This homework is on Science and Religion:
(a) What is meant by ‘environmentalism’? [1]
(b) What is the difference between scientific and biblical accounts of how humans were created? [2]
(c) Describe three similarities about Christian and Scientific views of the universe and humanity. [3]
(d) Explain why Christians might have different views about how they should treat the planet. [6]
(e) ‘Human beings are not capable of caring for the environment.’ [12]
The Part E is quite tricky. The key tension is what human beings are capable of.
You could tackle this from an environmental perspective:
On one hand human beings have shown themselves to be terrible at looking after the planet. We have deforested, caused oil spills, made species extinct, caused global warming. These are clearly not the actions of people looking after the planet well.
On the other hand, humans have developed incredible technology in terms of renewable energy, organisations work to protect endangered species etc. Perhaps we are good at looking after the planet!
From the Chrsitian perspective:
Humans are given “dominion” over the planet to subdue it. It is not our job to fix a “fallen” world – this is ultimately God’s job.
On the other hand, many Christians consider us to have a duty of stewardship. We are looking after the planet on behalf of God. If we have been entrusted with this task then we should be capable of completing it.