Secular and Religious Approaches to Environment Issues

Assess the claim that secular approaches to environment issues are of more help than religious ones. (35 marks) Secular approaches are ethical approaches that are not religious, for example Kantian ethics. Religious approaches would include Natural Law and biblical references. In both of these approaches to environment issues, a good approach to environment issues would be one that weighed up the pros and cons of both sides of the argument and come to a rational conclusion that is backed up with reason. Utilitarian’s weigh up the long term effects against the short term effects. I think this is a good way of looking at the environment, as the long-term effects are very different to the short-term effects. If we focus on only the†¦show more content†¦This could be very helpful for preserving the environment, however his views are limited on the environment as he seems to not look at different circumstances. Preference utilitarianism looks at the maximisation of preference satisfaction for the current generation. They do not consider what the effects will be for the future generation. Some would see this as selfish but for preference utilitarian’s, if neglecting the environment has no major effect on the current generation, preserving the environment is not important. Peter Singer believes that we should act morally, taking into account all people affected. He looks at the ‘best possible consequence’. Singer used a set of criteria for a moral status based on sentience. He believes that treatment should be equal for all humans and animals. I think this is a strong approach to environmental issues because it looks at the consequences of our actions, which is what we should be focused on. An example of environmental issues would be hydroelectric dams being built on quiet picturesque rivers. Preference utilitarian’s would consider the possibility of cheap electricity a good thing, more important than the tranquillity and the wildlife. Whereas, a qualitative utilitarian would consider the long-term interests of the future generations. Kantian ethics is anthropocentric which means that Kant believes that nature has intrinsic value. Kant believes there should be moral limits on how we use animals.Show MoreRelatedAmerica s War On Sex : The Continuing Attack On Law, Lust, And Liberty1722 Words   |  7 Pagesbook depicts how governments and religious right incorporates the regulation of information, health care, sexual expression, and entertainment to undermine the secular democracy of the society. According to Klein’s research, the today’s public policies are trying to resolve the wrong sexual predicaments. The policies ignore the genuine sexual issues that the American population is continuing to struggle with, which raises the demand for more suppressive approaches that does not work. The book’s targetRead MoreThe Lazarus Project And Grace Ministries : The Role Of Religious Nonprofits On Addressing Personal And Social Problems1391 Words   |  6 PagesThe Lazarus Project and Grace Ministries: The Role of Religious Nonprofits in Addressing Personal and Social Problems Ines W. Jindra Abstract: In this paper, a review essay of Psychology and Spiritual Transformation in a Substance Abuse Program: The Lazarus Project, I examine spiritual transformation in the context of substance abuse and homelessness. I first tackle the question whether change results mostly from individual spiritual transformation experiences or the social surrounding convertsRead MoreEssay about 4-Mat Review Entwistle1220 Words   |  5 Pages4-MAT Review of Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity Shelby Peters Liberty University 4-MAT Review of Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity Summary In his book Integrative Approaches to Psychology and Christianity, David N. Entwistle explores the necessity of integrating psychology and Christianity, the worldview issues, philosophical foundations, models of integration and discusses the difficulty inRead MoreThe Islamic Movement Of The United States And Western Countries Essay1870 Words   |  8 Pagestradition in order to open new meaningful horizons for the religious message (Kersten 2011). Mincheva (2016) also argues that the endeavours of these intellectuals lead the ‘emergence of western Islamic public sphere’ in the west, which is supposed to historicize the absolute, metaphysical, and timeless frameworks of both Islam and the west through the exploration of their dynamic relationship with another historical category, namely the secular. Finally, she considers this attempt as a potential eventRead MoreThe Relationship Between Poverty And Population Growth1184 Words   |  5 PagesWhoever adopts the strateg ies in this book must strive for integrity, honesty, and fairness because an environment of trust is critical for progress. Government officials, community leaders, parents, and missionaries must not only use words, but also action, to show that progress is possible. Fueled by their faith, missionaries have embraced the world traveling to every continent to preach their religious convictions and to help people in need. Their missions encompass humanitarian goals such as deliveringRead MoreReligious and Faith Can Do more Good than Harm in Society1332 Words   |  6 Pages Religious and faithful acts can surely spark engagement and understanding in society when used the right way. We can find religious organizations and houses of worship in corrupt neighborhoods because they help to build a morale. These places give the gangsters, drug dealers, and other troubled characters a choice to turn themselves around and give back to their community in ways that they would have never imagined. Being apart of a religion that relies heavily on faith is a method of cleansingRead MoreThe Controversy Regarding The Practice And Effectiveness Of The Current United States Education System1905 Words   |  8 Pagespractice and effectiveness of the current United States education system and discuss potential solutions to these issues. The four controversies we will be addressing are; o Lack of student centered learning o Religion in public schooling o Lack of importance the US government places on higher level education o Need for more focus on thinking 1. The lack of student centered learning is an issue because of the fact that it is not widely known. Student centered learning is a teaching approach that incorporatesRead MoreLack Of Student Centered Learning2018 Words   |  9 Pagesconcerning the practice and effectiveness of the current United States education system and discuss potential solutions to these issues. The four controversies we will be addressing are; †¢ Lack of student centered learning †¢ Religion in public schooling †¢ Lack of importance the US government places on higher level education 1. The lack of student centered learning is an issue because of the fact that it is not widely known. Student centered learning is a teaching approach that incorporates participatingRead MoreDiscussing Critically Religious and Secular Ethical Arguments About Environmental Issues2213 Words   |  9 PagesDiscussing Critically Religious and Secular Ethical Arguments About Environmental Issues In his book, The End Of Nature, Bill McKibben highlights the fact that we are destroying the natural environment at an increasing rate, for our own short-term gain. Since the day that man created agriculture, and industrialisation to follow, the imbalance between man and nature has been growing[1/2]. This has been accompanied by a massive population increase, tripling in the twentiethRead MoreUnderstanding The Intricacies Of Ministry1231 Words   |  5 Pagesis a call to challenging, yet meaningful work. At the very onset of the supervised ministry process, I relished the opportunity to increase my understanding of the life, and work, of the 21st century minister, I had a myriad of questions concerning issues such as the daily demands on the minister’s time, how does an individual navigate familial commitments alongside ministerial obligations? What are the ministers greatest concerns, challenges, and joys? And furthermore, how is ministry effectiveness