Jesus' resurrection was seen as proof of his divine nature and proof in life after death
The death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus demonstrate his true nature as God
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" --> Catholics believe in eternal life
"you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians3:28) --> human rights
"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to the evildoers" (Proverbs 21)--> importance of justice
"Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder" --> Catechism
Liberal Protestant Pro-choice attitude:
-abortion is wrong, but must be permitted in certain circumstances
-"Love your neighbour as yourself." (Matthew 22) --> situation ethics
-justice; unfair situations --> rich women would go to different countries, poor women would get "back-street" abortions
-believe doesn't begin at conception
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" -Jeremiah 1:5
Why people believe in life after death:
-gives their lives meaning and purpose
-gives comfort when a loved one dies
-nature of justice --> evil is punished in hell; good is rewarded in heaven
Against Euthanasia:
-Most Christians, including Catholics, believe all forms are wrong. However modern medicine has introduced new issues; if patient is brain-dead, it's okay- relieves family's suffering
-Sanctity of life: it's up to God when people die
-"Do not murder"
-"Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?" (Job 2:10)
For Euthanasia:
"Discontinuing medical procedures... can be legitimate." -Catechism
-situation ethics
Evangelical Protestants --> believe any form of euthanasia is wrong
Christian responses to those who are dying:
-pallative care, reduces pain and improves quality of life for those who have terminal illnesses
Animal Testing:
-God is the creator of animals as well as humans, created them with love --> "God looked at all he had made and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31): stewards
-"Let us make man in our image... and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air" --> dominion
Church of England--> "The Church recognises the need for animals to be used in certain research"
"...however, stewardship... requires all animals to receive careful and sympathetic treatment."
jesus' resurrection is highly significant as:
-all four gospels have accounts of Jesus' resurrection
-shows Jesus' divine nature/ Son of God
Against Euthanasia --> as it can lead to a slippery slope
Nature of Euthanasia:
-Voluntary
-Assisted Suicide
-Non-voluntary
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." (Genesis 2:15)
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12)
Parable of the Sheep and the Goats --> God will judge people on whether they helped those in need
Punishment --> "Do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7)
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful"
Punishment:
-Protection
-Retribution
-Deterrence
-Reformation
Treatment of criminals:
-Human Rights --> "you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3)
-Fair trial --> "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to the evildoers" (proverbs 21)
-Use of torture --> "...handed him over to the jailers to be tortured" (Matthew 18)
"Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Matthew7) --> Jesus as a peacemaker
The Christian Church uses Jesus' teachings to show Christians should strive for peace
"Love your enemies"
The Quakers --> opposed to violence
-believe God is in every person
-believe they should act in the world against injustice
Many Christians believe Jesus was a pacifist as many of his teachings were about peace
"Blessed be the peacemakers" (Matthew 5)
Just War Theory:
-must be a reasonable chance of success
-its aim is to bring peace
-it is used after diplomatic solutions have failed
-methods are fair
-cause of war is just
Jesus --> called "Prince of Peace" in Isaiah 9
Responses to Holy War:
-Quakers, pacifist --> completely opposed to War
-Jesus taught peace
-however some passages suggest war may sometimes be the right action as justice
WMD:
-opposed as problems outweigh benefits
-Bible focuses on peace
-high loss of life
-Bible says not to destroy women, children, livestock and trees
Revelation:
-Noah
-God spoke to Noah and made a covenant to never send a worldwide flood again. Rainbows are a sign of this covenant, a reminder of God's faithfulness
-Abraham
-God made a covenant to Abraham that he would give him a son if he and his descendants worshipped God; God stopped Abraham in the last minute explaining it was a test of faith.
Jews see the covenant as evidence that they are "God's chosen people"
Visions:
-Saul/ St Paul
-was a persecutor of Christians, saw a bright light and head the voice of Jesus. He was temporarily blind, this experience made him convert
-Joseph
-received a dream in which he learned Mary was pregnant. Received two more dreams: to flee from Herod, that it was okay to return after Herod was dead
Visions:
-believe God is contacting them/ passing on a message
-connects them to God/ closer
-understand God better
Miracles:
-healing Miracles
-Jesus' miracles + his resurrection
Old Testament --> teaches to treat animals humanely, and treat the land kindly
"The dust returns to the earth, and the spirit returns to the God who gave it."
Humanists believe life starts once the foetus is viable (can survive outside of the womb, after 24 weeks)
Abortion:
-Liberal Protestant:
-Pro-choice; "Love your neighbour", quality of life