The Big Picture

The Big Picture: Issues of Life and Death

• Understanding the beliefs and teachings about life and death in Christianity and Buddhism.
• Examining the concept of life after death, including resurrection and reincarnation.
• Exploring the different views on the importance and sanctity of life.
• Analysing the Christian and Buddhist views on the origins of the universe.
• Discussing moral questions related to issues of life and death, including euthanasia and abortion.
• Considering the impact of scientific developments, like evolution, on religious beliefs.
• Exploring the attitudes of these religions towards funerals and grieving.
• Comparing and contrasting the views of Christianity and Buddhism on the purpose and meaning of life.
• Understanding the debate between science and religion about the beginning of life.
• Exploring the concept of suffering and its implication on beliefs about life and death.
• Reflection on personal responses and forming informed opinions on issues of life and death.

Key Terms:

• Sanctity of Life: The belief that life is holy and belongs to God.
• Abortion: The termination of pregnancy.
• Euthanasia: Assisting a person to die to relieve their suffering, also known as ‘mercy killing’.
• Evolution: The scientific theory that species have changed over time.
• Resurrection: The Christian belief that after death, the body stays in the grave until the end of the world when it is raised.
• Reincarnation: The belief in rebirth after death.
• Suffering: The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.

Remember to use scripture and religious texts to provide evidence for these beliefs and teachings. Developing a critical and evaluative approach to these issues will demonstrate a higher level of religious understanding. Always provide balanced arguments and consider different viewpoints.