Starter quiz
- Why do some Christians choose to follow a vegetarian diet?
- because the Bible states that all animals should be left alone
- because Genesis 1:29 suggests that God originally intended humans to eat plants ✓
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- What does the Christian concept of 'dominion' suggest about the use of animals?
- that humans should exploit animals for their benefit
- that animals are equal to humans in every way
- that humans have authority over animals but should treat them with care ✓
- that Christians should not eat animals at all
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- Which of the following is not a reason Christians might avoid eating meat?
- They believe animals have intrinsic value.
- They follow Genesis 9:3 literally. ✓
- They believe eating meat harms the environment.
- They see vegetarianism as an ethical choice.
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- The belief that humans should take care of the Earth and its creatures is called ...
- 'stewardship' ✓
- Many Christians believe that causing animals to suffer unnecessarily goes against being ...
- 'humane' ✓
- A Christian who only eats plant-based foods is likely to follow a ______ diet.
- 'vegan' ✓
Exit quiz
- What is the main ethical concern about animal experimentation?
- that animals are too different from humans for experiments to be useful
- that animals may experience unnecessary suffering ✓
- that scientists do not follow any regulations
- that animal testing is too expensive to continue
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- Which Christian denomination is most likely to oppose animal experimentation?
- Roman Catholic Church
- Church of England
- Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) ✓
- Methodist Church
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- What is the significance of the Thalidomide case in discussions about animal experimentation?
- It proved that animal testing is never necessary.
- It led to stricter drug testing laws requiring animal trials. ✓
- It showed that all drugs must be tested on humans first.
- It demonstrated that animal testing is always reliable.
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- The belief that humans have authority over animals and can use them for their benefit is called ...
- 'dominion' ✓
- Many scientists and religious leaders agree that suffering in animals used for research should be ...
- 'minimised' ✓
- According to Peter Singer, the belief that humans are superior to animals is known as ...
- 'speciesism' ✓
Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Animal experimentation uses animals for scientific research, such as medical testing and safety assessments.
- Ethical concerns include the justification for animal suffering and the intrinsic value of animals.
- UK laws regulate harmful animal experimentation and promote the three Rs (replace, reduce, refine).
- Most Christian denominations support limited animal testing, while others, like Quakers, emphasise animal welfare
- Non-religious arguments focus on animal suffering versus potential human benefits.
Common misconception
Animal experimentation always harms animals.
While animal experimentation can involve harm, modern practices aim to minimise suffering by using alternatives, reducing the number of animals used, and refining procedures to ensure humane treatment.
Keywords
Animal experimentation - the use of animals in scientific research to study biological processes, test medical treatments, or assess product safety
Speciesism - the belief that humans are superior to other animals, justifying their use for human benefit, seen by Peter Singer as morally equivalent to racism
Suffering - the experience of pain or distress
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