Section 8.2: Religion8: environmental and medical issuesSection 8.2: Religion: environmental and medical issuesSReligion: environmental and medical issues.8.2

This section MUST be based on a study of Christianity and ONE other religion.

8ental and medical issuesSection 8.2: Religion: environmental

artificial insemination injecting semen into the uterus by artificial means

conservation protecting and preserving natural resources and the environment

creation the act of creating the universe or the universe which has been created

embryoa fertilised egg in the first eight weeks after conception

environment the surroundings in which plants and animals live and on which they

depend to live

global warming the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere (thought to be

caused by the greenhouse effect)

infertilitynot being able to have children

in-vitro fertilisation the method of fertilising a human egg in a test tube

natural resources naturally occurring materials, such as oil and fertile land, which can be

used by humans

organ donationgiving organs to be used in transplant surgery

stewardship looking after something so it can be passed on to the next generation

surrogacyan arrangement whereby a woman bears a child on behalf of another

1. Global warming — its causes and possible solutions.

a. The Greenhouse Effect

By burning fossil fuels (gas, coal and oil) we produce carbon monoxide.

This produces a barrier in the atmosphere, which causes the heat from the sun to get through but not get out again.

This causes the earth to warm up

This could cause problems in Britain like more rainfall and due to the melting of the ice caps there would be a rise in sea levels causing some areas of land to disappear.

b. Natural climate Change

Some scientist claim it is due to a natural process because in the last 10,000 years, the warmest periods happened well before humans started to produce large amounts of carbon monoxide.

c. Solar Activity

Some scientists claim that changes in the earth’s temperature are caused by the amount of radiation coming from the sun.

Although there are arguments about its causes, there is no argument about the fact that the earth’s surface is getting warmer and that the results could be disastrous.

Possible solutions to global warming.

There is no single solution to the problem, but there are many suggestions including:

  • For individuals to use less electricity in the home.
  • Investment in renewable technology like wind and wave power.
  • Development of low carbon cars.
  • Reducing air travel.
  • Reducing the use of fossil fuels and rainforest destruction.
  • All countries agreeing to reduce greenhouse gasses.
  • Research into causes and solutions.

2. Forms of pollution and their possible solutions.

Developed countries are the worse but not the only polluters. Governments in developing nations often claim that they are only doing now what richer countries did in the past and that it is hypocritical for richer countries to tell them what they should be doing. Competition means that businesses often put profit before welfare. Some governments look to short term benefits; others have a longer view.

An ecosystem means that plants, animals and the atmosphere of the earth interact with each other to produce all the materials which are needed for life on earth to continue. Unfortunately humans have altered the interaction by introducing various forms of pollution.

Waste Pollution.

Increased technology leads to more waste, most of which is not recyclable or biodegradable (it does not break down naturally if buried or exposed).Waste takes up space, spreads disease and releases dangerous chemicals into the environment, yet we are generating more every year.

Land Pollution.

Land or soil pollution can lead to poor growth, loss of wildlife habitats, soil erosion, desertification, deforestation and other types of pollution.

Water Pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of rivers, lakes, oceans, and reservoirs by chemicals or other matters that affect water quality. E.G. eutrophication, this is when sewage and fertiliser make water plants grow but when they die they are broken down by bacteria. As the bacteria feed, they use up the oxygen and the fish die.

Water pollution includes discarded plastic waste and other litter.

Air Pollution

Air pollution happens when substances or chemicals affect the natural balance of the air. E.G. sulphur dioxide and nitrous chemicals from coal fired power station, which lead to acid rain which harms soil, water and all forms of life as well as buildings. Air pollution can cause smog and breathing problems for humans and animals.Vehicles release pollutants into the atmosphere including planes which are one of the biggest polluters.

Possible solutions.

  • Create less waste
  • Recycle more.
  • Anti-pollution laws
  • Use alternative energy.
  • Manufacturing methods that create less waste.

A successful example is where the use of CFCs were reduced in order to help the ozone layer to repair.

3. The scarcity of natural resources and how this poses a threat to the

future of the planet, with possible solutions.

Scarcity of natural resources.

Humans rely heavily on non-renewable resources which are going to run out. This will have a major effect on the future of the planet. It is therefore vitally important that we conservethe earth’s natural resources by not wasting them. Some ideas are:

  • Not wasting electricity. Switching off what we don’t need.
  • Walking, cycling or using public transport instead of driving.
  • Buying and using more products from renewable resources.

4. Christian teachings on stewardship and their effects on Christian

attitudes to the environment.

Both Islam and Christianity say that creation is a gift from God, God gave the earth to humans, they are part of creation but they are expected to care for the earth. This is called STEWARDSHIP - looking after something so it can be passed on to the next generation.

Christians must try to balance taking care of the earth with providing for mankind. As everything is interdependent any harm done to the planet will eventually harm us. All Christians believe that after death they will be judged by God for their actions while they were living. Most Christians believe that this includes how they have looked after the earth.

This means that Christians should work to –

Reduce pollution

Preserve resources

Improve life for the less fortunate

Share the earth’s resources

Improve the standard of living in LEDC’s

HOWEVER this is not as easy as it sounds e.g. shutting down a factory which causes pollution but employs 3,000 people would not be a good Christian solution. Therefore although some Christians see the environment as important they do not see it as THE most important thing. It is this that causes DIFFERENT attitudes to the environment amongst Christians.

‘We have a responsibility to create a balanced policy between consumption and conservation.’ Pope John Paul ll. 1988.

‘You made him (humans) a little lower than the heavenly beings, and crowned him with glory and honour. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet’ Psalm 8 v5-6.

‘Then the lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and guard it’

Genesis 2 v15.

5. The teachings of Islam on stewardshipand their effects on its followers in their attitudes to the environment.

Muslims believe that on the day of judgement questions will be asked. We will be required to answer for any ill treatment of the planet and its resources. The earth is seen as being a product of Allah so it should be treated with love.

God created the universe, earth and people as a unity. God created Adam as the first human being because he had free will. He misused this free will in the Garden of Eden and was thrown out. He repented his sin at Arafat and was made the first prophet of God. God created Adam as his Khalifah – vice-regent or trustee, someone who looks after things for you. Therefore as all Muslims are descended from Adam they should look after the earth for God.

Muslims have a duty to be involved in removing pollution and must preserve the earth’s resources without ignoring the needs of humans. The teachings of the Tawhid show that there is unity in creation, which could be spoilt by pollution. Muslims mustremember that life is a test and part of that test is to look after the earth created by God.

‘His (Allah’s) trustees are responsible for maintaining the unity of his creation, the integrity of the earth, its flora or fauna, its wildlife and natural environment’

Dr Abdullah Omar Nasseef.

‘Thy Lord said to the angels, ‘I will create a vice-gerent on earth….and he taught Adam the nature of all things…. He said to the angels ‘Bow down to Adam.

Surah 2 30-34

‘He has set up the balance in order that ye may not transgress balance’

Surah 55 5-8.

6. The nature and importance of medical treatments for infertility.

Medical technology has provided many solutions to infertility which is known as embryo technology:

In-vitro-fertilisation. (IVF) An egg is taken from the mother’s womb, fertilized in a test tube and then put back in the womb. Either the husband’s or a donor’s sperm can be used.

Artificial insemination by Husband. (AIH) When the husband’s sperm is inserted into the wife’s womb by medical means.

Artificial insemination by Donor. (AID) When an unknown (anonymous) mans sperm is put into the wife’s womb by medical means.

Egg Donation. When an unknown woman’s egg and the husband’s sperm are fertilized by IVF and put back in the womb.

Embryo Donation. When both sperm and egg are from unknown donors and are fertilized by IVF then placed in the wife’s womb.

Surrogacy. When either the egg or sperm of husband and wife, or the egg or sperm of husband or wife or unknown donor, are fertilized by IVF and then placed in another woman’s womb and the baby handed to the husband or wife after the birth.

All of these methods are supervised by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. Many of the opponents of fertility treatments have accused doctors of playing God. However others regard them as a miracle.

Why infertility treatments are important.

  • Infertility has become much more of a problem in the western world in recent years with as many as 12.5% of couples estimated to have fertility problems.
  • Male fertility problems affect up to 1.5 million in the UK.
  • In 2007 12% of all births in the UK were as a result of fertility treatments.
  • It is part of human nature to want children; this is the way the species survives.
  • Psychological problems are caused if couples want children but cannot have them.

7. Different attitudes to infertility treatments among Christians and the

reasons for them.

There are 2 very different Christian views on infertility because there are different ideas about when life begins.

The Roman Catholic View. And the view of some other Christians is that life is given by God and no one has a right to children. They believe that;-

They all involve fertilisation taking place away from a sexual act; God intended procreation to come from sex.

All forms of artificial insemination or surrogacy involve masturbation by the male which is a sin for Catholics.

Any process using IVF involves some embryos being thrown away when not used; this is the same as abortion.

Catholics believe children have the right to know who the parents are and this is prevented in AID and surrogacy.

Roman Catholics will however allow drugs to increase the fertility of either partner.

Other Christians allow IVF and AIH because:

The egg and sperm are from the husband and wife.

Technology should be used to give couples the joy of children.

The discarded embryos are not foetuses and their destruction can be justified by the doctrine of double effect (the intention is to produce children for childless couples not to kill embryos.)

However, they are suspicious of all other techniques, though none have actually been banned by the Churches. There are concerns that they involve questions of who the parent is and could lead to problems for the children in terms of their identity and also legal issues of exactly who the parents are. They believe that only the husband and wife should be involved in conception.

8. Attitudes to infertility treatments in Islam.

Islam accepts IVF and AIH because:

The egg and sperm are from the husband and wife.

All Muslims are expected to have a family, and it is ok to use technology to help bring it about.

The unused embryos are not foetuses until they are 14 days old and destroying them is not like abortion. Their destruction can be justified by the doctrine of double effect (the intention is to produce children for childless couples not to kill embryos.)

Islam does not allow any other forms of embryo technology because:

They deny a child’s right to know its natural parents.

A third party would have to be involved. If sperm is donated this is a sin comparable with adultery.

They are the same as adoption, which is banned in Islam.

There are also concerns about diseases that may be inherited from an anonymous donor.

Key Questions to think about when deciding on your own point of view.

?????? When does life begin? Have embryos got rights? Could these modern techniques be exploited for the wrong reasons? Have the donors any rights? Who are the ‘real’ parents? Should humans interfere in Gods creation? Do these techniques help family life? Have infertile couples the right to use any modern medical technique to have children? Is sexual intercourse the only way humans should have children?

9. The nature and importance of transplant surgery.

Transplant surgery is the use of organs taken from one person and put into another person to replace an organ that is malfunctioning or diseased. Transplant surgery can be very effective and gives life and hope to people for whom there is otherwise no hope.

There are 2 types of transplant surgery – one uses organs from a dead person,(e.g. hearts, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, corneas,) the other uses organs from a living person which they can live without (e.g. bone marrow, single kidneys).

In June 2008 it was suggested that we should have an opt out system instead of an opt in to transplant. This means that everyone agrees to their organs being used after death unless they say otherwise.

Transplant surgery is important because:

  • It saves and improves people’s lives.
  • In March 2010, 7234 people were waiting for transplants, 3709 were carried out thanks to the generosity of 2021 donors. This means another 4000 lives could have been saved.
  • The number of people needing transplant rises by 8% per year.
  • Gives people the chance to help others after their death.
  • It is leading to medical advances.

10. Different attitudes to transplant surgery in Christianity and the reasons

for them.

Most Christians agree with transplant surgery, but would definitely disagree with organs being bought from poor people. They believe this because:

  • Those who believe in immortality of the soul believe that the body is not needed after death;
  • Those who believe in resurrection believe that God will not need the organs to raise the body;
  • Leaving organs for others is a way of loving your neighbour;
  • The Bible says the poor should not be exploited.

Some Christians agree with transplants using organs from living donors but not from the dead. They would also not allow payments for organs. They believe this because:

  • Transplanting organs from the dead to the living is ‘playing God’, which is a great sin;
  • Donating your living organs is a way of loving your neighbour;
  • Paying for organs is exploiting the poor which is banned in the Bible.

Some Christians do not agree with transplants at all and do not carry donor cards because:

  • They believe it ignores the sanctity of life;
  • They believe it is ‘playing God’, which is a great sin;
  • They agree with all the non religious arguments against transplants.

11. Different attitudes to transplant surgery in Islam and the reasons for them.

Most Muslims do not agree with transplant surgery and will not carry donor cards because:

  • The Shar’iah teaches that nothing should be removed from the body after death;
  • It is ‘playing God’, which is a sin;
  • The Qur’an teaches that only God has the right to give and take life;
  • They would agree with all the non-religious arguments against transplants.

Some Muslims allow transplants from close relatives because: