b602 revision guide GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Transcription

1 b602 revision guide GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES

2 How to answer the questions Table of Contents Religion and Science Christianity Good and Evil Christianity What does science teach about the origins of the world and life Definitions of Good and Evil Beliefs about Good Beliefs about Evil The Fall The Devil/Satan The Problem of Evil What is the Problem of Evil for Christians? What do Christians say in answer to the Problem of Evil? Ways Christians cope with suffering Sources of Moral Guidance for Christians Big Bang Theory The Theory of Evolution What does the Bible teach about the origins of the world and life? Religion and Science What does Genesis teach about the role of humans? Christians and Environmental issues Pollution and Destruction Stewardship People and Animals Example Questions Example Questions

3 How to answer the questions Parts a, b and c are point marked. This means that each mark requires one point to be made e.g. part b is worth 2 marks, so make two points Examples: a) What is death? (1) Death is the end of life One point made one mark given b) Give two examples of environmental issues. (2) Global warming and pollution. Two points made two marks given c) Describe Christian beliefs about God. (3) Christians believe God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-seeing) and God is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, known as the Trinity. Three points made three marks given

4 Parts d (6 marks) and e (12 marks) are level marked. This means you do not need to make 6 or 12 points, but you need to write a detailed answer. Spend most of your time on these questions. o d) questions - in these questions, you need to give full explanations. Accurately state the beliefs and teachings you are explaining, using specialist terms Use quotes to back up these points of view Remember there are often different views / beliefs to be explained o e) questions - in these questions, you need to discuss and evaluate different opinions. Examiners are looking for THREE things: A range of different views. This means you have to explain opposing points of view. Religious views, giving supporting reasons for each one. A personal conclusion, clearly showing what you think of the different views in your discussion, giving reasons for your decisions. PLEASE NOTE that 3 marks are now awarded for your answers in each unit for spelling, punctuation and grammar

5 Good and Evil Christianity Definitions of Good and Evil Good what is morally right Evil what is morally wrong Beliefs about Good Christians believe that only God is perfectly good. Humans were created in the Image of God; so it should be the aim of all humans to do what is good, because only by doing good can they achieve true happiness. One of the purposes of the Bible is to teach them God s standard of goodness. For example, this standard is found in the Ten Commandments. They also believe that God became a human being, as Jesus Christ, in order to show us how to live a good life.

6 Beliefs about Evil The Fall The Bible teaches that the devil, as a serpent, tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God. Christians call this event The Fall i.e. they fell away from perfection. At this point, the perfect creation was ruined and evil entered the world. For fundamentalist Christians this event is the source of all evil in the world. The disobedience of Adam & Eve is referred to as original sin (i.e. the first evil) and, since we are all descended from Adam & Eve, all human beings are affected by original sin (i.e. we are not perfect). The Devil/Satan Devil or Satan means accuser. The Bible teaches that the Devil was originally an archangel called Lucifer who was given charge of the world. Lucifer became the Devil when he rebelled against the authority of God. Demons are other angels who also rebelled. The Devil appeared as a serpent in the Garden of Eden and tempted Adam and Eve also to disobey God The Devil tempted Jesus to rebel against God by using his powers as the Son of God for evil purposes Christian beliefs today Fundamentalist Christians believe the devil is a real being at work in the world, tempting humans away from God. Liberal Christians believe that the story of the devil is simply a metaphor for the evil that humans are capable of doing.

7 The Problem of Evil Two Types of Evil Natural Evil Evil caused by nature (e.g. earthquakes, diseases) Moral Evil Evil caused by humans (e.g. war, crime) What is the Problem of Evil for Christians? If God is all-loving, then he would want to stop evil and suffering. If God is all-powerful, then he is able to stop evil and suffering. Why, then, does evil exist? Why doesn t God do something about it? Either God is not all-loving and all-powerful, or he does not exist.

8 What do Christians say in answer to the Problem of Evil? Humans were created with free-will, with the ability to choose between right and wrong. They are not robots, only programmed to choose the good. However, with this freedom comes the responsibility for the bad things that result from choosing to do evil rather than good. God cannot be blamed for the moral evil that humans do. Fundamentalist Christians argue that God created a good and perfect world for the first humans (Adam and Eve) to live in. But they chose to disobey God. This original sin caused the creation to be corrupted and its perfect form was ruined. The effect of this was natural evil. Liberal Christians, however, argue that the world needs to be a mix of good and evil in order for humans to develop into loving and caring individuals. Suffering helps to bring out the best in human nature. Kindness, patience, sympathy are some of the qualities that people display in response to the suffering of others. Many Christians believe that God became a human (Jesus Christ) at his Incarnation in order to save the world from the effects of evil. As the Son of God, Jesus embraced the worst of human evil by dying on a cross. The suffering of Jesus reminds Christians that the death of Jesus was God s way of showing his love for humanity. His resurrection was a victory over suffering and death. For Christians, this triumph gives hope for the future.

9 Ways Christians cope with suffering The Suffering of Jesus Jesus was arrested, beaten and whipped by Roman soldiers. He was then crucified. This involved being nailed to a cross, resulting in a slow and agonizing death. This has become a metaphor for suffering, as people sometimes say that they have a cross to bear. Christians try to follow Jesus and live a life like him, and if the life of Jesus involved suffering, then they can accept that their life may also involve suffering. Suffering can make them more Christ-like. Faith in God Christians also argue that they have to trust in God. Even though suffering and evil seem horrible and unfair, they have to believe that somehow it is all part of God s plan. This is the point of the Book of Job in the Bible: Job was a good man who was faithful to God, but God allowed Satan to test Job by making him suffer. Job lost his family, his home, his wealth, and then his health. His friends accused him of hypocrisy, because they argued that he was being punished by God for his evil, when all the time he was pretending to be good. The point of the story is to reject the ancient view that all suffering is a punishment from God. Sometimes suffering is a test of faith in God who alone knows the beginning from the end. Prayer / Reading the Bible Christians might pray to God for strength to cope with suffering or read examples in the Bible of how others have coped with suffering as inspiration. Support of other Christians being part of the Christian community might help Christians cope with suffering. Sharing and helping others in need can be very comforting.

10 Sources of Moral Guidance for Christians The Bible Christians might look in the Bible for guidance on how to behave. For example, the Ten Commandments give clear rules about what is right and wrong. Life of Jesus Some Christians use the idea of What would Jesus do? This helps them to think about a situation and work out what Jesus answer would be. Church Teaching/Church Leaders For Roman Catholics the teachings of the Pope on a whole range of moral issues (e.g. abortion) is very important. o Quakers cannot be members of their church unless they are pacifists. Famous Christians The lives of famous Christians, such as Martin Luther King, inspire other Christians to do stand up for what is right.

11 Example Questions (a) What is meant by evil? [1] (b) Give two examples of human suffering. [2] (c) What is the difference between natural and moral evil? [3] (d) How might Christians explain the problem of evil in the world? [6] (e) It is God who makes people suffer. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] (a) What is meant by conscience? [1] (b) Suggest two causes of evil in the world. [2] (c) Give three ways in which Christians might try to behave morally. [3] (d) A Christian might say that suffering is a necessary part of human life. Explain why. [6] (e) You should only help people if you will get something in return. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

12 (a) What does immoral mean? [1] (b) Describe one way in which Christians might try to cope with suffering. [2] (c) How does the idea of free will explain why there is evil in the world? [3] (d) Explain why Christians might feel it is important to behave morally. [6] (e) There is no such thing as evil. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] (a) What is meant by the term evil? [1] (b) Give two examples of actions a Christian might consider evil. [2] (c) State three things which might guide Christians in their moral behaviour. [3] (d) Explain how the suffering of Christ might help Christians to cope with suffering. [6] (e) Doing the right thing will never cause suffering. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] (a) What is meant by the term original sin? [1] (b) Give two examples of natural evil. [2] (c) Describe how Christians might use the Bible to make moral choices. [3] (d) Explain how the devil might be linked with human suffering. [6] (e) Good things always come out of suffering. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

13 Religion and Science Christianity What does science teach about the origins of the world and life Big Bang Theory This scientific theory is about the origin of the world. It states that about 14 billion years ago, a massive cosmic explosion occurred. This was the start of what we now call the universe. To begin with, the universe was nothing more than the size of a small ball. It was very hot, dense and unstable, which caused it to expand. The evidence for this can be found in the fact that the universe is still expanding. The Theory of Evolution This scientific theory helps explain the origins of life on earth. It was put forward by the scientist Charles Darwin. He claimed that life evolved over millions of years by natural selection through the survival of the fittest. Species have changed through adapting to their surroundings. This theory suggests that humans evolved from apes. Evidence for evolution can be found in the fossil record.

14 What does the Bible teach about the origins of the world and life? The Bible account of Creation is found in the book of Genesis (1 st book of the Bible). Genesis 1 this contains the account of God creating the world and life in 6 days: o Day 1 God created light o Day 2 God created the sea and the sky o Day 3 God created dry land and plants o Day 4 God created sun, moon and stars o Day 5 God created fish and birds o Day 6 God created animals and humans o Day 7 God rested

15 Religion and Science Clearly, the scientific and Bible accounts of the origins of the world and humanity are different. Fundamentalist Christians interpret the Bible literally. They believe it is the Word of God and cannot be wrong. These Creationists believe that the universe is only about years old. They reject the theory of evolution, arguing that the fossil record does not support it. Liberal Christians interpret the Bible symbolically. This means that many parts of the Bible may have a metaphorical meaning. They argue that the Genesis Creation story has a poetic structure. They accept the scientific theories and the evidence on which they are based, but argue that God is the creator behind all this. They argue that the Genesis account is not literally true, but should be seen as a myth with a meaning. For these Christian evolutionists, science and religion are not opposed to each other, but rather science explains the HOW (the process used by God to produce the world) while religion explains the WHY (the meaning and purpose of life). Albert Einstein: Religion without science is lame; science without religion is blind.

16 What does Genesis teach about the role of humans? Humans were created on the sixth day, like the animals, which shows that they are similar. Only humans were created in the Image of God, with the ability to create and care for things. The first humans, called Adam and Eve, were given free-will, with the freedom to choose between right and wrong, to use the resources of the world for good or bad. Humans were given rule over the animal kingdom. But they were told to be stewards of Creation, to manage it with respect.

17 Christians and Environmental issues Pollution and Destruction An example of pollution is the emission of greenhouse gases, caused by the burning of fossil fuels (e.g. car exhaust fumes), which is leading to global warming and climate change. An example of destruction is deforestation (e.g. the destruction of the tropical rainforests) Stewardship The Genesis Creation story teaches that humans were given rule over nature. However, it also teaches that this rule implies stewardship, which means that they have a responsibility to care for Creation. A steward is someone, like a caretaker, who has responsibility to look after something that does not belong to them. Christians argue that creation belongs to God but that he has put us in charge of looking after it. Christian churches have been very keen to promote activities such as recycling and reducing pollution (i.e. our carbon footprint) as part of the idea that we should look after God s Creation. This is the principle of sustainability, that we conserve the resources of the planet and protect its wildlife for people of the future to use and enjoy. Key examples: Christian charities, such as Christian Aid, all work in less developed countries, where part of their work concerns environmental issues, such as deforestation and global warming, especially focused on how these affect poorer people.

18 People and Animals According to the Bible, humans were created in the Image of God. For many Christians, this gives humans a greater importance than the animals. Humans were commanded to rule over the animal kingdom, to use animals for their own good. However, the Bible condemns cruelty to animals. Use does not mean abuse or misuse. For example, some 19 th century Christians started the RSPCA animal charity to care for horses that had been ill-treated. Roman Catholics believe that only humans have rights and animals do not, though they should be treated with respect as part of God s creation. Human rule over animals means that animals can be used for our benefit (e.g. food, clothing, work). Quakers believe that animals do have rights and should be treated with kindness, as they, like us humans, are part of God s creation. Quakers think that using animals for our benefit without thinking about the welfare of the animal is wrong. This includes hunting, factory-farming, and using animals in experiments.

19 Example Questions (a) What is stewardship? [1] (b) Give two examples of environmental issues. [2] (c) What are the main scientific theories concerning how the world and humanity began? [3] (d) Explain why some Christians might not accept scientific theories about the origins of the world. [6] (e) The world is ours to treat as we like. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] (a) What is meant by the origins of humanity? [1] (b) State TWO uses of animals that some Christians might find unacceptable. [2] (c) Give THREE reasons why some Christians believe we should care for our environment. [3] (d) Explain what Christians believe about how the world began. [6] (e) Scientific theories and Christian teachings have nothing in common. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

20 (a) What is meant by environmental problems? [1] (b) Give two reasons that Christians could use to support medical testing on animals. [2] (c) Why might Christians reject the theory that human beings evolved from apes? [3] (d) Explain what Christians believe about the role of humanity in the world. [6] (e) If humanity is here by chance then my life has no purpose. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] (a) What is meant by the term stewardship? [1] (b) Give two ways in which human beings are damaging the environment. [2] (c) Give three reasons that Christians might use to support being eco-friendly. [3] (d) Explain Christian attitudes towards the treatment of animals. [6] (e) The human race is more important than the environment. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12] (a) What is meant by the term scientific theory? [1] (b) Give two uses of animals which Christians might find acceptable. [2] (c) Describe one Christian belief about the origins of the world. [3] (d) Explain different attitudes Christians might have towards environmental issues. [6] (e) God wants people to make scientific discoveries. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]