OCR YEAR 11 MOCK EXAMS REVISION BOOKLET

OCR YEAR 11 MOCK EXAMS REVISION BOOKLET

Your subject teacher will tell you which two units to revise. Write the names of these two units below. I need to revise: 1. 2.

Key question areas in this unit: UNIT ONE REVISION PACK NATURE OF GOD Christian beliefs about the nature of God Reasons for Christians believing in God God in the world Key language for this unit: Creator - maker Eternal -has no beginning or no end Monotheist - someone who believes there is only one God Omnipotent - all-powerful Omniscient - all-knowing Resurrection - maker Trinity - God is understood in three different ways, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Holy - separate and different. QUESTION AREA ONE - CHRISTIAN BELIEFS ABOUT THE NATURE OF GOD Christians are monotheists, that means that they believe there is only one God. They believe God is eternal, omnipotent and omniscient. They also believe that God is creator of the world and the judge of humanity's actions. It is difficult for Christians to describe God because we cannot describe something that is extraordinary using ordinary, everyday language. Therefore they have special words that can only be used to describe God. The main word being 'holy' which means special, separate and different. The Trinity (you must always include this in a question about the nature of God) According to Christianity, God can be understood in three different ways - as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This called the Doctrine of the Trinity. God the Father - created the world, and keeps it in existence. He loves the world in the way a father would love his children. God the Son - came into the world as Jesus. He lived as a human being, suffered and died by crucifixion. He rose from the dead (resurrection). God the Holy Spirit - lives in Christians who have faith in Jesus. He gives Christians comfort, courage and help with decisions.

QUESTION AREA TWO - REASONS CHRISTIANS GIVE FOR BELIEVING IN GOD Christians may say: The universe must have been made by God because it couldn 't have made itself. The world shows evidence of being designed. God gave us our sense of right and wrong. Some people have direct experience of God. Christianity is part the way they were brought up. Others may disagree with them: The universe could have begun by chance, in a Big Bang. Some things in the world are badly des igned. Not everyone understands right and wrong in the same way. People might be mistaken if they think they have experienced God. Being brought up in a Christian family doesn't show that Christianity is right. This question area usually takes the form of a 12 MARK question which asks for your opinion. Make sure you have an opinion on the existence of God and what your reasons are for holding this opinion. QUESTION AREA THREE - GOD IN THE WORLD Christians believe God acts in the world. They believe that God: came into the world as Jesus. They believe that we do not have to wonder what God is like, because God came into the world and showed us. Many people have found it difficult to understand how a person could be completely human, and also God, at the same time, and there have been many different attempts to explain this idea; but most Christians accept that it is a mystery. They say that it is important that God came into the world, it demonstrates that God cares enough about people to want to teach them things, and to share in their happiness and their suffering. performs miracles. Many Christians believe that God acts in the world through miracles. They believe that God occasionally changes the rules of nature so that people can have a glimpse of God's nature and reach a better understanding. Examples of miracles (modern) people have been miraculously healed, prayers have been answered and people have been saved in time of danger. Examples of the miracles (Bible) - Jesus giving the blind their sight, Feeding the Five Thousand, Making the paralysed walk.

This question area is usually set as a 12 MARK question so make sure you know where you stand on your beliefs about miracles and have some arguments for and against the existence of miracles ready. EXAMPLE QUESTIONS Explain what Christians might say if they were asked why they believe in God (8 marks) In this answer, you should try to explain several reasons a Christian might give for belief in God. You are only asked to explain the Christian view, so you do not need to argue against it here. You will score more highly if you include several different ideas rather than just ne Explain how Christians might use the Bible in their daily lives. (7 marks) For this answer, you should explain how Christians might use the Bible for private and public worship. You could think of some examples of times of day or occasions when the Bible is used. You may write about how Christians try to put the ideas of the Bible into practice when they are making decisions. 'When scientists can explain more about the world, people will not need to believe in miracles.' Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (5 marks) Here, you should think about how a Christian might answer, and try to explain why Christians think it is important to believe in miracles. You should also give a different point of view, perhaps explaining the views of those who believe

that religion is no more than superstition. You also need to give your own view, saying whether or not you agree with the statement.

KEY QUESTION AREAS END OF LIFE REVISION BOOKLET PHILOSOPHY Christian beliefs about the soul Heaven, Hell and Purgatory God as Judge Christian Funerals Key Language (1 and 2 mark questions) Heaven - an eternity with God Hell - an eternity without God Purgatory - a state after death for people who are not completely ready to go straight to heaven. (ROMAN CATHOLICS ONLY) Resurrection - rising from the dead KEY QUESTION AREA ONE - CHRISTIAN BELIEFS ABOUT THE SOUL Christians believe that a person is not just made from his or her mind and body. Each person has an immortal soul which makes people different from every other animal. Humans have a soul because they are made in 'the image of God'. (Genesis 1:27) Many Christians think that this means that God put something of his own divine and everlasting nature into humans. They believe that the soul does not die but lives on after the death of the body. The soul cannot be seen, but it is something that makes each individual special and sacred. Christians believe that human life is very valuable to God, because humans have souls. Animals do not have souls and this is why most Christians are happy to eat meat. Christians do not believe that people are reborn into this world. They believe that we each have only one life. Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead (resurrection). This to Christians is proof of life after death. They believe their souls will be raised back to life like Jesus, to live in heaven with God. KEY QUESTION AREA TWO - HEAVEN, HELL AND PURGATORY This is a favourite question area. It will either ask for a straight description of Christian beliefs on the afterlife, or it will ask you to describe what happens to good/bad people when they die. Heaven Christians used to believe in heaven and hell more literally than they do today. Christian art often shows heaven as a place with clouds and angels

with wings and harps, but Christians don't believe that heaven is really a place like this. They believe that it is a poetic way of describing an eternity with God. Hell Christians in the Middle Ages were very preoccupied with hell, and thought of it as an everlasting torture for people who had turned their backs on Christianity and who had committed wicked deeds. Today, although there are still Christians who believe that hell is a reality for non-christians, many focus instead on the message of a loving and forgiving God. They say that the descriptions of hell found in the Bible are symbolic, and not meant to be taken literally. Purgatory Roman Catholics believe in purgatory for people who died but are not ready to go straight to heaven. Their souls stay in purgatory until they are free from sin. Roman Catholics often pray for the souls of those who have died, in the hope that they will not have to spend too long in purgatory. KEY QUESTION AREA THREE - GOD AS JUDGE This is a popular question and is usually phrased in the following way: Explain how a belief in life after death affect the life of a Christian? Christians believe that God knows people better than they know themselves, and will judge their actions. In particular, they believe that God will judge them on how much concern they have shown for the poor and needy. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats in the Gospel of Matthew, teaches that a Day of Judgement will come when God will divide people into two groups. the people who have cared about the poor and looked after those in need will be rewarded by eternal life with god, but those who have been selfish and ignored other people's needs will be sent away from God into hell. In spite of these warnings, Christians also believe that God is forgiving. They say that when Jesus died, he took away the sins of the world so that people could be forgiven for the wrong things they do. In order to answer this question in full, add some examples of how Christians might help the poor. E.g. Giving money to charity, working in homeless shelters, soup kitchens or charity shops, spending time abroad working with those in need.

KEY QUESTION ARE FOUR - CHRISTIAN FUNERALS Christians are sometimes buried and sometimes cremated. Christians believe that one day they will be raised to eternal life with Jesus (resurrection). A Christian funeral service reminds people of this belief. A Christian funeral service begins with the words from Jesus 'I am the resurrection and the life'. Christians hare the hope that after death, they will be raised to eternal life with God, and the Christian funeral service reminds them of this hope. In most Christian funerals, there are Bible readings and prayers. There is often a talk about the person who has died and sometimes there are hymns. After the funeral service the minister or priest will say more prayers asking god to be merciful to the dead person's soul, and reminding people that God gave life and God takes it away. Make sure you are able to describe a funeral service, but more importantly express how the funeral service reminds people of the key Christian beliefs on life after death. PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS Explain what happens at a Christian funeral ( 6marks) In his answer you need to give as much detail as you can about Christian funerals. try to think about what is said and done, the different elements of a funeral service, and the beliefs that are emphasized at the funeral. Explain how might a belief in life after death affect the life of a Christian (6 marks) When you are answering this question, you need to think about what difference it would make to your life if you had beliefs about life after death. how do you think you would behave if you believed that God would judge you one day? How would you behave if you believed in heaven and hell? Explain the Christian beliefs about judgement and the entry requirements for heaven from the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. You could give examples of ways in which a Christian's life might be affected, for example he or she might give more to charity. 'When people die, they just stop; that is the end of the person.' Discuss. Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) Remember that when you are answering these questions you need to include different points of view with reasons for those views, and remember to refer to Christianity. You should say what a Christian would think about the statement, and then say why someone else might disagree with that point of view. explain the reasons for your own point of view too.

RELIGION AND SCIENCE REVISION BOOKLET PHILOSOPHY KEY QUESTION AREAS Scientific and Christian theories about the beginning of the universe Scientific and Christian theories about the origins of humanity Are science and religion in conflict? Christian views about animals and people Christian ideas about stewardship and environmental issues NOTE: This is a big unit of work and you need to know quite a bit of background information. The key thing to remember is that there is no clear divide between Christians and Science on this - Christians do not believe one thing and scientists the direct opposite. Remember this:- A small group of Christians take the Bible literally (every word is true as written). They believe in the Six Day creation story from the Bible. The vast majority of Christians believe that the creation stories in the Bible are not to be taken literally. They are ways in which people four thousand years ago explained the world around them without our scientific knowledge. These Christians believe that the main truth to be had from the Bible stories is that God created the world. They support the scientific theories but believe God is behind them. Key Language (1 and 2 mark questions) Cosmology - the study of the beginnings of the universe in both religion and science. Stewardship - to look after the earth, although it does not belong to us, for God and for future generations. QUESTION AREA ONE - SCIENTIFIC AND CHRISTIAN THEORIES ABOUT THE BEGINNING OF THE UNIVERSE Scientific Theory The study of the origins of the universe is known as cosmology. Most scientists believe that the universe was made by a massive explosion, known as the Big Bang, which sent matter and gases flying out in all directions. All of the galaxies were formed, and they are still moving away from each other rapidly as the universe expands. As the gases cooled, they formed stars and planets, including planet Earth.

Christian Creation Stories Christians who take the Bible literally believe that God created the world in six days. God planned it all, and then made it exactly according to plan, putting everything in its place. Nothing happened by chance or accident. Everything in the world exists for a reason, and God has a purpose for it. According to the Bible all of the different species were in place from the beginning. Men and women were made as part of God's special creation. Christians who do not take the Bible literally believe that the universe began with a Big Bang. They also believe that people evolved gradually rather than being created in the beginning as a complete species - the Theory of Evolution. They believe that the events in the Bible are not always meant to be taken literally. The Bible accounts are perhaps rather like a hymn, praising God for creation rather than giving accurate details about how everything began. QUESTION AREA TWO - SCIENTIFIC AND CHRISTIAN THEORIES ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF HUMANITY Scientific Theories The theory of evolution is widely accepted by scientists as a way of explaining how humanity came into existence. Charles Darwin theorised the different species in the world had not always existed in the way we see them today. They had developed gradually, adapting to fit the environment. The process where the strongest animals and plants survive is known as natural selection. Christian Theories See under previous question area heading - the same information applies. QUESTION AREA THREE - ARE SCIENCE AND RELIGION IN CONFLICT? Some people think that, because scientists and religious believers often have very different ideas about the origins of the world, this must mean that science and religion can never agree. Many Christians believe that science and religion are just two different ways of answering the key questions about the world and the universe. Infact, Einstein believed that if science and religion did not listen to each other they would not be able to find the exact answers they were looking for. Science and religion both: ask you to believe in things you haven 't seen - e.g. God and atoms test theories an ideas about experiences consider the ideas behind the creation of the universe and everything in it.

What do you think? Has science got rid of the need for religion or do they need each other to fully explain the universe and the events we experience? NOTE: This is the underlying question running throughout the unit and it is essential that you address this issue before the exam. QUESTION AREA FOUR - CHRISTIAN VIEWS ABOUT PEOPLE AND ANIMALS Christian believe: People are superior to other animals. In Genesis, when God makes the other animals, they are made just as the plants are made; but when Adam is created, he is created special. People are made in the 'image of God' (Genesis 1:27) and have souls, unlike animals. In the Bible the soul is referred to as the 'breath of God'. Christians believe that people, unlike animals, have a soul, something which does not die when the body dies, but can live on after death. For this reason, people are different from other animals, in Christian belief. Their lives are sacred, and they have special rights and duties which other animals do not share. QUESTION AREA FIVE - CHRISTIAN IDEAS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP and ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Christians believe that they should protect the environment because: They were put on the earth as stewards, to care of the planet. In the Bible, people were given this care-taking role because they were created as the pinnacle of God's creation. Everything was created ready for them to use. Therefore they have this responsibility to look after the gift that God has given them. They should show love to other people, including future generations. They should care for the world, protect it, and preserve it for future generations. They should recognise that the world belongs to God, and that they are looking after it for God; it does not belong to them. They should not be greedy and wasteful, but should think about God and care for the poor. Christianity also teaches that people should not take and use more than is necessary. They should not be greedy, and judge their success in life by the amount that they consume, but should concentrate instead on God and on caring for the poor. It is wrong to be too concerned about having possessions and wearing the most fashionable clothes.

Christians might help to care for the environment by: recycling using 'greener' fuel being less wasteful with packaging joining a conservation organisation reducing pollution using their votes to support green issues conserving energy buying 'greener' products PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS a) Explain the Christian beliefs about caring for the environment. (6marks) To score highly in this answer, you need to show that you understand Christian beliefs, rather than just writing about how everyone should care for the environment whether they are Christian or not. You might refer to Christian ideas, such as stewardship and showing love for future generations. If you can make reference to a short passage from the Bible, this will improve your answer too. b) Explain how a Christian might put beliefs about caring for the environment into practice. (6 marks) This answer should follow from what you have written in part a). Here, you need to explain practical things that a Christian might do, for example by describing an organisation they might join, or ways in which Christians might try at home to reduce the amount they waste. For high marks, you should try to include several different ideas rather than just explaining one at length. c) 'People are more important than animals.' Discuss. Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) In this answer, you need to make sure you refer to Christianity, so you might start by doing this, explaining why Christians think that humans have a special place in the world. You need to explain a different point of view as well, so perhaps you could say why some people believe that animals are just as important and have the same rights. Also, give your own view - perhaps you believe it is wrong to eat animals or keep them as pets.

GOOD AND EVIL REVISION BOOKLET PHILOSOPHY 2.1 KEY QUESTION AREAS Why is there evil in the world? Some Christian responses to the problem of evil Different beliefs about God and the Devil Coping with suffering How Christians tell right from wrong Why do Christians try to follow a moral code? Key Language (1 and 2 marks questions) Omnipotent - all-powerful Moral evil - an action or event that results in suffering and is caused by human action. Natural evil - an action or event that results in suffering that is not linked to human action The Devil - the enemy of God Conscience - the instinctive part of a human that knows right from wrong Ethical monotheists - people who believe in one God who is the source of all goodness KEY QUESTION AREA ONE - Why is there evil in the world? You must be able to understand the problem of evil and suffering in order to answer any question in this area. Christians say that their God is omnipotent (all-powerful); omniscient (all-knowing) and omnibenevolent (all-loving) Christians also know that there is evil in the world because evil causes suffering and everyone has experienced suffering at one point or another. The problem is why does this all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving God allow this suffering to happen? When answering a question on evil and suffering make sure you also explain the different types of evil (see Key Language section) and make sure you can give examples of each.

KEY QUESTION AREA TWO - Some Christian responses to the problem of evil This is a favourite question area to come up. It can appear as an 12,6 and 3 mark question. Make sure you have your own response and reasons to the problem of evil sorted before going into an exam. There are four responses to put into any answer: Some Christians say evil came into the world because Adam and Eve rebelled against God. Other Christians say that God allows evil in the world for a good reason, to help us grow and learn. Some Christians say suffering brings them closer to God and helps them to understand the suffering of Christ. Many Christians say we can never understand evil, and should learn to accept it without always understanding it. In the space below write your response to each of the reasons given above. Adam and Eve To help us learn To bring us closer We can never and grow to God understand evil

KEY QUESTION AREA THREE - Different beliefs about God and the Devil The favourite question to come up in this section is 'Explain Christian beliefs about why there is evil in the world.' 6 marks. To answer this question properly you need to explain the information given in KEY QUESTION AREA TWO as well as the information given below. Some Christians believe that there is evil in the world because of the Devil. Job Description: The Devil is believed to be the enemy of God who rules in hell and who tries and tries to make humanity turn away from goodness. The Devils CV: Tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God. In the book of Job, the Devil causes Job all sorts of suffering as a way of trying to turn him against God, but Job does not give up his faith and the Devil loses. Jesus is tempted by the devil before he began his ministry, but Jesus refused to listen. Description Traditionally, the Devil is shown in pictures as being red in colour, with horns and a forked tail. Some Christians say hat whenever there is suffering in the world, or people choose to do wrong, it is because of the power of the Devil, causing tragedy or encouraging people to do evil. However many Christians believe that the Devil is not a real person. The Devil is just a poetic way of explaining how people feel pulled in different directions, and why they often want to do things even if they know they are wrong. BELIEF IN THE DEVIL DOES NOT PROVIDE A VERY GOOD ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM OF EVIL: IF GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL, WHY WOULD HE ALLOW THE DEVIL TO DO ANYTHING AT ALL? KEY QUESTION AREA FOUR - Coping with suffering Despite the existence of evil and suffering in the world, Christians believe that God does care about people when they suffer. Christians believe that Jesus was God in human form and he came into the world and suffered a horrible death on the cross so God does not ignore suffering but fully understands and shares our pain. Many Christians cope with their suffering by saying that they feel closer to God because they can recognise their dependence on him. Many Christians believe that the best way of coping with suffering is through trust in God. They say that, when they are in trouble, if they pray about their difficulties they know that God is listening and they trust God to

take care of them. This does not mean that things will always go the way that they want them to go. Christians often believe that God has plans which people cannot always understand, and that people should accept their own limitations and recognise that God does not make mistakes. QUESTION AREA FIVE - How Christians tell right from wrong. When answering this question you must include the following three points: Christians believe that they can tell right from wrong by using: their consciences, asking God to show them the right thing to do. Christians sometimes believe that the conscience is a way in which God speaks to speak to them, particularly if they pray about their moral decisions, and ask God to help them. Other people do not agree with this and think that the conscience is not influenced by god but by the way in which our parents bring us up. the Bible, looking for messages in the texts they read. Christians study the Bible and try to work out how to apply it to their own lives and situations. Some of the Bible's teachings, such as the Ten Commandments are considered by many people to contain essential truths about right and wrong. There are problems with using the Bible. The Bible was written a long time ago, for people in a different culture, and it is not always easy to find teachings that relate closely to the modern world and modern circumstances. the example of Christ, thinking about what Jesus might have done, and looking at his teaching in the parables and the Sermon on the Mount. They try to copy him; for example they might read in the Gospels about the ways in which Jesus helped outcasts, and try to copy this by working in a shelter for the homeless. Remember the initials WWJD? (what would Jesus Do?)

QUESTION AREA SIX - Why do Christians try to follow a moral code? Christians believe that God has given people moral guidelines to follow which are recorded in the Bible. For example the parables of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus gives moral advice on all kinds of issues. Christians are ethical monotheists; they believe in one God, who is the source of all goodness and who is interested in the way that people behave, particularly in the way they treat each other. Some Christians follow a moral code because they believe that people who try to be good in this life will be rewarded in the afterlife. PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS Explain Christian beliefs about why there is evil in the world. (6 marks) For high marks in this answer you need to show that you understand there are different Christian responses. You should explain beliefs about the devil and the four Christian responses to the problem of evil. How might Christians cope with suffering in their daily lives? (8 marks) In this answer you should try and think of ways in which Christians might put their beliefs into practice at times when they are suffering. You might write about how Christians try to learning from suffering, for example, and how they hope to share in the suffering of Christ. You should include something about the importance of prayer in Christian life. 'Being happy is more important than being good.' Discuss. Give reasons to support your answer, and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks) For this answer you need to consider the information given in Key Question Area Six as the Christian response to the statement as well has expressing your own opinion along with the reasons behind it.