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Outline three Hindu beliefs about euthanasia - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
Outline three Hindu beliefs about euthanasia. Explain two ways Hindus respond to global warming. Explain two Hindu beliefs which support the existence of a life af... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline three Hindu beliefs about euthanasia - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Hindu beliefs about euthanasia.
Answer
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Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Hinduism teaches the principle of ahimsa, which emphasizes non-violence towards all living beings. Many Hindus believe that euthanasia contradicts this principle as it involves ending a life intentionally.
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Karma and Dharma: Hindus believe in the karmic cycle where one's actions (karma) in this life affect their future lives. Euthanasia could disrupt the individual's journey in fulfilling their dharma (duty) as they might need to confront their suffering and its purpose in their spiritual growth.
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The Cycle of Life and Death: Hindus view death as a natural part of the cycle of samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth). Many believe that suffering brings lessons that aid in spiritual development and that it is inappropriate to hasten death.
Step 2
Explain two ways Hindus respond to global warming.
Answer
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Environmental Stewardship: Hindus are encouraged to live in harmony with nature, aligning with the belief that all life is interconnected. Many Hindus engage in practices that promote sustainability, such as planting trees and participating in conservation efforts, viewing these actions as a duty to protect the Earth as part of their dharma.
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Rituals and Festivals: Hindu festivals often incorporate environmental themes, such as the festival of Govardhan Puja, which celebrates nature and encourages respect for the environment. By promoting awareness through these cultural rituals, many Hindus advocate for actions that mitigate climate change.
Step 3
Explain two Hindu beliefs which support the existence of a life after death.
Answer
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Reincarnation: One of the core beliefs in Hinduism is reincarnation, where the soul is reborn in a new body after death. This belief underscores the idea that life continues beyond physical existence, reflecting a cycle of death and rebirth.
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Scriptural Authority: The Bhagavad Gita, a crucial text in Hindu philosophy, affirms the eternal nature of the soul (Atman). It states that the soul is immortal and transcends physical death, supporting the belief in a life after death.
Step 4
"No one should believe in evolution." Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
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Arguments For the Statement:
- Some Hindu teachings emphasize divine creation, which may conflict with the scientific understanding of evolution. Certain believers argue that the complexities of life are too intricate to have arisen simply through random evolutionary processes.
- Additionally, some may view evolution as dismissing the spiritual aspect of creation, which holds significant importance in Hindu belief.
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Arguments Against the Statement:
- Many Hindus accept scientific explanations for the origin of life, viewing evolution as a means through which divine creation operates. They believe that evolution can coexist with traditional beliefs, seeing God's role in guiding the process.
- A non-religious perspective supports evolution with extensive scientific evidence, highlighting how species adapt over time, which is observable and testable.
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Conclusion:
- While some Hindu traditions may oppose evolution due to a literal interpretation of scriptures, others embrace it, finding ways to harmonize scientific beliefs with spirituality. A comprehensive evaluation suggests that belief in evolution does not necessarily negate faith but can coexist within a broader framework of understanding the world.