The World

The World as Seen in Religious Perspective

  • Creation: Different religions have diverse perspectives on the creation of the world. For instance, in Christianity, believers hold the idea that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh.

  • Stewardship: In many religions, human beings are seen as trustees of the Earth. They are tasked with protecting and preserving the world for future generations. This concept is referred to as stewardship.

Religious Views on Wealth

  • Fair distribution of wealth: Religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism advocate for a fair distribution of wealth. They teach the importance of charitable giving and aiding those in need.

  • Wealth and suffering: Many religions tackle the issue of wealth and its relationship to suffering. Some teachings emphasise that wealth isn’t inherently bad but that it can lead to greed and immorality if not handled properly.

Perspectives on Environmental Issues

  • Global warming and climate change: Religious beliefs have powerful influences over attitudes to global warming and climate change. Many traditions herald nature as a divine creation which should be respected and conserved.

  • Religion and animal rights: Some religions like Hinduism and Jainism teach respect for all living creatures and directly address the issue of animal rights.

Views on Death and the Afterlife

  • Life after death: The belief in an afterlife is significant in many religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. However, the specifics of this afterlife (Heaven, Hell, Reincarnation etc.) vary considerably.

  • Mourning and rituals: Different religions have diverse customs and rites associated with death and mourning. These practises are often designed to help believers process their grief and remember the deceased.

Remember, understanding the overarching themes and concepts is crucial to answering questions in the issues of life and death part of your Religious Studies exam.

This is only a summary. It’s vital to delve into each topic in detail to fully understand how religious teachings influence believers’ actions and attitudes towards these topics.