Year 10 - Religious education
The sanctity of life in Christianity
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 the concept of the sanctity of life and analyse Christian teachings on it.
Key Notes
- The sanctity of life means that life is sacred or has intrinsic value.
- Life's value can be seen as absolute or be seen as influenced by factors like suffering and autonomy.
- Genesis 1 says humans are made in God's image, and Genesis 2 describes God breathing life into Adam.
- Christians believe life is holy as God's creation, with some take suffering into account.
- Humanists see life's worth in its potential, while sentientists focus on the ability to feel pleasure and pain.
Vocabulary To Learn
- holy: sacred and connected to God
- image (of God): the belief that humans reflect God's nature
- sanctity of life: the belief that life is sacred/special/holy because it was created by God, or because we are each unique individuals
- value: the worth, importance, or usefulness of something
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All Christians see the sanctity of life as a moral absolute.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The sanctity of life means that life is sacred or has intrinsic value. Life's value can be seen as absolute or be seen as influenced by factors like suffering and autonomy.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'holy'
sacred and connected to God.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: All Christians see the sanctity of life as a moral absolute. Correction: Different denominations and individuals may have varying perspectives on whether extrinsic factors such as dignity or well-being impinge on the sanctity of life.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Christian beliefs about life after death Study Guide
- Christian responses to abortion 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
Browse all guides in the Year 10 Religious education guide library.