Lesson video

Hello, my name's Mrs. Rawbone and I'm going to be your RE teacher today.

I'd like to welcome you to this lesson on Christian attitudes to human life.

In our lesson today, you will be explaining Christian beliefs about the creation and value of human life.

Some keywords I'll be using today are creationism, image of God, sanctity of life, soul, and theistic evolution.

Creationism is the belief that God created life exactly as described in Genesis.

Image of God is the belief that humans reflect God's nature.

The sanctity of life is the belief that life is sacred or special because it was created by God, or because we are each unique individuals.

The soul is the spiritual aspect of a being, that which connects someone to God.

And theistic evolution is the belief that God works through the process of evolution.

Our lesson today will form two parts.

We'll be looking at Christian teachings on the origins of life, and we'll be looking at the sanctity of life.

So let's get started on looking at Christian teachings on the origins of life.

Christians try to answer questions such as, "Where does human life originate from?" by consulting sources of authority such as: the Bible, and Church teachings.

They may interpret these sources differently, they might emphasise one more than another.

They might also use their conscience and their ability to reason which they see as gifts given from God to work out what they should think.

Here we can see a photograph of the first page of the Bible, the Book of Genesis.

Many theologians think that Genesis, the first book of the Bible, contains two different accounts of creation, which were written by different people.

The accounts have different styles and they focus on different details.

These differences suggest that they may have come from different traditions, and were later combined into one text.

Genesis 1:1-2:3 is a structured account of the creation of the universe and life in six days.

Birds and sea creatures were created on day five and land animals and humans, both male and female, on day six.

Genesis 2:4-25 is a narrative which focuses on God's relationship with humans in the Garden of Eden.

God forms Adam from dust and breathes life into him, animals and plants are created, and finally, Eve is formed from Adam's rib.

These accounts are a source of wisdom and authority for Christians when they're thinking about what they should believe about the origins of life.

Genesis 1:26 says, "Then God said, let us make man in our image, which is tselem in Hebrew, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So here we can see the word, tselem, which is the Hebrew word, is the word for image, but can also be translated as representation.

It suggests that humans share certain qualities with God because they represent Him.

"Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed, naphach, into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." This is from Genesis 2:7.

It's from the second creation account.

So here we can see the Hebrew naphach, which means breathing.

God is breathing life into Adam's nostrils.

It suggests there is a spiritual aspect to human life, or a soul, which comes directly from God.

So this word is sometimes translated as life force or life essence.

Most denominations teach that the Genesis account and the theory of evolution are compatible and they argue for theistic evolution.

But some argue that they're not compatible and they argue for creationism.

The Catholic Church teaches that the Genesis creation story is metaphorical.

God is the ultimate creator who works through natural processes such as evolution.

In 2014, Pope Francis actually stated that evolution and creation accounts are compatible and he advocated for theistic evolution, so the idea that God guided the process of evolution.

The Anglican Church, Church of England in this country, holds that evolution and Christian belief are compatible.

In 2008, the Church issued a statement which said that evolution does not undermine the belief in God as Creator.

Genesis should be read metaphorically not as a literal scientific account.

The Greek Orthodox Church also supports the view that a belief in God as creator and in evolution are compatible.

Genesis should be understood in a non-literal, metaphorical way.

The emphasis is on God's care in the creation process, allowing natural processes like evolution to unfold within his design.

Plymouth Brethren beliefs are that the Genesis account and evolution are not compatible, because they teach that the Bible is literally true.

So because the Bible teaches that God created the world in six literal days, and that the Earth is about 6,000 to 2,000 years old, they cannot accept the theory of evolution.

So they reject it and they affirm that God directly created all life, aligning with an approach called Young Earth creationism.

Let's check your understanding.

Which denomination teaches that Genesis and evolution are not compatible? Is it A, the Roman Catholic Church, B, the Anglican Church, Church of England, C, the Greek Orthodox Church, or D, the Plymouth Brethren? So take a moment to think about what you've learned about different approaches to these two accounts.

Pause the video if you need to, and come back when you're ready to check your answer.

Well done if you put the Plymouth Brethren.

So they have a fundamentalist approach to reading the Bible, taking it as literally true, so as fact rather than as a metaphor.

Danielle, who is a Roman Catholic Christian, has been asked whether she thinks religious and scientific accounts of the origins of life are compatible.

She says, "Religious and scientific accounts of the origins of life are compatible.

The scientific method helps us understand how life developed through evolution, a process which I believe was guided by God.

Theistic evolution allows for the findings of science while maintaining faith in God as the creator, showing that both science and faith can coexist." Looking at the scale, going from incompatible to compatible, where would you put Danielle's view and why? So does she think that religion and science are compatible in terms of how life originated? So she'd be over to the right.

Or does she think that they don't work together.

They're incompatible.

She'd be over to the left.

If you can turn and talk to somebody nearby, please do, so pause the video, or you can talk to me, and then come back when you're ready to move on.

Rachel, who's a Plymouth Brethren Christian, has also been asked whether she thinks religious and scientific accounts of the origins of life are compatible.

Rachel says, "I'm a fundamentalist, so for me, the Bible's account of the origins of life is God's word and must be true.

Science relies on methods that question and test things, which contradicts the clear teaching in the Bible that God created the world in six days.

As a creationist, I believe the Bible's account is literal and true, so it conflicts with scientific theories like evolution." So looking at that scale again, where would you place Rachel's view on the scale? Have a think.

Is it anywhere near Danielle's? Pause the video, turn and talk to someone nearby if you can, and then come back when you're ready to rejoin.

Let's check your understanding of theistic evolution.

What does someone who believes in theistic evolution believe about the origins of life? A, that God created the universe as described in Genesis.

B, that God set evolution in motion.

C, that evolution began without the need for God, or D, that neither God nor evolution have anything to do with the origins of the universe.

So take a moment, have a think about the correct answer, pause if you need to, and then come back when you're ready to check.

Well done if you put B.

So it's the idea that God guided or set evolution in motion.

A 2018 survey asked Americans whether they thought God was involved in evolution.

So we have Americans who were adhering to creationism that God created humans in their present form, so that didn't evolve.

18% of those asked.

We also had some Americans believing in theistic evolution.

So God guided evolution, evolution happened, but God allowed it to happen, 48%, and then we had 33% saying that humans evolved without the need for God.

So what does this data tell us about views on the origins of life? Pause the video, have a look at the table again.

Turn and talk to somebody nearby, or you can talk to me, and then come back when you're ready to move on.

So you might have noticed that the majority of Americans still credit God with humankind.

So we have God appearing in two of those answers.

So let's have a look at the data and think about checking our understanding of how to use it.

What does this data suggest about views on the origins of life? So we've got 18%, creationism, 48%, theistic evolution, and 33% evolving without God.

Does it suggest that A, most Americans who were surveyed believe God created humans in their present form? B, most Americans who were surveyed accept the theory of evolution, or C, most Americans who were surveyed reject the belief that God was involved in the origins of human life.

So take a moment to think about your answer.

Pause if you need to, and then come back when you're ready to check.

So, if you read the data correctly, you would've noticed that actually most Americans accept the theory of evolution.

The majority of them in this survey were saying actually God was involved in the process, but we also had a significant number saying that humans evolved without God.

So we're going to practise your understanding on Christian teachings on the origins of life.

Jacob has started to write a paragraph answering the question: "Why might there be differences of belief about the origins of life within the same religion?" I'd like you to copy his paragraph and fill in the gaps that he's left.

Jacob writes, "Some Christians are fundamentalists and.

For example.

Evolution is not in the Bible and so it's.

However, many Christians do not interpret the Bible.

This means they believe that God guided.

They can accept modern knowledge, as.

." So, pause the video, take your time to think carefully about how Jacob might explain this difference in belief within Christianity.

Come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

You could have said: "Some Christians are fundamentalists and reject modern knowledge in favour of reading the Bible literally.

For example, the Plymouth Brethren are creationists and understand Genesis as teaching that God created the world in six days.

Evolution is not in the Bible and so it cannot have happened.

However, many Christians do not interpret the Bible literally, and view the creation story as metaphorical.

This means they can believe that God guided the process of evolution, a view known as theistic evolution.

They can accept modern knowledge, as for them the Bible contains spiritual rather than historical or factual truth." So, well done if you managed to explain what a fundamentalist approach would be and a more liberal or metaphorical reading of the Bible.

And if you managed to use the words creationism or creationist, and theistic evolution, even better.

For the second part of our lesson, we're going to be looking at the sanctity of life.

Rachel, who's a Plymouth Brethren Christian, and Fergus, who's an Anglican, are discussing what Genesis 1 and 2 teach them about human life.

Rachel says, "I believe Genesis 1 and 2 are literally true.

Being made in God's image shows humans have a unique purpose and dignity unlike anything else in creation." Fergus says, "I don't take the accounts literally, but I agree.

The idea of being made in God's image shows that human life has intrinsic value and that we reflect God's qualities." So we can see they have a difference of opinion about exactly how life originated, but they both agree on the message about human life having this special value.

Rachel continues: "When God breathes life into Adam in Genesis 2, this shows that humans have a soul which comes from God and gives us a special connection to Him." Fergus says, "I agree, the breath of life could symbolise the soul, which represents our spiritual side and our ability to have a relationship with God." If humans are made in God's image, what responsibilities might Christians think this gives them? If the breath of life means humans have a soul, how might this affect Christians' views on when life begins or ends? If you're able to, turn and talk to someone nearby, think about these two questions, or you can talk to me.

Pause the video and come back when you're ready to move on.

The word, sanctity, comes from Latin, from sanctitas, meaning holiness or sacredness.

So sanctity of life refers to the belief that human life has intrinsic value because it is sacred or holy.

This is often understood to be because it was created by God or because we are unique individuals.

So for many Christians, the idea of being created in the image of God confirms the sanctity of life.

So what is the meaning of sanctity of life? Take some time to write down a definition of that word.

Pause the video and come back when you're ready to see what you could have written.

You could have said: "The belief that life is sacred or special because it was created by God, or because we are each unique individuals." So well done, if you've got the idea that life has this special status.

You might have used some different words, like holy, or even referred to the Christian belief, "In the image of God." Christians look to Bible teachings as a source of wisdom and authority on the sanctity of life.

"So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them," from Genesis 1:27.

So this suggests human life has intrinsic value, that means built-in value, and it shares unique qualities with God.

It's therefore sacred, and should be respected and protected.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb," from Psalm 139:13.

This suggests that God knows and values each life before birth, highlighting the sanctity of life and the intrinsic worth of each individual from the very moment of conception.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart." This is from Jeremiah 1:5.

Now this is God speaking to the prophet Jeremiah, and it suggests that God creates each life with purpose, supporting the belief that all life is holy and should be respected.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" 1 Corinthians 6:19.

So in this teaching, Paul is saying that our bodies are holy and they belong to God.

They should therefore be treated with respect.

"You shall not murder." So this quotation from the 10 Commandments really highlights the sanctity of life by actually giving a rule.

It forbids intentionally taking life and therefore stresses the importance and value of human life.

Different Christian dominations have slightly different teachings on the sanctity of life.

The Catholic Church teaches the intrinsic value and holiness of human life, stating that it: "Remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator." That's from the Catholic Catechism.

Anglicanism teaches that life should be respected from beginning to end, and human worth should be protected in everything we do.

Quaker teachings emphasise there is part of God in everyone which makes life holy.

So then they have slightly different takes on this.

They do all agree on the idea that life has this intrinsic value, it is sacred, the sanctity of life.

Danielle is a Roman Catholic, and she's been asked about her views on the sanctity of life.

"Life is sacred because every person is created in the image of God.

We have a responsibility to uphold the sanctity of life from the moment of conception until natural death.

We should always strive to protect life, ensuring that it is valued.

While human life is unique and special due to being made in God's image, animals are also part of God's creation and should be treated with kindness and compassion as humans are trusted with stewardship over the rest of creation." Fergus, who's a liberal Anglican, has also been asked about his views on the sanctity of life.

He says: "For me, the sanctity of life means all life reflects the image of God and holds intrinsic value.

However, this doesn't mean there aren't situations when the value of life is affected by factors such as suffering or a loss of autonomy.

I apply situation ethics to difficult moral dilemmas, because it encourages us to act in the most loving way possible and balances the inherent sanctity of life with the need for compassion.

I believe human life has a special status in God's eyes, but I do my best to respect animals as God has entrusted us to care for His creation." Tamara is a Quaker.

She's been asked about her views on the sanctity of life.

She says: "I believe life has value because everyone has the light of God in them.

Life isn't just about existing; it's about living in peace, equality, and love.

For me, sanctity of life is about ensuring that life is lived meaningfully and with compassion for others.

As for animals, I believe they too are part of God's creation and should be treated with kindness and respect.

Their lives hold value, and I strive to live harmoniously avoiding harm and showing care for the environment and all creatures." Let's check your understanding.

True or false? Most Christians believe human life and animal life have equal status.

Take a moment to decide whether this statement is true or false, but also have a think about why.

Pause the video if you need to, and then come back when you're ready to check.

Well done if you put that this is false, but why? Well, it's false, because in Christian teaching, human life is generally considered more valuable than animal life, because humans have this special status.

They're created in the image of God, as taught in Genesis 1:26-27, and they have a soul.

For our practise task on the sanctity of life, here is a full evaluation question.

Human life is valuable because God created it.

The instruction is to discuss this statement shown that you have considered more than one point of view, and you are reminded you must refer to religion and belief in your answer.

I would like you to use the points below to write a paragraph agreeing with the statement.

So the points to use are sacred, humans are the pinnacle of creation, which means they are the final piece of creation or the most important part.

"In God's image," from Genesis 1:26-27, and "God breathed life into Adam," Genesis 2:7, and also the word, soul.

So take the time to think about how you could use those points.

Try and include most of them.

Write your paragraph agreeing with the statement that human life is valuable because God created it.

And when you're finished, come back to rejoin the lesson.

So, pause and give yourself time to work.

Let's have a look at what you could have said: "Christians believe that human life is valuable because it reflects the sanctity of life, the belief that life is sacred and special because it was created by God.

According to Genesis 1:26-27, humans were made in God's image, which makes their lives sacred and unique.

Being created last in Genesis 1 also suggests that humans are the pinnacle of creation, God's greatest work.

In Genesis 2:7, God breathes life into Adam, which could represent a unique connection between humans and God, as well as the belief that humans possess a soul, further emphasising the sanctity and value of human life." So well done if you've got something similar to that, particularly if you use phrases, like the sanctity of life, sacred, or God's image and soul.

In our lesson today on Christian attitudes to human life, we have looked at how many Christians interpret the Bible metaphorically, and accept theistic evolution, but creationists understand Genesis literally and reject evolution.

We've looked at the fact that Genesis describes humans as created in God's image, meaning humans have a unique purpose and a special connection with God.

That God breathing life into Adam suggests humans have a soul that connects them to God, that Catholics believe life is sacred because it's created by God.

Anglicans agree, but do take into account extrinsic factors like suffering, and Quakers emphasise that everyone has part of God in them.

And finally, for many Christians, animal life does not have the same status as human life, but they do believe they have a duty to care for the animals.

So, thank you for working with me today on this lesson, I really appreciate all of the effort you have put in.