good)• Christians have a duty to look after this so it

can be passed on to the next generation

4G

Stewardship

• Muslims believe Allah created the world• Adam was the first khalifah (steward)• Muslims believe in tawhid (unity)• Therefore, they are all affected by

environmental issues and so should be good khalifahs.

Infertility

• Not being able to have children

Infertility Treatments

• In vitro fertilisation• Artificial Insemination by Husband• Artificial Insemination by Donor• Surrogacy• Egg Donation• Embryo Donation

Christian attitudes

• CATHOLICS – NO TO ALL! They threaten the sanctity of life

• If unused embryos are discarded this would be considered abortion(Do not Kill – Exodus 20)

• Other Christians – IVF and AIH are ok, they allow the child to know its parents

Muslim attitudes

• IVF and AIH are ok – the child knows its parents. Neither of these treatments could be considered adultery as they occur within the marriage.

• Allah breathes life in to the embryo at 120 days – only then does it become fully human.

Non-religious Attitudes

Transplants

• Organ donation – giving organs to be used in transplant surgery

Transplant Surgery

Christian Attitudes FOR

• We are following Jesus’ example of sacrifice• Treat others as you would like to be treated

(Matt 7)• Reaching out as Jesus did with the leper (Mark

1)

Christian Attitudes AGAINST

• God gave life, only he should take it! (Gen)• Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit! You

are not your own.(Corinthians)• Humans should not interfere with God’s

creative plan• We will be resurrected bodily!

Muslim Attitudes FOR

• Donating is an act of charity! (5 Pillars)• It is a duty to alleviate suffering• Life is sacred – transplants can improve and

prolong it!

Muslim Attitudes AGAINST

• Allah has a plan for everyone, we musn’t interfere

• On Judgement Day we will be resurrected bodily.

• Allah gave life, it is up to him to take it!

Links

• http://recuthies.co.uk/SECTION%208.2/SECTION82.htm

• http://www.slideshare.net/misschughes

• Remember RE workroom on Wednesdays in RE3