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Religion and Morality /
Unit 3 /
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Religion and Morality Revision Booklet

Religious Attitudes to Death

What is death?

Forty years ago if your heart stopped beating you were considered dead. Now brain death seems to be more of a factor. However people who are brain dead can be kept “alive” on life support machines. There are three concepts that are important when considering death –

Sanctity of Life – All life is sacred and a gift from God. It should always be respected

Value of Life – What value or importance you put on a persons life

Quality of life – What standard of life someone has – disability has a huge effect on this

Life after Death

Christians and Muslims believe that when a person dies God (or Allah) decides where they will spend eternity, either in heaven or hell. This depends on how they have behaved in this life. Roman Catholics believe in purgatory – a place of cleansing before people go on to heaven.

Muslims believe in Barzakh a state of waiting for the final day of judgement. People then rise and have to cross the Assirat Bridge: Good people go on to heaven and people who have committed sins against Allah will fall off the bridge into hell.

Heaven is seen as a paradise and place of happiness with peace and tranquillity. Hell is a place of pain and suffering, images of hot fire and torture are associated with hell.

Reincarnation means that you are reborn in another form. This is the belief of Hindus and Buddhists.

Problems faced by the elderly

  • Many have to rely on state pensions. Poverty can be a real problem. Fuel poverty has continued in the 21st Century.
  • Many elderly feel forced to retire
  • Illness is much more serious in the elderly
  • The elderly are less mobile and more dependant on others
  • They can often feel worthless or lonely if their wife or husband dies (More than 2 million live alone)

Who should care for the elderly?

Living at home – Many can cope living at home with the help of a social worker, or a cleaner or meals on wheels service

Living with family – Many people prefer to have elderly members living with then. Muslims in particular think it is a duty and responsibility to look after the extended family.

Community options – Some people have to move into sheltered housing which are adapted to make life easier for the elderly. There is a warden on duty to help with any issues. Residential homesprovide security and care for people who can no longer look after themselves. They may have their own room but there is a communal lounge where activities take place. Hospiceslook after the terminally ill in their final weeks, so medical care can be provided.

What religion teaches about the elderly

Christianity

  • Christianity is deeply involved in the hospice movement
  • Christians are encouraged to recognise experience and wisdom is associated with age
  • Christians believe the elderly should be supported and respected.
  • Christians prefer the elderly to have independence but will consider care options
  • Churches often provide support for the elderly such as services in the residential homes

Islam

  • Muslims believe in an extended family so different generations often live with each other
  • It is an expected duty to look after elderly parents which provides spiritual growth
  • It is seen as disrespectful to put the elderly in a home

Euthanasia

Sanctity of life

Religious people believe that life is sacred and special. They argue that all living things have a right to life. All the major religions stress the importance of caring for and respecting the seriously ill.

The word euthanasia means a “gentle death” it is sometimes called mercy killing.

Voluntary Euthanasia – helping someone to die when they have asked for help to end their lives.

Involuntary Euthanasia – when someone else makes the decision without or against the persons will – often amounts to murder

Non – Voluntary Euthanasia - when the person is not capable of making the decision or give permission (on life support etc)

Passive Euthanasia – withholding treatment with the intention of ending life. Examples are removing life support or not giving medicines.

Active Euthanasia – deliberately “actively” ends life – injection of drugs or pills etc

Euthanasia and the Law

Voluntary Euthanasia is legal in Switzerland and the Netherlands. There are strict guidelines that must be obeyed.

In Britain Voluntary euthanasia is illegal although many would like a change in the law. Until 1961 it was a criminal offence to commit suicide.

Hippocratic Oath

All doctors must take this – it is a promise to look after patients and not cause them harm. It makes it impossible for doctors to practise euthanasia. Despite this 46% of doctors would support a change in the law.

There have been many cases in UK courts where leniency has been shown to people who have committed euthanasia.

Voluntary Euthanasia Society

This is a group that take the view people should have the right to their own decision about their death. They suggest members carry a “living will” to declare they do not want to be on a life support machine if there is little chance of recovery.

Arguments for euthanasia

  • People should have the right to die with dignity
  • We put animals down when they are suffering
  • Everyone should have the right to a good quality of life
  • At least 5 % of terminal pain cannot be controlled

Arguments against Euthanasia

  • It is a form of murder
  • It is “playing God” as to who has the right to live and die
  • Hospices provide excellent care for terminal patients
  • Mistakes could be made – people could have recovered
  • People could abuse the system – Harold Shipman a serial killer preyed on the seriously ill

Christianity

  • The bible includes many references to the value of life – Sanctity of life
  • It breaks one of the 10 commandments “do not kill”
  • Christians believe God has fixed our life spans – Only he has the right to take it away
  • Suicide is wrong but most Christians recognise people who try to kill themselves need care and understanding.
  • In the past some denominations (types of Christians) refused to bury suicide victims on church ground – the Quakers did not take this view
  • Christians support the turning off life support machines

Islam

  • The idea of the “right to die with dignity” is NOT acceptable to Muslims
  • Islam teaches that it is Allah who created life – only he can take it away -Life is a sacred gift
  • Suffering is for a purpose – it is the will of Allah who is testing them
  • Muslims do not oppose the turning off life support machines or passive Euthanasia - To prolong life unnaturally is to go against the will of Allah
  • Muhammad taught it is wrong to take one’s own life – it will result in torment on the day of judgement

Tony Bland

Tony Bland was an 18 year old Liverpool fan which was crushed in the Hillsborough disaster. On 15th April 1989 just before the game kicked off there was a surge of supporters who were in the area of the ground. As a result a hundreds of supporters were injured in the crush, some very serious and 95 men, women and children lost their lives. One of the most seriously injured was Tony Bland; he was taken to hospital unconscious. It took until November 1992 for the family and Airedale NHS trust, which were treating Tony to overcome moral objections and legal difficulties and receive court’s permission to stop feeding him. This would allow him to die with dignity. On 22nd February 1993 with permission having been gained, feeding was withdrawn and Tony life support machine was switched off. Tony died on 3rd March 1993.

Hospices

A hospice is a home that cares for the dying – aim is to control pain and relieve suffering. This is known as palliative care. They were set up by Dame Cicely Saunders.

The emphasis is on quality of life. They want to relieve anxiety about death and prepare them for the journey. Families are involved in the process. It helps people die with dignity. Many hospices in Britain are of Christian foundations.

How religions help with the dying

Christianity and Islam teach that there is an after life and people will be at peace with their God after they die. This is a comfort for both the person dying and the ones left behind. Christians believe that you should not fear death and that God will look after you in your suffering. Hospices are a Christian based home for the dying.

On a practical level religions are keen to support the dying. Priests listen to confessions and help with funeral arrangements. They may visit the family after the funeral to offer support in their mourning.

Religious Attitudes to Drug Abuse

Drugs – A drug is a substance that can be natural or manufactured in a laboratory, which if introduced to the body has an effect on the way the mind and body work.

Prescription Drugs – drugs legally obtained only with a doctor’s consent.

Drug Abuse – using drugs in a way that harms the user.

Illegal Drugs – drugs which are illegal to possess, sell or use, put into three classifications according to their potential harm and addictiveness.

Social Drugs – legal drugs which are still addictive, such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine etc.

Solvents – some aerosols, glue and gas lighter refills abused by sniffing which can cause hallucinations and can be fatal.

General religious beliefs

None of the six major religions permits followers to take illegal drugs. Some groups within the religions may take a specific drug for a certain reason. Rastafarian Christians allow cannabis because it is a natural herb that God provided.

Main stream Christians and Muslims are both strongly against illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription drugs because of the damage they do to the mind and body God created. The body is a temple and it must be looked after as such.

Drugs and the law

Social drugs are legal despite the damage that they can cause. Age restrictions d apply

Some over the counter medicines are restricted in quantity such as pain killers

Solvents are illegal to sell if there is suspicion that some one is abusing themselves with aerosols, glue or lighter fluid. Some solvents are restricted to over 18s

Illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin hold prison sentences for people caught using or selling them

Caffeine

Caffeine is a mild stimulant that is not illegal, but can cause ill effects in some people. It is naturally found in coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks, and is used in some headache pills. It can also be taken in tablet form by people who need it to keep them awake or alert or to give them a temporary feeling of well-being. It is the most widely used mood-altering drug in the world. In large quantities it can be addictive and cause interruption of sleep patterns, problems with digestion and anxiety disorder leading to panic attacks. Regular users of caffeine can suffer withdrawal effects if they reduce or stop their intake. This can lead to headaches, fatigue, and difficulty in concentrating, irritability, anxiety and depression. Yet caffeine is illegal, not controlled in any way and regularly given to very small children in the form of chocolate and soft drinks.

Drug Classification

This is based on how harmful or addictive each particular drug is. Class A is kept for the most dangerous drugs such as heroin. Class B for less harmful drugs such as amphetamines (speed) and finally class C is for the least harmful such as steroids. Class A drugs have a more serious punishment if you are caught using or selling the drug, much long prison sentences are given for these drugs.

Classification / Examples / Effects / Dangers / Legal Punishment
A / Heroin / A painkiller that gives a feeling of well being. Very addictive and easily can cause an overdose / Max: 7 years Possession
Max: life
Supply
A / Ecstasy / Stimulant taken at parties, sense of euphoria followed by calm. Easily leads to dehydration and liver problems / Max: 7 years Possession
Max: life
Supply
A / Cocaine / A white powder snorted or injected (crack is smoked). After effects lead to depression and confusion / Max: 7 years Possession
Max: life
Supply
B / Amphetamines (speed) / Stimulant that increases wakefulness. Causes depression, paranoia and sometimes schizophrenia / Max: 5 years Possession
Max: 14 years
Supply
B / Cannabis / Usually rolled and smoked. Helps people to relax. Skunk is more powerful. Can cause psychological damage, but some people use it as a medicine / Max: 5 years Possession
Max: 14 years
Supply
C / Steroids / Often used to increase body mass. Outlawed by the sports world. Can cause heart conditions. Prescribed by doctors for some conditions / Max: Legal
Possession
Max: 14 years
For ILLEGAL Supply

Cannabis

Currently a class B drug - During the 1990s campaigners wanted it downgraded to class c as many people believe it is less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco. In 2004 it was reclassified as class c and adults were unlikely to be prosecuted for possession. In 2009 cannabis went back to class B as a much stronger form of the drug became available – skunk. This has increased the health dangers:

  • 1000 people a year develop psychotic illness due to cannabis
  • Mental health hospital admissions due to cannabis rose by 63%
  • In 2007 150 000 people claimed disability benefits for conditions relating to cannabis use
  • Cannabis is seen as a gateway to other drugs – cocaine and heroin

Social Drugs

Alcohol and nicotine are classed as social drugs. Sale is restricted to people over 18

  1. Tobacco causes lung cancer and heart disease
  2. 120 000 people die a year due to smoking
  3. From 2007 it is illegal to smoke in enclosed public places
  4. Nicotine and alcohol is very dangerous for unborn or young children
  5. 30 000 deaths are a result of alcohol in the UK
  6. Alcohol causes liver and heart disease
  7. Both drugs are addictive
  8. Excessive use of alcohol results in anti social behaviour such as violence

Taxes on tobacco and alcohol

Both drugs are heavily taxed (80% of cigarettes is tax.) This makes them very expensive habits. Some of the money collected in tax goes to the NHS to cope with the health problems caused by these drugs. In 2007 the health issues cost the NHS £2.7 billion. The tax collected is more than this amount and is used in other areas of public spending like education

Why do people use drugs?

Alcohol / Tobacco / Illegal Drugs
Pubs and nightclubs are good places to meet socially and drinking alcohol is part of that scene. / They are addicted to nicotine. / They are addicted to them.
They are addicted to alcohol. / They think smoking helps to keep their weight down. / They progressed from legal drugs such as alcohol.
They think alcohol makes them more of a person and it gives them confidence. / They think they will look antisocial if they refuse a cigarette when offered. / They start to take them to help with a crisis in life.
They are influenced by peer pressure. / They have grown up in a smoking household so it seems like the normal thing to do. / They are influenced in peer pressure.
Family life encourages drinking at meal times. / They need smoke to relax. / They mix with people that take and deal in illegal drugs.
They enjoy the taste of some alcoholic drinks. / They think it will not cause harm even though it harms other. / They are following role models in the entertainment industry.
Pubs and nightclubs are good places to meet socially and drinking alcohol is part of that scene. / Their friends smoke / It helps them to enjoy a night out – Ecstasy

Christianity – Smoking – YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE OF GOD

  • Some Christians do smoke, but it is not something that is encouraged
  • A healthy lifestyle is much preferred and the dangers of passive smoking are also recognized.
  • Most Christians avoid smoking or seek help to try and give it up.
  • There isn’t any direct teaching on the subject in the bible, but Christians are taught to be faithful stewards and those who are in need.
  • It is recognized that some people are addicted to nicotine and find it very difficult to stop smoking.

Christianity – Alcohol

  • Some Christians are tee-totallers (Salvation Army.) They have made the decision not to drink alcohol at all.
  • In the 19th century Christians supported organizations like the Band of Hope, which encouraged men not to waste their money on getting drunk.
  • Many other Christians believe in moderate drinking. They are careful not to drink too much and avoid getting drunk.It is recognized that excessive drinking causes people to do things which they otherwise would not do.
  • But some see nothing wrong with drinking some alcohol. Jesus drank wine, and at the wedding he turned water into wine.
  • At the last supper Jesus told his followers to share bread and wine as they remember him, and Paul encourages timothy to take wine for medical reasons.

Islam – Smoking – DO NOT HARM THE BODY GIVEN TO YOU BY ALLAH