Download Short Course Revision Notes

Revision Booklet – Religious Studies
Highfield Humanities College 2010
Name:__________________________________________________________
Class:______________
Teacher:_________________________
WJEC Short Course
Specification B Unit A
Units of Study:
Our World
Relationships
Is it fair?
Looking for Meaning.
In this booklet you will find useful information and guidelines to help with
revision. Remember that these are to accompany the work you have done in
class.
Unit 1 – Our World
Topics of study:
1. What makes us human?
2. Why are we here?
3. Creation according to Religion
4. Creation according to Science
5. Stewardship
6. Chico Mendes
7. IFEEs
8. Greenpeace
Key Words:
1. The Soul – part of humans that is not just physical; that will live on after the body has died;
allows people to relate to God. It is a reflection of ‘the image of God’ in human beings.
2. Creation – Making something for a purpose; a design, plan; making something unique.
Nothing was there until it was created (ex nihilo).
3. Dominion – being the boss over something; kingship; in the Bible it means that humans were
given dominion over the world and it’s creatures.
4. Stewardship – to look after and care for the world; to guard over something for the real
owner; a God given responsibility to manage the earth.
5. Humanity – compassion for others, caring and kindness for others; benevolence
1. What makes us human? All religions teach
that human beings are unique and different
from all other animals.
Christians would add that humanity was
created in God’s image and that
we are capable of religious
behaviour, have a conscience and
a soul.
2. Why are we here?
We may have different opinions on this such as ‘to
live life to the full and be happy. One thing most
people would agree is that it is important for humanity to care for each other and the planet.
Christians would argue that we are here to reproduce and be good stewards of the earth; live in
harmony with each other and obey and be of service to God. Genesis 1:28 – ‘Be fruitful and multiply
and fill the earth.’ Mark 12:31 – ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’. Genesis 1:26 – ‘Let
them have dominion over the fish of the sea…’
Muslims would argue that we are here for similar reasons as Christians, however they would also add
that Allah has given them the duty of being khalifah’s or guardians of the planet; in charge of
maintaining the natural fitrah or balance of the world.
3. Creation according to Religion
According to Christians, God created the world in five days and humans on the 6th day, and then rested
on the 7th. The Genesis story emphasizes that God created everything for a purpose. The beginning of
the world and of life was not accidental. Human beings are different from other creatures, in being in
the ‘image of God’, and sharing some responsibility for the world. The world was created basically good.
The literalist: Bible 100% fact, literally true. It cannot be argued with, all other explanations are wrong.
The non-literalist two views: A: some parts of Genesis are right, but others not, eg seven days wrong,
more like ages in time. B: All Genesis wrong, other than God started creation, likely with the Big Bang.
According to Muslims, Allah create the universe by saying the world ‘be’ and over 7 periods of time the
universe and the world was created; before he created the Garden of Paradise and create Adam and
Hawwa to act as guardians.
4. Creation according to Science
Complex forms of life existing today
likely to have evolved from simpler and
earlier forms
Charles Darwin
Humans
evolved from
apes
Non-literalist accept this principle and
that God is the cause of the Big Bang
Process of
development and
adaptation within
species
Stars in the universe are all
burning masses, just like our sun
Theory, not
proven
Theory, not
proven
“The Origins of Species”
Animals adapt to changes in their
environment
Does not explain the
first life form or the
order of the universe
Dense matter that made up the
universe began about 15 million
years ago, bursting out with
great force and speed.
Changes in the physical make up of
animals – process of natural selection
Some Scientists do not accept some
of the evidence and question its
accuracy
Survival of the fittest – passing on their
characteristics to new generations
LITERALISTS – this theory raises doubts about God’s role in the
creation.
Unanswerable questions – ‘what
caused the bang?’ ‘Where did the
matter come from in the first place?’
NON-LITERALISTS – God established the process of natural
selection
Does this raise doubts about God’s role in creation? In one way yes! Natural selection goes against
divine intervention. It also suggests that human beings, rather than being created in God’s image,
evolved from apes and are merely a more complex version .
ON THE OTHER HAND
Many believe God established the process of evolution or evolution is a process that God is involved in
from time to time to bring about significant change and development. It does not explain the origins of
the first life forms. It describes a process of development and adaptation but does not clearly explain
how these transformations come about. It is a theory that has not been proved absolutely. It does not
explain natural laws that exist within the universe. The big bang is a theory and not fact. There are many
unanswered questions about the big bang theory. What caused the bang? Or, where did the matter
come from in first place?
“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”
(Albert Einstein)
Remember that Religion asks why the world was created and religion asks how!
5. Stewardship
W hat is st ew ar dship?
To guard over
something for the real
owner
To look after and care
for the world
A God given
responsibility to
manage or control the
earth
DOMINION OV ER THE
W OR LD
Carefully looking
after something that
isn’t your own
Christians feel they have a responsibility to look after God’s world. An example of an individual who
fulfilled his duty at this was CHICO MENDES: born in Brazil, he grew up in a family of rubber tappers. It is
a process whereby one harmlessly extracts sap from rubber trees, which is then used in such products
as car tyres. Mendes encountered a great deal of opposition from industrialists and corrupt government
officials who were profiting from the tearing down of the Amazon. He was jailed, fined and threatened,
but nothing could deter him from his mission to save his beloved jungle. Mendes fought courageously to
oppose the destructive practices of large companies and individuals but suddenly in 1988 at his back
door, Chico was shot by the son of a rancher.
Muslims feel an equal responsibility to look after God’s world being Khalifah’s or guardians of the
planet. They believe it is their responsibility to care for the planet and everything on it. An example of
this is the IFEES. An Islamic Environmental Charity which was formed so Muslims can work together to
protect the planet and everything on it.
GCSE PAST PAPER REVISION
A
B
C
D
E
F
State two ways in which humans show they are spiritual beings.
State two ways religious believers may use their talents for God.
State two ways people may care for animals.
What is meant by creation?
What is meant by soul?
What is meant by humanity?
Explain religious teaching about ‘stewardship
Explain two different viewpoints that Christians may have about how the earth was made.
Explain two ways in which ‘dominion’ may be used in harmful ways.
Explain how some people misuse the earth’s resources.
Explain to reasons why some people believe animals should have rights.
Explain what religious believers might believe is the purpose of human life.
Describe the teaching of one religious tradition about the human ‘soul’ or ‘spirit’
Describe the teaching about animal rights from one religious tradition.
Describe the teaching of one religious tradition about why humankind is on the earth.
‘Humans are just clever animals.’ Do you agree?
‘Religious creation stories have no value in this scientific world.’ Do you agree?
‘The purpose of life is simply to enjoy ourselves now.’ Do you agree?
Unit 2 – Relationships
Topics of Study:
1. What is love?
2. Sexual relationships and Adultery
3. Christian and Islamic Marriage Ceremonies
4. Divorce and Remarriage
5. Contraception
Key Words:
1. Responsibility – duties you should carry out
2. Commitment – dedication and devotion towards someone or something; making and keeping a
promise; obligation.
3. Celibate – not having a sexual relationship until you are married.
4. Conflict – disagreements or quarrels; confrontation; breakdown of relationships.
5. Reconciliation – making up; saying sorry; becoming friends again.
1. What is love?
In English we have just one word which has a number of different meanings. In the Greek language
there are four words for love.
Eros
love based on physical attraction
Philia
love we have for our friends
Storge
love for our family
Agape
Christian love, underserved love
Jesus said that Christian love was like this: ‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and
hate your enemy”, but I say to you “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’
This is what Paul said about love in the New Testament: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it
does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no
record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always
trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” I Corinthians 13; 4
2. Sexual relationships and Adultery
Christianity
Islam
Sex should take place generally within marriage.
Sex is a gift from God, and is holy and sacred; it is
special and should be reserved between just two
people at any one time/period in one’s life
Casual sex or promiscuity is seen as devaluing
both people and sex, and therefore unacceptable
Bringing-up of children is an important part of
marriage
Sex should take place within marriage, in order to
procreate children. While boys are allowed to play
out in the stress, a more careful eye is kept on
Muslim girls. Once they reach puberty boys and
girls are not allowed to mix freely together outside
their homes. This is done to prevent promiscuity.
Islam teaches that the only right and proper place
for sex is within marriage.
Homexosexuality
Christian teaching is traditionally opposed to
homosexuality: "Men committed indecent acts
with other men, and received in themselves the
due penalty for their perversion. “ Romans 1:27
Homosexuality
In Islam, Homosexuality is totally unacceptable
and morally wrong, haram meaning forbidden.
3. Christian and Islamic Marriage Ceremonies
CHRISTIAN MARRAIGE.
You can get married today in different locations but Christians choose to marry in a Church or Chapel.
The marriage will take place in front of family and friends – the congregation. A Christian minister will
perform the service. A Christian marriage is also a legal action. The service follows a simple pattern.
1.Hymn
3.Ask for impediments
5.Exchanging rings
7.Hymn
talk
register
and reception
2.Purpose explained
4.Taking of vows (with
6.Pronounce union
8.Bible reading
10.Prayers
12.‘Marching out’
witnesses)
9.Sermon or
11.Signing
13.Photos
Symbolism within a Christian marriage:
White Dress
In the ancient world of the Greeks and Romans, brides were normally dressed in
white for the wedding ceremony to symbolise youth joy and purity.
Rice, confetti, cake Symbols of fertility.
Honeymoon
In ancient Northern European Customs, the bride drank mead, a Honeyed wine,
for a luna month (30 days) after the wedding creating – HONEYMOON.
Rings
Rings symbolise unbroken love, faithfulness and eternity.
ISLAMIC MARRIAGE
Muslims believe that God wants them to marry and have children. Marriages are arranged within
Muslim communities. No one is forced to marry against their will. A boy’s parents will search for a
suitable partner for their son, asking the girls parents before she is asked for her consent. It is the
Muslim view that their parents will always seek to find good, compatible partners for their children. The
children must agree to the match. Part of the agreement includes coming to an agreement regarding the
dory, called mahr. This is a sum of money paid by the bridegroom to the bride, as a token of his
appreciation for her. Muslim men are allowed to have up to four wives, although in the UK only the first
wife is the legal wife. A woman may only have one husband, but may have it written into the marriage
contract that she will be the only wife. The contract is an essential part of the Islamic wedding. It is a
solemn contract that is taken very seriously. The bride and groom must agree to this and sign it. The two
witnesses also sign it. A Muslim wife has many rights within the marriage. After the wedding, there is a
party called the Walima. There will be a marriage feast, but without alcohol.
Pressures on marriage:
Lack of appreciation Unacceptable behaviour
Separation
Unemployment
Alcohol problems
Lack of communication
False hopes
Financial
Religious
differences
Sexual problems
Too little time together
Affairs
Interference from inlaws
Pregnancy/children
Lack of Children
4. Divorce and Remarriage
Religious communities can help couples who are having problems in many ways eg: The religious leader
can offer help and advice to the couple. The community can offer marriage guidance counselling or
therapy sessions. Prayers can be offered for or with the couple. Older and more experienced couples
would support the couple.
ISLAM – Divorce is accepted in Islam but only as a last resort, but is the most hated thing by Allah. The
couple will first talk to family and friends for guidance before finally deciding on what they will do. To
divorce, if married under Shariah law, the Man will say ‘I divorce you!’ loudly three times in front of
witnesses. If married under British law, they have to go to court.
Contraception
Contraception or birth control, are artificial devices for preventing pregnancy e.g. barrier methods such
as condom and diaphragm, the pill, withdrawal etc.
Christians and contraception:
There is a mixed attitude amongst the different denominations. Catholics disagree with the majority of
them because they are unnatural and going against God’s plans. They even see devices such as the
morning after pill as abortion. The only method they agree with is the rhythm method as there is still a
chance of pregnancy. Other Christians would say that contraception is acceptable as it is responsible
and allowing you to plan your family life. However, all Christian traditions agree that the morning after
pill is forbidden.
Muslims and Contraception:
Muslims would say that contraception is acceptable as it is responsible and allowing you to plan your
family life. However, they would say that Allah wants them to have children and it is part of being
married. Sex outside of marriage is forbidden.
A
B
C
D
E
F
State two different kinds of ‘love’
State two responsibilities married couples have.
State two wedding vows.
What is meant by conflict?
What is meant by reconciliation in personal relationships?
What is meant by commitment in personal relationships?
Explain why some religious believers may prefer to get marriage rather than just live together
Explain why some Christians do not believe in remarriage after divorce?
Explain two reasons why Christians would say divorce is wrong?
Explain why some religious believers might be against divorce.
Explain hwy many religious believers expect marriages to succeed.
Explain how religious believers could help a married couple with marriage problems.
Describe the teachings from two different religious traditions about sexual relationships
Describe from two different religious traditions the main features of a religious marriage ceremony
Describe the teaching about contraception from two different religious traditions.
‘Using contraceptives is unnatural and disrespectful to God’ Do you agree?
‘Divorce should not be too easy; it should be a last resort’ Do you agree?
‘Sex outside marriage is always wrong’ Do you agree?
Unit 3 – Is it Fair?
Topics of study:
1. Justice and Injustice
2. Religions and Injustice
3. Christian Aid and Islamic Relief Foundation.
4. Martin Luther King and Muhammad
5. Prejudice and discrimination
6. Women and equality
7. Religious attitudes towards wealth
Key Words:
1. Fairness – having the same opportunities and rights as other people
2. Unfairness – when opportunities or rights are taken away
3. Justice - Fairness; honest actions; freedom from oppression
4. Injustice – Unfair action or treatment; when human rights are ignored and no equality
5. Authority – having a right over power over others; the law or those who enforce it
6. Responsibility – duties you should carry out
7. Prejudice – judging a person without knowing anything about Them; unreasonable hatred
8. Discrimination – treating people differently because of race, Gender, religion, class etc.
9. Racism – discrimination against a person because of the colour Of their skin or race
1. Justice and Injustice – see key words.
2. Religion and Injustice
Examples: Prayers, fasting, pressurising the government, organise special days, hold vigils, collection of
money, organise campaigns.
Christians believe that showing concern for others is a basic duty. Jesus taught and demonstrated it in
his own life, expecting his followers to do the same. Therefore it is not only helping the needy, but
doing Jesus’ work. Failing to do this is failing God himself. Ways of supporting = can be simple and
practical; need not involve money. Kindness is considered as much value as giving money. The reason
for helping is what’s important. Many Christians and some Christian churches or charities, try to give
practical help for those in need – such as the following: soup runs; night shelters; visiting the housebound; counselling offenders; building and running hostels.
For Muslims one of the 5 pillars of Islam is Zakah. Giving 2.5% of their yearly salary to charity. There is
also Sadaqah, a voluntary charity donation that Muslims can also offer. So giving and helping others is
deeply a part of the Islamic religion. The money given for Zakah is often used to help local projects;
repairs in the mosque, new books for the school, local charity works, but sometimes given for larger
scale issues eg Haiti.
3. 2 Charities: Christian Aid and Islamic Relief Foundation.
1. A Christian organisation supported by more than 40 Christian denominations with local organisations
in 60 countries in the developing world. Their aim is to stop poverty and expose the scandal of it. They
improve the lives of the poor by supporting projects, campaign for fair trade and educate others into the
causes of poverty. They believe God loves the world and following Jesus working against injustice.
2. An international Islamic Charity, helping with many world wide problems. Their aim is similar to
Christian Aid, focusing on teachings of the Qur’an. An example of their work is their efforts in Haiti after
the earthquake, in getting food, aid and medical supplies to the much needed suffering population.
4. Oscar Romero and Muhammad
Born in El Salvador in 1917, he trained as a priest , became the Archbishop of El Salvador in 1942. In the
60’s crime and corruption was rife in El Salvador and Romero decided to stay quiet at the beginning.
When one of his friends was murdered he knew he had to speak out. Protestors of the Church became
targets of violence and the government persecuted them. Romero was killed in 1980 after being
gunned down in the cathedral whilst celebrating the mass.
Muhammad is an important figure within Islam. The Hadith is full of Muhammad’s teachings and sayings
on how to live a good life. The example of how he lived his life, being good, honest and helpful to any
who needed it, is an example for all Muslims to follow.
5. Prejudice and Discrimination
Reasons for prejudice: Pride, selfishness, experiences, fear, retaliation, parental/peer pressure,
theology, the media. The most common types of prejudice are racism and gender (sexism). Prejudice is
unacceptable for Christians and Muslims because of the belief that God created all humans equal.
Christians follow Jesus’ examples in the way he socialised with lepers, prostitutes etc. Also they
remember the story of the Good Samaritan. Muslims follow the example of Muhammad being a friend
to many and listen to his teachings from Allah.
6. Women and equality
Religious teachings highlight the positive role of women in society. Christianity emphasizes that Jesus
did not discriminate against women and several of his friends were female. Also men and women are
seen to be equal before God: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you
are all one in Christ Jesus.” Also, today many women are ordained as priests or ministers (except for the
Catholic Church). In Islam Women have different roles to men, but are considered equals. Women’s
roles are to care for the family and home, bringing up the children and seeing to their spiritual needs.
Men bring in the money, protecting the family. Both roles are given equal importance.
7. Religious attitudes towards wealth
Rights: what a person can expect to have; something to which a person is entitled; not something
earned or deserved; something you have by being a human being’ what the law says you ought to have
or be able to do.
Duties: what a person is expected to do; something entrusted to you by God or someone in authority;
something you should do because you are a human being; what others are depending on your for.
All religions say that material wealth – money, possessions, status – cannot be of lasting value; they are
all ‘things’ that can be lost, stolen, taken away, or can lose their value. Religious teachings explain the
need for careful use of resources, and have a general sense that all that we have is given or loaned to us,
or at least that what we do with the resources we have around us will affect others and the quality of
their lives.
GCSE PAST PAPER REVISION
A
State two reasons why people may be prejudice.
State two reasons for racism.
B
What is meant by authority?
What is meant by injustice?
C
What have religious believers done to bring greater justice to the world.
Explain Christian beliefs about prejudice and discrimination.
D
Describe how one person or organisation has worked to reduce poverty.
Explain why many religious believers think the way wealth is used is important.
‘You are all one in Jesus’ Explain Christian teaching about equality between men and women.
E
Describe the teaching from one religious tradition about prejudice and discrimination.
Describe the work of one religious person or religious organisation for human rights.
Describe the teaching from one religious tradition about the use of wealth.
F
‘Not all humans deserve to be treated fairly.’ Do you agree?
‘Everyone is prejudiced; some just show it openly.’ Do you agree?
‘Everyone is prejudiced; some just show it openly.’ Do you agree?
Unit 4 – Looking for Meaning
Topics of study:
1. The nature of God – belief, experiences and response to God
2. Symbolism and imagery
3. Funerals and Life after death
Key Words:
1. Theist – one who believes in God’s existence
2. Atheist – a person who does not believe in the existence of God
3. Agnostic – a person who is unsure of the existence of God and believes it is beyond proof.
4. Awe – completely overwhelmed by a sense of God’s presence; so filled with amazement that
your are humbled; sometimes the beauty of something can leave you breathless
5. Revelation – something shown or explained that was previously hidden; see something about
God for themselves.
6. Trinity - God exists as three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Each ‘person’ is an
aspect of God’s nature. The belief that God is ‘three-in-one’.
7. Sanctity of life – the belief that all life is sacred and unique
The nature of God – belief, experiences and response to God
GOD: Supreme Being; ultimate reality; the One behind everything; the Divine; all powerful Creator.
People’s beliefs about God are formed around own experiences, family background, after reading
sacred texts and other books, the media and education.
Christians see God as omnipotent (all powerful) and omniscient (all knowing). He is the Creator of the
world, creatures and humans. God is revealed through the trinity (the Father, the Son and the Holy
Ghost). God is represented best in Jesus and wants a relationship with humans. He is the Judge of the
world.
Muslims see Allah as allpowerful and all knowing. Like Christians is the Creator of the world, creatures
and humans. Muslims have 99 names for Allah, represented on the Subhah or prayer beads with either
99 or 33 identical beads each representing a name, and one larger bead representing Allah.
People experience God through: worship (direct communication with God); reading sacred texts;
natural beauty and wonder (a sense of awe as if God is involved in the design); prayer; an inner feeling;
a miracle (a supernatural happening that can’t be explained).
People respond to God by: prayer (a regular feature in some people’s lives); preaching and teaching;
worship (the form of singing, reading, praying, listening, dancing); vocation (their career is a result of a
calling to God); pilgrimage (rules of some religions e.g. Hajj – Islam); changing lifestyle; service and
commitment (e.g. charity work); study; acts of kindness.
Symbolism and imagery
Many religions will posses or wear certain objects they consider to have a deeper meaning or express
their belief in God. These are sacred and are often aids to worship.
Christians – the cross – a reminder of Jesus’ death and resurrection; this also shows the Trinity.
Muslims – the crescent and star – subhah representing the 99 names of Allah.
4. Funerals and Life after death
Christians believe in life after death because of the resurrection of Jesus. ‘Christ has been raised from
death, as a guarantee that those who sleep in death will also believe.’ 1Cor 15:20 Christians teach that
believers need not fear death as Jesus has conquered it by his resurrection.
Heaven is the reward for those who repent of their sins and accept Jesus.
Words are inadequate to describe Heaven. It is a place where:
 God lives
 God is worshipped
 The righteous will receive their award
 There are no tears or sadness
Christians believe that hell is a place which is isolated from the presence of God.
Roman Catholics believe in purgatory – a place between Heaven and Hell where people suffer for a time
to be cleansed of their sins before they are allowed into Heaven. The Apostle’s Creed states that there is
a Day of Judgement when Jesus ‘will come again to judge the living and the dead.’
The souls of believers will go to heaven and live with God for eternity.
Not all Christian Funerals are the same. Some are a celebration of life. Others will show that although
loss is sad, there is hope in life after death. Sometimes, when a person is dying, a priest or minister will
come to their bedside to pray with them and to try to help them prepare for death. In the Roman
Catholic Church, the priest will anoint the person with holy oil as a preparation for death (the Last
Rites). When a person dies their body is placed in a coffin. Sometimes this coffin is left open so that
relatives can say a final goodbye to the person. The coffin is then usually taken to a church or chapel
(occasionally straight to the crematorium). Here a priest will read from the Bible. The priest will also say
a few words about the person which are designed to comfort the mourners and then say prayers,
hoping that the person will now be in heaven.
In a Roman Catholic Church there will be a special Eucharist called a Requiem Mass where prayers are
said for the dead person's soul. Next the coffin is taken from the church, either for burial or cremation.
In the past many people did not approve of cremation because they felt that it would mean that the
person could not be resurrected on the Day of Judgement. In the Apostle's Creed it says: I believe
in...the resurrection of the body... However, St Paul said that 'on earth it is a physical body but in heaven
it will be a spiritual body...'(1 Corinthians 15:43)
Today it is often just a personal decision as to whether a person is buried or cremated. At a
crematorium, more prayers are said and the coffin is then taken away to be cremated. Later the ashes
are returned to relatives to be buried or scattered. At a funeral the coffin is lowered into the ground and
then covered with earth. Later a gravestone may be placed there giving some details of the person's life.
At both services the priest or minister will probably say: We commit this body to the ground, earth to
earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. In this way people are reminded that we are all human and made by
God. People often send flowers to a funeral as a tribute. They represent the new life and the beauty of
the world which the dead person is about to enter. Candles are sometimes lit to remind people that
Jesus was the Light of the World and that because of him,
Christians can be saved from their sins and go to heaven. It can be seen then that most of the things
which Christians do after a person has died are closely related to their beliefs about life after death.
Christians believe that each person has 'one soul and one life to save it in'. Unlike members of some
other religions, Christians do not believe in reincarnation in any form.
Muslim view on Afterlife and funeral
The Qur’an includes many teachings about akhirah or life after death. Muslims believe that all that they
do on earth will be judged and used as evidence on the Day of Judgement.
Muslims believe that Allah knows the time of a persons’ birth and death before they are born. In the
Qur’an, it says, “No one dies unless Allah permits. The term of every life is fixed.”
When a person is dying, Muslims show them kindness by sitting with them, reading from the Qur’an and
helping the recite the words of the shahadah, the declaration of faith. The dying person should face
Mecca and the adhan, or call to prayer should be the final words they hear, just as they were the first
words whispered into their ear as a baby. The body should then be washed and prepared for the
funeral.
Hajji, men who have been on Hajj, will have the ihram, the robe they wore on Hajj, draped over them.
The Imam leads the prayers inside the Mosque and at the graveside. The funeral must take place within
24 hours after death. Usually only men attend the funeral.
All Muslims are buried as Muslims believe the body should be placed in contact with the earth. The
ceremony should be as simple as possible and expensive memorials should not be set up.
Muslims believe that the soul leaves the body straight after death. The Angel of Death takes the soul to
wait for the Day of Judgement. Muslims believe that angels record all their deeds on earth to be used as
evidence on the Day of Judgement. Good people will go to Heaven (Paradise) and bad people will go to
Hell.
In the Qur’an, Paradise is described as a beautiful garden with rivers of milk and honey. Hell is described
as a terrifying place of heat and torment.
GCSE PAST PAPER REVISION
A
B
C
D
E
F
State two ways a religious believer responds to God.
State two reasons religious believers might give for believing in God.
State two reasons why some people do NOT believe in God.
What is meant by awe?
What is meant by atheism?
What is meant by agnostic?
Explain why some religious believers are against euthanasia.
Explain why religious believers worship.
Explain religious belief in either God as Spirit or God as Creator.
Christians describe Jesus as Lord and Redeemer. Explain the meaning of these titles.
Explain why many Christians believe in human free will.
Explain two reasons why religious believers have funeral rites.
Describe the teachings from two different religious traditions about the after life.
Describe the teachings on the afterlife from two different religious traditions.
Describe the funeral rites from two different religious traditions.
‘No one can be agnostic – you either believer or you do not’ Do you agree?
‘Believing in God is a waste of time’ Do you agree?
‘A belief in life after death is the most important religious belief’ Do you agree?