Explain two SIMILAR religious teachings about the use and abuse of the environment.

In your answer you must refer to the main religious tradition of Great Britain and one or more other religious traditions. [4 marks]

Christianity

• Some Christians believe that they have a duty to protect the environment and prevent its abuse.

• They point to the Creation Story, where Adam is put in charge of looking after the Garden of Eden, and say that we are responsible for looking after the earth in the same way.

Islam

• Some Muslims believe that they have a duty to protect and preserve the environment.

• They argue that Allah has made humans the ‘vice-regent’ (Khalifah) of the earth, and so they have a responsibility to take care of it as if it were their own.

Buddhism

• Some Buddhists believe that humans should protect and preserve the environment.

• They argue that to become enlightened, a person must show compassion for all ‘sentient beings’, and this includes protecting the animals and their home.