Animal Ethics Animals in World Religions 2 April 2014
Homework Research and write up: What does the Bible teach about animals? (Consider the story of Creation, the Flood etc.)
Animal Ethics: “Are humans better than animals?” Choose and finish one sentence: Yes, because… No, because… Neither, because… STARTER
To know the views of various religions on animals and be able to critically evaluate them. Learning Objectives: E/F I know the views of various religions on animals. C/D I can explain how religious beliefs bear on practical issues. A/B I can compare and evaluate the implications of different religious views. MAINS
Basic Knowledge: Religious Views on Animals Animals are sentient beings: they have feelings and can suffer They were created by God as inferior to humans and for human use (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) They are part of the cycle of reincarnation together with humans (Hinduism, Buddhism) Animals have the same souls as humans, differing only in the degree of awareness MAINS
Bearing on Practical Issues: Write a paragraph: Based on what you know, what do you think would be the percentage of vegetarians in India? In the UK? Explain why. India: about 40% are strict vegetarians, with over 70% avoiding meat on a regular basis. UK: about 3% are strict vegetarians, with another 5% avoiding some meat. MAINS
Compare and Evaluate: Animal use and welfare: Finish the sentence: “Unlike Christians, Hindus… MAINS
Compare and Evaluate: Finish the sentence: “Differences in religious attitudes to animals lead to…” MAINS Human health and wellbeing:
Compare and Evaluate: Write a paragraph: Compare and evaluate Eastern and Western religions in terms of their impact on animal welfare and human health: What are the differences? What is the impact of beliefs? What beliefs are more helpful than others? How do they affect human behaviour? How do they shape social outcomes? MAINS
Review your books and summarise on the page: What grade do you think you achieved today? What did you learn? What went well? What could have had been better? To know the views of various religions on animals and be able to critically evaluate them. E/F I know the views of various religions on animals. C/D I can explain how religious beliefs bear on practical issues. A/B I can compare and evaluate the implications of different religious views. DESSERT