Syllabus Snapshot by Amazing Brains Exam Body: CCEA Level: GCSE Subject: Religion Year 12 Students
1B2 Specification at a Glance The table below summarises the structure of the Full and Short GCSE courses. Full Course students study two of the nine units. Short Course students study one of the nine units. The Scheme of Assessment is flexible. The following possibilities are available to Full Course students: Students take both assessment units at the end of two years of study. Students take one assessment unit at the end of one year of study, and the other assessment unit at the end of a second year of study. Students can take their assessment units in any order. Assessment Weighting Availability The nine units are: The Christian Church through a Study of the Catholic Church and One Protestant Tradition The Christian Church with a Focus on EITHER the Catholic Church OR the Protestant Tradition The Revelation of God and the Christian Church Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Matthew Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Mark Short Course: one externally assessed written paper on students chosen unit lasting 1 hr 30 mins Full Course: two externally assessed written papers, one on each of students chosen units, lasting 1 hr 30 mins each Short Course: written paper worth 100% Full Course: each written paper worth 50% Every Summer (beginning in 2010) Every Summer (beginning in 2010) World Religions: Islam World Religions: Judaism An Introduction to Christian Ethics An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion. At least 40 percent of the assessment (based on unit weightings) must be taken at the end of the course as terminal assessment. Version 2: 24 July 2012 5
2B3 Subject We have divided the course into nine units. The content of each unit, as well as the respective learning outcomes, appears below. 1B3.1 The Christian Church through a Study of the Catholic Church and One Protestant Tradition This unit aims to introduce students to a study of the Christian Church with a particular focus on the Catholic Church and one Protestant tradition. The following learning outcomes are generic and set out the skills to be developed within the unit, using the content below as the context. Students should be able to: describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding (AO1); and use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints (AO2). The Birth, Development and Beliefs of the Church the events and meaning of Pentecost (Acts 2: 1 8) St Paul s teaching on the Church (1 Cor. 12: 1 11, 14 22, 25 27) the characteristics of the early Church: preaching, teaching, prayer, miracles, hymn-singing and sharing (Matt. 10: 1, 5 14; Acts 2: 42, 44 47; 1 Cor. 11: 23 25; James 2: 14 17; Col. 3: 12 17) the Apostles Creed as a summary of Christian belief, truth and meaning how Christianity came to Ireland (through a study of the life and work of St Patrick) how Protestantism emerged as a result of the Reformation Church Government Church organisation in the Catholic Church and in one Protestant tradition the meaning of ordination and the role of the priest/ minister/pastor in the Catholic Church and in one Protestant tradition Christian Worship the Mass and an order of service from one Protestant tradition Version 2: 24 July 2012 6
Christian Worship (cont.) different styles of worship in the Catholic Church and in one Protestant tradition: the tradition of singing and music; liturgical/structured and non-liturgical/spontaneous worship; and the importance attached to preaching different types of prayer and their purpose in Christian worship the significance of the architecture of Church buildings and symbolism of the main Church furniture: pulpit; altar/communion table; lectern; tabernacle; and font/baptistery, in the Catholic Church and in one Protestant tradition the meaning and purpose of the Church festivals for Christians: Advent; Christmas; Epiphany; the Easter cycle; Pentecost; Saints Days; and Harvest Sacraments/ Ordinances The Role of the Church in Contemporary Society the ceremony, symbolism and meaning of Baptism and the Eucharist/Communion, in the Catholic Church and in one Protestant tradition the contribution of the Christian Churches to peace and reconciliation in a divided society, for example the work of the Corrymeela Community the contribution of the Christian Church to the local community and community cohesion the challenge to the Christian Church of changing moral, social and cultural values Version 2: 24 July 2012 7
31B Church 21B3.2 The Christian Church with a focus on EITHER the Catholic OR the Protestant Tradition 43BThe Christian Church with a Focus on the Catholic Church This option aims to introduce students to a study of Christian belief and practice with a particular focus on the Catholic Church. The following learning outcomes are generic and set out the skills to be developed within the unit, using the content below as the context. Students should be able to: describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding (AO1); and use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints (AO2). The Birth of the Christian Church and Christianity in Ireland the events and meaning of Pentecost (Acts 2: 1 8) St Paul s teaching on the Church (1 Cor. 12: 1 11, 14 22, 25 27) the characteristics of the early Church: preaching, teaching, prayer, miracles, hymn-singing and sharing (Matt. 10: 1, 5 14; Acts 2: 42, 44 47; 1 Cor. 11: 23 25; James 2: 14 17; Col. 3: 12 17) the Apostles Creed as a summary of Christian belief, truth and meaning how Christianity came to Ireland (through a study of the life and work of St Patrick) Church Government Worship in the Catholic Church hierarchy of authority in the Catholic Church local parish organisation private worship: the use of the Bible; prayer; the rosary; and icons and statues public worship: the order of the Mass Version 2: 24 July 2012 8
Worship in the Catholic Church (cont.) the role of Mary and the Saints, including Mary as the Mother of God and Mary as guide and role model (for example in prayer) different types of prayer and their purpose in Christian worship the significance and symbolism of the main Church furnishings: altar; baptismal font; tabernacle; and ambo the meaning and purpose of the Church festivals for Christians: Advent; Christmas; Epiphany; the Easter cycle; Pentecost; and Saints Days Sacraments in the Catholic Church Sacraments of Initiation: knowing and understanding the ceremony, symbolism and meaning of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist Sacraments of Healing: explaining the meaning and importance of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing the Sick Sacraments of Vocation: understanding the Catholic teaching on marriage, annulment, divorce and contraception; and examining the concept of religious vocation The Role of the Church in Contemporary Society the contribution of the Catholic Church to peace and reconciliation in a divided society, for example the work of the Corrymeela Community the contribution of the Catholic Church to the local community and community cohesion the challenge to the Catholic Church of changing moral, social and cultural values Version 2: 24 July 2012 9
53BThe Christian Church with a Focus on the Protestant Tradition This option aims to introduce students to a study of Christian belief and practice with a particular focus on the Protestant tradition. The following learning outcomes are generic and set out the skills to be developed within the unit, using the content below as the context. Students should be able to: describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding (AO1); and use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints (AO2). /Theme The Birth of the Christian Church and the Emergence of Protestantism the events and meaning of Pentecost (Acts 2: 1 8) St Paul s teaching on the Church (1 Cor. 12: 1 11, 14 22, 25 27) the characteristics of the early Church: preaching, teaching, prayer, miracles, hymn-singing and sharing (Matt. 10: 1, 5 14; Acts 2: 42, 44 47; 1 Cor. 11: 23 25; James 2: 14 17; Col. 3: 12 17) the Apostles Creed as a summary of Christian belief, truth and meaning how Christianity came to Ireland (through a study of the life and work of St Patrick) how Protestantism emerged as a result of the Reformation Church Government Church organisation in two denominations the meaning of ordination and the role of the minister/pastor in one Protestant tradition the priesthood of all believers Worship in the Protestant Tradition private worship: the use of the Bible; prayer; Bible reading aids; fellowship meetings; and speaking in tongues Version 2: 24 July 2012 10
/Theme Worship in the Protestant Tradition (cont.) public worship: the order of service of one Protestant tradition; different types of worship within denominations; the tradition of singing and music; liturgical/structured and non-liturgical/spontaneous worship; and the importance attached to preaching different types of prayer and their purpose in Christian worship beliefs about the authority, inspiration, meaning, purpose and truth of the Bible the significance of the architecture of Church buildings and the symbolism of the main church furnishings: pulpit; communion table; and font/baptistery, in two Protestant traditions the meaning and purpose of the Church festivals for Christians: Advent; Christmas; Epiphany; the Easter cycle; Pentecost; and Harvest Sacraments/ Ordinances the ceremony, symbolism and meaning of the sacraments/ ordinances of Baptism and Communion in two Protestant traditions Confirmation/Church membership The Role of the Church in Contemporary Society the contribution of the Protestant Churches to peace and reconciliation in a divided society, for example the work of the Corrymeela Community the contribution of the Protestant Churches to the local community and community cohesion the challenge to the Protestant Churches of changing moral, social and cultural values Version 2: 24 July 2012 11
41B3.3 The Revelation of God and the Christian Church This unit aims to introduce students to a number of themes in the four Gospels, based on the Person and Ministry of Jesus. These themes are: The Identity of Jesus; The Teaching of Jesus; The Deeds of Jesus; and The Death and Resurrection of Jesus. In their study, students have an opportunity to enhance their knowledge, understanding and ability to evaluate key passages. They should consider these passages both within the religious, political, social and cultural context of Jesus day, and in terms of how they influence contemporary Christian lifestyle in all its diversity. Students should recognise that some of the set passages are relevant to more than one theme. Students also study Christian practice and worship in the world today from the perspective of the Catholic Church and one Protestant tradition. In particular, they have the opportunity to explain and evaluate issues of worship, symbolism, sacraments and the role of the Church in contemporary society. The following learning outcomes are generic and set out the skills to be developed within the unit, using the content below as the context. Students should be able to: describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding (AO1); and use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints (AO2). /Theme The Identity of Jesus the meaning and significance of the identity of Jesus, both for his disciples and for Christians today, through a study of key events relating to his titles as Son of God, Messiah, Son of Man, Son of David and Saviour: the key events surrounding the birth of Jesus Jesus baptism and temptations Jesus transfiguration Peter s declaration of faith Matt. 1: 18 25 Matt. 2: 1 12 Luke 1: 26 45 Luke 2: 1 20 Matt. 3: 13 17 Matt. 4: 1 11 Matt. 17: 1 9 Matt. 16: 13 20 Version 2: 24 July 2012 12
/Theme The Teaching of Jesus The Deeds of Jesus The Death and Resurrection of Jesus a study of the teaching of Jesus and its contemporary meaning and significance: the implications of discipleship Jesus teaching on prayer Jesus teaching on forgiveness Jesus teaching on wealth and poverty the Parable of the Sower Matt. 8: 18 22 Matt. 10: 9 14 Matt. 6: 5 8 Luke 18: 9 14 Matt. 5: 38 48 Matt. 18: 21 35 Matt. 6: 1 4, 24 34 Matt. 13: 1 9, 18 23 a study of Jesus controversy with religious leaders and some representative encounters with women: Jesus dealings with religious leaders Jesus dealings with women Jesus dealings with a social outcast Matt. 23: 1 12, 23 28 Matt. 15: 21 28 Mark 14: 3 9 John 8: 1 11 John 4: 1 26 the meaning and significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus for Christian truth and identity: the Last Supper Jesus arrest Jesus trials Jesus death Jesus resurrection Matt. 26: 17 30 Matt. 26: 47 56 Matt. 26: 57 68 Matt. 27: 1 2, 11 31 Matt. 27: 32 56 Luke 24: 1 12 Matt. 28: 18 20 Version 2: 24 July 2012 13
The Christian Church the Mass and an order of service from one Protestant tradition different styles of worship in the Catholic Church and in one Protestant tradition: the tradition of singing and music; liturgical/structured and non-liturgical/spontaneous worship; and the importance attached to preaching different types of prayer and their purpose in Christian worship the significance of the architecture of Church buildings and symbolism of the main Church furniture: pulpit; altar/communion table; lectern; tabernacle; and font/baptistery, in the Catholic Church and in one Protestant tradition the meaning and purpose of the Church festivals for Christians: Advent; Christmas; Epiphany; the Easter cycle; Pentecost; Saints Days; and Harvest Sacraments/ Ordinances The Role of the Church in Contemporary Society the ceremony, symbolism and meaning of Baptism and the Eucharist/Communion, in the Catholic Church and in one Protestant tradition the contribution of the Christian Churches to peace and reconciliation in a divided society, for example the work of the Corrymeela Community the contribution of the Christian Church to the local community and community cohesion the challenge to the Christian Church of changing moral, social and cultural values Version 2: 24 July 2012 14
51B3.4 Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Matthew This unit aims to introduce students to a number of themes in the life and ministry of Jesus, as portrayed in Matthew s Gospel. In their study students have an opportunity to enhance their knowledge, understanding and ability to evaluate key passages. These passages should be considered both within the religious, political, social and cultural context of Jesus day, and in terms of how they influence contemporary Christian lifestyle in all its diversity. Students should also have knowledge and understanding of the purpose, structure and characteristics of Matthew s Gospel. They should recognise that some of the set passages are relevant to more than one theme. The themes are as follows: The Identity of Jesus; Jesus the Miracle Worker; The Kingdom of God; The Death and Resurrection of Jesus; and The Place and Nature of Christian Discipleship. The following learning outcomes are generic and set out the skills to be developed within the unit, using the content below as the context. Students should be able to: describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding (AO1); and use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints (AO2). /Theme The Identity of Jesus the meaning and purpose of the titles of Jesus, both for his disciples and for modern Christians, through a study of key events relating to his titles as Christ, Messiah, Son of David and Son of God: the birth of Jesus visitors from the East the ministry of John the Baptist the temptation of Jesus Peter s declaration about Jesus the Transfiguration Jesus entry into Jerusalem Matt. 1: 18 24 Matt. 2: 1 12 Matt. 3: 1 17 Matt. 4: 1 11 Matt. 16: 13 16 Matt. 17: 1 13 Matt. 21: 1 11 Version 2: 24 July 2012 15
/Theme Jesus the Miracle Worker a study of the miracles of Jesus, taking account of their controversial nature and of their contemporary meaning and significance for Christian truth and witness: a leprosy sufferer a Roman officer s servant a paralysed man an official s daughter a man with a paralysed hand Matt. 8: 1 4 Matt. 8: 5 13 Matt. 9: 1 7 Matt. 9: 18 26 Matt. 12: 9 14 The Kingdom of God the meaning and significance of the teaching of Jesus on the Kingdom of God in relation to contemporary Christian values: the Parable of the Sower of Seed the Parable of Weeds the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard the Parable of the Wedding Feast the Final Judgement Matt. 13: 1 9, 18 23 Matt. 13: 24 30, 36 43 Matt. 20: 1 16 Matt. 22: 1 14 Matt. 25: 31 46 The Death and Resurrection of Jesus the meaning and significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus for Christian truth and identity: the plot against Jesus Judas agrees to betray Jesus the Passover meal and the Last Supper the events at Gethsemane Jesus before the Council Jesus before Pilate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Jesus resurrection Matt. 26: 3 15 Matt. 26: 14 16 Matt. 26: 20 30 Matt. 26: 36 56 Matt. 26: 57 68 Matt. 27: 1 2, 11 26 Matt. 27: 32 61 Matt. 28: 1 9 Version 2: 24 July 2012 16
/Theme The Place and Nature of Christian Discipleship the teaching of Jesus on discipleship considered in relation to modern pluralist societies and to issues of identity, belonging, meaning, purpose, truth, values, community cohesion and commitments: Jesus calls his disciples teaching from the Sermon on the Mount on anger, revenge and love of enemies the demands of discipleship religious observances Jesus teaching on forgiveness Jesus challenges a man s attitude to wealth the pressure of discipleship the Great Commission Matt. 4: 18 20; 9: 9 13 Matt. 5: 21 26, 38 42, 42 48 Matt. 5: 13 16; Matt. 16: 24 26 Matt. 6: 1 18 Matt. 18: 21 35 Matt. 19: 16 26 Matt. 26: 31 35; Matt. 26: 69 74 Matt. 28: 16 20 Version 2: 24 July 2012 17
61B3.5 Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Mark This unit aims to introduce students to a number of themes in the life and ministry of Jesus, as portrayed in the Gospel of Mark. In their study students have an opportunity to enhance their knowledge, understanding and ability to evaluate key passages. These passages should be considered both within the religious, political, social and cultural context of Jesus day, and in terms of how they influence contemporary Christian lifestyle in all its diversity. Students should also have knowledge and understanding of the purpose, structure and characteristics of Mark. They should recognise that some of the set passages are relevant to more than one theme. The themes are as follows: The Identity of Jesus; Jesus the Miracle Worker; The Kingdom of God; The Death and Resurrection of Jesus; and The Role and Nature of Christian Discipleship. The following learning outcomes are generic and set out the skills to be developed within the unit, using the content below as the context. Students should be able to: describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding (AO1); and use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints (AO2). /Theme The Identity of Jesus the meaning and significance of the identity of Jesus, both for the disciples and for Christians today, through a study of key events relating to his titles as Son of God, Messiah, Son of Man, Son of David and Saviour: the ministry of John the Baptist Peter s declaration about Jesus the Transfiguration entry into Jerusalem calming the storm the request of James and John blind Bartimaeus Mark 1: 1 13 Mark 8: 27 33 Mark 9: 2 13 Mark 11: 1 11 Mark 4: 35 41 Mark 10: 35 45 Mark 10: 46 52 Version 2: 24 July 2012 18
/Theme Jesus the Miracle Worker The Kingdom of God a study of the miracles of Jesus, taking account of their controversial nature and of their contemporary meaning and significance for Christian truth and witness: a man with an evil spirit Jesus heals many people a man with a dreaded skin disease a paralysed man a man with a paralysed hand Jairus daughter a woman with a haemorrhage Jesus feeds five thousand people the Syro-Phoenician woman s daughter a boy with an evil spirit Mark 1: 21 28 Mark 1: 29 34 Mark 1: 40 45 Mark 2: 1 12 Mark 3: 1 6 Mark 5: 21 24, 35 43 Mark 5: 25 34 Mark 6: 30 44 Mark 7: 24 30 Mark 9: 4 29 the meaning and significance of the teaching of Jesus on the Kingdom of God in relation to contemporary Christian values and commitments: the coming of the Kingdom the Parable of the Sower the Lamp on a Stand the Parable of the Growing Seed the Parable of the Mustard Seed Jesus and the children entry into the Kingdom the Greatest Command ever Mark 1: 14 18 Mark 4: 1 20 Mark 4: 21 22 Mark 4: 26 29 Mark 4: 30 32 Mark 10: 13 16 Mark 10: 17 31 Mark 12: 28 34 Version 2: 24 July 2012 19
/Theme The Death and Resurrection of Jesus The Role and Nature of Christian Discipleship the meaning and significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus for Christian truth and identity: the plot against Jesus Judas agrees to betray Jesus the Passover meal and the Last Supper the events in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus before the Jewish Council the Roman trial and mocking Jesus crucifixion and death the burial of Jesus Jesus resurrection Mark 14: 1 2 Mark 14: 10 11 Mark 14: 17 26 Mark 14: 32 50 Mark 14: 53 65 Mark 15: 1 20 Mark 15: 21 41 Mark 15: 42 47 Mark 16: 1 8 the teaching of Jesus on discipleship considered in relation to modern pluralist societies and to issues of identity, belonging, meaning, purpose, truth, values, community cohesion and commitments: Jesus calls his disciples Jesus attitude to the Sabbath Jesus chooses the Twelve the challenge of witnessing the mission of the Twelve the cost of being a disciple Jesus attitude to religious buildings coping with temptation the question about paying taxes the widow s offering the pressure of discipleship Mark 1: 14 20; 2: 13 17 Mark 2: 23 28 Mark 3: 13 19 Mark 6: 1 6 Mark 6: 7 13 Mark 8: 34 38 Mark 11: 15 19 Mark 9: 42 50 Mark 12: 13 17 Mark 12: 41 44 Mark 14: 26 31, 66 72 Version 2: 24 July 2012 20
71B3.6 World Religions: Islam This unit introduces students to the study of Islam. The focus is on Islam as a living religion. It enables students to explore the formative history of Islam, its sacred writings, beliefs and practices, festivals and special days and rites of passage. The following learning outcomes are generic and set out the skills to be developed within the unit, using the content below as the context. Students should be able to: describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding (AO1); and use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints (AO2). The Formative History of Islam the life and career of Muhammad according to the different traditions of Islam the careers and achievements of the Four Rightly-Guided Caliphs Sacred Writings the origins of the Qur an as revelations given to Muhammad the nature and meaning of the Qur an and the process by which it was compiled the significance and purpose of the traditions (Sunnah, Hadith) of the Prophet and his companions for the practice of Islam the meaning, purpose and relevance of Sharia, the religious law of Islam, as applied in different communities Beliefs and Practice the unity and nature of God in Islam the relevance and role of prophets in Islam the purpose and practice of the Five Pillars of Islam, as interpreted in Sunni and Shi a traditions: Shahadah; Salah; Sawm; Hajj; and Zakat Version 2: 24 July 2012 21
Beliefs and Practice (cont.) the identity and diversity of differing traditions within Islam: Sunni; Shi a; and Sufi Muslim teaching about resurrection, judgement and life after death the meaning and purpose of public worship, making reference to the role both of the mosque (including its design and symbolism) and of the Imam the meaning and purpose of personal worship, making reference to the daily prayer cycle and to religious observance in the home, including dietary requirements Festivals, Special Days and Rites of Passage the meaning and purpose of the chief festivals and special days of Islam: Ramadan; Id-ul-Fitr; and Id-ul-Adha the role and importance of: birth rites; marriage and the marriage ceremony (considering also the nature and role of divorce); and funeral and mourning rites Contemporary Issues the role of women issues raised for religion by a pluralist society: the upbringing of children; conversion; and mixed faith marriages the practice of Islam in a non-muslim society and its contribution to community cohesion Version 2: 24 July 2012 22
81B3.7 World Religions: Judaism This unit introduces students to the study of Judaism. The focus is on Judaism as a living religion. It enables students to explore the formative history of Judaism, its sacred writings, beliefs and practices, festivals, special days and rites of passage, and contemporary issues. The following learning outcomes are generic and set out the skills to be developed within the unit, using the content below as the context. Students should be able to: describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding (AO1); and use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints (AO2). The Formative History of Judaism the call of Abraham and of Moses the nature and purpose of God s covenant with the Jews and their responsibilities to him the importance of Jerusalem and the land of Israel for Judaism as interpreted by different traditions of Judaism Sacred Writings the meaning of the three divisions of the Hebrew Bible: Torah; Nevi im; and Ketuvim the origins and formation of the Mishnah and the Talmud and their relevance for contemporary Judaism Beliefs and Practice the identity and diversity of differing traditions within Judaism: Orthodox; Reform; and Liberal traditions teachings on the nature of God the role of Torah and of mitzvoth in Jewish life, as interpreted by different traditions of Judaism Version 2: 24 July 2012 23
Beliefs and Practice (cont.) the meaning and purpose of public worship, making reference to: the role of the synagogue; Shabbat; and the Rabbi and the Chazan the meaning and purpose of personal worship, making reference to daily prayer and to religious observance in the home Festivals, Special Days and Rites of Passage the meaning and purpose of the chief festivals and special days of Judaism: Rosh Hashanah; Yom Kippur; Pesach; and Sukkot the role and importance of: the Brit Milah and the naming of girls; Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah; the marriage ceremony; and the ceremonies and rites associated with death Contemporary Issues the role of women issues raised for religion by a pluralist society: the upbringing of children; conversion; and mixed faith marriages the practice of Judaism in a non-jewish society and its contribution to community cohesion Version 2: 24 July 2012 24
91B3.8 An Introduction to Christian Ethics This unit aims to introduce students to ethics within the study of religion. Students explore personal and family issues, matters of life and death, care for the environment, equality, and war and peace. The following learning outcomes are generic and set out the skills to be developed within the unit, using the content below as the context. Students should be able to: describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding (AO1); and use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints (AO2). Personal and Family Issues Christian views on the meaning and purpose of sexual relationships, taking account of the diversity of ethical positions within Christianity Christian teachings about the benefits and challenges of marriage and divorce, taking account of the diversity of ethical positions within Christianity Matters of Life and Death the debate about abortion, taking account of social, political, biblical, Church and other ethical viewpoints the views of pro-life and pro-choice groups the debate about euthanasia, taking account of social, political, biblical, Church and other ethical viewpoints the debate about capital punishment, taking account of social, political, biblical, Church and other ethical viewpoints the issues of repentance, forgiveness, justice and restorative justice Care for the Environment the debate about the environment, taking account of the meaning and purpose of Christian stewardship, animal rights and conservation issues Version 2: 24 July 2012 25
Equality the issue of social justice the Christian s responsibility towards disadvantaged groups issues arising from racism and discrimination biblical and Church opinions on racism and discrimination, and practical ways that Christians try to combat racism Christian attitudes towards other religions the question of religious diversity in schools and the contribution of religion to community cohesion War and Peace the debate about pacifism, taking account of different religious and ethical viewpoints the Just War tradition Version 2: 24 July 2012 26
02B3.9 An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion This unit aims to introduce students to philosophical ideas surrounding the study of religion. It enables students to explore issues surrounding the existence of God, the nature of God, how human beings relate to God and the problem of evil and/or suffering. Students can explore these issues from any religious or non-religious perspective. However, where indicated below, some topics will require them to be familiar with the responses and teaching of two different religious traditions. In these cases, they may choose any religious traditions. The following learning outcomes are generic and set out the skills to be developed within the unit, using the content below as the context. Students should be able to: describe, explain and analyse, using knowledge and understanding (AO1); and use evidence and reasoned argument to express and evaluate personal responses, informed insights and differing viewpoints (AO2). The Existence of God the meaning of the terms theist, atheist and agnostic arguments for the existence of God: the First Cause argument and Thomas Aquinas; the argument from Design; and the argument from Religious Experience the key ideas of the debate between Creationism and Science with regard to the origin of the universe, being familiar with: creation stories from two different religious traditions; the views of two different religious traditions on how human beings relate to the universe; and scientific ideas about the origins of the universe and human beings, having a basic understanding of Big Bang and Evolutionary theories Version 2: 24 July 2012 27
The Nature of God various ways of understanding and describing God, being familiar with the meaning of the following terms: immanence, transcendence; omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent; knowable, unknowable; and monotheism, polytheism beliefs about the nature of God from two different religious traditions The Problem of Evil and/or Suffering the difference between natural suffering and moral evil various theories about the origin, nature and purpose of evil and/or suffering how the existence of evil and/or suffering challenges the existence of God and religious truth how two different religious traditions explain the existence of evil and/or suffering in the world Experiencing God how religious believers experience God, with reference to two different religious traditions and including: knowing God through sacred texts; knowing God through religious teachers or religious example; and knowing God through religious experience or worship the difference between the meaning and purpose of general and special revelation opinions about the extent to which experiences of God are real or illusionary, with special reference to miracles Life After Death the teaching of two different religious traditions about the afterlife opinions about the extent to which near death experiences are real or illusionary Version 2: 24 July 2012 28