What makes us human? Bodies – that grow and
help us move. Minds – to think and decide.
Emotions – make us react. Personalities – make
us unique or different from others. Experience
and influences – affect the kind of people we are
and the decisions we make.
Big bang Scientific explanation for creation.
Universe began with a big bang and is still
expanding. As the gases cooled they formed
together. Big bang is a theory; some religious
people are prepared to accept the Big Bang but
believe God caused it.
Why are we different from animals? Humanity – compassion, caring for others. 2. Intelligence –
ability to think and reflect. 3. Morality – a sense of right and wrong. 4. Language – the ability to read
and write languages. 5. Soul – spiritual part of humans that allows us to relate to God. (Hindus
believe animals have souls too).
Theory of Evolution 1. Scientific theory about creation of life. 2. Everything changes and
adapts to its environment. 3. God did not make creation. 4. Humans are not special –
not in God’s image. 5. Some religious people believe in evolution. It was how God
created people.
Christian Creation God made the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. This is written in
the Bible – (book of Genesis). God made everything out of nothing; ex-nihilo. Literal view – it
happened exactly as the Bible says. Non-literal view – it is not a full explanation of how it all
happened. Key points – God created everything, it was perfect, human beings have spoilt it.
Christian: looking after creation 1. Should
care for the environment because: a. It is
God’s creation, so it is holy and precious. b.
Adam and Eve were given dominion and
were told to look after the world. c.
Stewardship; it is a Christian's duty to
leave the world in a better state. d. Parable
of the talents; do all you can to make
world a better place.
A Rocha 1. International Christian environmental
organisation 2. Work to protect the earth e.g. educating
farmers and working to save endangered species and
combat climate change for example in Kenya. 3. They do it
for God – showing love to Him by caring for God’s world. 4.
Obedience – Adam and Eve were told to look after the
world. 5. Justice – the poor suffer most because of climate
change.
Christian teachings about Animals Most believe: Animals can be used for medical experiments and
for food. Humans should not be cruel to animals and farmers should care for their animals
humanely. Believe this because: God is the creator of animals as well as humans Bible says that
humans should respect God’s creation Humans have dominion (authority) over animals and that
brings with it responsibility
Muslim creation 1. One of Allah’s 99 names is Al Khaliq (The Creator) 2. Allah created everything in 6
days (he did not rest on the next day) 3. Allah created unseen beings – Jinn 4. Iblis (an angel) refused
to bow down to Adam 5. Renamed Shaytan and tempted Adam and Hawa to disobey Allah.
Muslim beliefs about looking after creation Should care for the environment but humans come first
because: a. Allah has given us the role of Khalifah - steward b. The ummah is the brotherhood of
Muslims; all Muslims working together. c. Teachings of the Shari’ah are to look after creation. d. We
will be judged on how well looked after the earth.
Muslim teachings about Animals They can be used for medical experiments and should be used for
food. We shouldn’t be cruel to animals - farmers should care for animals humanely. because: God is
the creator of animals and humans. The Qur’an teaches that animals have feelings and must be
dedicated to God when being slaughtered. Story of Muhammad and the crying camel.