Religious Studies B Unit 3

Religious Attitudes to Matters of Life

Morality refers to the personal decisions about what is right

and wrong behavior, and following these decisions in life.

Absolute Morality is where someone has a principle that never

changes, e.g.
Do not cause the suffering of others. Simply put, what is morally
right and wrong applies to all circumstances.
Relative Morality is where someone has a principle, but adapts it to
situations. For example, if they did not want to cause suffering, they
may choose to take part in a war to prevent greater suffering.
Simply put, it means what is morally right or wrong depends on
circumstance.
Religious Moral Principles are similar; but, come with the belief that
if one breaks these principles they will be offending their own
religion and going against God.
Some religions make it easier than others; an ultra orthodox Jew
following the 613 laws of the Torah will find it harder to break their
principles than a Buddhist following the general principles of the
Eightfold Path, etc.
Sanctity of life comes from the fact that life is considered to be
special. Additionally, as God is considered to have made the world and takes responsibility for it life has an extra importance. Sanctity
of life means that no one should be able to destroy or damage life.
The value of life can be interpreted financially or as a whole.
Financially speaking, it is measured by the benefit of life against the
money being spent on it. Others would argue that life as a whole is
much more important than any amount of money.
Quality of life assesses whether life will be comfortable and free
from pain, can the person live with dignity and freedom? If life is not
of significant quality, should they be allowed to die?