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New
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Year 11
Eduqas

Dominion, stewardship and environmental responsibility

I can explain views on the value of the world, including Christian and non-religious perspectives on dominion and stewardship.

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New
New
Year 11
Eduqas

Dominion, stewardship and environmental responsibility

I can explain views on the value of the world, including Christian and non-religious perspectives on dominion and stewardship.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The overuse of natural resources, pollution and deforestation reflects treating the Earth as a commodity.
  2. Global citizenship involves taking responsibility for the planet and ensuring sustainability for future generations.
  3. Christian teachings emphasise stewardship and the duty to care for God’s creation.
  4. Pollution, resource depletion and climate change contribute to global inequality and environmental harm.
  5. Actions to improve sustainability include reducing waste, using renewable energy and supporting eco-friendly companies.

Keywords

  • Commodity - something that can be used for personal gain

  • Dominion - the belief that humans have been given control/charge of the world

  • Pollution - contamination of an environment with harmful substances

  • Resources (natural) - resources which are found in nature – fossil fuels (e.g., coal, oil, natural gas), plants, etc.

  • Stewardship - the duty given by God to humankind to look after the created world and all life within it

Common misconception

Dominion is the opposite of stewardship.

Dominion is seen as authority or power, but, in common with stewardship, it is usually seen as including a duty to be responsible.


To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Dominion, stewardship and environmental responsibility, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage students to explore environmental initiatives by researching influential campaigns for legal changes, the work of organisations like Greenpeace, and the efforts of individuals such as Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
The belief that humans have authority over creation is called .
Correct Answer: dominion, Dominion
Q2.
Which Christian belief suggests that science and faith can co-exist?
Young Earth Creationism
intelligent design
Correct answer: theistic evolution
Q3.
Which scientist first proposed the idea of an expanding universe, later known as the Big Bang?
Isaac Newton
Correct answer: Georges Lemaître
Charles Darwin
Q4.
What does Genesis 1:31 say about God’s creation?
Correct answer: it was “very good”
it was flawed and needed improvement
it would eventually be destroyed
Q5.
Why do some Christians believe that the universe is not a commodity?
Correct answer: humans have stewardship over creation
the Earth has no value
the Bible does not discuss the environment
Q6.
Which of the following best describes the argument for intelligent design?
God created humans only
science alone explains the origin of life
Correct answer: the complexity of life suggests a designer

6 Questions

Q1.
Match each environmental issue to the correct description.
Correct Answer:the use of natural resources,non-renewable materials are used up too quickly
tick

non-renewable materials are used up too quickly

Correct Answer:pollution,harmful substances damage the environment
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harmful substances damage the environment

Correct Answer:global warming,greenhouse gases trap heat, causing extreme weather
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greenhouse gases trap heat, causing extreme weather

Q2.
What is the Christian belief that humans have a duty to care for the Earth called?
Correct answer: stewardship
dominion
commodity
Q3.
How does pollution contribute to global inequality?
it only affects wealthy countries
Correct answer: poorer countries are often most affected
it has no impact on inequality
Q4.
What does 'commodity' mean in relation to the environment?
Correct answer: it is something that can be used for personal gain
it is something that is valuable and should be protected
it is a religious belief about the Earth
Q5.
Which of these is a way individuals can practice stewardship?
consuming more resources
Correct answer: using renewable energy
ignoring environmental issues
Q6.
Which statement best describes global citizenship?
Correct answer: taking responsibility for the planet and future generations
focusing only on personal needs
ignoring environmental problems