Religion and Science
Read the summary of the content below and then follow the links below to futher revision materials. Remember, if you get stuck, do contact your RE teacher for help and advice.
Key terms | Key themes | Key Quotes | Sample Questions | Extra Revision Materials on this topic
Key Terms
* Genesis
* Creationism
* Literalism
* Interpretation
* Stewardship
* Steward
* Responsibility (to look after the earth)
*Copernican Revolution
* Heliocentricity (Sun)
* Geocentricity (Earth)
* Charles Darwin
* Evolution
* Survival of the fittest
* Creatio-Ex-Nihilo
Key Themes
You will need to know about the following five areas:
- The Origin of the World and Human Life: the Christian belief ‘in one God…creator of heaven and earth…’ from the Nicene Creed. The two Biblical stories of creation (Genesis 1-2: Creation of the world in six days, Genesis 2-3: creation of humankind- Eve from Adam’s flesh). The idea that God created everything in the world with no pre-existent material. This is called ‘creatio-ex-nihilo’ – creation from nothing.
- Core Information: The Copernican theory of heliocentricity as opposed to the Catholic view of geocentricity in the 1500s. Check you know these terms – don’t let them bamboozle you!!! You also should know how science says the world began and the origins of life on earth (the Big Bang, evolution, etc).
- Human Beings and Animals – humans created a day later than animals – therefore more important. Humans disobeyed God, thus were thrown out of the perfect Garden of Eden and made to work to keep the land. Being made ‘in God’s image’ (imago dei), humans have a special relationship with Him.
- Christian Ideas About Stewardship: Christians given responsibility by God to look after the world. They see the world’s destruction as their inability to do what God asked them to, so they try their best to correct this. People used to believe that they could do whatever they wanted, but eventually realised that they were ruining the environment for their future generations.
- Christian Responses to Environmental Issues: Christians believe that Jesus gave them a responsibility to the world AND to other people. They try to care for their world and society. Examples are: recycling, less use of cars, picking litter, conservation strategies, helping famine relief in Africa/Indonesia and maybe becoming a member of Greenpeace, World Wide Fund for Nature, RSPCA (etc…).
Key Quotes
- ‘God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.’ (Genesis 1:3)
- ‘…whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.’ (Gen 2:19)
- ‘So God created man in his own image…’ (Gen 1:27)
- ‘the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.’ (Gen 2:7)
- ‘…let them have dominion over… all the wild animals of the earth…’ (Gen 1:26)
- ‘the earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it, The world, and those who live in it.’ (Psalm 24:1)
Sample Questions
a) What is stewardship? (1 mark)
b) Give 2 examples of environmental issues. (2 marks)
c) What are the main scientific theories concerning how the world and humanity began? (3 marks)
d) Explain why some Christians might not accept scientific theories about the origins of the world.
(4 marks)
e) ‘The world is ours to treat as we like’ Discuss this statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your
answer. (12 marks)
If there are any problems or you have a question, email us at PJC (Mr Chester), SLE (Miss Edwards) or PJW (Mr Winter) ‘…@hinchbk.cambs.sch.uk’ Good luck!
Other Revision Materials Religion and Science Powerpoint
Religion and Science Revision Guidance
Can you complete all the boxes?
Copernicus Revolution Powerpoint
A key change in the understanding of the universe. How did the Church respond?
Religionand Science Wordsearch
Mark Scheme for questions below:
a) What is stewardship? (1 mark)
b) Give 2 examples of environmental issues. (2 marks)
c) What are the main scientific theories concerning how the world and humanity
began? (3 marks)
d) Explain why some Christians might not accept scientific theories about the
origins of the world. (4 marks)
e) ‘The world is ours to treat as we like’ Discuss this statement. You should
include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You
must refer to Christianity in your answer.
Mind Map Example Everything about the topic on one A4 sheet…
Test yourself
How much can you complete?