Lesson Aim

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• Lesson Aim
• To consider the interpretation of sacred writings

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The Golden Rule Recap
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The Golden Rule

• So in everything, do to others what you would
  have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and
  the Prophets
• Matthew 712

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(No Transcript)
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5 Min Task

• Use a full jotter page to create a Golden Rule
  logo (complete with rule)

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Interpretations of Sacred Writings
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Area 1
Relationship Between Religion and Moral Values a)
Euthyphro Dilemma b) Religious Morality -
Moral autonomy / moral heteronomy - Golden Rule
- Interpretations of Sacred Scripture c)
Utilitarian and Kantian Ethics - Utilitarianism
- Immanuel Kant
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Introduction

• There are many scriptures that religious people
  believe come from God(s).
• These scriptures also act as a guide to followers
  providing guidance on what is right and what is
  wrong.
• Religions disagree with each other because they
  each believe that their scripture is divine.
• As well as this there are many different
  interpretations of these scriptures within a
  religion.

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Introduction

• There are many scriptures that religious people
  believe come from God(s).
• These scriptures also act as a guide to followers
  providing guidance on what is right and what is
  wrong.
• Religions disagree with each other because they
  each believe that their scripture is divine.
• As well as this there are many different
  interpretations of these scriptures within a
  religion.

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Quick Quiz Name that holy book....

• Islam -
• Sikhism -
• Hinduism -
• Christianity -
• Buddhism -
• Judaism -

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Quick Quiz Name that holy book....

• Islam Koran (and the Hadith)?
• Sikhism The Guru Granth Sahib
• Hinduism The Vedas
• Christianity The Bible
• Buddhism The Sutras
• Judaism The Tenak (Torah, Prophets and other
  writings)?

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What is Inerrancy??
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What is Inerrancy??

• Inerrancy refers to the belief that the
  scriptures are without error
• In Christianity, all Christians believe that the
  Bible was inspired by God, but have different
  opinions about the inerrancy of the Bible

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Inerrancy

• Fundamentalists/Literalists the scripture is
  100 true with no errors and should be
  interpreted literally.
• Conservatives the scripture is true but should
  always be interpreted in context and sometimes
  symbolically.
• Liberals the scriptures are not seen as factual
  books. The lessons and meaning of the stories
  are what's important.

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Christian Scripture

• Christian Scripture were written between 2-4000
  years ago when many moral issues could not have
  even been imagined!
• This means Christians have to match up Biblical
  teachings to fit with modern dilemmas.
• This will still leave you having to work a few
  things out for yourself.

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Examples

• Modern day problems include -
• Is abortion ever right?
• Should we keep a person in a coma alive on life
  support for decades?
• Should we give and receive blood?
• Can I kill in self defence?
• etc

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Catholic and Protestant Bibles

• The Bible wasn't officially compiled as one book
  until 373AD
• The Protestant Churches have 66 books in their
  canon of the Bible
• The RC Church has 73 books (they added some over
  the years)?

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RC Bible (Extra Books)?

• Tobit
• Judit
• Wisdom of Solomon
• Sirach
• Baruch
• First and Second Maccabees

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Languages of the Bible

• The Bible was not written in English
• Sometimes when it is translated into English
  there can be differences of opinion with regards
  to the real meaning.

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Languages of the Bible

• The Virgin birth example
• Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a
  sign Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a
  son, and shall call his name Immanuel. KJV

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• Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.
  Look, the young woman is with child and shall
  bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. NRSV

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• ????
• Hebrew Almah
• This word can mean either 'virgin' or 'young
  woman'

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Christian Scripture

• Christians use scripture for moral guidance.
  However, they also compare it with their reason
  and check with their religious leaders or other
  Christians.
• Hence, different denominations can hold different
  opinions about moral issues!

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Interpreting Sacred Scripture

1. Consider the original meaning
2. Work out what principles can be applied today
3. Does it contradict any other teachings of your
   faith?
4. Pray and meditate for insight into meaning
5. Seek advice from wise faith leaders
6. Discuss and analyse with fellow faith members

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• Do non-religious people have 'sacred writings'
  that they turn to for moral guidance?

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Viewpoints Independent of Religious Belief

• the peoples of the United Nations have in the
  Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental
  human rights, in the dignity and worth of the
  human person and in the equal rights of men and
  women and have determined to promote social
  progress and better standards of life in larger
  freedom.
• UN Declaration of Human Rights

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What is Inerrancy??

• Inerrancy refers to the belief that the
  scriptures are without error
• In Christianity, all Christians believe that the
  Bible was inspired by God, but have different
  opinions about the inerrancy of the Bible

Copy into jotters
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Inerrancy

• Fundamentalists/Literalists the scripture is
  100 true with no errors and should be
  interpreted literally.
• Conservatives the scripture is true but should
  always be interpreted in context and sometimes
  symbolically.
• Liberals the scriptures are not seen as factual
  books. The lessons and meaning of the stories
  are what's important.

Copy into jotters
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Pink RMPS Book

• Read p75 and complete the Qs in your jotters

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Extension Read the Info Sheet in your Folders

• There are no page numbers sorry!
• 7mins

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• In groups, discuss answers to the questions
• 10mins

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3 Maxims (or Principles) to the Categorical
Imperative

• 1. All actions must be able to be made into
  universal laws
• 2. Every human being must be treated as an end
  rather than a means to an end
• 3. You must always behave as if you are the
  absolute moral authority of the entire universe