Starter quiz
- Why do some religious believers argue that humans should protect the environment?
- because harming the environment has no long-term consequences
- because religious texts emphasise human responsibility for the Earth ✓
- because nature has no value beyond its usefulness to people
- because pollution benefits the economy
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- Which of the following is an example of environmental abuse?
- planting trees to restore forests
- reducing plastic waste through recycling
- burning fossil fuels without concern for pollution ✓
- supporting companies that use sustainable resources
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- How do many Christians interpret the phrase "fill the Earth and subdue it" from Genesis 1:28?
- as a justification for using as many natural resources as possible
- as a call to take care of the Earth responsibly ✓
- as a reason to ignore environmental concerns
- as evidence that the environment will always repair itself
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- The idea that we are part of a global community and should act responsibly toward the planet is called global ...
- 'citizenship' ✓
- The excessive use of resources, leading to shortages and environmental damage, is known as ...
- 'overconsumption' ✓
- Christians who believe that caring for the environment is part of their duty as stewards are practising ...
- 'stewardship' ✓
Exit quiz
- Which of the following best describes Christian stewardship regarding animals?
- Humans have full control over animals and can use them however they want.
- Humans should avoid using animals for any purpose.
- Humans have a responsibility to care for animals and treat them humanely. ✓
- Animals have no value and should not be considered in ethical discussions.
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- What does Genesis 9:3 suggest about eating animals?
- It forbids the consumption of meat.
- It permits humans to eat animals. ✓
- It encourages vegetarianism as a divine command.
- It states that only certain animals can be eaten.
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- Which of the following Christian denominations is most likely to encourage a vegetarian or plant-based diet?
- Roman Catholicism
- Anglicanism
- Seventh-Day Adventism ✓
- Orthodox Christianity
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- The belief that humans should avoid causing unnecessary harm to animals is known as being ...
- 'humane' ✓
- The idea that humans have power over animals and nature is called ...
- 'dominion' ✓
- Some Christians believe that God originally intended humans to follow a ______ diet.
- 'vegetarian' ✓
Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Animals are used for food, research, clothing, work and companionship; views depend on their value.
- Many Christians allow eating animals (Genesis 9:3), stressing stewardship and humane treatment.
- Some promote plant-based diets, citing Genesis 1:29 as God's original plan for humans.
- Views differ: most denominations allow eating animals with ethical treatment; Adventists encourage vegetarianism.
- Christians use conscience, reason and biblical teachings (Genesis 1:29, 9:3) to guide their views on animals.
Common misconception
Christians within the same tradition or denomination have the same views on using animals for food.
In reality, even within the same denomination, Christians can have different views based on personal beliefs, scripture interpretations and culture. Some follow official teachings, while others make their own ethical choices.
Keywords
Humane - showing compassion, kindness and care for others, particularly in the treatment of animals or people
Stewardship - duty given by God to humankind to look after the created world and all life within it
Vegetarian - someone who does not eat meat, but may consume other animal products like dairy or eggs
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