On this page, please put any question you like (as long as it is relevant to REP!)

Please put questions in green, factual replies in ordinary text colour, and opinion-based replies in red.

e.g.:

What is the evidence for the Big Bang Theory?

 The main evidence is from the observation of red shift, showing that galaxies are moving apart rapidly. Also there is leftover CMBR (Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation), which is like the heat left after an explosion.

The Big Bang Theory is widely accepted by almost all scientists today.

I believe that the evidence must be very strong for all scientists to be so convinced, it suggests to me that the theory is true.

What is an example of a religious belief against euthanasia/suicide?

Fundamentialists would say active euthanasia was completely wrong because the Bible says 'Thou shalt not murder.'- Exodus chapter 20 verse 12.

Ecclesiastes C3 V1-3 " Time to born and a time to die". This could be interpreted as saying that euthanasia/abortion may not be right due to fatalism.

How long should an A02 conclusion be on average?

What should be included in it?

An AO2 conclusion does not have to have a specific length. It should refer to the wording of the question, so that you have clearly dealt with the issue to evaluate. Your conclusion just needs to be long enough to clearly express your final evaluation of the matter.

What religious views are on disability for both equality and inequality?

Some Christians see the parable of the paralyzed man shows inequality on disability as when Jesus was healing him he said: "get up and walk; your sins are forgiven." This may suggest that having a disability may be down to former family members committing a crime against God.

On the other hand, Jesus said the most important commandments were to love God and to love one's neighbour as oneself. To 'love one's neighbour' promotes equality, and would not encourage discrimination against the disabled.

What is the term "The mark of Cain" about?

Cain was the first born son of Adam and Eve. Cain killed his brother Abel, and God cursed Cain and placed a mark on him so that whoever should find him could recognise him and then be able to kill him in revenge of the murder of Abel. Some extreme religious groups, such as Christian Identity and the KKK, have interpreted this mark as referring to black skin.

What does the story of Job tell us about sin and suffering?

The book of Job in the Old Testament tells us that he was a "righteous man". However, God allowed Satan to test his faith, and Satan put him through terrible suffering. Job refused to curse God, but asked why he should suffer, to which God replied that Job should not question God. We also learn that Job's friends assume that Job must have sinned, though the story maintains his faithfulness - this shows that it was presumed at the time that his suffering must have been related to his sins.

What is the curse of Ham?

In Genesis, it tells the story of how Noah and his family escaped a terrible flood by listening to God's command to build an ark. Afterwards, one of his three sons, Ham, happened to catch him naked (Noah was drunk). Noah curses him, and declares that his descendants will be slaves. In medieval times, it was said that Ham was the father of all African peoples. This led to a racist approach amongst some Christians.

What are religious views on race equality? and what evidence is there?

Most Christians promote equality, since all people are descended from Adam and Eve, and the story of the Good Samaritan in particular shows that Jesus promoted loving behaviour regardless of race or background. There are other applicable Bible verses too, such St Paul's comment that "there is neither Jew nor Greek... you are all one in Christ Jesus". Some extreme groups calling themselves Christian have used reference to the 'Curse of Ham' or the 'mark of Cain' as Biblical evidence against apparently clear Biblical evidence that promotes equality.

How do you apply Mill to the issue of designer babies?

Consider the 'utility principle' relating to the "greatest happiness for the greatest number". This means that if we are considering a case that removes disease, for example, Mill would generally be in favour of this.

Mill also believes in the 'liberty principle', so he would allow rules that protect people from harm

Mill's philosophy is that we must consider the level of pleasure involved. So, if the technology is used to increase the intelectual capaibilty of the offspring it is just as justibiable (rather than, say, improving the 'looks' of the babie)s.

Which Christian groups oppose abortion?

1. Catholics. They believe life is sacred and is therefore a gift from god. life is as valuable at conception as it is in adult life. The Pope has repeatedly affirmed that life begins at conception.

2. Fundamentalists/Evangelicals. The Old Testament command 'Thou Shalt Not Kill' is interpreted very strictly.

For which questions might Aquinas' natural moral laws be relevant ?

For questions on euthanasia and abortion, or on Christian teachings on moral issues.

Which question will require information on Christian ethics, and sources of authority ?