A sense of dedication to someone or something.
Making a promise to someone or something e.g. wedding vows.
Important part of being human which can lead to procreation.
A physical way of expressing love and commitment.
Considered a gift from God. • In some religions it is considered an act of worship.
References may be made to celibacy required as a distinguishing feature in some traditions between laity and religious leaders
There may be differences between believers in the same tradition.
Christianity
Can depend upon individual circumstances e.g. health of the woman and global considerations e.g. overpopulation.
Diverse practices within the tradition which can be the result of interpretation of sacred texts and other sources of authority.
Catholic teaching opposes the use of artificial contraception as it is against natural law.
Catholic teaching allows Natural Family Planning, e.g. the rhythm method, where intercourse takes place at a time when the woman is least fertile.
Most Protestant churches (e.g. the Anglican Church and the Methodist Church) now see the use of contraception within marriage as a responsible way of planning a family. It allows sex to be enjoyed without the fear of an unwanted pregnancy.
The role of free will in decision making.
Use of artificial contraception to stop sexually transmitted diseases.
References to interpretations of scripture
Islam
Can depend upon individual circumstances e.g. health of the woman and global considerations e.g. overpopulation. • Diverse practices within the tradition which can be the result of interpretation of sacred texts and other sources of authority.
Generally allowed if it does not harm the body.
If both husband and wife consent to its use.
Many oppose permanent contraception such as sterilisation.
The Qur'an states ‘You should not kill your children for fear of want’. This is interpreted by some Muslims as not allowing some forms of contraception.
Islam is strongly pro-family and regards children as a gift from God.
There is no single attitude to contraception within Islam; however, eight of the nine classic schools of Islamic law permit it.
References to interpretations of scripture.
Vows taken which include a life-long commitment.
Promises made within the vows e.g. for better for worse.
Sanctity of wedding service in some traditions which means that marriages are an eternal bond.
If remaining married is causing physical and emotional harm then many traditions would agree to divorce.
Reference to interpretation of religious teachings may be used to support arguments e.g. Matthew 19:8-9; Mark 10:9; Qur'an 4.35.
Many religions consider it regrettable but if all attempts at reconciliation have failed then couples should be allowed to divorce.
Spiritual part of a being.
The part of a human that communicates with God.
Non-physical part of a human that can live on after death.
At the birth of the universe the cosmos emerged from a singularity (a huge explosion.)
Universe is not static but expanding.
Expansion of earth can be traced back to the initial event of the Big Bang.
The earth was covered in a primordial soup of liquids, gases etc which fused together to create life.
From the primordial soup came life which evolved into human form.
References to Stephen Hawking.
References to the idea that many religious people accept the Big Bang as an act of God.
There may be differences between believers in the same tradition.
Christianity
Can depend upon individual circumstances e.g. health of the woman.
References to sacred texts e.g. Jeremiah 1.5.
Different views exist due to interpretations of sacred texts and sources of authority.
Catholic and Orthodox Christians forbid abortion.
Considered wrong as it takes a life and against the Ten Commandments.
The Didache forbids the killing of an embryo.
Church of England allows some conditions for an abortion.
All life is precious as made by God.
Only God can end life
Islam
Can depend upon individual circumstances e.g. health of the woman.
References to sacred texts e.g. Qur'an 6:151.
Different views exist due to interpretations of sacred texts and sources of authority.
Allah is the creator of all life and is the only one who can end life.
Abortion for economic reasons is forbidden in the Qur'an.
References to ensoulment at 120 days after conception.
On the Day of Judgement a child will have a right to know why it was killed
Many religions believe it is a life on earth that decides what happens to you in the next life.
For non-religious belief systems there is no belief in an after life.
Non-religious belief systems consider it is important to serve people during life-times.
A belief in an after- life gives many religious believers hope if they are suffering on earth.
There are other important beliefs in religions e.g. pikuach nefesh; belief in the one God.
For some religious traditions the afterlife incorporates the next life through a process of reincarnation /transmigration and rebirth.
Some religious traditions e.g. some denominations of Christianity believe that in the afterlife they will be in the presence of God.
For some religious believers their work on earth is guided by the hope of an after-life • Reference may be made to modern day martyrs
Pain or distress which can be physical or emotional.
Hardship caused by injury or loss
It goes against religious teachings.
It goes against the law of a country.
It causes others to suffer.
Reference to relative morality.
Reference to absolute morality
Christianity
Jesus taught the importance of forgiveness through teachings and actions.
Important to forgive others if you want to be forgiven (Luke 6.37).
The Lord’s Prayer emphasises Christians can only expect forgiveness if they forgive.
The Beatitudes teach that the merciful will be shown mercy.
From the cross Jesus asked for forgiveness for his persecutors.
Through forgiveness people can reform. This is shown in Jesus’ forgiveness of the tax collector Zacchaeus and his forgiveness of the adulterous woman.
Forgiveness is something which has no limits e.g. Parable of The Prodigal son and the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant.
Teachings and actions from other Christian sources of authority e.g. The Pope; Martin Luther King Jnr. • In some denominations, forgiveness comes through confession and acts of atonement.
The importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) for many Catholics.
Islam
The Prophet Muhammad’s teachings and actions.
The Qur'an states those who forgive others will be rewarded by Allah.
There is forgiveness between people and forgiveness by Allah.
There is no intermediary involved in Allah’s forgiveness.
One of the attributes of Allah is ‘merciful’.
The Prophet Muhammad forgave the old woman who used to sweep dust on him.
Even in punishment the Qur'an teaches that forgiveness should be given.
There are many reasons for punishment.
Some would argue that revenge is a main aim of punishment as people are able to get their own back. • Reformation doesn’t get justice.
Interpretation of teachings from Sacred Texts with reference to the importance of the Golden Rule. • Reform supports compassion that many traditions teach e.g. karuna, metta.
The work of prison reformers to educate prisoners to aid reform.
Jesus and other founders of religions taught the importance of forgiveness.
Many religious believers consider it is up to a divine being to punish.
Reform programmes can be cost effective and prevent recidivists.
The main aim must be that crimes don’t happen again.
Pre-judging someone and creating a stereotype
Judging people to be superior or inferior without cause or evidence.
Any religious charity must be accepted. Answers may include the following points, but other relevant and accurate points must also be credited. The focus of the answer must be on the actions to reduce poverty
Christian Aid
Works in partnership with local organisations on short and long-term projects.
Supports in areas of need regardless of religion or race.
Challenges systems that favour the rich over the poor.
Educates people about the causes of poverty e.g. Fairtrade.
Islamic Relief •
Works in partnership with local organisations on short and long-term projects.
Responds to disasters and emergencies.
Provides shelter, healthcare and education.
Educates people about the causes of poverty.
Christianity
Material wealth is not important.
The love of money can be considered the root of all evil.
Teachings of Jesus e.g. store treasures in heaven.
Some Christians e.g. Methodists believe wealth shouldn’t be gained through gambling.
The Parable of the Rich Young Ruler shows that wealth doesn’t get rewarded in heaven.
Islam
All wealth is a gift from Allah.
Obligation to fulfil pillar of Zakah.
Voluntary payments (sadaqah) are encouraged.
Hadith teaches those who look after others will be rewarded by Allah.
Teachings from the Qur'an e.g. 5.90.
Many religious traditions consider it important to obey the laws of the country.
Reference to religious teachings e.g. ‘give to Caesar…’
Humans were given freewill to act on their conscience.
Laws might not be morally right e.g. apartheid; discrimination against religions and race.
If people such as Martin Luther King Jnr and Ghandi had obeyed laws then injustices would have continued.
Sometimes religious and secular laws of a country conflict e.g. wearing religious symbols.
Laws establish a framework for a just society.
It depends if the laws are democratically made.
There can’t be a dual system where people can choose which laws to live by and which to disobey.
Some consider it is more important to follow their interpretation of religious texts because of their beliefs about the afterlife.
Sometimes the law of the land is based on religion e.g. Shariah Law which all citizens have to follow
Incarnation means 'made flesh' and is the Christian belief in God becoming human in the form of Jesus.
God became man in the form of Jesus, fully human and fully divine.
Christian teaching about the role of humans is derived from the Old and New Testaments.
One of the most important of roles is to be a follower of Christ, and worship God and evangelise.
People must love God and love their neighbour.
People must exercise stewardship over the earth.
People have been given dominion over the earth.
People must procreate.
Reference Genesis 1-3: 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
The Resurrection of Jesus is important because it is a miracle.
The Resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle.
Miracles are a sign of God's power.
This event demonstrates Jesus is God.
It fulfils a prophecy made by Jesus before his death.
Christians believe Jesus' Resurrection defeats death.
The belief in the Resurrection of Jesus is a fundamental belief of the Christian religion stated in the Christian creeds.
It precedes the Ascension of Jesus to Heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 12-14: 3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 12But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
Credit other relevant biblical references
The Bible is the revealed word of God and is the most important source of authority for many Christians.
There are other important sources of authority for Christians, such as personal conscience.
The Bible cannot be the most important source of authority because it is out of date.
Many Christians look to other sources of authority, such as local religious leaders.
Many Christians look to world leaders of Churches, such as the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Pope.
Because some Christians believe the Bible is not literally true it has to be interpreted in a modern context.
The Bible cannot be a source of authority on some modern issues.
Atonement means 'being at one' with God.
The belief that Jesus’ death on the cross healed the rift between humans and God.
Baptism traditionally takes place in a church or chapel.
An order of service is used. • A font or baptismal pool is used for baptism.
Baptism is usually performed by a priest or minister.
In infant baptism a baby traditionally is dressed in white.
Parents or godparents make promises to bring up a child within the Christian religion.
Some denominations, such as the Church of England, present parents or godparents with a candle.
In Infant Baptism water is traditionally sprinkled on the head of a baby.
In Infant Baptism the Sign of the Cross is made on the forehead.
In Believer's Baptism full immersion in a baptismal pool may take place.
Baptism is usually witnessed by family, friends and the church community.
Taize is an ecumenical monastic community.
Taize attracts thousands of visitors each year, especially young people, on retreat.
Taize is an ecumenical centre for Protestants and Catholics.
Taize welcomes visitors of faith or none.
It is a centre for reconciliation.
When people visit Taize as pilgrims they join in with monastic worship at the 'Church of Reconciliation' and experience Taize worship at first hand.
Taize chants and music have become popular in many churches in Britain
Brothers from Taize take part in out-reach activities throughout the world.
Christianity in Britain is on the decline because most people do not worship in church on a Sunday.
Many people claim to be Christian even though they do not attend church.
Many people in Britain claim to be atheist or agnostic.
Many customs today remain rooted in the Christian religion.
There are many other religions in Britain so Christianity has declined as Britain has become more pluralist in religious belief and practice.
There are many diverse religious and non-religious beliefs and practices found in the UK.
Many Christian festivals are celebrated in a secular way.
Many Christians attend church each week and celebrate festivals, such as Christmas and Easter in a religious way.
Reference results of the 2011 census; the census results show a decline in Christian belief and practice.
Prophethood or risalah means messengers of God.
Prophethood is the line of prophets beginning with Adam and ending with Muhammad.
Mika'il is an archangel.
Mika'il is immortal and always obeys Allah's commands.
Mika'il has the task of keeping the devil out of heaven.
Mika'il protects faithful worshippers of Allah.
Mika'il is responsible for the rainfall on earth to water the land.
Mika'il brings sustenance for the body and soul.
Qur’an 2:97- 98: 'Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel - for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by Allah's Will, a confirmation of what went before. And guidance and glad tidings for those who believe - Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and messengers, to Gabriel and Michael - Allah is an enemy to those who reject faith.'
Qur’an 2:285: 'The messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from the Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believes in Allah, His angels, His book and His messengers. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of his messengers." And they say: We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Your forgiveness, Our Lord, and to You is the end of all journeys.'
The Qur'an is revered as the most important source of authority.
The Qur'an is believed to contain divine law sent by Allah. • The Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Jibril.
The Qur'an contains many of the principles which form the basis of Shariah law.
The Qur'an is Allah's final revelation to humankind.
The Qur’an is used in prayer and worship.
For Muslims it is a guide to life and Muslims are encouraged to read the Qur'an frequently
The Prophet Muhammad is the most important prophet because he is the seal of the prophets.
The Prophet Adam is the most important prophet because he was the first prophet.
Ibrahim (Abraham) is regarded as hanif, having an inner knowledge that there is only one true God.
All prophets are messengers of God and in this sense all are of equal importance.
Ibrahim is given the title 'Friend of God' and this makes him the most important prophet.
The story of God commanding Ibrahim to sacrifice Ishma'il demonstrated his great faith in God.
Many of the rituals associated with Hajj commemorate events in the life of Ibrahim. • He is the most important prophet because both of his sons were prophets; Ishma'il was the ancestor of the Prophet Muhammad.
Haram literally means 'forbidden'.
Any actions or things which are forbidden within Islam, such as eating forbidden foods.
Ashura is celebrated annually in Britain and worldwide.
In Britain Shi'a Muslim children might not attend school.
Many Muslims will fast and pray on this day.
Public marches may take place with chanting and slapping of chests.
Ashura is celebrated with great emotion particularly by Shi'a Muslims.
Public displays of grief may include Muslims crying and wailing.
Muslims may take part in public processions and plays.
Muslims may beat themselves with chains and cut themselves to draw blood.
Men and women will often dress in black.
Many Muslims will prepare for pilgrimage by wearing white clothes to represent being pure or in the state of ihram. It is an important action as an expression of the niyyah or intention to worship Allah at Makkah.
Wearing ihram robes contributes to a sense of identity and equality. • Women may uncover their faces because of the religious and spiritual nature of the pilgrimage.
Tawaf circling the Ka’ba at Makkah seven times marks the beginning of the pilgrimage. It is an expression of the ummah and allows Muslims to think only of Allah.
Some pilgrims will kiss the Black Stone.
Running or walking seven times between the two hills of Mawah and Safa as a reminder of Hagar's desperate search for water.
Drinking from the well of Zam Zam.
Stand on the plain of Arafat at the Mount of Mercy, where it is believed the prophet Muhammad gave his last sermon. Pilgrims reflect on the mercy and forgiveness of God and spend their time in prayer.
Collect pebbles at Muzdalafah. Throw stones at the pillars at Mina, which symbolically represents throwing stones at the devil.
Sacrifice an animal at Mina to commemorate the sacrifice of an animal made by Abraham.
Men may shave their heads at the end of the pilgrimage as a sign the pilgrimage has been completed.
Muslims return to the Ka’ba to repeat tawaf and conclude the pilgrimage.
Qur’an 2:125: ‘Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take you the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Ishmael, that they should sanctify My House for those who go around it, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (in it in prayer).’
Fasting is a pillar of faith.
Fasting during Ramadan may be more difficult when it falls in the summer months in Britain.
Part of the nature of fasting is that it should be difficult.
Fasting may be difficult, regardless of location.
Fasting in a Muslim country may be less difficult because many Muslims will be taking part.
In a Muslim country, schools and work places may be more sympathetic to Muslims who are fasting.
Many people who are not Muslims do not understand the religious purpose of fasting and may confuse fasting with dieting.
Because of the religious pluralism in Britain many people will try to help Muslims who are fasting in practical ways