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4. Outline three Jewish teachings about stewardship - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
4. Outline three Jewish teachings about stewardship. (c) Explain two reasons why Jews believe in life after death. (d) "There are no acceptable Jewish arguments fo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4. Outline three Jewish teachings about stewardship - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Jewish teachings about stewardship.
Answer
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The Earth is God's Creation: In Jewish thought, the world is viewed as a divine creation, which calls for humans to act as caretakers or stewards of God's work. This belief emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to care for the environment and ensure that it is preserved for future generations.
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Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): This concept encourages Jews to engage in social action and make the world a better place. Stewardship in this context extends to caring for society and the environment, working to correct injustices and promote sustainability.
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Bal Tashchit (Do Not Destroy): This teaching prohibits unnecessary destruction of resources. It emphasizes the importance of conservation and responsible use of nature, pointing to an ethical duty to share and protect the earth's resources.
Step 2
Explain two reasons why Jews believe in life after death.
Answer
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The Promise of Resurrection: Many Jews hold a belief in resurrection, particularly during the Messianic Age. This view is supported by teachings from the prophets and is a core aspect of traditional Jewish eschatology, where the righteous will be resurrected in the afterlife.
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The Concept of the Soul: Judaism teaches that the soul is eternal and exists beyond physical death. The existence of the soul is often tied to concepts of reward and punishment, where one's actions in life determine their fate after death, reinforcing the belief in an afterlife.
Step 3
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments For the Statement:
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Jewish Texts on the Sanctity of Life: The Torah teaches that life is sacred, leading many to argue against euthanasia on religious grounds. Supporting texts from the Talmud emphasize the commandment to preserve life, making euthanasia seem incompatible with Jewish values.
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Respect for Divine Will: Many believe that life and death are in God's hands. Euthanasia can be perceived as humans intervening in divine matters, which remains against traditional Jewish belief.
Arguments Against the Statement:
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Compassion and Suffering: Some Jews argue that allowing euthanasia can be an act of compassion, particularly in cases of unbearable suffering. The ethical consideration of alleviating pain may justify euthanasia in specific circumstances.
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Diverse Opinions Within Judaism: There are various interpretations and beliefs within the Jewish community regarding euthanasia. Some progressive branches emphasize personal autonomy and quality of life, suggesting that individuals may make choices regarding their suffering.
Conclusion: While traditional texts oppose euthanasia in the realm of sanctity and divine intervention, a growing discourse may consider personal dignity and compassion. Therefore, while the statement holds weight based on traditional teachings, there are valid counterarguments that warrant consideration.