Origin and Value of Human Life – GCSE Religious Studies A Eduqas Revision

The origin and value of human life can be viewed differently depending on religious beliefs and values.
Every religion has a perspective on the origins of human life, which can either support or contradict scientific theories such as evolution and the Big Bang theory.
Christians believe that God created human life, with its start traced back to Adam and Eve. The Bible’s Book of Genesis outlines this creation story.
Similarly, Muslims also believe that human life was initiated by a divine being, in this case, Allah, and hold the belief in the sanctity of life.
The sanctity of life is a primary belief among many religions, asserting that all life is sacred because God created it. This belief shapes various ethical stands, such as opposition to abortion or euthanasia.
However, in contrast, Humanism, a non-religious belief system, tends to subscribe more to scientific theories like evolution to explain human origin. Humanists typically focus on the importance of human potential, dignity, and welfare, rather than a divine purpose or fate.
The value of human life is often tied to concepts of purpose, morality, spirituality, and the afterlife.
Religions might explain the value of human life based on the notion of the soul, morality, and eternal life. For example, Christianity may emphasise spiritual growth, love, and service to others.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the value of human life is often understood through the lenses of karma, dharma, and samsara, which point towards life’s cyclical nature and the spiritual progression of the soul.
On the other hand, Secular Humanists might put more focus on human life’s inherent value, the potential for personal growth, the pursuit of happiness, and positive contributions to society and the environment.
It is important to remember that different individuals, even within the same religious tradition, might interpret the origin and value of human life differently. These interpretations can be influenced by personal experiences, cultural context, and interpretation of religious texts.