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(PWR) Yr11 Revision materials 2013 Page 1 of 17 Question 1 - Religion and Animals. How we make use of animals. The different ways humans use animals. The rights and wrongs of that usage. The status and rights animals (should) have. What the religions think about the use of animals. What rights do animals have? What do you think, where are you on the line? Any of these statements could appear on the exam paper. On the one hand some people would agree with this statement because . . . etc. etc. On the other hand some people would disagree with this statement because . . . etc. etc. I think that . . . . . .etc etc . . . . . because . . . etc. etc. Task: try to come up with a wide and varied list of ways that humans use animals. (Ask around for ideas from anyone near you) Write the list, we will come back to look at it. All species are equal – human, animal, insect, bird, the lot. Some animals should have more rights than others. All animals should be given more rights than humans – they were here first. None at all. Humans are superior to all other species so we can do what we want We should treat the animals we need with respect, but can do what we want with the others. Some animals deserve more respect than humans do.

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Page 1: Question 1 - Religion and Animals.fluencycontent2-schoolwebsite.netdna-ssl.com/File... · Religions call animals 'sentient beings' - creatures that have senses and can feel pain

(PWR) Yr11 Revision materials 2013 Page 1 of 17

Question 1 - Religion and Animals. How we make use of animals.

The different ways humans use animals.

The rights and wrongs of that usage.

The status and rights animals (should) have.

What the religions think about the use of animals.

What rights do animals have?

What do you think, where are you on the line?

Any of these statements could appear on the exam paper.

On the one hand some people would agree with this statement because . . . etc. etc. On the other hand some people would disagree with this statement because . . . etc. etc.

I think that . . . . . .etc etc . . . . . because . . . etc. etc.

Task: try to come up with a wide and varied list of

ways that humans use animals. (Ask around for ideas

from anyone near you)

Write the list, we will come back to look at it.

All species are

equal – human,

animal, insect,

bird, the lot.

Some animals

should have

more rights than

others.

All animals

should be given

more rights than

humans – they

were here first.

None at all. Humans

are superior to all

other species so we

can do what we

want

We should treat the

animals we need

with respect, but can

do what we want

with the others.

Some animals

deserve more

respect than

humans do.

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Humans and animals Can you imagine a world without animals? Even those we ignore can do vital jobs - wild bees pollinate plants

and trees making sure that they continue to produce foods for us to eat.

Animals help us - pulling carts, for example. They give us companionship - have you got pets? They are part of

our diet - we eat them. Parts of animals are used in clothing, and other types of manufacturing. They entertain

us in zoos and circuses. We learn from them - in how they live and behave, as well as by experimenting on

them. Birdsong and whale song can both soothe us when we feel tense. Many films and cartoons have animals

as their focus and we take pleasure in that.

We also overwork animals - causing their death. We experiment on them, taking them away from their natural

environments and killing them during or after those experiments. We buy them as pets, then mistreat them. We

hunt them in cruel ways, sometimes just for our own enjoyment, not because we need anything. If an animal is

in the way of a human project, it has to move, or die. We eat animals, usually produced on farms that are more

like factories and which treat the animals like products not as living beings.

Every so often, we hear of animals that have killed humans or hurt them - like a shark attack, or a dog biting

someone. Some species are dying out, so plans to build are sometimes affected by where those species live. If

you have ever had a kitten, it's not so easy to litter-train at first! Not all of them like us - they bite and sting.

And why on earth are there wasps?!

Are we different?

So what does make us different?

Well, most humans think they are superior to animals. The

fact that we eat animals, but kill an animal that eats a person,

suggests that we think we are superior. We also make animals

do things we'd never ask of a human - for example, the US

marines now have dolphins that have been trained to seek and

lay underwater mines. This suggests that we think they are

less valuable than us.

Humans use reason and logic to work things out; animals seem to behave more out of instinct. Our technology

is more advanced than any used by animals. Our ways of communicating are more complicated. Some religions

also believe that God gave humans dominion (power) over animals, which has been interpreted to mean 'do as

you like', at times.

Religions call animals 'sentient beings' - creatures that have senses and can feel pain. They are either created by

God deliberately (Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism), or are beings in the cycle of rebirth (Buddhism

and Hinduism). In all cases, they have value. No religion says we can't use animals, but they all say we should

treat them with respect.

Now you have thought about differences

What is the relationship between humans

and animals - which side gets the best

deal?

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Introducing the elements of this topic

This topic isn't just about how we use and treat animals. The examiner is going to ask you about specific ways

we use and treat animals. He or she might ask you to describe or compare those ways, and to explain the issues

caused by each. They will certainly want you to be able to write about a range of ways, and bring ideas from all

of those into your exam answers - especially for the evaluative answers. So the next few pages are going to take

each way that is listed in the course information, and make you think about it.

The bits to learn

Have a look at the uses of animals that the course mentions. Do you understand what each is about? Go through

them, and write down, or discuss with your partner/group what you know. See if you can already say something

for each of those bits to learn about each of the elements listed below.

o Saving animals from extinction.

o Animals as companions.

o Animals in sport.

o Transport and work animals.

o Farming animals

o Zoos

o Hunting

o Bull fighting.

o The fur and ivory trades.

o Genetic modification of animals.

o Cloning animals.

o Treatment of wildlife.

What the religions say

You already know that they think animals were either specially made by God, or are part of the same cycle of

rebirth that humans are in. This gives them a special status. Even if we believe humans are better or superior,

animals still have value. From that we can guess that if we abuse animals in how we use them or treat them,

there might be a consequence.

Well, let's look more closely at what the religions say. You can then apply their attitudes each time you meet an

element. This is a really good way to reinforce the knowledge in your head, and so have a clear idea about their

attitudes to animals overall.

From the next few pages, choose the religion(s) you have studied, and make notes on their religious attitudes to

animals. You need to note:

1. a list of points about the religion’s attitude (range of attitudes) to animals.

(e.g. Christians think that animals were . . . )

2. three teachings to use in the exam.

(e.g. In the Bible it says that . . . . . . . )

3. an explanation of how the teaching applies to the issue of animals today.

(e.g. The bible says to eat the eggs / young but to leave the mother bird, so Christians think that it’s

right to eat meat but the remaining population must be sustainable . . .etc )

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Christianity

Christians believe that God gave humans dominion over the world and all in it. This gives them license to use it

as they wish, bearing in mind that God wants them to look after the world (stewardship), and will expect it back

in good condition on Judgement Day.

Christianity teaches:

God made the world and gave humans dominion over it (Genesis).

'Scientists must abandon laboratories and factories of death' (Pope John Paul II).

Animals are a part of God's creation and as such deserve respect and protection (St Francis of Assisi).

Jesus said that God cares about even the sparrows.

The earth and everything in it is the Lord's (Bible).

Christians believe that because all life was created by God, it should be protected and looked after. The

developed world, which is mainly Christian, is the biggest consumer of meat, has many battery farms, sees

hunting as a sport, and leads the world in using animals in medical research. At the same time, its zoos

commonly protect endangered species, most families have pets, and animals are used as support for humans -

police horses, guide dogs for the blind, and so on. Many Christians today choose to eat organic and free range

meat, if they are not vegetarian. Many actively campaign against hunting as sport. Many agree only with the

use of animals in medical experiments, and encourage research in methods that do not use animals. There is a

dilemma. For many Christians, use of animals is acceptable if they have been looked after well - humane

treatment is the key.

On the Day of Judgement, they believe they will be called to account for their actions including how they

treated animals, and if they fought or supported the systems that cause animals to suffer.

Task: 1. produce a summary of Christian beliefs about animals.

2. add three to five teachings (some must be from the Bible)

3. explain how the teaching applies to animals

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Hinduism

Respect for all life is central to Hinduism. All forms of life have the spark of the divine within them - the

Ultimate Reality, Brahman. Most Hindus are vegetarians, and certain animals are considered very sacred in

India, for example, cows and monkeys. The law of karma guides people's behaviour, so hurting animals would

go against that.

Hinduism teaches:

Avoid harming other sentient beings or forms oflife (ahimsa).

Hindu worship includes respect for all of nature, and many deities are linked to specific animals, for

example, Shiva and the cobra.

By avoiding any harm to animals or to nature, humans will come to be ready for eternal life (Laws of

Manu).

'On a Brahmin ... cow ... elephant ... dog ... person of low caste, wise men look with equal eye' (Bhagavad

Gita).

It is a duty of the grihasta (householder) stage of life to feed animals.

Respect for animals is key to Hindu life. At times animals are almost worshipped, for example, cows, the

temple elephants, and monkeys. Animals are part of the cycle of reincarnation.

Factory farming is seen as cruel and disrespectful. In the West, we send animals no longer good for farming to

slaughterhouses. In contrast, there are retirement homes for cows in India.

Causing suffering to other beings can never be justified, even for medicine, so any kind of animal

experimentation is wrong. This also means that any sport, like bull fighting, which causes suffering, is wrong.

In the Ramayana, Rama goes hunting. This may be taken to say that hunting for food is acceptable. Since every

action gains us good or bad karma, Hindus have to weigh up what they do as to whether it helps or hinders

them in future. The way they treat animals is part of this.

Task: 1. produce a summary of Hindu beliefs about animals.

2. add three to five teachings

3. explain how the teaching applies to animals

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Work animals

Companions and helpers Surveys tell us that 43 per cent of households in the UK have at least one pet. As societies get richer, more

people keep animals as pets rather than working animals. Our pets seem to get a different status to other

animals - we think of them differently. I bet you'd never have a pig sleep on the end of your bed, but you let

your cat or dog! These animals are our 'friends' and companions - many people regard their pet with love.

There are many animals that help us, as well as being companions - guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs

for the deaf, for example. These specially trained animals help blind or deaf people be independent. Without

them, life would be difficult.

Have you got a pet? How do you look after it? Does it help you? Is it your friend? Would you eat it, or

experiment on it, or lock it up all its life with no exercise?

Transport and work Humans have always used animals to help them work. We also use them to find drugs and explosives, to catch

fish (cormorant fishing in Japan) and as vehicles. These animals are well looked after, even after they have

been 'retired'. Many families own animals that provide them with food, and help them work their land.

However, many animals are 'beasts of burden', spending their lives carrying huge loads, and eventually being

left to die because they can no longer work.

Some of the issues:

o This is not their natural life - necessary training is often

harsh.

o Many beasts of burden are not fed or rested properly, and

suffer all their lives.

Farming Farming is the business of agriculture. Nearly all the food we eat has

come from farms.

Most people in developing countries have very small farms with few

animals. They are farming for their own family, selling any extra at a

market. In the UK, we see battery, organic, and free-range farms.

Supermarkets sell meat from all these types of farms.

Free-Range Farming

Animals roam freely and live a more natural life. Hens can scratch in

the farmyard and calves can graze outdoors. Dairy calves stay with

their mother and develop a strong bond while they feed for 6-8 months. Free range is usually more expensive

to buy.

Factory farming.

Animals are raised intensively, a high output means large profits. Pesticides and antibiotics are needed to

prevent sickness and disease in the crowded living conditions. Animals are kept indoors, their movement is

restricted, they cannot follow natural behaviour to graze or mate. They may be selectively bread or given

growth hormones to grow faster or yield more milk or eggs.

Some of the issues:

o Animals are not cared for properly because they are just products.

o Animals are forced to breed at unnatural rates.

o Nature versus profit - farming is a business.

Now you know about some work uses of animals

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Sports uses of animals

horse racing ... greyhound racing ... dog fighting ... badger baiting In many sports, animals are highly trained and well looked after. Mistreatment leads to punishments. However,

many sports involve animals fighting against each other -like dog fighting and cricket fighting. These are

considered cruel in many societies and can be illegal (such as dog fighting in the UK). None of these sports are

how the animal would naturally live.

Some of the issues:

o It is cruel to make two animals fight.

o Even well-kept animals can just be slaughtered when they are no longer 'good enough'.

o The animals get injured.

Hunting Hunting is when we chase and kill an animal. It could be for food, for fur, or for sport. In the UK, many enjoy it

as a blood sport.

Bullfighting Bullfighting is the national sport of Spain. It is also found in Portugal, parts of France and in some South

American countries. The matador uses set moves during the different parts of a fight with the bull(s) to distract,

annoy and hurt it. Finally, it should be killed by one well-aimed sword stab through the heart.

Some of the issues:

o It is obviously cruel.

o The bull dies in great pain over a long time.

o Even when a bull is spared, few survive their

journey back to their ranch because of poor

treatment of fight injuries.

Now you know about some sports uses of animals

Jade: Hunting for meat

for your family is okay, I

think. I don't agree with

shooting a load of birds

or animals when you don't

need the food.

Jan: Tigers are nearly

extinct, but are still

hunted for medicine.

They'll have to find other

medicines when they've

killed them all, so why not

find them now?

Tina: In hunting we chase

an animal just for the thrill

of the chase, and then,

when it is too tired to

escape, we let hunting

animals tear it apart.

That is wrong.

Joe: Some of the issues:

I have seen some of the traps

they use for hunting - horrible.

The animals die slowly in

agony Some even try to bite

their own limbs off to escape.

My dog died in one of those

traps - they don't just catch

wild animals, see.

Task: What other sports use animals?

Do the animals have training?

Are there any sports which you think are

worse than others for the animals?

Can you name any 'blood sports'?

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Experimentation Animal experiments further our medical knowledge, test new drugs, or

test new products for harmfulness (toxicity). Medical science has

always used animals. For example, many surgical procedures were

perfected on animals. Some experiments just mean a change in diet,

others do cause injury and even death. At the end of the

experimentation any live animals are humanely destroyed. Since

1986, there have been specific laws to control experimentation.

The animals - mainly guinea pigs, mice, rats, rabbits, dogs and

monkeys - are specially bred in farms.

Some of the issues:

o It is cruel. Even scientists accept the animals suffer - though for greater good.

o There are other alternatives, such as using tissue cultures.

o Animal genetics and human genetics are different, and often reactions are not the same.

Zoos Zoos are places where animals are kept for people to look at. Most animals are from other countries and

climates, not the country the zoo is in. Zoos in rich countries do try to recreate conditions for the animals they

have specially shaped and built compounds, and their food is particular to their natural diet. Zoos in developing

countries are not usually like this.

Many zoos are involved in programmes such as helping to re-

establish endangered species.

Some of the issues:

o The animals are not in their natural environment.

o Animals in all zoos are caged over night every

night (often their most active time in the wild).

o Breeding programmes are very expensive.

Genetic modification and cloning This is about taking the DNA of an animal, changing it and creating new forms of the species. Scientists have

been able to change the DNA of one species of pig, for example, so that its kidneys can be used in human

transplants.

Cloning is when scientists make an exact replica of something by inserting its DNA into an embryo. This is

then replanted into an animal's womb to develop. Most famous is Dolly the Sheep (scientists needed 277

attempts; she lived for six years). This could be a way to save some endangered species.

Some of the issues:

277 attempts - should we

worry about what

happened to the others?

Messing with nature

could come back to

haunt us.

Wouldn't it be cheaper to just

stop killing endangered

animals!

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The fur and ivory trades

The fur trade

For most of human history,

particularly in cold climates, humans

have used all sorts of animals for fur

clothing to keep themselves warm.

Some are well known, such as mink,

fox or rabbit. Some might surprise

you, such as seal, squirrel, and even

cat and dog. If humans kill animals for

food, and use their skins for leather

goods, what is the problem with using

their fur for coats?

Some people wrongly think that fur

has come from an animal that was

killed for its meat rather than just its fur. This is not so. Over 55 million animals are killed each year for the fur.

Fur farms keep hundreds of wild animals in small, individual cages to save their fur from damage. This

prevents them from living a natural life. Methods of slaughter, such as electrocution, sometimes leave the

animals conscious while they are being skinned. Fur farming was made illegal in England and Wales in 2000

(2002 in Scotland).

After many years of being seen as wrong, wearing fur recently made a comeback at designer fashion shows.

Supporters argue the fur trade is worth up to £500 million a year to the UK economy. Fur is a natural,

renewable resource. The fur trade helps people who make their living by trapping and hunting. No endangered

species are used. Some animals are taken to reduce their numbers. The British Fur Trade Association is

introducing an 'origin assured' label to reassure customers that the fur comes from a country with rules about

producing fur.

Fur usually comes from farms that use battery methods to breed thousands of animals, and then electrocute

them so as to not damage the pelt/fur. Many of the farms are in countries like Korea, which is hot, whilst the

animal is originally from a very cold country.

The ivory trade

Most people think it is wrong to kill elephants just to get the ivory in their tusks, but experts believe the ivory

trade is flourishing. Conservation groups who monitor the trade say armed gangs of poachers kill elephants in

Central Africa. The ivory from their tusks finds its way into shops in Nigeria, the Ivory Coast and Senegal. The

amount of ivory found there in 2003 represented tusks of more than 760 elephants, yet there are probably no

more than 563 elephants left in these countries. This showed that it was being imported from other places.

The ivory trade and the Law

The legal position is complicated. In 1989, the United Nations (UN) made the ivory trade illegal everywhere.

However, since then it has allowed some limited trading to go ahead. Recently the European Union has

approved the sale of 108 tonnes of ivory to China where there is a huge demand. Although it is said to be taken

only from animals that died or were killed because of overpopulation, opponents say that allowing some legal

sales only encourages the poachers.

Some African countries have laws limiting the ivory trade. However, they allow them to be broken because of

corruption, a lack of political will and the difficulties of enforcing the law. Armed groups in a number of

countries are using profits from ivory to fund military operations, so the killing of elephants is funding war.

Some of the issues:

o We don't need fur or ivory.

o Fur farms are very cruel.

o Ivory poaching has endangered whole species of elephant.

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Treatment of animals in the wild We see wild animals every day, and mainly ignore

them. Where they come near we often chase them

away or kill them, think of foxes and rats.

Many of these species are endangered. They all have

an important role in the ecosystem, and many provide

obvious beauty to our environment.

Some of the issues:

o Whose space is the world - ours or theirs or both?

o Are we endangering too many species?

o Should we support wildlife more through feeding etc?

Preventing extinction of animals Extinction of a species is when surveys and investigations and

other counts all fail to find any example of a species over a period

of time. Humans have already made many species extinct.

Scientists reckon over 15,000 species are currently known to be

endangered (we don't know every species that exists). Once a species is extinct it is gone forever.

Some of the issues:

o All species have a key

role in the ecosystem.

o The species we lose

could be helpful to

medicine or research.

Do we have a right to

do this, for example

hunting tigers to

extinction for fun?

o Our children won't see

these creatures - they

will inherit a depleted

world.

Do you get birds in your garden?

Do you feed them?

What other wild animals do you see?

How do you react when you see wild animals - fear,

curiosity, awe?

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Vegetarianism

Should people eat meat? Ninety per cent of people in the UK are meat eaters. Meat is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12

which is only found in foods from animals, such as meat and milk.

Vegetarian and vegan diets

Vegetarianism means a person does not eat fish, animals or birds. A vegan refuses to use any animal products, including dairy

products (milk, cheese, eggs) or fur and leather that comes from a dead animal.

Some reasons why people choose to be vegetarian or vegan include:

o They do not wish to harm animals. It is part of their religion.

o They may object to the way meat and poultry are produced and transported.

o They think vegetables, particularly those grown organically, are safer and healthier to eat.

o They do not like the taste of meat.

Many vegetarians argue that if fewer people ate meat, there would be enough food to stop hunger in developing countries. If the large

areas of land used to produce a relatively small amount of beef were used instead to grow crops for food, 10 times as many people

could be fed.

Most Hindus are vegetarian. They regard animals as part of the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. To them, killing an animal might

mean killing a body that houses an ancestor's soul. They believe in the principle of ahimsa, or not harming living creatures.

The Vedas (Hindu holy books) say that Hindus should avoid meat because it cannot be obtained without harming living creatures.

Some Hindus do eat meat but never any part of a cow, which is a sacred animal.

Although individual Christians may be vegetarians for reasons given above, the religion does not teach people to avoid meat.

Christians believe animals were created by God to provide humans with food. After the great flood God told Noah that people may

eat animals. St Paul wrote to the Romans that all foods could be eaten, but that Christians should not eat anything that causes someone

else to sin.

Muslims and Jews have food laws that tell them which animals they may eat and how to kill them. Muslims eat only halal meat, killed

in a humane way 'in the name of Allah, the merciful, the compassionate'. Neither Muslims nor Jews eat pigs. The Qur'an teaches that

carrion, blood and pork are forbidden. Jews follow kosher (dietary) laws and do not mix dairy and meat foods. The Torah allows Jews

to eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud, and fish with fins and scales.

Answer the following questions, and then check your answers against the information in this section.

o Explain the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan diet.

o Explain some of the reasons why some people become vegetarians. Refer to the teaching of one religion in your answer.

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Exam practice Introducing half the exam - knowledge questions

Half of the exam marks are for a certain type of question. This tests what you can remember from what you

have learnt. It is the kind of question that asks you what something means, or why some people do something,

or what the religions think about something.

Questions use these command words:

Give . . Write the name of something, or one reason why something happens. The mark

tells you how many different things the examiner wants to know - if the question

doesn't tell you that. So, Give ways in which people use animals. (2 marks), wants

two ways.

Name . . . Write the name of something. This could be its proper name, like Bible, or could

be what it is, like holy book .

Explain briefly . . . For this, you have to write something, and then say a bit more about what you

have just written. Give and Name only want one detail - the most basic

information.

Explain wants more. When it uses the word briefly, it is to try to stop you from

writing everything you know. So it is an answer, with a bit extra. This is usually

used on two and three mark questions.

Explain So, if Explain briefly wants an answer with a bit extra, Explain wants two or three

different answers, and a couple of those with a bit extra. There is a bit more depth

to your answer - YOU'll do better if you develop an idea by giving two extra bits

of information. These questions are usually worth 4 or 5 marks.

In the exam, there are six questions - one for each topic in this book. Each one is worth 18 marks - split equally

between this kind of question and evaluative questions (ones where you have to argue about a statement being

true or not). So it is important to be able to do well on these questions.

Try one of each of those commands in these questions:

1 Give two ways in which humans use animals.

2 Name two kinds of sport involving animals.

3 Explain briefly why some religious believers choose not to eat meat.

4 Explain the attitudes of the religion(s) you have studied to experiments on live animals.

(2 marks)

(2 marks)

(3 marks)

(6 marks)

Now go back through the work you have done in this topic. Write a set of questions using these command

words for a partner - see if they can answer them. They can do the same for you - it is a way of revising and

organising the ideas in your head.

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Questions about attitudes to animals

How confident are you about explaining the religious attitude to animals, or to how we treat them? Do you think you can say enough

to get 4 or 5 marks for each religion? It isn't so tough an ask - three teachings in your answer, each with a bit of explanation, should

do it.

What about the specific bits that made up this topic? How confident are you on bull fighting, genetic modification and so on? Could

you say what the religions think? Not so easy, perhaps.

Actually, it is straightforward because you know their attitude to animals. You can use your intelligence to apply that to the specific

topics and the problems they cause. Follow this formula, and then practise some:

First - know a definition for each issue. What do we mean each time?

Second - know some of the main problems each issue causes. What is the big deal?

Third - know the attitude of the religion to animals generally. What is the general attitude to animals?

Fourth - apply that attitude to each issue by way of the main problems. What does the attitude make them say?

There are some generalisations in answering this. Religions usually talk about:

o life being sacred (sanctity of life)

o the world being God's creation

o us having a role in looking after the world and its animals.

So, ask yourself - does the issue conflict or agree with any of these general ideas? Use them as your starter in explaining the attitude.

Make sure you state the topic in your answer, so that your answer can't be read as a broad answer.

Let's see an example ...

Explain religious attitudes to making animals extinct. Use beliefs and teachings in your answer. (6 marks)

The formula The answer 1st – explain what it means. Making animals extinct is when there are no more of a species left alive in

the world.

2nd – what are the main problems? This means that the food chain is affected. It also means that no one can see that animal ever again.

3rd – what is the religious attitude to

animals?

Christianity (or Islam or Judaism or Sikhism or Hinduism) believes God created animals, so they are special. God gave humans the responsibility to look after them and the world (stewardship), and doing so is an act of worship of God, as well as appreciation.

4th – what does the attitude make them

say about the issue?

So, by making animals extinct, we destroy God's creation. This is not what stewardship means, and is disrespectful to God.

In exams students struggle most with questions they have never had a chance to practise, so they aren't used to

the way it is worded, or the actual topic asked. Any work you do - even with a book full of notes in front of

you - helps. It lets your brain see the question, and think about exactly that kind of a question. When you see

that type again in the exam, your brain doesn't panic as much, so you can get on with it.

Try using the above question and formula with these, then try any other from this topic:

a Using animals in work.

b Hunting animals.

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How to answer question 1 - Religion and Animal Rights Give two examples of animals which are used for transport. Donkeys, mules, camels, horses, dogs (pulling sleds), (carrier) pigeons, elephants,etc. One mark for each correct point. Explain religious views about genetically modifying animals. Refer to religious beliefs and teachings in your answer. Target: Understanding of religious views on genetic modification of animals Candidates may include some of the following points: Enables scientists to study how genes work / genetic modification may help in fighting disease / enables testing of new drugs / may lead to supply of organs for human transplantation / help in increasing food production. General idea of playing God. Accept positive responses. Don’t accept cloning on its own. Must be justified. Max. L3 if no religious teachings or beliefs. Christianity believe in the value of animals to God but most accept limited testing in order to find cures for diseases Hinduism deities appear as animals showing their value / part of the samsara cycle Islam believe animals should have legal rights / may be used to find cures but suffering must be minimal ‘Religious believers should never support using animals for sport.’ What do you think? Explain your opinion. . Target: Evaluation of the use of animals for sport Candidates may include some of the following points: Hunting / bull fighting / bear baiting / cockerel fighting / fishing is cruel / animals are God’s creation / part of the samsara cycle / should show compassion to all living things / have dominion but should not abuse / animal cruelty is not allowed in any religion / responsible to God for looking after animals/ in some cases it promotes gambling. Good entertainment for people, e.g. greyhound racing without harming animals / all depends on type of sport / gives opportunities to compete against animals, e.g. rodeos / shows the ability of animals, e.g. show jumping/horse racing/ partnership between humans and animals etc. N.B. Two sided evaluation not required but acceptable. Explain what religious people might do to help preserve endangered species. (3 marks) Target: Understanding of practical action which might be taken to help endangered species Candidates may include some of the following points: Campaign for laws to protect endangered species / write to MPs or MEPS / raise awareness through the press / petitions / support wildlife charities such as WWF / RSPCA / support Assisi and Ohito declarations / support work of zoos, safari parks and aquariums / make people aware of impact of climate change on wildlife / tell people of their responsibilities as outlined by their religion, e.g. responsibility to God for actions/ adopt or sponsor an endangered species/prayer. N.B. Max L2 for a list. L2 could be reached by one point developed. ‘There is nothing wrong with killing animals for food.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to religious arguments in your answer. Target: Evaluation of killing animals for food Candidates might focus on the slaughter of animals or the meat eating. Either focus is valid but they do not have to do both. Candidates may include some of the following points: Agree 90% of people in the UK eat meat / good source of protein, vitamins and minerals / the way farmers make their living / Christians, Muslims and Jews believe that animals were created by God to provide humans with food / Noah told people may eat animals / St. Paul said that all foods may be eaten / some religions believe only certain animals may be eaten and that they should be slaughtered in specific ways, e.g. Muslims and Jews/ canine teeth/ St. Peter’s vision/ personal preference/ Proverbs 12:10/ dominion (Genesis). Other Views Most Buddhists / Hindus and Sikhs are vegetarian / linked to samsara / cruelty / intensive farming method/ slaughter/ transport/ ahimsa / idea of not harming living creatures / langar serves only vegetarian food / some animals are specifically forbidden, e.g. pigs in Islam and Judaism/ vegetarian lifestyle healthier and more cost effective/ more food available to feed the world/ personal preference/ Proverbs 12:10 etc. Give two reasons why some religious people do not eat meat. Target: Knowledge and understanding of why some religious people do not eat meat Religious teachings encourage them not to, e.g. 1st Precept, ahimsa / regard it as cruel / do not like the taste / worry about disease / sacred cows / not halal / not kosher / not good stewardship / because they are vegetarian or vegan, etc. Explain why some religious people believe that humans are more important than animals. Target: Knowledge and understanding of reasons why some religious people believe humans are more important than animals People made in God’s image / at the top of the evolutionary chain / more intelligent / more adaptable / can make and build things / dominion / Taqwah-awareness of Allah’s presence / enlightenment, etc.

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‘Religious believers should try to prevent species of animals from becoming extinct.’ Target: Evaluation of what religious believers should do regarding the preservation of species from extinction God’s creation so should work for their survival / interdependence / stewardship / should give more support to conservation projects, e.g. safari parks / could publicise more / write to media and M.P.s / teach importance of species, etc. Little they can do on their own – responsibility of everyone / progress will mean habitats will be destroyed / people are more important / believers already speak up for protection of species / many join preservation groups / already involved in statements like the Assisi Declarations. Explain religious attitudes towards hunting animals. Target: Knowledge and understanding of religious attitudes to hunting General points: Ideas of God as creator / cruelty / inhumane / stewardship / countryside management / conservation / debate re hunting for food as against for entertainment. Christianity: Some hunt as Genesis 128 gives instruction to bring animals under control / foxes and deer pests to farmers / others believe as stewards they should protect animals from cruelty. Hinduism: Animals are part of cycle of birth, death, rebirth / non-violence should be shown to them / All creatures are part of Brahman and should be respected / dharma (duty) to protect animals / show ahimsa (non-violence) / most regard it as cruel and unnecessary. Islam Animals have rights / should not be hunted for sport / hunting for food allowed / action can be challenged on judgement day (Hadith). ‘It is wrong to experiment on animals.’ Target: Evaluation of whether or not it is wrong to experiment on animals Candidates may include some of the following points: Agree It is cruel and causes much suffering / results on animals might be different from that on humans / research for make up and luxury goods not necessary or acceptable / protecting the natural world and living in harmony with it is part of Buddhist teaching 1st Precept / all creatures are part of cycle of rebirth. Compassion and loving kindness should extend to all living things / Christians and Jews believe in duty to protect not exploit animals – Psalm 1210 stewardship / Hindu dharma to protect animals and show ahimsa / the Qur’an teaches that animals have feelings and purpose in their lives Khalifahs / Sikhs believe humans are custodians of the earth and not as having superiority to mistreat animals, etc. Other views Important medical research may be justified / could benefit animals as well / Christians may agree on the use of animals for medical experiments, but would insist on humane conditions / Islam – Scientific experiments should not involve cruelty and should only be done for important medical research, etc. What is factory farming? Target: Understanding of what is meant by factory farming Candidates may include any of the following points: Intensive farming, e.g. thousands of poultry being reared in a battery house. Give two reasons why many religious believers are against the fur and ivory trade. Target: Understanding of why religious believers may oppose the fur and ivory trade Candidates may include some of the following points: Involves slaughter of animals / often threatened species / often result of poaching / question of legality / respect for created life, etc. ‘Religious believers should not eat meat.’ What do you think? Explain your opinion. Target: Evaluation of whether or not believers should eat meat Candidates may include some of the following points: Killing animals is cruel / many Buddhists are vegetarian because of principle of not harming living creatures / many Hindus are vegetarian because of belief in cycle of birth including animals / in Sikhism the langar usually offers vegetarian food in respect of all who come, etc. Should have freedom of choice / Buddhist monks may eat meat if offered, but not kill it themselves / Christians have diversity of views / the Bible does not advise against eating meat / Muslims eat halal meat / Muslims believe their method of killing is believed to be humane / Jews must respect Kashrut laws, etc. Explain the attitudes of religious people to experiments on animals. Refer to religious teaching in your answer. Target: Understanding of religious attitudes towards animal experimentation Candidates may include some of the following points:

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Suffering of animals / different types of experimentation / important medical research may be justified / could benefit animals as well / results on animals might be different from that on humans / research for make up and luxury goods may not be acceptable. Christianity – Stewardship Christians view animals as part of God’s creation. They believe part of their duty, as stewards of creation, is to protect animals, not exploit them. Christians may agree on the use of animals for medical experiments, but would insist on humane conditions / many oppose tests for make-up, etc. Many campaign against cruelty. The RSPCA started as a Christian response to animal cruelty. Some see Genesis as meaning that as we are in charge of animals we can do what we want: Psalm 8 – man is lord over animals and fish, etc. Proverbs 12 10 – a good man is kind to his animals. Many Biblical passages show concern for animals and treating them fairly (e.g. Proverbs 12 10) / the fourth commandment includes resting animals / Genesis 1 gives humans responsibility over animals, which must not be abused / accept reference to Noah and Covenant. Biblical references from Genesis, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Daniel, Psalm 8 6-8. Hinduism All creatures are part of Brahman and thus should be respected / it is part of duty / dharma to protect animals and show ahimsa / cows especially are valued. Some animals are associated with particular gods (e.g. Shiva and Nandi, the bull) / Ahimsa, e.g. Manu 5. 48 important / however Vedic religions did have animal sacrifices. All creatures are part of cycle of rebirth. Islam – Stewardship The Qur’an teaches that animals have feelings and purpose in their lives / Muhammad told many stories concerning the welfare of animals / it is seen as part of the stewardship of humans / animals, if worked, should be shown consideration / scientific experiments should not involve cruelty and should only be done for important medical research / no students / no repetition experiments / use of pain relief / not for self inflicted illness / accept reference to modern statements. ‘Animals are not as important as humans.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. Refer to religious arguments in your answer. Target: Evaluation of the extent to which animals are as important as humans Candidates may include some of the following points: Agree People made in God’s image / idea of dominion / humans in charge of creation – Genesis 1:28 / at the top of the evolutionary chain / more intelligent / more adaptable / can make and build things, etc. Other views Both important / world would be dull without animals / need them for food / work / should look after them, etc.

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