Year 10 - Religious education
Christian responses to abortion
Matters of life and death
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will focus firstly on the relationship between religion and science - looking at ideas of creation. They will examine how religions view the world - examining concepts such as stewardship. Finally they will examine how religions speak about the sanctity of life.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain different Christian views on abortion, including key teachings and ethical approaches.
Key Notes
- "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" (Jeremiah 1:5) suggests abortion is morally unacceptable.
- "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39) could support abortion in some loving situations.
- 'Evangelium Vitae' outlines the Catholic Church's pro-life stance, backed by Natural Law.
Vocabulary To Learn
- abortion: the deliberate ending of a pregnancy
- pro-choice: generally in favour of a woman's right to choose to have an abortion
- pro-life: generally opposed to abortion and in favour of the life of the foetus
- sacred: something that is considered holy, divine or deserving of great respect
- situation ethics: an ethical theory which argues that the most loving action should guide decisions in each situation
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All Christians believe the same thing about abortion.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" (Jeremiah 1:5) suggests abortion is morally unacceptable. "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:39) could support abortion in some loving situations.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'abortion'
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: All Christians believe the same thing about abortion. Correction: In reality, views vary between denominations, with the Catholic Church strongly opposing abortion, while the Church of England and Methodists allow it in some cases.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Christian beliefs about life after death Study Guide
- Christian responses to euthanasia Study Guide
- Christian responses to issues in the natural world Study Guide
- Christian responses to non-religious accounts Study Guide
- Christianity and the issue of abortion Study Guide
- Christianity and the issue of euthanasia Study Guide
- Christianity and the origins and value of the universe Study Guide
- The sanctity of life in Christianity Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Religious education guide library.