Photo AI
Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes (a) Outline one attitude that Buddhists might have towards abortion - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes (a) Outline one attitude that Buddhists might have towards abortion. (b) Describe the attitudes ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes (a) Outline one attitude that Buddhists might have towards abortion - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline one attitude that Buddhists might have towards abortion.
Answer
Buddhists often view abortion in the context of their understanding of life and suffering. One prevalent attitude is that life is sacred, and taking a life through abortion is generally considered to be wrong. This belief stems from the principle of non-harming (ahimsa), which is central to Buddhist teachings. However, some Buddhists may also consider the circumstances surrounding the abortion, such as the potential suffering of the unborn child or the mother, allowing for varied perspectives within the tradition.
Step 2
Describe the attitudes some Buddhists might have towards the role of the Church of England in public life.
Answer
Many Buddhists recognize the historical significance and cultural impact of the Church of England. They may respect its role as a moral guide for Christians in public life but could also feel that it does not adequately represent the diverse beliefs within contemporary society. Some Buddhists might argue for a more pluralistic approach to public life that accommodates various beliefs, including Buddhism. Others may see the Church as a partner in promoting ethical values that align with their own teachings.
Step 3
Explain why some Buddhists might object to laws about genetic manipulation.
Answer
Buddhists may object to laws concerning genetic manipulation due to ethical concerns about the sanctity of life and the natural order. The belief in karma may lead some to argue that manipulating genetics interferes with the natural processes of life and potential suffering could arise from such actions. Furthermore, many Buddhists might emphasize the importance of compassion and consider whether genetic manipulation could lead to harm, thus conflicting with the fundamental Buddhist principle of ahimsa.
Step 4
'There is no need for Buddhist faith schools.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
Buddhists may contest the idea of Buddhist faith schools by arguing that Buddhism fundamentally promotes open-mindedness and an understanding of diverse perspectives. While some advocate for faith schools to ensure proper teaching of Buddhist beliefs and practices, others believe that education should occur within a secular framework that fosters dialogue between various religions. This approach aligns with the Buddhist teaching of interdependence, suggesting that all individuals benefit from understanding different beliefs. Therefore, while the existence of Buddhist schools can be valuable in preserving traditions, unnecessary exclusivity might be counterproductive.