Download GCSE – answering in levels

HAHC Religious Studies Department
GCSE – general points and hints
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Learn your key words – use them as much as possible in answers
Make sure you answer every question and put in your opinion when asked
d) questions give you a chance to write your view and then another. You can get
2 marks for just putting your view and a reason. Add a key word and a further
point and there is a good chance you will get 3/3 for each part.
Start each part with this phrase
 I agree/disagree with this statement because…. And then add another
sentence with a key word that sums up your view.
 If you can’t think of a key word, have a look at the other questions on
this section and consider taking a word from one of these other questions
 If you don’t have a view, make one up!
How points
a)
b)
c)
d)
are awarded:
0 or 1 or 2
0 or 2 or 4 or 6
0 or 2 or 4 or 6 or 8
0 or 1 or 2 or 3 or 4
up to level 1
up to level 3
up to level 4
up to level 4
Section 1: Believing in God
Answer from Christianity only
b. Do you think a religious upbringing leads to belief in God? Give TWO reasons for
your point of view. (4)
I think a religious upbringing leads to belief in God because if a Christian child goes
to Sunday school and Church, s/he is surrounded by events that hold belief in God.
Another reason could be if the Christian child’s family for generations have been
practicing Christianity, s/he will think it is ‘normal’ since the family will be practicing
this belief i.e. going to Church, giving to charity etc.
(b) Do you think a religious upbringing makes children believe in God? Give two
reasons for your point of view. (4)
I agree that a religious upbringing makes children believe in God because they are
likely to have grown up with people who encourage that God exists. Christians will
usually have their babies christened (baptised) or blessed in Church during which
times promises are made to bring the child up in the Christian faith.
Also they will probably attend Church or Sunday school where they will have the
belief that God exists reinforced through worship, teaching and readings from the
Bible.
(b) Do you think science proves God did not create the world? Give two reasons for
your point of view. (4)
No, I do not think science proves God did not create the world. The causation theory
proves that everything has a cause. Science says that the Big Bang created the world
but what created the Big Bang?
Also the argument from Design says that something with such complexity needs to
have a designer; it could not have happened by chance. Therefore the Big Bang
theory from Science is not a viable cause.
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b. Do you think a numinous experience leads to belief in God? Give TWO reasons for
your point of view. (4)
Yes. Feeling a greater presence than yourself can open your eyes to an awe-inspiring
experience that will convince you of God’s existence. A numerous experience can
lead to conversion.
Another reason is that a numinous experience, for example looking at the
stars/wonders of the cosmos, may lead you to wonder about creation and how we got
to be here. This could lead you to belief in God.
c. Explain how the followers of one religion respond to the scientific explanations of
the origins of the world (8)
Different Christians will respond to this in different ways. For example, literal
Christians (Conservative evangelical) would go exactly by what the Bible says about
the creation of the world in the first book, Genesis. ‘For God created man and woman
in his own image’. These Christians would probably reject all scientific explanations
for the origin of the world.
However, more liberal Christians including many Anglicans, would be more likely to
use the Big Bang theory (an explosion of matter 15 billion years ago) as evidence to
place alongside the book of Genesis as God could have been the First Cause of the
Big Bang. This Causation argument is the idea that everything is caused by a
previous event, nothing can just come into existence by itself, so Liberal Christians
may believe that Science and Religion go hand in hand.
(c) Explain why unanswered prayers may lead some people to reject belief in God. (8)
 If God is omnibenevolent (all loving) and cares of us, he would want to answer
our prayers. If God is omniscient (all knowing) he should know about our prayers.
If God is omnipotent (all powerful) he should have the power to be able to answer
our prayers. Therefore either God exists but is not all loving or is not all powerful
or is not all knowing. If any of these attributes are missing it would suggest that
God is not God and the fact many prayers are not answered suggests logically that
God does not exist.
 There is no pattern to who has prayers apparently answered and who does not. If
God existed it would be logical for religious people who lead good lives to have
prayers answered but this does not follow. It is too random to be more than
coincidence and therefore the likelihood of God existing is too low to be
convincing.
(c) Outline reasons people might give for being atheist. (8)
 An atheist does not believe in any sort of God or heaven, afterlife etc
 There is no scientific evidence for God/ do we need God in our world today?
 If God exists and is good (benevolent) why is there evil and suffering?
 Not having prayers answered may make them not believe
(c) Explain how the appearance of design and order in the world may lead to or
support belief in God. (8)
 The Design Argument says that God exists because the world shows order and
design and could not have happened by accident.
 The order and design points to a designer. The designer is God.
 If the world and everything is created by God, this includes us and as the world
contains everything we need, the designer (God) must care about his creation.
 We have everything we need in the world – food, beauty, climate for habitat etc
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(c) Explain with examples, religious experience (8)
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Conversion - A person completely changes and becomes a new person because of
either a direct experience such as a vision or having prayers answered, hearing a
voice or, more usually, having a feeling that is so overwhelming that they know
they need to reform their way of life and beliefs.
Christians sometimes speak in tongues in Church and feel overcome by the Holy
Spirit. This often happens in a Pentecostal Church
Answered prayer is another form where the person is certain God has answered
their prayer. Sometimes this can also be seen as a miracle.
Hearing God’s voice or having a vision – some people claim to have had a direct
experience of God in this way making them certain that God exists.
(c) Outline a non-religious (scientific) explanation for the existence of the world. (8)
 Big Bang theory – world began with a huge explosion
 Over millions of years planets and the Earth formed from particles & is expanding
 Animals came from the sea and evolved – improved by natural selection.
 Humans & modern apes evolved from a common ancestor. (Don’t say evolved
from monkeys!)
(c) Explain why the idea of causation may lead to, or support a belief in God. (8)
 Causation = everything relies on something else and in order for the world to have
formed there had to be a first cause – like a row of dominoes.
 This is known as the First Cause argument (Cosmological argument) Thomas
Aquinas came up with this idea a long time ago. He said that everything can be
traced back to a first cause and in the case of the universe the first cause was God.
 This is like a dominoes being pushed to knock over a row. The creation of the
world was started by a first cause – God starting it all off
 Nothing happens by itself, everything needs a cause and if that cause is God, he
must exist
(c) Explain how Christianity responds to the problem of evil and suffering (8)
 If God is good & has made everything good, why is there suffering?
 Theodicy= a solution that explains suffering in a world made by a good, allpowerful (omnipotent) God
 God has made the world good but humans are not puppets, we have free will.
 Suffering is caused by people exercising their free-will and choosing to sin from
the first sin (Adam) onwards.
 Christians believe you should say the Lord‟s Prayer and ask for forgiveness of sins
and they believe Jesus died to take the sin away
(c) What do Christians believe about the nature of God? (8)
 God is omnipotent – all powerful. He made the world
 God is omniscient – he knows everything.
 God is benevolent – he loves us and in the form of Jesus died for us
 God is One/ in three parts - the trinity (Father/Son/Holy Spirit)
(c) Explain why evil and suffering may lead some people not to believe in God. (8)
Evil and suffering may lead some people not to believe in God because they may think
if God is supposedly all-knowing (omniscient) and all-powerful (omnipotent) why
does he let these bad things happen?
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Others may wonder whether an uncaring God can exist. Someone who has had a
family member that was murdered or robbed or another example of moral evil may
wonder how a supposedly all-loving (omnibenevolent) God could let that happen and
query his existence.
Those that accept bad people and not God are responsible for evil and suffering might
ask about natural evil like volcanoes and tsunamis and question God’s existence when
people suffer from these things.
Evil and suffering especially when it when it happens to those you love or seems to be
never ending is likely to make people question God’s existence.
(d) „Miracles cannot happen today‟ Do you agree? Explain why someone might
disagree with you (6)
(i) I disagree as some people go through near death experiences and/or numinous
experiences with proves to them there is a spiritual world and probably life after
death. In a similar way people have claimed events that seem to be impossible or go
against the laws of nature have happened and for them, this is a miracle. If God
exists by definition he is omnipotent so powerful enough to perform miracles and if he
cares for us (omnibenevolent) then why shouldn’t he help us sometimes with a
miracle? Christians usually take this view.
(ii) People may disagree with me as they may have asked God for help or a miracle
and nothing happened. e.g. praying that a loved one is made better of an illness.
Miracles are against science and nature and people often use the word to describe
something that is actually a coincidence so it is not a miracle. So called miracles
from the past especially those claimed by religious people can often be explained
away today by modern science.
(d) „Religious experiences prove that God exists‟ (6)
Agree:
 If you have had such as experience you will be certain God exists
 Millions of people claim to have had such experiences and even non-religious
people have sometimes changed their mind because of a NDE or other experience
 Christians and Muslims have such experiences documented in their holy books
and believe it is possible to experience God through prayers being answered,
miracles or in other ways.
Disagree:
 People may be mistaken such as dream it, be on medication or drugs, urgently
desire such an experience and mistake something else
 People may blatantly lie for attention, money etc
 If God does not exist how can anyone experience him/her?
(d) „God caused the world to exist‟ (6)
(i) I agree because Christians believe the Bible and Genesis states that God created
the heavens and the earth. Another reason is because of the Design Argument. This
argues that every design has a designer and the same applies with the Earth. I
believe there is evidence in creation that God created us. We live in a world where
water is abundant, the source of life. Our Earth is situated not too far away from the
sun and not too far for our earth to freeze. There must have been an intelligent
designer that created the world so orderly. The causation argument says you need
something to cause something else, the domino effect. I believe God created and
caused the world to exist.
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(ii) Some people may disagree with me because of evolution, the idea that as time
passed species evolved to better suit their environment. Others argue that the Big
Bang theory is what caused us to be here. The theory entails the idea that after
millions of years force and pressure exerted on an atom to literally ‘bang’ and started
to develop the different species and variations we see today. Some would disagree
with me based on the idea that if God created everything and designed everything,
who created God?
(d) Miracles don’t happen today”. Do you agree? Explain why someone might
disagree with you (6)
 You could say in favour – Miracles happened in the Bible why not today? Many
people believe miracles have happened to them when prayers are answered.
Science is quick to look for a non-religious answer to things described as miracles.
 You could say against – Miracles are against science and nature. Often people
think something is a miracle when it is really a coincidence. Religious people tend
to look for miracles where things can be explained naturally.
Section 2: Matters of life and Death
Answer from Christianity or/and Islam
b. Do you think Christians should agree with abortion? Give TWO reasons for
your point of view. (4)
No, I don’t think they should, because in Christianity it is wrong to kill. Killing God’s
creation is wrong and Christians should have regard life from God as sacred
(sanctity of life). Everything made by God deserves to live.
Christians should have sex only within marriage and they can use protection if they
do not want a child but they should not use abortion as it is killing and the 10
Commandments say ‘Thou shall not kill’.
b. Explain 2 non-religious reasons for believing in life after death. (4)
 Difficult to see death as the end
 People hope and desire belief in a Heaven or Paradise where we can be reunited
with loved ones
 Near Death Experiences and examples of the paranormal suggest there is some
sort of life after death (Akhirah)
b. Do you think Christians should agree with euthanasia? Give two reasons for
your point of view. (4)
Reasons Christians might agree with euthanasia:
 God intends that people should have a good quality of life. Sometimes there is no
quality of life and people are unable to do things that are meaningful for them.
 It might be the most loving thing to do if they are terminally ill and in great pain
(situation ethics)
Reasons Christians might not agree with euthanasia:
 It goes against sanctity of life – the idea that life comes from God and is sacred
 It is taking away a human life which is arguably murder and goes against the 10
Commandments
c. Explain why some people do not believe in life after death. (8)
 At death we can see that the body decays – how can there be life after death?
There is no proof. Religious people are bound to say it exists because their holy
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book teaches it or Jesus‟ resurrection but this is down to faith not fact. They are
likely to be biased about this subject
Life after death is simply people wanting to avoid death which is frightening and
because they desire „heaven‟ or to be reunited with loved ones
Religious leaders have used the idea of Heaven and Hell as a way of controlling
people in the past – „behave yourself or God will punish you later‟ idea
„Life‟ and „death‟ are opposites – it is a contradiction to say „life after death‟
(linguistically meaningless)
c. Explain what the British law says about abortion. (8)
 Based on the 1967 Abortion Act which was updated in 1990. Abortion is legal up
to 24 weeks if continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the physical or mental
health of the Mother; existing children would suffer or if the child to be born is
seriously mentally or physically disabled. In practice this means abortion in the
UK is always available as the first point can be argued
 It is also allowed after 24 weeks if there is a risk to the Mother or evidence the
child will be severely deformed or a risk of serious physical or mental injury to the
Mother.
 Abortions must be agreed by 2 doctors and carried out in a hospital or
NHS/private approved clinic
c. Outline different religious teachings on abortion. (8)
 Life is sacred so abortion is seen as murder by most Christians and Muslims
 Roman Catholics are forbidden by the Pope to use abortion (Christian)
 Protestants look at individual circumstances e.g. if the girl is very young or has
been raped or if the child is seriously disabled.
 Muslims are usually against abortion as only Allah can decide who lives/dies
“Kill not your children on a plea of want” (Qur‟an)
 Some Muslims claim that the Mother‟s life takes priority over the unborn child so
and if the Mother‟s life is in danger then an abortion is permitted.
c. Some people do not believe in life after death. Outline their reasons. (8)
 When someone dies their body decays – how can there be life after death?
 There is no proof. Just because it says so in the Bible or Qur‟an – this is not
scientific proof. Jesus‟ resurrection may have been made up by his disciples.
 Life after death is simply people wanting to avoid death which is frightening.
 If Heaven exists – where is it?
c. Outline teachings about the sanctity of life in a religion other than Christianity (8)
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sanctity of life – the idea that life is sacred (holy) and comes from God
Q teaches that Allah gives life/takes it away. Murder and suicide are haram and
generally Islam does not accept abortion or euthanasia as all these things involve
people „playing God‟
„Playing God‟ can be seen as blasphemy
Life is a gift from God and should be cherished. Children should be loved by their
parents and it is wrong to ignore someone in need.
c. Outline teachings about contraception in a religion other than Christianity (8)
 Contraception is generally allowed since it was permitted by the Prophet.
 Permanent contraception (sterilization) and abortion are haram
 It is expected that everyone who is able to will have children once married
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Some people may disagree with contraception since it tries to control nature and
denies an opportunity for a child (Allah‟s gift). Also contraception could allow
someone to commit adultery or fornication undetected (both haram)
c. Explain why the resurrection of Jesus is important for Christians (8)
 Resurrection – the belief that Jesus was raised from the dead
 Christians believe J died to save us from our sins & give eternal life
 The resurrection is proof that J was God and the belief in – „the resurrection of
the body and life everlasting’
 The story teaches us that we can look forward to eternal life
c. Outline teachings about resurrection/life after death in a religion other than
Christianity (8)
 Resurrection = the raising of the body after death. Akhirah = life after death
 Muslims believe that after death their bodies will be raised to join their soul,
which is immortal, by Allah on the Day of Judgement.
 Paradise is the reward for the faithful – al’Jannah a place of constant delights
c. Outline non-religious arguments against euthanasia (8)
 Euthanasia = mercy killing or the helping of someone who is in great pain to die.
 Against the UK law & in most other countries. Can be prosecuted.
 People may be pressurized into it/how can you be sure what a dying person wants
 Mistakes are sometimes made and so called terminal illnesses cured
 The job of the Doctor is to save life not help people die
 Excuse for murder or suicide - devalues life
c. Explain why some people think the law on euthanasia should be changed (8)
 Euthanasia is illegal in the UK but not everywhere e.g. Switzerland
 Some people argue that it is cruel and against human rights to deny someone who
wants to end their life in cases of extreme pain, terminal illness such as motor
neurone disease and where a serious accident has left someone paralysed.
 Others say euthanasia could be seen as a convenient way to get rid of unwanted
terminally ill or elderly people. Medical advances have meant most pain can be
controlled and the Hospice Movement allows people to die naturally with dignity.
 Christians/Muslims tend to disagree with euthanasia as they believe life is sacred.
c. Explain why members of a religion other than Christianity are against
euthanasia (8)
 Islam sees voluntary euthanasia as a form of assisted suicide and/or murder
 Euthanasia is expressly forbidden in the Qur‟an as it is seen as a form of murder
/suicide both of which are haram. „Kill not your child on a plea of want’.
 M* stopped the practice of killing baby girls and gave Hadiths which forbid it.
 Allah does not allow Iblis to tempt humankind more than they can bear so there is
no need for euthanasia.
 Only Allah can take and give life - euthanasia is like „playing God‟ (blasphemy).
c. Explain why people believe in life after death in a religion other than
Christianity (8)
 Akhirah (life after death) is outlined in the Q and many Hadiths. Islam is based on
the Q, Allah‟s exact words.
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Life after death gives meaning to life and sorts out inequalities e.g. bad people
can‟t escape from their sins/crimes
Life is a test from Allah; Paradise is the reward for being faithful. On the Day of
Judgement, Angels will give Allah an account of how we have led our lives
The faithful are rewarded with al‟Jannah (Paradise) - a place of constant delights
and those who have disobeyed Allah may go to jahannam (Hell)
c. Explain why the followers of one religion other than Christianity are against
euthanasia. (8)
 Islam is against euthanasia and see it as murder or suicide, both of which are
haram (forbidden) in the Qur‟an
 Life is sacred and it is up to Allah (God) when you die
 Allah does not allow the Devil to cause you to suffer more than you can bear
 If you finish your life early you are „playing God‟ which is blasphemy
d. ‘Religious people should accept euthanasia’ (6)
Agree:
 Euthanasia is about choices. Why should someone who is terminally ill suffer
unnecessarily. Surely it is a loving thing and not murder to help them die with
dignity and with loved ones around them.
 We ask a Vet to put a pet „down‟ (to die) if it is suffering and a person is much
more important. How can this be murder? Isn‟t it worse to let them suffer?
 Murder is usually a selfish act or something done in anger or for revenge. This is
not the motive with euthanasia and cannot therefore be called murder.
Disagree:
 Euthanasia is mercy killing or the helping of someone who is in great pain to die.
It is against the UK law & in most other countries. Doctors swear an oath to try to
save life not kill people (Hippocratic oath)
 Most religious people see euthanasia as murder– killing someone is murder
however you try to wrap it up! Murder and suicide are forbidden in the Qur‟an and
„Thou shalt not kill’ is one of the 10 Commandments
 Whether you help someone who wants to die to kill themselves or turn off a
machine keeping someone alive you are still wiping out a life and devaluing life
which Christians, Muslims and other religious people see as sacred and from God.
d. ‘Beliefs about life after death affect the way a person lives their life’ (6)
Agree:
 Christians, Muslims and others believe after they die God will judge them on their
faith and actions. This will decide their afterlife.
 The promise of Heaven (or Hell) is an incentive for leading a good life as they
believe God will reward those who have lived according to God‟s will
 RC‟s believe in purgatory which is where the souls of those who have sinned will
go to be cleansed before Heaven. If you live a good life and go to confession
regularly you will have less time in purgatory and may even miss it altogether.
Disagree
 Plenty of bad people who do terrible things believe in God and are religious.
Either they are not bothered about what will happen after they die or don‟t think it
will happen to them.
 People live for the moment and have problems looking ahead in their lifetime let
alone after death.
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Some religious people think it is enough to have faith alone. Faith is more
important than actions. St. Paul spoke of Christians being „justified by faith’
meaning if they believe they will be „saved‟ and go to Heaven after death.
d. “Near death experiences do not show there is life after death”. Do you agree?
Explain why someone might disagree with you (6)
 For: they could be made up, the result of someone having a bang on the head,
dreaming or drug induced
 Against: There have been scientific experiments which show lots of people have
had NDEs. If everyone made them up, why do so many have the same experience
i.e. seeing a light, a tunnel, meeting a religious figure or dead relative, being
turned back etc.
Section 3: Marriage and the family
Answer from Christianity or/and Islam
b. Do you think all Christians should accept sex outside marriage? Give TWO
reasons for your point of view. (4)
I think all Christians should not accept sex outside marriage as marriage means
being faithful to your partner and having sex only with them. Marriage is a
commitment with vows made before God.
Sex outside marriage would mean not being faithful and also it would be disliked by
God as he prohibits adultery (10 Commandments) and many see it as a grave sin.
b. Do you think all Christians should accept homosexuality? Give TWO reasons
for your point of view. (4)
I think all Christians should accept homosexuality because people can’t help who they
are attracted to and should be able to live their life in a way they will be happy.
Christians believe you should love your neighbour and this means they should accept
people for what they are.
Society has developed more tolerance over time towards homosexuality and things
are changing such as same sex marriage (from March 2014). Some Churches have
supported this and so all Christians should be more accepting generally.
c. Outline the attitude to divorce of one religion other than Christianity. (8)
 Islam permits divorce but says of all halal things, this is the one Allah least likes
“Among all lawful things, divorce is most hated by Allah” (Hadith)
 The family, community & mosque should all try to help solve the problems. They
can go back to the original marriage contract and see the problems can be resolved
 Divorce is acceptable for abuse, desertion, insanity
 Some think it is important to stay together because of the children/marriage
contract etc
 Others say that a bad marriage could have a bad effect on children
 Allah is compassionate and understands human weakness
c. Outline the purposes of marriage in Christianity. (8)
 To publically show your love and commitment to someone else
 To make sacred vows before God
 Marriage is seen as the legitimate place for sexual relationships
 Secure place to raise a family
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c. Outline the purposes of marriage in a religion other than Christianity (8)
 Islam believes it is willed by Allah and the example of M*;
 Promises are made before God
 To bring up children in a family as Muslims
 The only place Islam permits sexual rel‟s;
c. Explain why many Christians believe that sex outside marriage is wrong. (8)
 The Bible teaches that the only place for sex is between a husband and a wife
 Having sex only within marriage shows real commitment and prevents sexually
transmitted infections
 If one partner is unfaithful in marriage this can lead to family breakdown
 Your conscience should help you to resist sexual temptations
c. Explain how a Christian wedding ceremony may help a marriage to succeed. (8)
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You make your vows (promises) before God/ before all your friends and relatives.
You promise to be faithful and look after each other „in sickness and in health’
etc. for life
You wear a ring to show your commitment to share all your worldly goods
The Church may run „Marriage preparation classes’ or at least talk through what
Christian marriage is all about.
c. Explain why one faith other than Christianity does not allow sex outside
marriage (8)
 Only place for sex is between a husband and wife in a marriage (Qur‟an)
 Adultery (unfaithfulness in marriage) & fornication (sex between unmarried
people) are haram. No homosexual relationships permitted.
 Sex should bring the married couple closer together and lead to having children
 Adultery leads to marriage breakdown, loss of trust, unwanted children
 Promiscuity can lead to STI‟s and HIV
c. Describe changing attitudes to cohabitation in Britain (8)
 Cohabitation = living together as husband & wife but not married
 More acceptable in Britain today – lots of examples in the media & with famous
people doing this
 People talk about partners rather than their husband or wife
 People who cohabit have many rights in law that married people do
 Divorce rates have soared – many people do not want to make this commitment
c. Outline teaching on family life in a religion other than Christianity (8)
 Family life gives support/love to its members and children a stable background.
 Children grow up in the faith and learn from parents and other relations who
should set them a good example.
 Family life provides a safe environment where the Father has the responsibility to
protect and provide and the Mother to run a halal home.
 The mosque and the Madrassah (mosque school) which teach children about Islam
including the importance of family life
c. Explain how the religious community can help with the upbringing of children
in a faith other than Christianity (8)
 Madrassah (mosque school) helps the family teach children about the faith
 Provides guidance from Imam and older Muslims e.g. learning Arabic
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A safe environment for children;
A place for prayers and celebrating festivals
c. Explain why family life is important in a religion other than Christianity. (8)
 Family life gives support and love to its members and gives children a stable
background. Each member has a role.
 Children grow up in the faith and learn from parents and other relations who
should set them a good example.
 Family life provides a safe environment where the Father has the responsibility to
protect and provide and the Mother to run a halal home.
c. Choose one religion other than Christianity and explain its views on
homosexuality. (8)
Islam:
 Most Muslims are strongly opposed to homosexuality because it is against the
teachings of the Qur‟an and Islamic law which states Allah made male and female
to marry, live in families and procreate.
 Some strict Muslim countries will impose the death penalty for practicing
homosexuality seeing it as adultery – as is all types of sexual relationship outside
that of a husband and wife. Others are more lenient and some have decriminalised
homosexuality.
 Some Muslims claim it is impossible to be gay and a Muslim putting the emphasis
on choice of lifestyle whilst others now accept that Allah has made people as they
are including their sexuality.
 Some accept that Muslims might have homosexual feelings but believe it is wrong
for them to practice it. Others accept this and there are support groups like AlFatiha Foundation and help lines to support gay and lesbian Muslims.
 This is an area where individuals are likely to have very strong views within the
faith and both sides will claim God/right is on their side!
c. Choose one religion other than Christianity and explain why it teaches that
family life is important. (8)
Islam teaches that family life is important by mostly having extended families, where
other relatives live in the same house of nearby. This is because Allah says in the
Qur’an that you should respect your elders and take care of them in old age.
Islam encourages getting married so that two families can unite as well as procreate,
so to have children. This ensures the faith is passed on to the next generation and
strengthens family life. The Imam from the mosque tied to mend relationships if there
are problems in the family as Allah says ‘Of all things he permits this is the most
regretful one’ which suggests that family life is important and divorce is a last resort.
In Islam family life is important because the Mother has the duty of a homemaker and
to make sure the Shahadah, food dietary laws are known to the children. The Father
is important to protect and provide for the family. Grandparents and the elderly help
with the younger generation and are looked up to. In all these ways family life is
important and is emphasised in Islam.
d. ‘Pre-marital sex is always wrong’ (6)
Agree:
 Pre-marital sex leads to lack of commitment, breakdown of family life and
promiscuity some people may argue.
 Christianity and Islam encourage marriage and sex within marriage. Islam forbids
pre-marital sex and many Christians see it as the sin of fornication.
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
Young people may feel forced into relationships they are not ready for and it can
lead to pregnancy and being forced to make difficult decisions about whether or
not to have a child
Disagree:
 In the UK today about half of all couples live together without marriage. Attitudes
are changing over cohabitation and it is wrong to judge others for the moral
decisions they have chosen to make
 Some Christians and others believe this teaching is out of date and that
commitment and love should be the most important factors in a relationship
 Some people don‟t see the need for marriage and feel that it might put a strain on a
happy relationship. Divorce rates are high and it is easier and cheaper to separate
from a relationship without ties than a marriage.
d. ‘Religious people should never divorce’ (6)
Agree:
 Christians believe marriage vows are made before God and should be for life.
Couples should not go into marriage unless they love each other and are prepared
to commit for life.
 Divorce breaks up families and causes upset and lack of stability for children
 The intention for religious marriage is that it should be for life. Religious people
are hypocrites if they don‟t live up to what they preach. If they have problems
they should pray about it.
Disagree:
 Religious people are not immune to problems and adultery, money issues,
addiction and other problems that cause divorces can happen to them as well.
 No one ever knows what the future will bring and religious people often don‟t
believe in cohabitation and may not discover they are incompatible in a marriage
until too late. Many believe it is better for children to be loved by parents apart
than in a bad marriage where they may just see rows and problems.
 Sometimes religious people marry too young. Even the RC Church recognises
this and may allow an annulment.
Section 4: Religion & Community cohesion
Answer from Christianity or/and Islam
a. What is a multi-ethnic society? (2)
 Many different religions and cultures living together in one society
b. Do you think problems are solved because society is multi-ethnic? Give two
reasons for your point of view. (4)
There are problems caused by multi-ethnic society such as racism and racial tensions
between one ethnic group and another. Another problem is that having lots of
different cultures and ethnicities can cause a place’s original identity and culture to
be lost.
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b. Do you think women should have different religious rights to men in
Christianity? Give two reasons for your point of view. (4)
No, because the Bible says ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or
female for you are all one in Christ Jesus’. Galations 3.v.28. Also, the Virgin Mary
played an important part in Jesus’ life showing that women have an important
contribution to make.
b. Do you think women should have equal rights in religion? Give 2 reasons for
your point of view. (4)
Yes
 Religious faiths teach that God has made both men and women to be equal
under him. It should therefore follow that they have equal rights in the
religion
 Jesus treated women as equals and had a number of female followers
 The 1975 Sex Discrimination Act makes sure women have equality in other
areas of British culture like education and jobs. They should also have equal
rights in religious faith
No
 The Bible and the Qur‟an can be read to suggest men and women have
different roles in the faith with women as homemakers.
 Jesus did not choose any women apostles (different from disciples)
 Religion is different from society and religious laws are answerable to God not
the Government. Human laws can‟t dictate issues like women priests/leaders
– it needs to come from the faith. Both the RC Church and Islam reject the
notion of women leaders meaning women do not have „equal rights‟ in a
worldly sense.
c. Explain why mixed-faith marriages may cause problems for religious families. (8)
 Often there cannot be a religious wedding ceremony because both couples
must be members of the religion so they have to have a civil ceremony which
isn‟t a religious marriage or one party has to agree to get married somewhere
other than their place of worship
 Which faith should the children be brought up in? It can lead to confusion or
the children rejecting both faiths
 There can be a problem with death rituals. Should the couple be cremated or
buried and if buried, they may have to go into separate parts of the cemetery.
Jews, Muslims and Christians usually have their own areas
 The Grandparents may feel that their children have betrayed their roots and
family by falling in love with someone from a different faith.
c. Outline different attitudes to the roles of men and women in one religion other
than Christianity. (8)
 Islam believes men and women are equal under Allah but have different roles.
They should both set a good example to their children.
 Men should provide for the family and protect them. Husbands usually give their
wages to their wife for the family.
 Women run the home, give birth to and bring up children. They do not have to
attend the mosque or work to support the family
 Men and women should show a good example and men will take their sons to the
mosque.
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c. Describe, with examples, the difference between prejudice & discrimination. (8)




Prejudice – to pre-judge. It is a thought rather than action. e.g. to dislike someone
because they are a different colour to you.
Discrimination – to act on your prejudice. e.g. to not give someone a job because
they are a different colour.
With prejudice the person doesn‟t know how you feel until it becomes
discrimination.
There are laws in this country to counter discrimination e.g. the Race
Discrimination Act 1976
c. Choose ONE religion other than Christianity and outline the teachings of that
religion on racial harmony. (8)
 Islam forbids racism in the Qur‟an – you cannot discriminate on race
 The Q outlines how Allah made different peoples/races on Earth so Muslims have
a duty to get on with all parts of Allah‟s creation
 Muhammad* spoke out against racism and said everyone was equal under Allah.
 Muhammad* had many followers who were from different races and there are
Muslims from all cultures today.
c. Describe the advantages of living in a multi-faith society. (8)
 You grow up understanding others and the world better
 You are less likely to be prejudiced
 There are a variety of restaurants and may be cultural activities like the Notting
Hill carnival to enjoy.
 Your local community should be happier!
c. Explain how living in a multi-faith society may cause problems for people of
faith. (8)
 Problems of racial and ethnic discrimination – work, education etc
 Ethnic minorities may be blamed for social or world problems
 May be difficult to obtain halal meat, keep Ramadan or wear Islamic clothing
(Islam)
 People may be confused by all the different faiths and reject religion altogether
c. Explain why service is important for Christians (8)
 Service = helping, serving others. Christians must love their neighbour.
 Jesus served others through teaching, performing miracles and washed his
disciples feet to teach them humility and service to each other
 Christians should live an unselfish life which can only be done by putting others
first. e.g. many choose their careers carefully or do some voluntary work
 Ultimate service = giving up your life for another which Jesus told his followers to
be prepared to do!
c. Explain the benefits of living in a multi-faith society. (8)
 You grow up understanding others and the world better if you live in a society of
different faiths. It takes away fear of the unknown – it becomes normal.
 You are less likely to be prejudiced if your neighbours, school and work mates are
from a variety of religious backgrounds.
 There are likely to be a variety of restaurants, music and cultural activities such as
the Notting Hill carnival to enjoy.
 Your local community should be happier. All major faiths teach tolerance!
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c. Choose one religion other than Christianity and explain why its followers
should encourage racial harmony. (8)
 The Q outlines how Allah made different peoples/races on Earth and equal.
Muslims have a duty to get on with all people created by Allah who are united by
their humanity.
 Prophet Muhammad* forbade racism – you cannot discriminate on race. Many
early Muslims were from different races.
 All Muslims are united by the worldwide Islamic community – the ummah and
this is really shown each year at the hajj.
 Many Muslims have campaigned for racial harmony e.g. Malcolm X
d. ‘Government laws lead to community cohesion’ (6)
Agree:
 The Government makes the law e.g. Race Relations Act 1976 which makes it
illegal to discriminate on grounds of race for such things as jobs, education and
housing.
 The Government can take a lead and make it clear what is expected in a civilised
society and what is not allowed and set laws to deal with racism or racial hatred
that opposes community cohesion
 The Government can encourage community cohesion through grants for particular
community projects such as cultural festivals or community centres.
Disagree:
 You cannot force people to have a common vision and shared sense of belonging
in society
 There are always some extremists who will upset community harmony e.g. the
murder of Lee Rigby in Woolwich
 Religions teach the importance of community cohesion and it is for them and
community groups to take the lead on any projects rather than trying to rely on the
Government alone
d. ‘Men and women are treated equally in the UK today’ (6)
(i) Men and women are not treated equally in the UK. It is still impossible for a
woman to become a bishop in Christianity (or even a Priest in the RC and Orthodox
traditions) for example. Another way is that the average pay for a man is
significantly higher than that of a woman. Yet another way is that women are still
treated differently in the media, treated as sex symbols or made to believe their bodies
should look a certain way.
(ii) Others would disagree saying that the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) means that
women are treated equally in law. They also argue that women are not the same as
men and should not be expected to do equally as well in things men do and vice versa.
Christians may point to the fact that men and women can both be priests in the
Church of England as a sign of equality in society.
d. ‘If everyone was religious there would be no racism’… (6)
Points that agree with the statement
 All faiths tend to teach an anti-racism message e.g. Parable of the Good
Samaritan/condemned by Muhammad*
 Christians and/or Muslims belief about judging others and caring for your
neighbour (as opposed to being racist towards them) „love your neighbour’
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
If everyone was religious they would believe God was watching them and they
would one day be called to account for their actions
Points that disagree with the statement
 People can be hypocrites with religion & follow the parts that suits them
 Racism exists everywhere even in religious communities. e.g. most of the
people against MLK claimed to be Christian
 There is racism in countries that claim to have religious laws governing them
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