Discussing Islam.

You can only go if you can afford it within your means, that is if you have the money, if you don’t have any responsibilities, you are in good health and you are fit enough to go.

ABORTION

1. When does life begin?

• At conception;
• At the start of the nervous system;
• At the first heartbeat;
• At viability (25-26 weeks), now 22-23 weeks;
• At birth.

2. Christianity-

Catholic view of abortion:

It is always wrong in whatever the circumstances, even: a) The certain death of the mother, b) Pregnancy as a result of rape or incest, c) Child born with disabilities.

QUOTE: “Life begins at conception.” The soul is given at conception (Ensoulment).

Church of England view of abortion:

The COE believe that abortion is wrong but the health of the mother is more important than the life of the unborn child.

Islam-

• It is not allowed ‘after the foetus is completely formed and has been given a soul’. However, this allows a variety of attitudes to abortion among Muslims.
• The majority of Muslims believe that abortion is a great sin, but may be allowed if the life of the mother is threatened. This based on the teachings of Islam about the sanctity of life, especially in the Islamic view that all life belongs to God alone.

FOR:

• woman has right to choose;
• no legal abortion, end up with back street abortion;

AGAINST:

• women don’t have time to think about abortion;
• adds to isolation;
• operation causes distress to foetus.

PLANET EARTH

1. 5 examples of damage to the Earth are as follows:

• O-Zone hole due to CFC gases;
• Acid rain due to power stations, factories and car exhaust dissolved in rain;
• Deforestation due to forests being cleared for fuel or to make room for farming. Also, trees destroyed from acid rain;
• Wildlife being in danger due to deforestation;
• Hurricanes, storms, earthquakes, etc.

2. Christianity-

• STEWARDSHIP = the belief that all individuals have been entrusted by God to take care of the Earth.
• 4 major beliefs Christians have about planet Earth are: 1) ‘The world is a creation of God’ = God created the world, that was very good [Genesis 1 v31]; 2) ‘The world is a possession of God’ = the planet is the lord’s and everything in it [Psalm 24 v1]; 3) ‘The world is a reflection of God’ = the heavens are telling the glory of God and the firmament proclaims his handiwork [Psalm 19 v1]; 4) ‘Humankind is keeper of the environment’ = the position of humanity in that creation is very important [Genesis 1 v26].

3. Islam-

• [Surah 6 v165] this text is important for Muslims because God has made us custodians, inheritors of the Earth;
• [Surah 13 v2-3] is important because God has told us to look after the Earth, as he entrusted us with care;
• [Surah 24 v41] important because all creatures of the world have their own way of praying towards God;
• [Surah 45 v 12-13] important because God has given us beautiful, perfect things and nothing can change that.

PERSONAL:

• don’t use environment damaging products;
• recycle;
• write to an MP;
• use public transport.

GOVERNMENT:

• develop new fuels;
• tax companies who cause pollution;
• pass more laws on conservations.

LIFE AFTER DEATH

1. Christianity-

Duties towards God:

• no other gods;
• no images;
• observe the Sabbath days;
• attend church;
• prayer;
• bible reading.

Duties towards Neighbour:

• no murder;
• no stealing;
• no adultery;
• no lie;
• work among poor and outcast, e.g. Mother Teresa.
• Work for Justice and Peace, e.g. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Bible teaching: “The Good Samaritan.”

2. Islam-

“The 5 Pillars are the framework of a Muslim’s life.”

• SHAHADAH: belief, “There is no God but God and Muhammad* (pbuh) is his ultimate messenger.
• SALAH: pray 5 times a day.
• ZAKAH: give 2.5% of your annual savings to charity.
• SAWM (fasting): Ramadan – during daylight hours.
• HAJJ: at least once in a life time pilgrimage to Mecca.