Q18

Criteria	Marks
Provides a comprehensive analysis of how the ethical teachings of Christianity guide adherents to navigate the world today<br>Integrates the stimulus effectively throughout the response<br>Supports a cohesive and well-structured response with detailed, relevant and accurate information<br>Integrates relevant and accurate terminology	17–20
Provides a thorough analysis of how the ethical teachings of Christianity guide adherents to navigate the world today<br>Integrates the stimulus within the response<br>Supports a structured response with relevant and accurate information<br>Uses relevant and accurate terminology	13–16
Provides an analysis of how the ethical teachings of Christianity guide adherents to navigate the world today<br>Refers to the stimulus within the response<br>Supports the response with relevant information<br>Uses accurate terminology	9–12
Provides a description of the ethical teachings of Christianity<br>May refer to the stimulus within the response<br>Uses some information and/or terminology	5–8
Makes general statements about Christianity<br>May use some terminology	1–4

Answers could include:

Christianity provides a comprehensive ethical framework that guides adherents in their daily lives and in navigating the complexities of the world today.

• Ethical teachings guide decision making when dealing with issues around the sanctity of life, moral responsibility and human dignity.
• The teaching of ‘Sanctity of Life’ upholds that life is a gift from God.
• ‘So God created mankind in his own image’ (Gen 1:27) implies human life is sacred and should be treated with respect.
• When applied to the issue of euthanasia, Christianity opposes the practice, as the deliberate ending of life contradicts the teaching and belief that God has authority over life and death.
• The principle of ‘Love and Compassion’ emphasises Jesus’ teachings of love, compassion and mercy towards others.

Bioethics

• ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself’ (Matt 22:39) reflects this teaching when applied to end-of-life care, where Christians are encouraged to show compassion towards the dying, advocating for palliative care over euthanasia.
• Many Christian denominations have interpreted biblical text and formed specific guidelines on bioethical issues eg the Catholic stance on bioethics opposes cloning, abortion and reproductive technologies that destroy embryos.
• Some Pentecostal Christians may emphasise the moral implications of genetic research advocating for care and caution in biotechnology.
• The teaching of ‘Free Will’ shows Christians that they must make decisions with responsibilities.
• ‘You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free’ (Gal 5:13).
• Christians are encouraged to consider personal responsibilities with acts of compassion and love for others, many Christian denominations encourage or promote organ and tissue donation.

Environmental ethics

• The ethical teaching of stewardship applies to issues related to the environment, based on Gen. 2:15, ‘God took man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it’.
• Eco justice, based on the teaching of love thy neighbour, may be applied to how Christians respond to issues related to climate change.
• The social justice teaching of solidarity and subsidiarity apply to this area, as God created all things and responsible action to environmental issues at local levels fulfils this duty for Christians.