Actions or duties you are expected to carry out.
Often are celebrated in a place of worship.
Prayers are often said.
Commitments might be expressed in the belief of a divine presence.
Marriage is seen as the ideal state by many religious traditions.
The outward sign of commitment.
Often celebrated by a representative of religious authority.
Ritual and religious symbolism often take place during the ceremony, e.g. nuptial mass, standing under the chuppah, taking the seven steps.
A time for the community of believers to celebrate together.
There may be differences between believers in the same tradition.
Christianity
There are different beliefs and practices held by different denominations.
Interpretation of scriptures e.g. Matthew 19:8-9, Mark 10:9.
Divorce is accepted as a legal ending of marriage but is not welcomed.
Reconciliation should be attempted.
In Catholicism marriage is a sacrament and cannot be dissolved unless an annulment process takes place.
In the Church of England and Methodist churches Divorce is accepted as the 'lessor of two evils' where there is abuse, adultry or Abandonment it is the 'agape' loving thing to do for our neighbour.
Islam
Considered as a last resort.
Before a couple divorces they should be helped to be reconciled.
A period of three months (iddah) of trying to be reconciled must take place.
Individual interpretation of key scriptures e.g. Qur’an 2:229, 4:35, 128-130.
Equal does not mean identical. Different actions can have equal power and authority.
If all people are supposed to have been made equal then there should be no gender discrimination.
It is important to keep to the tradition of a religion e.g. Jesus appears to have selected twelve men as disciples.
There have been many changes recently in faith traditions e.g. women Orthodox rabbis; women as bishops.
Sacred scriptures sometimes depict specific roles for men and women. Some believers take these literally.
Certain practices are not required of both genders reflecting their different roles in the home. E.g. bringing in Shabbat
Process by which living creatures are believed to have developed from less complex forms during the history of the earth.
Generic reference to the importance of stewardship and khalifah.
Generic reference to the importance of environmental sustainability.
The role and authority of specific religious texts e.g. Psalm 8:6.
Respecting the interconnectedness between all of creation.
There may be differences between believers in the same tradition.
Christianity
Life is a gift from God and only God can take it away.
Hospices seen as a preferable alternative. Suffering can have a purpose and bring people closer to God.
Some Christians argue that God has given people free will and the ability to think for themselves and therefore believers can choose when to die.
Distinctions between different types of euthanasia.
Some denominations e.g. Roman Catholic believe all forms of euthanasia are wrong and could be considered as murder although in exceptional circumstances medical procedures can be withheld, CCC 2278.
Teachings from the Roman Catholic Catechism concerning euthanasia disrespecting human life CCC 2277.
Some denominations e.g. Salvation Army & Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) consider it important that the authority of doctors and the wishes of the patient is considered.
Some denominations e.g. Baptist believe when a person is brain dead and relatives and doctors agree then it is acceptable for treatment to be stopped and death to be allowed to happen however death should not be hastened
Interpretations of biblical teachings.
Islam
Only Allah can decide the time when someone is permitted to die. Suffering can have a purpose. It is important to show compassion to those who are suffering. There will be differences between believers in the same tradition.
Interpretation of scriptures and sacred texts causes considerable debate among many members of the faith therefore it is often a personal decision. Sanctity of life has precedence.
Reference to specific texts may be used to reinforce this view e.g. Qur’an 30:40.
Guidance may be sought through prayer.
Distinctions between different types of euthanasia.
For some people creation stories are literal truths and do explain origins. Some religious believers consider interpretations of the stories but not as literal truths.
The Big Bang Theory e.g. Hawking. Reference to religious believers e.g. Maimonides.
Issues of conflict and compatibility between science and religion.
Theory of evolution with reference to Darwin/Dawkins, theistic guided evolution and natural evolution.
Questions posed such as ‘who designed the designer’.
References to the relationship between the design argument and intelligent design.
Humanist considerations regarding the process of evolution
Principles and standards determining which actions are right or wrong.
Counselling to those in prison. Prison chaplains from religious traditions will offer prayers and share religious teachings with those in prison. Prison chaplains from religious traditions will lead individual and communal acts of worship. Support prisoners emotional and social needs. Support prisoners with rehabilitation into society. Support prisoners at times of bereavement or personal crisis. Support prisoners with specific religious needs e.g. festivals, dietary regulations
Christianity
There are different beliefs within the same traditions dependent upon interpretation of religious texts and moral reasoning e.g. distinctions between liberal and conservative Christians
Reference to beliefs and sacred texts about the sanctity of life, e.g. Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:38-39, 43-47
Only God has the right to take life
Reference to beliefs about the aims of punishment
References to interpretations of Exodus 20:13 Belief that only God can punish and that will happen at the end of life
Some denominations e.g. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints refers to the importance of keeping to the prescribed law
Some denominations e.g. Society of Friends (Quakers) considers the death penalty shows a lack of respect for human life.
Some denominations e.g. Methodists consider that the death penalty denies the power of Christ to redeem
The Evangelium Vitae 1995 contains a statement saying the death penalty was acceptable under specific conditions
Islam
There are different beliefs within the same traditions dependent upon interpretation of religious texts and moral reasoning.
Can depend upon the circumstances in the country. Only Allah can decide the time when someone dies.
Many Muslims accept the death penalty believing that Allah decides on the Day of Judgement but people can be punished on earth.
References to sacred texts e.g. Qur'an 16.90. Shariah Law regulations.
In some religious traditions e.g. Judaism, you cannot forgive on behalf of another person.
Only God (Ultimate Being) can forgive.
There is a difference between forgiveness and forgetting.
Prayer can help people to learn to forgive.
Reconciliation activities can help people learn to forgive e.g. Corrymeela.
Following the example of religious leaders or founders e.g. Jesus.
By recognising that by not forgiving you continue to be a victim.
Counselling to those in prison. Prison chaplains from religious traditions will offer prayers and share religious teachings with those in prison.
Prison chaplains from religious traditions will lead individual and communal acts of worship.
Support prisoners emotional and social needs. Support prisoners with rehabilitation into society.
Support prisoners at times of bereavement or personal crisis.
Support prisoners with specific religious needs e.g. festivals, dietary regulations
Freedom of speech can hurt other people.
Sometimes people who are vulnerable have to be protected from the influence of other people.
Some things are considered blasphemous and so appear offensive to religion.
Pictures and words can go against religious teachings e.g. there should be no images of the Prophet Muhammad.
References might be made to individuals or communities from religious traditions.
Christianity
Belief in liberation theology and campaigning for social justice e.g. Oscar Romero.
Belief in equality of human beings e.g. Martin Luther King ;Desmond Tutu.
Conscientious Objectors to war e.g. Society of Friends, Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Belief that abortion should be illegal. Belief in polygamy e.g. some Latter Day Saints.
Belief for some Christians in the importance of wearing a cross/crucifix e.g. in countries where religious dress are banned.
Islam
Belief in campaigning for social justice e.g. Malala ; Shirin Ebadi.
Belief for some Muslims in the importance of wearing Hijab e.g. in countries where religious dress are banned.
Many people believe it is a moral responsibility to support others.
Considerations regarding the lack of importance of wealth in an after-life. Religious teaching against misuse of money e.g. gambling.
References to teachings from sacred texts e.g. Luke 16:19-31, Qur'an 2:177, GGS 1, 42, 1246.
References to specific religious practices e.g. sadaqah, zakah, tithing, artha, dhana, sewa.
Belief that humans are custodians of wealth for God.
Reference to religious teachings e.g. Maimonides' eight levels of charity.
The Trinity is the belief God consists of three persons
The first part of the Trinity is God the Father
Jesus Christ the Son of God is the second part of the Trinity
The Holy Spirit or Paraclete is the third part of the Trinity
Nailed to a cross on Calvary
Crown of thorns
Hung between two thieves and promised one that he would join him in Paradise
Given vinegar on a sponge Sign placed above him saying 'Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews'
Soldiers gambled for his clothes
Asked God to forgive those who sentenced him
Roman soldier pierced his side - blood and water flow out
His mother and other disciples gathered at the foot of the cross
Jesus died saying 'It is finished'
Darkness over the land Earthquake
Temple curtain was torn in two Jesus' body was taken down and buried in a tomb
The inspired word of God
The Bible explains the origin of human life
The Bible narrates the story of Jesus
The Bible narrates the story of God and his covenants with humanity
The Bible is the most important sacred text for the Christian religion
It is a source of authority and wisdom
It is a guide for contemporary living
The stories and teachings of the Bible give meaning to human life
The Bible contains the Ten Commandments
The Bible is read in church services as part of worship because it is considered to be so important
The Bible is used as the basis of many sermons in church The Bible may be read and studied for personal faith
Belief in hell is out of date because some Christians believe God will forgive everyone
If God is a god of love then ultimately no one is in hell
Belief in hell is not out of date because it is a teaching in the Bible that hell is a place of punishment for sinners
A belief in hell is stated in the Christian creeds Jesus makes reference to hell
There are references to hell in both the Old and New Testaments
Some Christians regard hell as a real physical place
Science proves hell is not under the ground
Some Christians regard hell as separation from God
Belief in heaven necessitates a belief in hell as a place of punishment
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
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.
Evangelical worship is a form of worship led by the Holy Spirit
Evangelical worship allows Christians to speak in tongues and interpret
Evangelical worship is often informal and provides the congregation with an opportunity to use music, singing and dancing
Evangelical worship allows Christians to be spontaneous and testify to their faith
There is a focus on Bible teachings and sermons
Many churches host a variety of social activities; creches and toddler clubs for young mothers, youth clubs for teenagers, OAP meals, 'sleep overs' for the homeless, etc. because everyone is made in God's image and should be treated with dignity
Jesus' teachings such as 'do to others' and 'love one another' means that the Church must engage in social action
Many churches work with charities to provide social care because teachings from the Bible such as The Last Judgement, make it clear that helping others is key to salvation
Some churches employ youth workers to do outreach social work because they may want to evangelise
Churches organise social events and outings because they are a community of believers
Pilgrimage is an important expression of faith
Pilgrimage to places in the Holy Land provides an opportunity for Christians to 'walk in the footsteps' of Jesus
Pilgrimage may provide an opportunity for spiritual or physical healing
Pilgrimage is an opportunity for Christians to grow in their faith
Pilgrimage to a sacred place allows Christians to join together with other Christians
Pilgrimage is the life journey to God and not just a physical journey made to a sacred place Belief in God and Jesus are more important than pilgrimage
Social action and charity work are more important than pilgrimage
Pilgrimage is not an essential part of being a Christian Christian festivals, such as Christmas and Easter are more important parts of Christianity
It is more important for a Christian to worship God and 'love your neighbour'
Tawhid means the oneness of God and is the basic Muslim belief in the oneness of Allah.
Adam was the first human being.
Adam was the first man and first Muslim.
Adam was the first prophet.
Adam was made from the clay of the earth.
Allah breathed life into him.
Adam was married to Eve.
Adam lived in the Garden of Eden.
Prophethood is one of the most important beliefs in Islam.
Belief in prophethood is one of the six articles of faith of Sunni Islam.
Belief in prophethood is one of the five roots of religion in Shi'a Islam.
Prophethood or 'risalah' is the term used for the succession of prophets.
Prophethood is the term used for the prophets or messengers sent from Allah.
Muslims believe Allah has spoken to humanity through the prophets.
Muslims believe prophets are human.
In the Qur'an twenty-five prophets are named.
Prophet Muhammad is the last or 'seal' of the prophets.
Belief in angels is one of the six articles of faith of Sunni Islam
Angels are divine messengers made from light by Allah.
The Qur'an contains stories of angels and the Qur'an is an ancient text .
Many people today do not believe in the supernatural.
Angels do not seem to intervene in human affairs.
Many people do not believe two angels are watching over them in daily life.
Many Muslims do believe two angels are watching over them in daily life.
Many people do believe in angels.
Any action or thing which is permitted or lawful, often used in reference to foods that are permitted.
Zakat money may be used for the assistance of travellers. Zakat money may be used to help the poor.
Zakat money may be used to help the destitute and those in need.
Zakat money may be used to help widows.
Zakat money may be used to help orphans.
Zakat money may be used to respond to disasters with emergency aid.
Zakat money may be used to help Muslim converts.
Zakat money may be used to pay those who collect and distribute zakat funds.
There are two types of jihad; the lesser and the greater jihad.
Some Muslims regard the lesser jihad as the greater jihad and the greater jihad as the lesser jihad.
Jihad is daily struggle or striving to live as a good Muslim.
Lesser jihad is the struggle to remove evil from society. Lesser jihad is 'holy war'.
Lesser jihad may be fought only in defence of Islam.
Greater jihad means to strive to serve Allah.
Greater jihad means striving to live a good moral life each day.
Greater jihad means striving to live in peace.
Greater jihad means to perform the Five Pillars with a sense of devotion.
Greater jihad means to follow the way of life set out by the Prophet Muhammad.
Pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Faith.
Hajj or pilgrimage is an expression of faith.
Many Muslims are too poor to go on pilgrimage.
Muslims unable to complete a physical pilgrimage may make a spiritual pilgrimage.
There are too many Muslims in the world for it to be practical for all Muslims to go on pilgrimage to Makkah.
Those Muslims who are able to travel to Makkah should be the Muslims who go on pilgrimage.
Many Muslims live too far away from Makkah.
Muslims who are too ill or old should not have to go on pilgrimage.
Muslims are able to watch pilgrimage to Mecca on television and the internet