Give one mark to candidates who provide an account limited in scope or content. Give two marks to candidates who make an accurate and appropriate account of the concept. Credit valid alternatives. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● promises made to each other
● promises made to God
● promises made in a public place
● promises made in a place of worship promises that show commitment to one another and to God
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● Reference to the expectation of family units in religious teachings e.g. Ten Commandments
● References to importance of families in stories from sacred texts and sources of wisdom e.g. in the Parable of the Lost Son
● Reference to the functions of specific types of family e.g. the distinctive role of members in an extended family
● Unit established for support and care
● Expectation of religious/non–religious beliefs that within a family there will be specific duties for members e.g. the different ashramas in Hinduism
● Care of the elderly and young
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
Christianity
● Differing views from denominations and individuals which often results from interpretations of scriptures and cultural/ethnic background
● Although there are no direct teachings, references may be made to interpretations of Genesis 19:4-11, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, I Corinthians 6:8-10, and Jude 1:7
● Belief that marriage between a man and woman is ordained by God
● Reference to the importance of creating and rearing children which samesex relationships may prohibit (e.g. some members of Church of the Latter-day Saints)
● Same-sex relationships are considered contrary to 'natural law'. The teaching in Catholicism (re-affirmed by Pope Francis) distinguishes between the orientation and the homosexual act (‘hate the ‘sin’, love the ‘sinner’’) Seen as a crime and even punishable by death in some Christian countries
● References to the impact of contemporary actions e.g. since 2012 British law allows churches to conduct same sex partnerships. These have been embraced by some denominations but not by others e.g. Orthodox Church, conservative/evangelical Anglicanism, whilst Canon Law prevents Roman Catholic acceptance
● The 2014 Synod of Bishops was the first to examine the issue of pastoral care for people in same-sex civil unions and marriages The views of some Christian groups (liberal Anglican and Society of Friends) that same sex relationships are accepted within a loving relationship
Islam
● Same sex relationships are seen as a crime in some Islamic societies
● Punishable in some countries by death
● Prohibited by Qur’an, e.g. Surah 7:80-81, 26:165-166 Qur’an is considered to be the literal word of Allah
● Story of Lut (Lot) and destruction of city by Allah due to same sex relationships Importance of children and family in Islam means that same sex relationships are discouraged Focus on marriage between man and woman in Islam – considered to be the ideal state
Marks for spelling, punctuation and the accurate use of grammar are allocated to this question Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● Fidelity within marriage is valued
● Marriage vows promise sexual faithfulness
● Sex should be part of a committed marital relationship
● Pre-marital sex is prohibited by a number of religious traditions
● Adultery is condemned by a number of religious traditions
● Extra-marital sex undermines the status of marriage
● Sex outside marriage may lead to unwanted pregnancies
● Some people are divorced and may not be allowed to remarry
● Society has changed; sex outside of marriage is socially acceptable
● Some religious traditions, such as more liberal groups within the Anglican Church, allow sex outside marriage if the relationship is stable and the couple intend to marry. However, more conservative or evangelical groups within the Anglican Church may not approve of this
● Some people do not want to marry for different reasons, e.g. cost
● Those who hold non-religious beliefs would argue that sex does not have to be confined within marriage in order to show enjoyment, love or commitment. Sex outside marriage can be just as meaningful They might also argue though that hurting people or behaving disrespectfully or dishonestly or being irresponsible are not right and sex that leads to these is, therefore, to be avoided
Give one mark to candidates who provide an account limited in scope or content. Give two marks to candidates who make an accurate and appropriate account of the concept. Credit valid alternatives. Candidates could include one of the following but other points could be included.
● Life in all its forms is sacred
● No person should disrespect or harm life
● Life is given by God and is special
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following but other relevant points should be credited.
● Some take a literalist reading of creation stories even if aspects appear illogical. The importance is having faith
● Some take an interpretive approach
● In some traditions there is more than one creation story
● In some traditions the creation stories are considered to be an allegory or example of the wonder of the Ultimate Being Translations from different languages have resulted in differences of interpretation Reference to value of scientific theories within interpretation of creation stories
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
Christianity
● Eternal Life is received through faith. Although bodies grow old and die there is a life after with Christ in heaven ('We believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting'-The Apostles Creed)
● To gain entry to Heaven there are two things needed: how a person responds to Jesus and his teachings 'For God loved the world so much that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost but have eternal life.’ (John 3:16)
● How a person responds to those in need on earth ‘Anything you did for any of my people here, you also did it for me…Come and receive the kingdom prepared for you.’ (Matthew 25;34,40) Resurrection – central belief because of the resurrection of Jesus
● Different views on who is resurrected References to Catholic ideas about Purgatory
● Different ideas about types of Hell References to specific denominational teachings should be credited.
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● The father should also have rights There are no hard and fast rules.
● All medical situations depend upon the context: a relative/situationist approach
● Application of principle of utilitarianism Doctors are the experts and know what they are doing
● Each child should be a wanted child Many religious traditions consider mother’s life is more important if her life is at risk
● Many religions believe days are fixed and a part of God's plan Life is too sacred to be placed in the hands of human beings/sanctity of life
● References to interpretation of scriptures and wisdom General Synod urges that abortion law should be applied more strictly
● As life is created by God it must be revered from the moment of conception
● Reference may be made to the authority or magisterium of the Pope and the College of Bishops
● Catechism points out that from the first moment of existence a human being has the rights of a human person Bad karma can result from an abortion The principle of ahimsa and non-violence would be the guide Up to 4 months after conception, ensoulment has not taken place and the mother's rights are worth more than the child's Jesus’ teachings/religious leaders showed the importance of life
● All life has atman and each atman is individual Importance of Pikuach Nefesh
● Humanist belief that we do not have a soul and we are not linked to God or created by him. There is no divine plan for each of us Peter Singer’s ideas that human beings have no special right to life just because they are humans (speciesism)
● Humanists would ask that circumstances be taken into account: rape, poverty, disability, situation of the Mother and/or Father etc. when considering abortion – quality of life is paramount
Give one mark to candidates who provide an account limited in scope or content. Give two marks to candidates who make an accurate and appropriate account of the concept.
Credit valid alternatives.
● Candidates could include one of the following but other points could be included.
● Acting against the moral code of the religion, e.g. Ten Commandments When you give in to temptation and do something wrong
● Breaking the law Missing ‘the mark’; falling short of what it is to be fully human
● Examples could include adultery, murder, stealing, cheating in an examination
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines.
● Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● Teachings from sacred scriptures Reference made to the sacredness of life References made to the importance of living out the Golden Rule
● The difficulty of ensuring the correct person has been convicted References may be made to any of the four aims of punishment
● Goes against many religious teachings regarding only God can take life
● Certain crimes are so serious that they warrant the death penalty e.g. in Islam, apostasy
● The argument of utilitarianism or reference to situation ethics or an absolutist approach, such as Natural Law Reference to karma
● Reference to ahimsa The Buddhist Precepts and Right Action
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
Christianity
●God has given everyone freedom to live their lives References to different views on predestination and beliefs from different interpretations of the Fall
● References to writings of St Augustine Different emphasis regarding relationships between predestination and free will depending upon denominations
● Many Methodists believe that while God is all-knowing and always knows what choices each person will make, he still gives them the ability to choose (or not choose) everything Many Lutherans believe humanity is free to choose and act in every regard except for the choice of salvation
● Many Roman Catholics do not view free will as existing apart from or in contradiction to grace
References to denominational differences should be credited.
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● Reference to belief in Free Will and/or ‘Original Sin’
● For some this is an argument that God does not exist, especially if God is supposed to be omnipotent and all-loving
● Suffering can bring benefits e.g. resilience; reference to the Irenaean/Hick philosophical argument
● Some people suffer (e.g. fast) to experience the suffering of others and create a shared humanity
● The principle of karma which relates suffering to previous actions
● God is too great for humans to understand why there may be suffering
● References to the lessons learnt in scriptures and wisdom e.g. Story of Shivan, Job
● References to the role of suffering by sources of authority e.g. the vicarious suffering of Jesus; the suffering of the Buddha leading to the principle of the Middle Way Non-religious beliefs may include the idea that God does not exist and therefore should not be considered
● Non-religious believers may argue that suffering is usually brought about by the wrong-doings of human beings or the laws of nature and that suffering will continue if human beings continue to be greedy, hateful, selfish, self-serving etc.
Give one mark to candidates who provide an account limited in scope or content. Give two marks to candidates who make an accurate and appropriate account of the concept.
Credit valid alternatives.
Candidates could include one of the following but other relevant points should be included.
● Making a distinction based on something other than individual merit Acting on prejudice by treating a person or a group of people, badly
● Examples could include gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, age
● Candidates may make reference to any example when religious conviction has conflicted with civil law.
● Examples may include legal conflict over items of clothing: hijab, niqab, turban etc., or items such as cross, kara, kirpan etc.
● Give credit for examples that make reference to conflict over freedom of artistic expression,
● The freedom to protest,
Credit examples where religious conviction has led to accusations of prejudice and discrimination
Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited. Christianity
● Sacred texts and sources of wisdom, e.g. The Tenth Commandment makes it clear that people should be content with what they have (Exodus 20:17)
● Jesus told his followers that being wealthy is not easy (Luke 18:25)
● Jesus taught that people should use their wealth unselfishly, to look after one another (Matthew 25:35-36)
● Christians must make sure that they earn their living an honest way that does not hurt other people
● Charity is the greatest of the three theological virtues
● Charity has two parts: love of God and love of man, which includes both love of one's neighbour and one's self e.g. 1 Cor. 13
● Contemporary practices, e.g. work of Christian Aid, CAFOD
● Candidates may make reference to the teachings and actions of individuals (such as Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Dr. Ambedkar etc.) to demonstrate the fact that religious people have worked for racial equality
● Candidates may make reference to religious teachings on equality to demonstrate the need for religious people to work for racial equality
● Candidates may also argue that religion separates or divides people along racial lines and that, historically, some religions/religious groups have been actively or passively racist (slave trade, silence during Holocaust etc., Ku Klux Klan)
● Non-religious beliefs may include the idea that religion has not/does not do enough to combat racial prejudice and discrimination and that religious teachings and ideas have often been used to justify racism, anti-Semitism etc.
Give one mark to candidates who provide one accurate statement. Give two marks to candidates who provide two accurate statements. Credit valid alternatives. Candidates could include the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● Christians believe God is omnipotent
● Christians believe God is omnipresent
● Christians believe God is omni-benevolent
● Christians believe in the Trinity - God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● The death of Jesus was part of a divine plan
● The death of Jesus was necessary to allow the resurrection to take place
● The crucifixion of Jesus was an act of atonement for the sins of people
● The crucifixion is part of the process for the redemption/salvation of humanity
● Reference to Biblical texts, such as Luke 18:31-33 The crucifixion was a fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● Christians believe heaven is to be in the presence of God
● Christians believe that heaven will be a paradise
● Christians believe heaven is a reward for a life of faith and good works
● There is a diversity of viewpoints about heaven within different Christian traditions
● Reference to Biblical texts, such as Luke 23:43
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● Christians believe Jesus was the Son of God/God incarnate
● Christians believe Jesus was also human
● Some people believe Jesus was simply an ordinary man who preached a particular ethical code ● Some people do not believe Jesus performed miracles
● Christians believe Jesus was able to perform miracles
● Some people do not believe that Jesus rose from the dead
● Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead
● Jesus was born, lived as a man and died
● Some people regard Jesus simply as an historical figure Some people (e.g. Muslims), believe that Jesus was an important prophet from God but not God incarnate Some people would say Jesus is one of the most influential figures who ever lived and, therefore, not ordinary Ordinary people don’t have millions of followers and the influence to change people’s lives and communities, but belief in Jesus continues to do such things Ordinary people are not worshipped two thousand years after they lived like Jesus is
Give one mark to candidates who provide one accurate example. Give two marks to candidates who provide two accurate examples. Credit valid alternatives. Candidates could include the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● Sing hymns
● Prayer (either alone or as a community)
● Reference to specific acts of worship, e.g. Eucharist Carrying out acts of charity
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● Tearfund is a charity that provides emergency aid in many parts of the world
● Tearfund provides development aid in some of the poorest parts of the world
● Tearfund raises public awareness of social issues, such as poverty and discrimination
● Tearfund campaigns against the causes of poverty
● Tearfund provides practical help in order to act out teachings of Jesus
● Tearfund encourages self-help for individuals and communities
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● For some Christians baptism is a sign of acceptance into the Christian Church
● Infant baptism gives Christian parents an opportunity to celebrate the birth of a child
● Many Christians, in particular Catholics, believe original sin is removed through the action of baptism
● Baptism was practised in the Early Church
● Christians follow the example of Jesus who was baptised as an adult
● Baptism is a rite of passage in the Christian religion For some Christians baptism is a sacrament
● Believers' Baptism in the Baptist tradition for example, gives an individual an opportunity to publicly proclaim faith for themselves Credit should be given for denominational differences
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view including the fact that religious traditions in Britain are in the main Christian and also diverse and include the following religious and nonreligious traditions: Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Humanism and Atheism.
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited.
● Britain's laws, customs and festivals are based on Christianity
● Over half of those who completed the 2011 census said they considered themselves Christian
● Many people still have rites of passage ceremonies in church (christenings, weddings, funerals) Some Christian churches are growing (evangelical churches)
● Church leaders still have influence; there are Bishops in the House of Lords
● Although Great Britain has mainly Christian traditions, there is an increase in non-religious beliefs and society has become more secular (shops open on a Sunday and relaxing of divorce and abortion laws etc.)
● Although Great Britain has mainly Christian traditions, it is also very multi-faith with large communities of people of other faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism, who have different places of worship, dress codes, languages etc. Non-Christian festivals are now celebrated all over Great Britain
Give one mark to candidates who provide an account limited in scope or content. Give two marks to candidates who make an accurate and appropriate account of the concept. Credit valid alternatives. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited. ● Prophethood is the idea that people were given a special purpose to reveal to others what God had revealed to them ● The concept, including influence on individuals, communities and societies of prophethood (risalah), is that there has been a long line of messengers sent by God to teach the faith ● Muslims often use the words ‘Peace Be Upon Him’ after the name of the prophet to show respect
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited. ● Islam is a monotheistic religion based on the belief in the Oneness (Tawhid) of Allah ● The Shahadah states there is only one Allah and this belief is the essence of Islam ● The Shahadah states the name of God as Allah and Allah is one ● Allah alone is worthy of worship ● This is a belief stated in the Qur'an The idea links to the oneness of the Muslim Brother and Sister hood - Ummah
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited. ● Muhammad was the greatest prophet ● Muhammad was the seal of the prophets; the fulfilment of all the others ● Muhammad was the last of the prophets ● Muhammad received the revelation of the Qur'an through Jabri’l from Allah ● Muhammad is an example of how all Muslims should live their lives and this can be seen in the Hadith Muslims often use the words ‘Peace Be Upon Him’ to show respect
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited. ● Belief in Allah is the most important religious belief ● Belief in an afterlife is the most important belief ● Without belief in Allah no other religious belief make sense ● Belief in Allah is the first Pillar of Faith ● Belief in Allah is the most important belief because Muslims state this belief in the Shahadah ● Many people have belief about the afterlife without belief in Allah Many people believe that good deeds and social action (zakat, for example) are more important than belief in Allah
Give one mark to candidates who provide an account limited in scope or content. Give two marks to candidates who make an accurate and appropriate account of the concept. Credit valid alternatives. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited. ● Salah is the daily five ritual prayers made in worship of Allah ● Salah is the second/one of the five Pillars of Faith
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited. ● Muslims perform Hajj at Makkah in Saudi Arabia ● Pilgrims enter a state of ihram ● Pilgrims may wear ihram robes ● Pilgrims visit the Ka'ba in the grand mosque at Makkah ● Muslims circle the Ka'ba seven times ● Muslims run between the hills of Safa and Marwa to recall Hagar's search for water ● Muslims drink water at Zamzam ● Muslims go to Mount Ararat to pray ● Muslims stone the three pillars at Mina ● Sacrifice of an animal at Eid
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited. ● Zakah is purification of wealth by payment of annual alms giving ● Zakah is the third/one of the five Pillars of Faith ● Opportunity to remember less well off ● Zakah is considered part of the covenant between God and a Muslim ● Qur'an makes zakat one of three pre-requisites for when a pagan becomes a Muslim, Surah 9.5
Refer to the relevant band descriptors in these marking guidelines. Candidates could include some or all of the following, but other relevant points should be credited. ● Pilgrimage is still an important part of the ummah in the twenty-first century ● In the twenty-first century Muslims may see images of the Ka’ba on television/social media/ and have no need to go on pilgrimage because you can go on a ‘virtual pilgrimage' ● There are other ways of creating spirituality other than going on pilgrimage today ● Pilgrimage helps to create a sense of the worldwide community of Islam in the twenty-first century ● Today pilgrimage brings together Muslims from all over the world ● Pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of faith ● It shows the commitment of a Muslim to follow the five pillars ● It allows Muslims to see the shrine of the Ka’ba; one of their holiest sites ● In the twenty-first century pilgrimage allows Muslims the opportunity to visit sacred places associated with the life of the Prophet Muhammad and other prophets (Ibrahim, for example) ● It is not actually possible for all Muslims to go on pilgrimage; if you can’t afford it or are too ill, you don’t have to go so it can’t be absolutely necessary Muslims, like everyone else, should be prepared to move with the times