New
New
Year 11
Quality of life
I can explain the concept of quality of life and examine Christian and non-religious perspectives on what makes life of good quality.
New
New
Year 11
Quality of life
I can explain the concept of quality of life and examine Christian and non-religious perspectives on what makes life of good quality.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Quality of life refers to health, comfort and happiness, influenced by factors like health, relationships and freedom.
- Biblical teachings emphasise compassion and supporting others to improve quality of life.
- Anglicans, Catholics and Quakers value both the sanctity and quality of life, with a focus on human dignity.
- Humanism prioritises freedom and happiness as key components of a good quality of life.
- Sentientism links quality of life to the ability to experience pleasure and suffering.
Keywords
Quality of life - the standard of health, comfort and happiness or fulfillment experienced by a person or group
Sanctity of life - the belief that life is sacred/special because it was created by God, or because we are each unique individuals
Value - the worth, importance, or usefulness of something
Common misconception
Quality of life is about reducing suffering.
Quality of life means different things to different people. Whilst it can be about reducing suffering, it is influenced by individual values, preference and circumstances.
Have students work in pairs or small groups to discuss different perspectives on quality of life, then share their conclusions with the class.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
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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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Why do many Christians believe human life is sacred?
because humans have advanced intelligence
because humans are stronger than other creatures
because life is valuable only when free from suffering
Q2.
Which Christian denomination teaches that every human life remains in a ‘special relationship with the Creator’?
Methodist Church
the Quaker Movement
The Church of England
Q3.
What would a Quaker most likely believe about the sanctity of life?
Life’s value depends on a person’s actions.
Life is only sacred at the beginning and end.
Life should only be protected when it is useful to society.
Q4.
The term that means life has value because it is created by God or because we are unique is ...
Q5.
The view that life should be respected from conception to natural death is known as the sanctity of ...
Q6.
Non-religious thinkers like Peter Singer value life based on the ability to experience ...
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Which of the following is the correct definition of 'quality of life'?
The belief that all human life is sacred and should always be preserved.
A belief that life has no intrinsic value and depends only on individual choice.
The idea that every life has equal worth, regardless of circumstances.
Q2.
In religious discussions, the belief that life is sacred and should always be protected is called of life.
Q3.
Which of the following is a Christian teaching that supports improving the quality of life?
"An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth."
"Money is the root of all evil."
"The meek shall inherit the earth."
Q4.
Non-religious perspectives, such as humanism, argue that is essential for a good quality of life because it allows people to make choices about their own happiness.
Q5.
Which of the following best represents a Quaker view on quality of life?
It is unimportant because only the afterlife matters.
It is a personal issue and should not be a social concern.
People with a poor quality of life are being punished for their actions.
Q6.
Philosopher Peter Singer argues that a better quality of life means experiencing more than suffering.