Christian Views on Life and Death

Life and Death 'Christians think it is always wrong for a person to end a life.' Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer and discuss more than one viewpoint before making a conclusion. The taking of one's own life is called Suicide. One of the most important teachings from the Bible is the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. 'Thou shalt not kill,' Exodus 20:13. Many Christians say that killing yourself breaks this commandment and therefore it is wrong for one to kill oneself. Even if the person was not well and unhappy within themselves a Christian would say that 'I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.' It does not matter if things are going badly- God has made me perfect in 'his own image and likeness' and according to his plan, so things are only temporary and are only like this because God has made it like this. A Christian would say that it is wrong for a person to commit suicide in these circumstances because it is only a passing time in the person's life. God has better plans but they could not cope. Considering Euthanasia, most Christians would take a stance that it is murder and it is therefore wrong but some would disagree and say that in some circumstances it would be better and acceptable. Jesus showed compassion to all those suffering and in need- lepers, blind men, the deaf- all people with serious disabilities. Some Christians would say it

  • Word count: 557
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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What close examination of the first sign at Cana, the clearing of the Temple and Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, show how right at the beginning of the Gospel, Saint John has begun to develop one of the main themes which is the Jesus fulfills Ju

What close examination of the first sign at Cana, the clearing of the Temple and Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, show how right at the beginning of the Gospel, Saint John has begun to develop one of the main themes which is the Jesus fulfills

  • Word count: 1911
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Analyze and Explain the Role and Function of the leaders in the Mandir

a) ii) Analyze and Explain the Role and Function of the leaders in the Mandir The leader of a mandir is usually the priest, who is always a man and preferably a Brahmin. His job is to look after the murtis, to continue the Hindu traditions, and lead worshippers in special pujas, ceremonies, and the reading of Sanskrit scriptures. The Hindu priest is the leader of his local Hindu community, leading them in the path to achieve moksha. One of the key duties of the priest is to look after the deities that live in the mandir. The deity is treated as the resident royalty of the temple and is looked upon as a true person, not just a statue or picture. As a real person, the deity must eat, sleep, change clothes and wash. The murti cannot do this, so the priest must do all of this for the murti. Every morning the priest will put fresh, nice clothes on the deity, and decorate the murtis and its shrine with fresh garlands of flowers. He will also wash the statue of the God with a bit of water, and then he will perform morning puja. The priest will also set resting times for the deity throughout the day, not allowing people in to worship at certain times of the day. Because of the long working hours of Hong Kong, many people find it hard to find time to enjoy life and have fun. There is no time for socialising and friends anymore. This brings up stress, pressure, and depression. Kama

  • Word count: 699
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Religion in the film: Bend It Like Beckham

Adam Taylor Part Three Analyse and explain the way in which a religious theme has been dealt with in a film or television drama. The film we watched was called Bend It like Beckham. It dealt with the religion Sikhism. In the film Jess, an Asian girl, has a talent for playing football. Her family, who follow the Sikh faith, do not want Jess to play football, and jess naturally wishes to continue playing her favourite sport. After a shopping trip to get clothes for Jess's soon-to-be-married sister Pinky, Jess plays football in a park and is spotted by Jules, a British female who plays for the local female footy team. Jules invites Jess to a training session and Jess takes to it like water. The coach Joe, an Irish bloke, asks Jess to come again. She does so, but is reluctant to wear the shorts - because of a burn scar on her knee. Afterwards she goes to the park and is spotted by her mother - which results in a ban from football, as Jess's father states she should become a "proper woman". The religious issues in this include the contrast in gender roles as observed by followers of the Sikh religion and by their British countrymen. Jess's family see the role of the female to be that of a housewife - doing the cooking, cleaning and performing the basic household tasks. The issue of arranged marriages is also discussed; Jess does not want an arranged marriage because this

  • Word count: 912
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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GCSE TP Bible Quotes

GSCE T&P Bible Quotes Nature of God * God created mankind "in his own image" Genesis Old Testament * "The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." John New Testament * Story of Ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit New Testament * Miracles in Bible: Blind Man, Resurrection of Christ, Water from Rock, Feeding of the many Nature of Belief * "This is the body, which is for you . . . This cup is the new covenant in my blood" Corinthians New Testament * Lord's Prayer Matthew New Testament Good and Evil * Devil in Bible: > Genesis: Adam and Eve Old Testament > Job: Sufferings of Job Old Testament > Devil tries to tempt Christ New Testament * "In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you" Matthew New Testament * Natural Evil: > Noah's Flood Genesis New Testament > Damnation of Sodom Genesis Old Testament * Adam and Eve expelled out of the Garden of Eden Genesis Old Testament * Ten Commandments Exodus Old Testament * Parables of Jesus/Way Jesus Acts in the Bible Religion in Human Relationships * "There is neither . . . male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." Galatians New Testament * "I permit no women to teach or have authority over men, she is to keep silent" Timothy New Testament * "Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." Ephesians New

  • Word count: 643
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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A disciple means a follower. In Mark's gospel there is reference to the disciples of the Pharisees (2:19) and the followers of John the Baptist were known as disciples.

A disciple means a follower. In Mark's gospel there is reference to the disciples of the Pharisees (2:19) and the followers of John the Baptist were known as disciples. A Christian Disciple is a person who follows the ways and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a collective word for Christians while the Apostles were the twelve chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and to preach the Word of God to all nations. He chose his apostles in order to train them to share in his work of preaching and healing, and to eventually carry on his mission after he had departed. In a sense he was to live on in them. The twelve apostles were to represent the twelve tribes of Israel that God made the first covenant with. The first disciples were ordinary people who Jesus asked to follow him. It is strange that Jesus did not pick any anyone rich or powerful but four ordinary fishermen to be his most loyal companions. This shows that former lifestyles were no longer relevant - everyone was accepted in the Kingdom of God. 'As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ''Come follow me," Jesus said "and I will make you fishers of men.'' At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone on a little farther , he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their

  • Word count: 983
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Ancient Greek Medical Association Guide to the Asklepion Temples One of the best Asklepion Temples around is the one at Epidaurus.

Ancient Greek Medical Association Guide to the Asklepion Temples One of the best Asklepion Temples around is the one at Epidaurus. It is in a quiet, secluded part of Greece and is perfect for anyone seeking spiritual and physical healing. I will now say that this superb Asklepion is strictly reserved for the middle to upper class citizens because it is out of the price range of those in the lower classes. Here at Epidaurus, we have a superb range of facilities for you to use. We have use of: * Sunk-in Stadium * Large gymnasium * Cleansing Baths * Temple of Artemus * Temple of Asklepius * Abaton-where patients sleep at night and are visited by Asklepius and his daughters, Panacea and Hygeia. Here at the Epidaurus Asklepion many things can happen to you. You can have your mind and souls cleansed at one of our specialized Temples which are the Temples of Artemus and Asklepius. Also your body must not lose out as we have heated baths and the largest gymnasium in all of Greece, where our highly trained instructors who will help guide you through a tough traditional course from the surrounding cultures. The Abaton here is also one of the best in the country. It has had the most healings from Asklepion and his daughters for the last four years! That's quite a record! If you have not already heard about the Asklepion here at Epidaurus you must have been building a

  • Word count: 269
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Describe and explain the ways in which the Sabbath is observed in the Jewish home and Synagogue

A) Describe and explain the ways in which the Sabbath is observed in the Jewish home and Synagogue The Jewish celebration of Sabbath (or Shabbat) is celebrated from sunset on Friday evening until sunset on Saturday. The Jews will usually celebrate the Sabbath at home and at the Synagogue in different ways. The Sabbath takes place on a Saturday, as that is the day God rested. It is also this day as the 10 commandments state that as God rested on this day then so should the Jews. At home, most members of the family will gather at the house of the eldest capable of hosting the rest. All the family leave work or school between 2 and 3 o'clock and change into their best clothes. At the home timers are put on the lights and the bulb is taken out of the fridge door. This is most likely only in orthodox Jewish homes, as they will take their laws more seriously than the progressive Jews. The preparation for the celebration starts on Friday afternoon; this is when the whole house is cleaned as though the family are preparing for a party. On the Friday evening, the Sabbath candles are lit and the blessing of the father to the children is made, this must be done no later than 18 minutes before sunset. The two candles are signs of two commandments, Zacher, which is remembrance and Shamar meaning, observe. At this time the father or head of house blesses his family and those

  • Word count: 2442
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Cow protection and vegetarianism.

Cow protection and vegetarianism In the Vedas, the earliest of Hindu scriptures, there is a reference to animals being an important part in religious ceremony. There are also references of cows in the hymns. The cow was a sacrificial animal which was appreciated for its role in offerings to the gods. Hindus believed that the person, who offers a cow, would gain immediate ascension to heaven, so the cow must be holy and important. Around the time the Vedas were written cows were regarded as a great prize. It had a high value and was the source of many useful products such as milk, cheese and meat. It was also thought to protect Brahman. Ahimsa however was only introduced around the 6th Centaury BCE, by Mahavira the Jain. It gradually increased in popularity amongst Hindus. Nowadays one could say the cow is like a domestic animal in India. They are permitted to roam freely around the streets and they are cared for in temples. A westerner would never think of eating his dog or cat, so a Hindu would never dream of eating a cow. In villages in India, the cow nurtures and sustains life. Its milk provides essential food; its manure provides fuel, heat and light in the home. The cow's urine is alleged to have special healing properties and is available as a cream or liquid. Gandhi said that the cow was a symbol of Hinduism. As most Hindus are vegetarian, they believe in total

  • Word count: 800
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Creative writing- emotions and feelings- new experiences

Creative writing- emotions and feelings- new experiences As I walked out, the subtle, humid breeze swept past me, I looked around, it was like I had stepped into a different world. England was very different. The palm trees blew almost by their own accord and oranges and reds lined the horizon. The ruffling sound of plane engines getting ready to take off could be heard in the distance. It was late night, but even in the absence of he sun in the sky, it was around 30C. We were led around to the adjacent side where we all crowded into a bus. The atmosphere was very lively; people were talking excitedly and hurriedly, as if once we got off the bus they wouldn't be able to say anymore. I wasn't very anxious at all to see any of the places. We would go and see old buildings and places that tourists visit every year. The only feeling I felt was tiredness. I have never really been interested in history. I don't get fascinated very easily, I didn't expect anything special. We came upon our group rep. He was an average sized man, no more than 5 foot 8. He was wearing long brown shorts with a matching brown shirt and a ranger hat that shadowed his upper face so his eyes were hidden. His hair was a murky black colour and fell, rather untidily to his shoulders. He was rather uncanny to say the least We were told that it would be a 15-minute journey to the Ship. It was followed by a

  • Word count: 1319
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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