Different Interpretations Regarding the Origins of Life | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Comparison of Religious & Scientific Teachings

Religious vs. Scientific Approaches

• Scientists use theories based on reason and evidence to explain universe origins.
• Religious individuals rely on scripture for answers about universe origins.

Basis of Teachings

• Scientific teachings stem from evidence-based theories.
• Religious teachings are grounded in faith and belief in scripture's truth.

Focus of Inquiry

• Science examines how the universe came to be.
• Religion explores why the universe exists.

Compatibility Views

• Some religious people see science and religion as compatible.
• Others believe they conflict.

Arguments for Scientific Truth

• Atheists/agnostics reject scripture, denying God’s existence.
• Scientific truth is reliable due to repeated experimentation and verification.
• Religious experiences/scripture are subjective, based on personal views.
• Science provides practical, useful explanations of how the world works.

Arguments for Religious Truth

• Religious truth comes from an all-knowing God, making it as reliable as science.
• It addresses meaning and purpose, vital for human understanding.
• Scientific theories often change, while religious truth is absolute and unchanging.

Incompatibility of Science & Religious Views

Differences in Accounts

• Christians believe God created the universe; some scientists attribute it to chance.
• Literalist Christians interpret the Bible as God creating the universe in 6 days, resting on the 7th.
• Scientific theories suggest the universe evolved over a long period.

Views on Human Origins

• Some religious people believe God created humans in their current form.
• Scientists argue life evolved via natural selection from simple to complex organisms.

Authority of Scripture

• Some religious individuals view scripture as absolute truth, overriding conflicting scientific theories.
• Certain religious people reject scientific claims about the universe’s age, believing God made it appear older.

Compatibility of Science & Religious Views

Acceptance of Scientific Theories

• Many Christians accept the Big Bang Theory.
• They see cosmology as explaining how God created the universe.

Interpretation of Scripture

• Some Christians view the biblical account as non-literal, suited to its historical context.
• They believe the Big Bang could be God’s mechanism for creation.
• The Big Bang theory does not disprove God’s existence.

Harmony with Evolution

• Some Christians find no conflict between biblical accounts and evolution.
• They see the Bible as a simplified guide to God’s creation order.
• Science and religion are compatible, addressing different questions.

Role of the Bible

• Christians who accept evolution view the Bible as an authoritative account of God’s relationship with humanity and the universe.
• They believe evolution aligns with God’s plan, giving humans special rights and responsibilities.