Religion and Life: Environment and Relationships

What you'll learn

This revision guide covers the Religion and Life topic from the Pearson Edexcel International IGCSE Religious Studies specification, focusing specifically on environmental responsibility and relationship ethics from Christian and Islamic perspectives. You'll explore how religious believers approach issues such as environmental stewardship, animal rights, abortion, euthanasia, marriage, divorce, and contraception. These notes provide the authoritative knowledge needed to answer evaluation and explanation questions effectively in your examination.

Key terms and definitions

Stewardship — the religious duty to care for and manage the Earth and its resources responsibly on God's behalf, as humans are seen as custodians rather than owners.

Sanctity of life — the belief that life is sacred and holy because it is created by God, making it precious and worthy of protection.

Euthanasia — the act of deliberately ending someone's life to relieve suffering, which can be voluntary (with consent), non-voluntary (without consent), or assisted (helping someone to die).

Contraception — methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy, including barrier methods, hormonal contraceptives, and natural family planning.

Abortion — the deliberate termination of a pregnancy, usually performed before the foetus can survive independently.

Khalifah — the Islamic concept of trusteeship or guardianship, meaning humans are vice-regents of Allah responsible for caring for creation.

Procreation — the biological reproduction and creation of offspring, viewed by many religions as one of the primary purposes of marriage.

Nikah — the Islamic marriage contract, which is both a religious ceremony and legal agreement with specific rights and responsibilities.

Core concepts

Christian and Islamic teachings on the environment

Christianity teaches that God created the world and appointed humans as stewards. Genesis 1:28 states that humans should "fill the earth and subdue it," which some interpret as permission to use resources, while others emphasize the responsibility to care for creation. Genesis 2:15 explicitly tells humans to "work" and "take care of" the Garden of Eden, supporting environmental protection.

Many Christians believe in dominion (authority over creation) balanced with stewardship responsibilities. Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical Laudato Si' emphasized climate change and pollution as moral issues requiring urgent Christian response. Protestant denominations often promote sustainable living as expressing love for neighbors and future generations.

Islam teaches the concept of khalifah, making humans trustees of Allah's creation. The Qur'an states "It is He who has appointed you vicegerents in the earth" (Qur'an 6:165). Muslims are forbidden from causing corruption or destruction (fasad) on Earth. The Prophet Muhammad taught conservation practices, including not wasting water even when performing ablutions at a running stream.

Islamic environmental principles include:

• Tawhid (God's unity) — all creation belongs to Allah alone
• Mizan (balance) — maintaining equilibrium in nature
• Accountability on Judgment Day for how Earth was treated
• Protection of haram zones (protected areas around Mecca and Medina where even cutting trees is forbidden)

Both religions oppose pollution, waste, and species extinction as violations of divine trust.

Religious perspectives on animal rights and experimentation

Christians hold varied views on animal treatment. Genesis indicates animals were created before humans and declared "good" by God. Many Christians believe animals deserve compassion—Proverbs 12:10 states "the righteous care for the needs of their animals." St Francis of Assisi exemplified this by calling animals his brothers and sisters.

Christian positions on animal experimentation:

• Liberal Christians may accept it if it reduces human suffering, prevents greater harm, and minimizes animal pain (principle of proportionality)
• Conservative Christians prioritize human welfare but oppose unnecessary cruelty, citing biblical teaching against causing needless suffering
• All Christians typically oppose cosmetic testing as vain and unnecessary

Islam teaches that animals are communities like humans (Qur'an 6:38) and possess rights. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized kindness—he condemned a woman to Hell for starving a cat and praised a prostitute forgiven for giving water to a thirsty dog. Halal slaughter methods aim to minimize animal suffering.

Islamic teaching on animal experimentation:

• Medical research to save human lives may be permitted under necessity (dharura)
• Must minimize pain and use alternatives where possible
• Cosmetic testing is generally prohibited as unnecessary harm
• Animals should never be abused, mutilated, or used for entertainment like dog fighting

Abortion: religious and ethical perspectives

Christianity generally opposes abortion based on sanctity of life teaching. Catholics follow absolute prohibition—the Catechism states abortion is "gravely contrary to the moral law" because life begins at conception. Ensoulment (when the soul enters the body) occurs at conception in Catholic teaching, making the embryo fully human.

Protestant views vary:

• Conservative Protestants cite Psalm 139:13 ("you knitted me together in my mother's womb") as evidence God values unborn life
• Liberal Protestants may permit abortion in cases of rape, incest, severe disability, or threat to the mother's life, applying agape (unconditional love) principles
• The Church of England accepts abortion reluctantly in extreme circumstances

Islam generally prohibits abortion but with important exceptions. Ensoulment occurs at 120 days (four months) in most Islamic teaching, based on hadith. Before ensoulment, abortion is makruh (discouraged) but not haram (forbidden) in many schools of thought.

Islamic positions:

• After 120 days, abortion is only permitted to save the mother's life
• Before 120 days, most scholars allow abortion for serious reasons (rape, severe foetal abnormality, significant health risk)
• Shi'a scholars may be more flexible than Sunni scholars
• The principle of "lesser of two evils" applies when the mother's life is threatened

Euthanasia: end-of-life ethics

Christianity opposes euthanasia based on sanctity of life and God's sovereignty over life and death. Catholics absolutely forbid it—Pope John Paul II called it a "culture of death." Life is God's gift, and only God should determine when it ends. Job 1:21 states "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away."

Christian arguments against euthanasia:

• Violates the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13)
• Suffering can have spiritual value and bring believers closer to Christ's suffering
• Hospice care and palliative treatment provide dignified alternatives
• Slippery slope concerns about expanding criteria

Some liberal Christians support voluntary euthanasia, arguing:

• Agape (love) means ending unbearable suffering
• Free will allows autonomous end-of-life decisions
• Quality of life matters, not just preserving biological life

Islam firmly prohibits euthanasia. Life and death belong to Allah alone (Qur'an 3:145). The Prophet Muhammad taught that suffering may expiate sins and bring rewards in the afterlife. Suicide is explicitly forbidden in Islam.

Islamic teaching:

• Active euthanasia (deliberately ending life) is always haram
• Passive euthanasia (withdrawing treatment) is debated—some scholars permit discontinuing extraordinary measures when death is inevitable
• Ordinary care (food, water, pain relief) must continue
• Life is a trust (amanah) from Allah that humans cannot terminate

Marriage, divorce, and family relationships

Christianity views marriage as a sacred covenant. Catholics consider it a sacrament—an outward sign of God's grace. Jesus taught that marriage makes two people "one flesh" (Mark 10:8) and is permanent. Christian purposes of marriage include:

• Procreation and raising children in faith
• Companionship and mutual support
• Expressing love and commitment
• Regulating sexual relationships within appropriate boundaries

Catholic teaching forbids divorce—marriages are indissoluble. Annulments declare a marriage was never valid. Protestant denominations generally permit divorce for adultery (Matthew 5:32 allows it) or abandonment, though it's seen as falling short of God's ideal. Remarriage is permitted in most Protestant churches.

Islam views marriage (nikah) as a contract with religious significance. The Qur'an states marriage provides "tranquility" (Qur'an 30:21). Purposes include:

• Procreation and continuation of the ummah (Muslim community)
• Fulfilling half of one's deen (faith)
• Providing lawful sexual relations
• Creating stable families

Islamic marriage requirements:

• Consent of both parties
• Mahr (dowry) from groom to bride
• Witnesses present
• Following shari'ah law provisions

Islam permits divorce (talaq) but the Prophet called it "the most hated of permissible things." A husband must pronounce talaq three times over three months, allowing reconciliation time. Women can seek divorce through khul (returning mahr) or judicial processes if grounds exist (abuse, abandonment, non-maintenance). Iddah (waiting period of three menstrual cycles) follows divorce before remarriage is permitted.

Contraception and family planning

Catholic teaching opposes artificial contraception. Pope Paul VI's 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae permits only natural family planning (NFP) methods like monitoring fertility cycles. Arguments include:

• Sex has two inseparable purposes: unitive (expressing love) and procreative (creating life)
• Contraception separates these purposes, violating natural law
• It may encourage promiscuity and undermine marriage commitment
• Life is sacred from conception, and some contraceptives may work post-fertilization

Protestant churches generally accept contraception as responsible family planning. They argue:

• Bible doesn't explicitly forbid it
• Responsible parenthood means considering family size and resources
• Strengthening marriage through sexual intimacy is legitimate
• Prevents poverty and allows proper child-rearing

Islam permits contraception with important conditions. The Prophet allowed azl (withdrawal method), indicating acceptance of family planning. Modern contraception is permissible when:

• Both spouses consent
• It doesn't cause permanent sterility (reversible methods preferred)
• Health, economic, or social reasons justify it
• It doesn't harm the woman's health

Abortion is distinguished from contraception in Islamic law—contraception prevents fertilization, while abortion terminates established pregnancy. Permanent sterilization requires serious medical justification.

Worked examples

Example 1: Four-mark explanation question

Question: Explain two religious beliefs about stewardship. (4 marks)

Model answer: One Christian belief is that humans are appointed as stewards of God's creation, as stated in Genesis 2:15 where God placed humans in the Garden of Eden "to work it and take care of it." This means Christians have a duty to protect and preserve the environment rather than exploit it selfishly. (2 marks)

One Islamic belief is the concept of khalifah, which teaches that humans are trustees or vice-regents of Allah on Earth. The Qur'an 6:165 states Allah has "appointed you vicegerents in the earth," meaning Muslims will be held accountable on Judgment Day for how they treated creation. (2 marks)

Examiner note: Each belief earns 1 mark for identification and 1 mark for development with scripture or explanation.

Example 2: Twelve-mark evaluation question

Question: "Religious believers should never support euthanasia." Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. In your response you should refer to religious arguments. (12 marks)

Model answer structure:

Arguments supporting the statement (religious believers should oppose euthanasia):

• Christianity teaches sanctity of life—life is God's gift and only God should determine when it ends, as stated in Job 1:21. Euthanasia violates God's sovereignty.
• Islam absolutely forbids euthanasia as life belongs to Allah alone (Qur'an 3:145). The Prophet Muhammad taught suffering may bring spiritual rewards, so ending life prematurely denies these benefits.
• The commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13) applies to euthanasia according to most Christian teaching—deliberately ending innocent life is always wrong.
• Catholics view euthanasia as part of a "culture of death" that devalues human dignity. Suffering can have redemptive value when united with Christ's passion.

Arguments against the statement (religious believers might support euthanasia):

• Some liberal Christians argue agape (unconditional love) means preventing unbearable suffering. Compassion may require allowing death with dignity.
• Free will is God-given, so humans should be able to make autonomous decisions about their own lives, including timing of death.
• Quality of life matters spiritually—keeping someone alive in vegetative state serves no religious purpose.
• The principle of "lesser of two evils" might apply when suffering is extreme and death inevitable anyway.

Conclusion (state your evaluated position): Overall, the statement is largely convincing because the major religious traditions consistently oppose euthanasia based on core doctrines about God's sovereignty and life's sanctity. However, the complexity of modern medical situations creates some genuine debate among liberal believers about exceptional cases where treatment withdrawal might be acceptable. (Total: 12 marks)

Examiner note: Top-level answers provide balanced evaluation with multiple developed arguments, religious references, and a reasoned conclusion.

Example 3: Two-mark question

Question: Give two reasons why some Christians oppose abortion. (2 marks)

Model answer:

• Sanctity of life teaching—life is sacred because God creates it (1 mark)
• Bible teaches God knows the unborn child, e.g., Psalm 139:13 (1 mark)

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Confusing religious traditions: Don't attribute Islamic concepts to Christianity or vice versa. Khalifah is Islamic; stewardship is the Christian equivalent. Know which teachings belong to which religion.

• Insufficient development in explanation questions: Simply naming a belief earns only half marks. Always develop with scripture references, examples, or theological explanation to earn full marks.

• One-sided evaluation answers: Twelve-mark evaluation questions require balanced arguments. Even if you strongly agree with the statement, you must present and engage with counter-arguments to access top mark bands.

• Vague religious references: "The Bible says..." or "In Islam..." without specific references is weak. Use actual scripture citations (Genesis 1:28, Qur'an 6:38) and named teachings (sanctity of life, khalifah) for authority.

• Ignoring the command word: "Explain" requires description and development. "Evaluate" requires weighing different viewpoints. "Give" requires brief statements. Adjust your answer accordingly.

• Ethical arguments without religious grounding: In Religious Studies exams, secular ethics alone won't earn top marks. Connect arguments to specific religious beliefs, scriptures, and teachings.

Exam technique for "Religion and Life: Environment and Relationships"

• Command words matter: "Explain" questions (4 marks) need two beliefs with development. "Evaluate" questions (12 marks) need multiple arguments for and against with religious references and a conclusion. "Give/State" questions (2 marks) need brief points without elaboration.

• Use the PEEL structure for explanations: Make your Point (state the belief), provide Evidence (scripture or teaching), Explain the significance, and Link to the question. This ensures full development.

• Balance evaluation answers: Spend roughly equal time on arguments supporting and challenging the statement. Include at least three developed points on each side, then conclude with your reasoned judgment. Avoid sitting on the fence—take a position.

• Learn specific scripture references: Generic references earn fewer marks than specific ones. Memorize key verses: Genesis 1:28 and 2:15, Psalm 139:13, Mark 10:8, Exodus 20:13, Qur'an 6:38 and 6:165, Qur'an 3:145, Qur'an 30:21.

Quick revision summary

Religion and Life examines how Christianity and Islam approach environmental ethics and relationship issues. Key concepts include stewardship/khalifah (environmental responsibility), sanctity of life (underpinning opposition to abortion and euthanasia), and marriage as sacred covenant/contract. Christians and Muslims share many values—protecting creation, opposing euthanasia, valuing marriage—but differ on specifics like contraception and divorce permissibility. Master specific scripture references, understand denominational variations within Christianity, and provide balanced evaluation with religious grounding. Practice explaining beliefs with development and evaluating statements from multiple religious perspectives.