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1The Importance of Christian Traditions in Society
2History of British Christianity is almost 2000 years old
3Introduced by Romans into UK
4CoE originates in 7th century AD
5Christian teachings and Christian Church are deeply embedded in British traditions, culture, and everyday life.
6School terms based around Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas
7Christian Calendar influences other British traditions, eg Valentine’s Day (A Saint’s Day), Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday), Halloween (day before All Saints Day)
8Week has 7 days, reflecting Bible creation story of the universe
9Restrictions on opening hours of shops on Sundays (Christian rest day)
10Large stores cannot open on Christmas day and Easter Sunday
11Some superstitions have Christian origins (13 considered unlucky as 13 men sat down at Last Supper before Jesus’ death)
12Many popular names come from Bible, eg Daniel, Sarah, Aaron, Hannah
13
14The Church of England: the established religion in a country of diverse religious traditions
15British traditions and values derive from Christianity
16Many religions are practised in the UK regardless
17Christianity is largest religion in UK, making up over half the population
182011 Census: 59.4% Christian, 5% Muslim, 0.5% Jewish, 24.7% non religious
19Christianity has fallen by 12% since 2001. Muslims and non-religious increased
20More than half of all Christians identify with CoE
21CoE is established Church in England. “Establishment” means the Church has links with the state, eg government, law, education, and military, + other government institutions.
22Establishment also means the monarch is Head of State and Supreme Governor of CoE
23Politicians pay lip service to CoE (David Cameron) - “Proud to say this is a Christian country” “Church is...living active force doing great works across our country”
24
25Monarch as the Head of the Church of England
26Monarch is head of state of UK and 15 commonwealth countries
27Title includes “by grace of God”, “defender of the faith”, and “head of state”. Defends CoE specifically
28Monarch is crowned by Archbishop of Canterbury, who is Primate (first Bishop) of CoE
29During Coronation monarch is asked “Will you to your utmost power maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law? Will you maintain...the settlement of the CoE, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in England?”
30Monarch is Supreme Governor of CoE
31CoE linked with the state during the reformation in the sixteenth century. 
32Before then, CoE was Catholic Church under Pope in Rome. 
33In 1530s Henry VIII passed laws to make him head of CoE and State
34Role of the Monarch Today
35As Supreme governor of CoE, King/Queen:
36Approves appointment of senior clerics (archbishops bishops, deans) suggested by PM, who is given a list by Church.
37Parish priests + Clerics take an oath of loyalty to Monarch and cannot resign without her authority.
38Opens news sessions of General Synod (Church’s governing body). Synod proposes laws impacting CoE, known as Measures. Once passed by Parliament, the Queen must accept them via Royal Assent
39Keeps the vow made at their coronation to maintain the Church
40Jubilee speech on Church made by Queen Elizabeth II said role of established Church is “misunderstood” and that its role is “not to defend Anglicanism to the exclusion of other religions...Church has a duty to protect the free practice of all faiths in this country” 
41Says CoE created environment for both religious and nonreligious people to “live freely”, as well as helping to build “better society”, aiming for “common good with those of other faiths”
42
43The Church in Wales
44Anglican Church in Wales was part of CoE when Wales was absorbed into England
45CoW disbanded in 1920 after Welsh Anglicans/Protestants felt CoE was marginalizing CoW
46
47The Church in Scotland
48National established Church in Scotland
49Is Presbyterian, not Anglican
50Anglican Church in Scotland is the Scottish Episcopal Church, which has no relation to the CoE
51
52Role of Religion in Public Life
532015 Speech - David Cameron describes Britain as a Christian Country
54“Because of important religious roots and Christian values...such a successful home”
55Significant part in British public life
56
57Bishops in the House of Lords
58Parliament is where British laws are made
59Made of House of Commons, and House of Lords
60House of Lords holds government to account for spending, actions, and laws
61New laws approved by both HoC and HoL
62House of Lords consists of 26 Lords Spiritual and some Lords Temporal
63Lords Spiritual are Bishops of CoE, so CoE plays significant role in governance of country
64Lords temporal are those with titles, eg Duke or Earl
65
66Christian Services to Mark Key Events
67Milestones in peoples’ lives marked by bringing them people together to share thoughts and feelings
68Rites of passage are ceremonies that mark important events
69Christian rites of passage include
70Baptism (celebrates birth of baby, welcomes it to Church)
71Marriage (marks coming together of 2 people to start new family)
72Funerals (lives of dead people are remembered and loved ones say goodbye)
73Many non-Christian couples marry in a church and non-Christians may arrange Christian funerals for relatives
74Christian services mark key events in British public life
75National Service of Remembrance includes Christian prayers and hymns
76Meetings in Houses of Parliament begin with Christian prayers
77
78Public Holidays are Based on Christian Celebrations
79Businesses close so employees are away from work
80Decided over time by custom and tradition
818 public holidays per year in England and Wales, 4 of which are Christian in nature
82Good Friday (God’s Friday, Remembers Death of Jesus)
83Easter Monday (Second day of Easter. Emphasizes importance of Easter Sunday, celebrating resurrection of Jesus, by giving workers an extra rest day)
84Christmas Day (celebrates birth of Jesus)
85Boxing Day (Also Feast of St Stephen, and marks the day on which workers were traditionally given gift by worker)
86Whit Monday was public holiday until late 1960s. (Marks Whit Sunday/Pentecost for  Christians, remembering when Holy Spirit came to Jesus’ disciples). Replaced by spring bank holiday in 1971.
87Sunday is a holiday in celebration of Jesus being resurrected on Sunday
88
89Church Schools
90First schools in England were founded by Churches and attached to cathedrals and monasteries
91RCC schools moved abroad after Henry VIII became Head of CoE, and these schools became CoE
92Few schools in UK until 19thy century. CoE was responsible for most schools until State involved itself in 1830s
93⅓ of State schools in England + Wales are state funded, having a “religious character”
947000 faith schools in England + Wales. 98% of these are Christian, 68% are CoE, 30% are Catholic
95A school with a “religious character” has formal links with faith organizations, despite being government funded. ⅙ of these schools select pupils by religion. 
96Religious organizations may select governors for schools, and governors may appoint teachers/leaders that share their faith
97All schools must provide a daily act of worship and teach RE
98RE should reflect that British traditions are mainly Christian.
99For non-religious state schools, more than ½ of the acts of worship should be Christian
100Some are against religious schools being funded by state money
101National Secular Society and British Humanist Association say:
102Churches should fund faith schools themselves if they want them
103It is wrong for children to not be allowed to attend a local school because of religious views
104Faith schools select pupils from wealthiest families and therefore do not represent the local community
105Religious groups may argue against this as:
106CoE contributes money to faith schools, therefore paying for public education and saving taxpayer money
107The wealthier religious  families will pay more tax and therefore contribute more money to state education in general
108Parents should be able to choose schools for their children that share their values
109
110Secularization
111The idea that religious beliefs, practices, and organizations are becoming less important in society as the influence of religion weakens
112Max Weber: As society modernizes and becomes more industrialized and scientific in its outlook, people have less need to rely on ideas that cannot be proved
113Bryan Wilson and Steve Bruce:
114Religious teachings and organizations are no longer respected
115People rely on material comfort for happiness and so don’t need to believe in supernatural ideas as much
116Religion has become more private and has less influence in public life
117People are less committed to religious values and practices, eg prayer and worship
118Religion has become a “leisure pursuit” rather than a deep commitment
119
120Place of Religion in a Secular Society
121British Social Attitude survey says proportion of religious people in UK has fallen massively over last 30 years, moreso in last decade
122CoE fell from 40% of population in 1983 to 17% in 2014
1232004-2014 saw a 12% drop
124Proportion of people who say they are catholics/other christians has remained stable at 25%
125Non religious up from 31% in 1983 to 49% in 2014
126Majority of population agrees that CoE should remain established Church in England (2011 Study 56% agree, 15% disagree)
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129
130The Effects of Secularization on Religion
131Sociologist WIlson and Bruce argue 3 processes lead to the decline of religion as society modernizes
132Rationalization: People use science to explain the universe and the place of humans in it. They reject religion, which cannot be proved
133Differentiation: Church used to control/influence large parts of peoples’ lives (eg education, hospitals, and government). Today these are run by non-religious organizations
134Decline of Community: As means of communication and exchange of information improve, world seems bigger. People no longer live in small communities, which used to be held together by the Church
135Therefore, Religion has decreasing power and authority in our society, and is being influenced more by non-religious institutions, such as the media
136Examples of secularization include:
137Fewer people attend Church services
138Fewer people are willing to work in the Church
139Many Churches are being closed and sold off
140Fewer people are getting married now than in the past
141Fewer people are baptized into the CoE, and even fewer and confirmed
142Christmas and Easter, once great Christian festivals, have lost their Christian significance in the British society. Many do not go to Church during these festivals, instead spending time with their families.
143Some people disagree about secularization occuring, and say that the nature of its importance is merely changing, as:
144Most people still hold religious beliefs, despite traditional religious beliefs and organizations losing their appeal
145Religion is very important for many minority groups, eg Muslims
146Some new religious movements and Eastern religions have experienced great popularity
147Religion may be weaker in Europe, but is still very strong in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, etc
148In some MEDCs, religion is still very important (eg the USA)
149
150The Rise of Humanism
151Humanism is a way of seeing and reacting to the world with science, logic, and reason, rejecting religious beliefs and ideas
152Church dominated European thinking before mid 18th century.
153Thinkers began to question Church’s authority and its teachings
154John Locke argued in 1689 that human knowledge came from experience of the world, and not form some outside truth. Many others were coming to similar conclusions
155Ideas that human ethics and goodness came from reason rather than external power also developed. “Humanism” began to be used to describe a view of the world that focus on human beings rather than organized religion
156Many of the first humanists remained Christian despite challenging the Church. The Church adapted over time to accept humanists, and humanism became completely non religious
157Humanists share 3 core principles today:
158A scientific view of the universe, rejecting supernatural beliefs, including religious beliefs
159A concern for the welfare of other human beings and animals based on reason, not on divine authority.
160The need for each person to create meaning in their own life without believing in life after death
1611967 saw multiple humanist organizations join to form the British Humanist Association. It has the guiding principle of “our world, our responsibility, our possibility”.
162The British Humanist Association campaigns to disestablish CoE, remove the right of Anglican Bishops to sit in House of Lords (Lords Spiritual) and abolish Faith Schools
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164
165Potential Clashes Between Religious and Secular Values in Education
166⅓ of state funded schools are faith schools despite ¼ of people not being religious in UK
167There is potential for conflict between religious and secular values in English schools
168RE is compulsory in all state schools. In faith schools. The faith organization may decide what is taught, and how.
169Christian faith schools teach RE as being confessional (designed to reinforce faith of pupils and promote Christian worldview)
170Aims of RE in CoE schools includes:
171Reflecting critically on the truth claims of Christian belief
172Seeing how the truth of Christianity is relevant today, and facing the challenge of Jesus’ teachings in a pluralist and post-modern society
173Recognizing faith is not based on probability, but commitment to a particular way of understanding God and the world
174Understanding how religious faith can sustain pupils in difficult circumstances and in the face of opposition
175Aims of RE in RCC schools includes:
176Enabling pupils to deepen religious and theological understanding and to be able to communicate this effectively
177Enabling pupils to relate their Catholic faith to daily life
178Provoking a desire for personal meaning as revealed in the truth of the Catholic faith
179Making pupils aware of the demands of religious commitment in daily life
180National Secular society is not against religion/teaching about religions represented in Britain. It is against the idea of the State promoting religion, hence being against confessional teaching of Christianity in Christian schools
181In non-faith state schools, RE is taught following a locally agreed syllabus that should reflect the mainly Christian religious traditions of the UK, whilst accounting for other religions represented in the UK
182National Secular Society believes non-religious and humanist worldviews should be taught alongside religions, and that no religion should have greater importance than any other
183Schools without a “religious character” must provide daily acts of collective worship, which must be of a “broadly Christian character” alongside RE lessons/
184
185The Aims of Collective Worship in Schools
186Department of Education states that
187Collective worship in schools should provide opportunity for student to worship God, consider spiritual and moral issues, and explore their own beliefs
188Also to encourage participation and response to worship offered
189Develop community spirit, common ethos, shared values, and reinforce positive attitudes
190
191British Humanist Association states that
192Law is incoherent in diverse schools
193Cannot worship collectively if the faith is not the same 
194Ignores right of children under 6th form to freedom of belief by only giving parents the right to withdraw them from RP and/or worship.
195
196National Curriculum in England states that:
197Curriculum must be balanced and broadly based
198Must promote spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, and physical development of pupils
199Prepare students for responsibilities and experiences of later life
200All state schools must teach religious education
201
202Education Act 1996 states that:
203Every agreed syllabus should reflect that the UK’s traditions are mainly Christian whilst also accounting for the teaching and practices of other religions in the UK
204
205Education Reform Act 1998
206All students in attendance shall take part in act of collective worship
207Collective worship must be of a wholly or mainly Christian character
208“Broadly Christian Character” = Broad traditions of Christian belief without being distinctive of any particular Christian denomination
209
210
211Potential Clashes Between Religion, Tradition, and Secular Law
212British law is secular despite CoE being represented in parliament and MPs having religious background
213Judges swear to treat people equally under the law regardless of religion
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215
216
217Marriage
218Marriage is a special relationship between man and woman created by God
219Promises made to God that the relationship will be faithful and permanent regardless of circumstances
220Clashes between secular and Christian values on marriage include:
221Civil marriage - a legally recognized union of 2 people. CoE recognizes it, RCC recognizes non-Catholics can be married this way, but not Catholics. For RCC, marriage is a spiritual bond which must take place in a Church
222Same-sex marriage legal in UK, except for NI. Recognized in civil ceremony. CoE opposed to same sex marriage in church, as they believe marriage is between a man and a woman. CoE recognizes marriage of 2 gay people. RCC does not.
223Marriage can be legally dissolved through a divorce, and individuals can remarry freely after it. CoE sees marriage as a “permanent and lifelong union”, but recognizes sometimes a divorce may be inevitable. A divorced Anglican can ask permission from their bishop to remarry in Church. RCC believes marriage cannot be broken by people, therefore it does not recognize divorces and divorcees cannot remarry in RCC as marriage is made by God.
224
225Annulment
226Can get annulment in RCC despite divorce being forbidden
227Annulment cancels marriage as if it never happened
228Must meet one of these 3 conditions:
229Marriage was not conducted by RCC priest
230“Impediment” meant the couple should not have been allowed to marry, eg underage or closely related
231“Defect” in the couple’s consent to marry - a partner was not in a position to agree to the marriage. Eg being mentally ill, not having enough time to make the decision, being under drugs or alcohol when marrying, marrying because female partner was pregnant
232
233Responses to forced, arranged, and child marriages
234Arranged marriage is planned by members of family of partners and not by partners themselves
235Sometimes partners may not meet before marriage
236Traditionally approved and encouraged as they could bring economic, social, or political benefits
237Wishes of partners ignored
238Christian societies practised arranged marriage until 12th century for peaceful relations between families and clans
2391140 Monk called Gratian produced book of Catholic law called “decretum gratiani”, introducing the idea of consent at marriage rather than just presence at the ceremony
240RCC requires consent for marriage, as does Anglican. Marriage can be annulled if the partner doesn’t consent
241CoE believes forced marriage are legally and morally wrong - Forced Marriage Act 2007
242Consent is key for Christian marriage and is foundation of marriage in English law
243CoE says “non consensual marriage should be dealt with... as an issue of fundamental human rights”
244
245Non-Christian and Historical Attitudes to forced, arranged, and child marriage
246Some non-Christian cultures still practice arranged marriage
247Legal in UK if both parties consent, otherwise it is an illegal “forced marriage”
248Marriage may be forced by emotional pressure or threat of physical violence
249Forced marriage exists in some religious communities. 
250Christianity absolutely opposes forced marriage as consent is important in marriage
251Age for marriage has also changed over time - in Biblical times girls married at puberty. Mary (possibly) gave birth to Jesus at 14, as people died around 45 then
252
253Laws about marriage in the UK today
254In England+Wales, couple can marry at 16 with parental consent, 18 without
255In Scotland, couple can marry at 16 without parental consent
256RCC allows males to marry at 16 and females at 14. However, RCC allows bishops for individual countries to decide ages for their own countries. In UK, CoE and RCC ages for marriage are consistent with UK laws
257
258Christian Attitudes to Equality and Potential Clashes with Equality Laws
259Christianity teaches all people are equal regardless of ethnicity, sex, nationality, sexuality, class, or disability
260This is because:
261God created the human race
262God plays a part in the creation of each individual
263God loves everyone and accepts them as they are 
264God created human beings in his image, meaning each human shares characteristics of spirituality, creativity, and love
265Historical examples of Christians fighting against secular authorities in the face of injustice include MLK in USA, Trevor Huddleston in South Africa campaigning against racial inequality
266“Love your neighbour as you love yourself” - Matthew 22:39
267“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”
268
269Role of Women in the Church
270Bible provides some examples of inequality
271Eg St Paul writes “women should remain silent in churches. They are not allowed to speak...it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the Church”
272And “He is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man” - 1 Corinthians 11:7
273CoE, after many years of debate, allows women to be ordained as priests/bishops. RCC teaches it is against will of God for woman to have leadership roles in Church
274Equality act of 2010 requires equal treatment of men and women in employment, but excludes Priests, monks, nuns, and ministers of religion
275“I declare the Church has no authority...to confer priestly ordination on women” - Pope John Paul II
276
277Same Sex Marriages
278Marriage Act 2013 makes same sex marriage legal in civil ceremonies
279Churches generally opposed to religious marriage of same sex couples
280Marriage act stops churches + other religious organizations from being forced to allow same sex marriage on their premises and from their representatives being forced to do it
281“For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God”
282
283Scientific Development in Medical Ethics
284One of the reasons for secularization is development of science and technology, leaving religious people out of touch with the modern world sometimes
285
286Euthanasia
287Deliberate act of ending someone’s life to relieve them of suffering.
288Voluntary Euthanasia: when a person requests to have their life ended, perhaps due to terminal illness or pain
289Involuntary euthanasia: when a person is unable to request that their life is ended, perhaps due to being in a coma, so a doctor/relative makes the decision
290Passive euthanasia: withholding treatment that, if administered, would keep the person alive
291Active euthanasia: deliberately ending a person’s life, eg with lethal drugs. Active euthanasia is seen as murder or manslaughter under UK law
292Assisted suicide (when a terminally ill patient asks someone to help them take their own life) is illegal, as it is a form of active euthanasia
293Suicide attempts are legal (Suicide Act of 1961)
294Public opinion is 70% (strongly) in favor of Euthanasia. 
295House of commons MP vote in 2015 saw 330-118 defeat of the proposal
29670% of Anglican clergy in 2014 believed law regarding laws regarding assisted suicide should not change
297
298Christian teachings about euthanasia
299Most Christians believe euthanasia is wrong, as:
300Life is precious and is sacred as it was created by God (sanctity of life)
301Euthanasia is deliberate killing (murder), and murder is forbidden in the 10 Commandments
302Christians have a duty for care for those who are suffering
303RCC on Euthanasia
304RCC teaches deliberate killing of “innocent” human being is always morally unacceptable
305Life has unqualified value as it is a gift from God
306Life is always preferable to death, regardless of the pleasure/wellbeing the person has
307Euthanasia is therefore always wrong, even if it is done to reduce pain + suffering
308Church teaches assisted suicide is also wrong, since it is the deliberate killing of a God-given life, which humans do not have the right to do
309
310CoE on euthanasia
311CoE recognizes importance of “personal autonomy”, which is the right to make independent decisions about your life
312Also recognizes it puts unwelcome burden on someone else to carry out euthanasia or assist suicide
313To end the life of a human implies their life no longer has meaning, going against sanctity of life
314Better to protect life than protect autonomy of individual
315Therefore, society should offer compassionate care instead of assisting suicide of dying person
316Euthanasia violates the fifth and sixth commandment (honour thy mother and father, thou shall not kill”
317
318Attitudes to Euthanasia
319Non religious reasons for opposing euthanasia include:
320A doctor’s duty is to preserve life, not to end it
321Medical advances in pain control, and constant new cures for illnesses being released
322Some patients, eg elderly ones, may agree to euthanasia against their will so as to not be a burden to their relatives
323Non religious reasons to agree with euthanasia include:
324Euthanasia is not murder, as murder committed through anger and hatred, euthanasia is performed out of love and compassion as it stops a person’s suffering
325It is possible to put controls in place to ensure that a person really wants their life ended
326It is their life, so they should be able to decide how and when it ends
327
328The Right to Die
329Some people believe that a person’s life is their own, and that a person therefore has the right to self-determination with their life without interference from anyone else, so they should be able to end their own life if they wish
330Christians, however, believe a person’s life is not their own, but it is God’s. God creates life, and only God has the right to take it away, therefore no person has the right to commit suicide or assist someone in it
331Suicide Act of 1961 makes suicide legal, but voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide remain illegal
332A person has the right to refuse life-saving medical treatment (passive euthanasia)
333Some Christians agree with this if the person has the mental capacity to make this decision
334If the death of the patient is God’s will, it would be wrong to interfere (Christians who do not believe in medicine, for example)
33518th century philosopher David Hume argues commiting suicide does not go against Christian principles, as God created human beings with mental powers that can be used for “ease, happiness, or preservation”. If suicide makes life easier or happier for a person, then it is allowable
336
337Quakers on Euthanasia
338Also known as society of friends
339Differing opinions
340Some believe those who are suffering greatly should be allowed to die if they want to
341Others believe people should care for one another and support others through their pain, making euthanasia unnecessary
342Some quakers worth in hospices, helping patients receive necessary pain relief to die naturally but with dignity
343
344Abortion
345Life begins at conception in Christianity (sperm meets egg),
346A fertilized egg is a God-given life that is sacred and must be treated the same way as a baby, child, or adult
347Some people do not believe life starts at fertilization as 70% of fertilized eggs do not become implanted in womb, and 25% of those that do are lost naturally via miscarriage
348Some believe a foetus’s rights increase as it develops, others believe the end of pregnancy/birth of baby marks beginning of new life and the point at which it has rights
349
350Attitudes to Abortion
351More Christians believe life begins at conception than non-religious people
352Abortion is deliberate termination/ending of a pregnancy via a medical process
353In most cases, abortion must take place before 24th week of pregnancy, as foetus can survive outside of womb after that
354Pro-lifers believe that life begins at conception, so abortion is always wrong. Most Christians are pro-life.
355Pro-choicers believe that a woman has the right to decide on issues regarding her pregnancy, as it will affect her body and life via pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. No-one should have the power to force her from continuing with an unwanted pregnancy, so the woman should have the right to safe, legal abortion.
356Others believe a balance must be struck between foetal and the woman’s rights: they believe the rights of the foetus increases as it ages, and abortion is only acceptable in some circumstances at some stages of pregnancy
357Church teaches abortion is wrong, but most Anglicans and Catholics support it (70+%)
358Christian Attitudes Towards Abortion
359
360Christian Teachings
361Christians believe in sanctity of life -> some are concerned about abortion
362Attitudes towards abortion differ
363No Christian church believes abortion should be encouraged, and they all agree it should only be used in the most serious situations
364
365RCC on Abortion
366Believes abortion is never acceptable, so it is strongly against it
367Does accept abortion if it saves life of mother, as the intention is to to save the woman’s life and health, not to end the pregnancy (this being an unfortunate side effect)
368Teaches foetus is human being from conception
369All human life is sacred, so foetus has a right to life
370
371CoE on Abortion
372Generally opposed to abortion
373Can be justified in some situations, eg mother may die from pregnancy, the foetus is so badly disabled that it will die soon after leaving the womb
374Severe situations must be responded to with compassion
375Child of rape, baby possibly born with disability, etc may be justified for abortion by some individuals using Matthew 7:12
376Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you. shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets - Matthew 7:12
377Church believes alternatives to abortion, eg adoption, should be available and that parents must be supported and cared for with compassion is difficult situations
378
379The Didache, an Early Christian Writing, on Abortion
380“You shall not kill by abortion the fruity of thy womb”
381“Do not… kill a newborn infant”
3821st century AD
383Teachings of the Lord by the twelve apostles to the gentiles
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395Issues of Genetic Manipulation
396DNA contains biological instructions that make each species unique
397Passed from parent to child
398Genetic manipulation involves editing genome (organism’s complete set of DNA) by adding or isolating DNA for particular characteristics
399Scientists can use genetic manipulation to cure someone of serious medical conditions via growing/ making copies of cells in “therapeutic cloning”. 
400“Therapeutic cloning” involves taking a  cell from someone's’ body, and removing the nucleus containing the DNA. Nucleus is then placed into an egg and stimulated to start growing. The resulting embryo contains stem cells, which can then be used to replace damaged cells
401RCC absolutely opposed to therapeutic cloning as life begins at conception -> embryo created by scientists is a human being -> deliberate destruction of such embryos after stem cells have been harvested is absolutely wrong (destroying sacred life) “It is gravely immoral to sacrifice a human life for therapeutic ends” - RCC Dignitas Personae
402CoE recognizes that an embryo could be seen as a human being, but recognizes the view that is has the potential to be a human being but may not be one yet. “Therapeutic cloning may be thought of as ethical, as it does not result in another human being” - CoE
403
404The Creation of Life
405Couple may turn to fertility treatments if they cannot have babies naturally
406Some Christians believe God decides whether a couple can have children or not, so fertility treatment interferes with God’s plan
407Churches are mostly opposed to fertility treatment methods, rather than the concept
408Artificial insemination, also known as intrauterine insemination, involves collecting sperm and inserting it directly into a woman’s uterus via non sexual means. 
409CoE teaches conception should occur in a loving sexual relationship, but AI is acceptable if the first option is not possible. 
410RCC believes conception should only happen through sexual union, so AI is unacceptable
411In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) brings sperm and egg together outside a woman’s body in lab conditions. Several eggs are fertilized, creating several embryos. 2 are inserted into the woman’s uterus, the rest are frozen. Those that are frozen may be used to try again if the first attempt does not work, used for research (eg on genetic manipulation), or donated to another couple. Spare embryos are destroyed after 10 years of being frozen
412RCC opposes IVF as conception should only happen through sexual union. 
413There is also concern about the use of the spare embryos, since RCC sees embryos as independent, sacred, God-given lives, it is absolutely opposed to research being conducted with them, and their distribution is seen as a “crime against their dignity as human beings”
414CoE accepts IVF, but understands why some Anglicans may be opposed. 
415Accepts use of embryos for medical experimentation within 14 days of fertilization. After 14 days after fertilization, the CoE believes the embryo becomes a unique human being. 
416Stem cells are normally harvested at 5-6 days into pregnancy, and the law forbids experimentation/research on embryos older than 14 days.
417Genetic manipulation can be used to select embryos based on characteristics
418Screening can show gender, inherited disorders, etc, and doctors can selected healthy embryos to be implanted into the womb
419Embryos can also be selected to produce “saviour siblings”, babies that are born to provide tissue to a sibling whose serious medical condition could be treated with it
420Some people worry selecting embryos this way produced “designer babies”, where parents can select embryos for intelligence or looks
421
422Dialogue within and between religious groups
423
424Different teachings, beliefs, and attitudes of Christians towards each other and other religious groups
42584% of world is religious despite influence declining in the West
42650-75% of UK is religious, majority Christian
427British culture is characterized by diversity of ethnic, cultural, and religious background
428Religions are separated by different beliefs about spiritual and ethical issues
429Differences in spirituality include:
430The nature of God
431The origins of the universe
432The meaning and purpose of life
433Good and evil
434The afterlife
435Separations in ethics include:
436Sexual relationships
437Marriage
438Sexuality
439Gender roles
440Medical ethics
441Money
442War
443Justice
444Equality
445Human rights
446The environment 
447Alcohol and food
448There is no consensus on these issues, so many religions claim to possess the truth about them
449
450Exclusivism
451The view that only one religion is true, and that the others are therefore false
452In Christianity, exclusivists believe salvation is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ
453Those who follow other religions or other Christian denominations are not destined for heaven
454“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me”
455“Whoever believes and is baptized will be safe, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
456
457Inter-faith Exclusivism
458RCC (until recently) maintained exclusivist outlook on those of other denominations and faiths
459Pope Innocent III wrote “there is but one universal church of the faithful, outside of which no-one at all can be saved”
460Pope Eugene IV wrote in the 15th century that “those not living within the catholic church...cannot become participants in eternal life”
461This motivated missionary work for many
462Missionaries spread Christianity as they believe others need to hear the Christian gospel to be saved for eternity
463Some protestants also hold exclusivist views
464Most evangelical protestants in America believe Muslims do not pray to their God, and that there is only one God.
465
466Intra-faith Exclusivism
467Some Christians hold views on other denominations based on exclusivism
468During reformation, Catholics and Protestants persecuted each other
469Queen Mary believed if England was protestant her subjects were destined for hell
470RCC acknowledged in 1960s that, whilst it was the one true Church, the Holy Spirit was active in people of other denominations and communities
471RCC said non-Christians do not get punished if they never learn about God - “for his ignorance of Christ and his Church”
472Dominus Iesus in 2000 from RCC reasserted that “the Church of Christ...continues to exist fully only in the Catholic Church”
473Dominus Iesus in 2000 from RCC also describes that other Christian groups eg Protestant churches “are not churches in the proper sense” and are “imperfect” and “defective”
474Pope Benedict 16 said you cannot compare those who have not learned about Christianity with those in the Church. “Gravely deficient situation in comparison to those who, in the Church, have the fullness of the means of salvation”
475
476Inclusivism 
477Exclusivists argue their position is logical - if Jesus is God in human form, then Christianity is the true faith
478Some Christians take issue with this view as Christians have other beliefs that may make exclusivism less straightforward, as:
479God is omnibenevolent and loves everyone he has created. A loving God would give salvation to everyone, not just Christians or specific groups of Christians
480People who lived before Jesus could not have been saved, yet some passages in the Old Testament suggest otherwise
481God is good and fair - it would not be fair to condemn people who have not heard of Jesus
482Matthew - Jesus says “the righteous [will go] into eternal life”. This does not mention faith or belief being necessary for salvation
483Beliefs like this gave rise to exclusivism
484Christian exclusivism believes Christianity is the only true religion, and that Jesus was god in human form, and that his death was a sacrifice for the world’s sins.
485However, exclusivists also believe non-Christians can go to heaven; faith in Jesus and going to Church are not necessary.
486Inclusivism is associated with the Catholic thinker Karl Rahner, who developed the idea of the “anonymous Christian”. God can save anyone through his grace in the form of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of humankind. 
487However, individuals do not have to be conscious of God’s grace for it to affect them. The anonymous Christian has been given God’s grace without being a Christian and without being aware of it. They act and think like Christians without being Christians.
488Rahner says that anonymous Christianity ceases if you reject Christianity after hearing about it.
489Critics of inclusivism say it is just a form of exclusivism, as it still believes Christianity is the only true religion and disregards others.
490
491Pluralism
492Rejects the idea God has only revealed himself through Jesus and that salvation can only be obtained through him
493Pluralists disagree with inclusivists and exclusivists 
494Maintain that God reveals himself through the world’s religious traditions, and that Christianity is just one of many valid responses to God
495“There are many rooms in my father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not true” - John 14:2
496Pluralism is associated with the theologian John Hick
497Hick says all major faiths have 2 things in common:
498None can prove it is the one and only true religion
499Individuals of all faiths have experiences they say come from God
500Therefore Hick concludes all religions are equally close to the truth, and deserve the same respect
501Differences in religion, religious experiences, and teachings about God are accounted for differences in cultures. All religions experience the same God
502Hick strongly challenges exclusivist view that only Christianity can lead to salvation, as religious views are strongly determined by culture, therefore it is unfair that someone should be denied salvation because they weren’t born into a Christian culture. 
503Because of this, a person born into any culture can reasonably claim that only their religion can lead to salvation
504Hick also says that if Christianity was the best religion, then Christians would clearly be/act better than other people. “Traditional belief we have a uniquely full revelation of God and unique direct relationship with God...Surely this ought to produce a some noticeable difference in our lives. Christians ought to be better human beings than those who lack these inestimable spiritual benefits”
505Critics of pluralism point of Hick ignores genuine differences between religions, including contradictions. Because of contradictions, religions can't be different versions of the same truth. 
506As well as this, religious followers hold their beliefs to be completely true, none of them 
507consider their religion to be “close” to the truth or contain some truth only.
508
509
510Ecunumenicalism and intra faith communication
511Up to 45,000 different Christian groups/denomination in the world
512All Christians believe there is one God, and that Jesus is the son of God and the savior of humankind
513Each denomination has its own combination of beliefs and teachings that gives it a unique identity
514Different denominations have different ways at looking at others:
515Some are exclusivist (eg old RCC), holding that there is only one true Church
516Some are inclusivist (eg Rahner’s Anonymous Catholic Christianity), believing that their Church is the one true Church but people from other Churches can achieve salvation as well
517Some are pluralist, believing all denominations share the Truth of God, but express it in different ways
518Important to emphasize common beliefs and historry between denominations