A married person choosing to have sex with someone they are not married to.
It devalues the special and sacred nature of sex.
It goes against teachings from sacred texts e.g. in the Torah it states that to live as husband and wife requires a special blessing.
It goes against traditional religious practices.
In many societies couples who cohabit do not have the same legal rights as those who are married.
Some religious believers consider children should only be raised by married couples.
Vows of commitment in a place of worship are not expected when people cohabitate.
There may be differences between believers in the same tradition.
Christianity
Diversity of beliefs and practices between different denominations.
Some Christians believe that as Jesus had twelve men as disciples so only men should have roles in worship. •
Some Christians interpret 1 Timothy 2: 11-12 ‘I do not permit a woman to teach or assume authority over a man’ to mean that women shouldn’t have active roles in worship.
Some religious traditions e.g. Methodists, interpret Galatians 3:27-29 ‘nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ to mean that men and women should be allowed to worship in the same way.
In the Catholic and Orthodox Churches women are not allowed to be priests but can take on other roles such as nuns.
In the Catholic Church women cannot become priests but Pope Francis has encouraged them to take an active role in Church life.
The Anglican Church allows women to become Ministers and Bishops. In 2015 the first woman to be ordained as a bishop was Libby Lane.
In some denominations e.g. Coptic and Greek Orthodox ,women and men sit separately.
In some countries, e.g. India, Christian men and women often sit separately in churches but can equally partake in worship and communion.
Islam
Diversity of beliefs and practices within Islam.
Roles in worship often reflect roles of women in society.
Traditionally it has been males who have taken the role of the imam. Some Sunni Muslims allow women to lead prayers and act as imams but it is expected that the other worshippers are women or close family.
There is no mention in the Qur’an concerning the authority of women in worship but there are references in the Hadith to two of Muhammad’s relatives leading prayer.
Usually men and women are separated when worshiping at a mosque.
There are different religious duties for males, e.g. attending Jummah prayers. • Some Muslims interpret Qur’an 40:40 ‘whoever does righteousness, whether male or female’ to mean that women can be good Muslims and able to lead worship.
Some Muslims interpret Quran 4.1 ‘your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women’ to mean women and men should have equal roles in worship.
The most important consideration for marriage is that a couple are committed to each other. •
It depends upon individual circumstances such as how each of the partners expresses their religious commitment.
Many aspects of a religious tradition are practised in the home, e.g. eating a halal diet and bringing in Shabbat. Couples would have to decide which traditions to practise. •
It can present problems regarding which tradition children should follow, e.g. what type of birth ceremony should they have?
Traditionally it has been important to marry within the same tradition so that the tradition can be preserved.
So long as a couple are committed to each other then they can make joint decisions regarding family and home.
Traditionally some religions did not see marriage outside of the religious tradition as ‘regular’ or authentic.
It isn’t wrong but it can be difficult such as times of festivals or death when there are different customs and rituals.
As society becomes more integrated there are more interfaith marriages.
Couples can deepen their own religious understanding by discussing different beliefs and practices.
There are many different agencies to support inter-faith marriages.
Marrying someone from a different religious tradition helps community cohesion.
When a pregnancy is ended so it doesn’t result in the birth of a child
He uses the term ‘speciesism’ to argue it is wrong to give human beings greater rights than animals.
Usually people will be biased towards the species they belong to.
He argues it is wrong to give greater rights to one group of humans than another.
He also believes animals and all humans should be given the same rights.
His views on speciesism has an impact on many issues including sanctity of life which he believes is less important than quality of life.
There may be differences between believers in the same tradition.
Christianity
Diversity of attitudes and interpretations of teachings within Christianity.
As God created the world (Genesis 1) it is important to look after it. • Many Christians believe God has given humans the roles of stewards to look after the world.
Many Christians have considered it important to ‘heal the world’ rather than just looking after it.
Some Christians interpret texts in the Bible to mean that humans have dominion over the environment. Genesis 1.28 is interpreted by some Christians to mean that Humans should ‘rule over’ nature and therefore have a right over resources.
Psalm 8;5-6 ‘You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet’ is interpreted sometimes literally by Evangelical Christians that humans should rule over the earth.
Most Christians believe they have a responsibility to care for the environment as it is a gift from God
Islam
Diversity of attitudes and interpretations of teachings within Islam.
Allah is Creator of all so all of creation should be respected.
Respect for the environment is a way of showing respect to Allah.
In the Qur’an 7.54 the interconnection between Allah and the creation of the world is shown ‘Allah who created the heavens and the earth’. • God has made humans khalifahs or trustees to care for the world.
There is a pattern and balance in nature known as fitrah.
Environmental responsibility teaches that It is the balance of khalifahs and their use of the earth’s resources which helps the planet survive.
Reference might be made to different judgements depending upon type of euthanasia referred to (voluntary, active, passive, involuntary).
For many religious believers life is a divine gift and therefore not ours to take away (e.g. Genesis Ch:1)
Many religious believers refer to sacred texts or principles which forbid the taking of human life, (e.g. The Ten Commandments; The First Precept of
Buddhism).
Many religious believers refer to religious principles forbidding the taking of human life, e.g. Pikuach Nefesh; Sanctity of Life; Ahimsa, metta,
Some people, e.g. Singer, argue that the quality of life is more important than the length of life.
For some people being in a vegetative state means that their life has no quality.
Atheists and Humanists would argue that people have free will to end their lives when and how they want.
Many religious and non-religious believers consider that euthanasia can be right if a ‘living will’ has been completed with a request for no resuscitation.
Some people consider that euthanasia is right to maintain their own personal dignity, e.g. Daniel Jones or to ease chronic suffering.
Many people argue that hospices can ease chronic pain and care for the dying, terminally ill.
Many religious believers argue that there is a fixed time for life and only the Creator knows when that is, e.g. The Ethics of the Fathers.
A person’s ability to make free choices in life
Candidates may refer to a wide range of famous examples such as Jesus; Gee Walker; Ghandi; Martin Luther King; Eva Kor; Khaled Hosseini; or of local examples.
The following features should be credited:
- Context of situation.
- Description of the personal beliefs.
- Description of how the personal beliefs impacted on acts of forgiveness with relevant references to authority.
Reference made to capital punishment and to punishment in the after-life could be credited where relevant.
Christianity
Diversity of attitudes and interpretations of beliefs within Christianity.
The importance of forgiveness and reform as exemplified through the work of prison chaplains.
Recognition of social disadvantages often leading to crime. • Role of conscience and temptation. • Importance of restorative justice.
References to attitudes about the death penalty e.g. sanctity of life; dignity of life/Ten Commandments. • Importance of justice as taught by Amos ‘But let justice roll on like a river’.
Teachings of Jesus regarding compassion e.g. woman taken into adultery.
Society of Friends and promotion of rehabilitation.
As people have been given free will they must take responsibility for their own actions
Islam
Diversity of attitudes and interpretations of beliefs within Islam.
Importance of forgiveness. • Importance of protection for the ummah.
Role of Shariah law as a deterrent. • Only God can forgive and will judge and punish on Day of Judgement.
References to attitudes about the death penalty e.g. sanctity of life; dignity of life.
As people have been given free will they must take responsibility for their own actions.
The importance of forgiveness and reform as exemplified through the work of prison chaplains.
Recognition of social disadvantages often leading to crime.
Quran 16.90 (‘ God orders justice and good conduct and giving (help) to relatives and forbids immortality and bad conduct and oppression’) teaches that God orders justice and good conduct.
Does evil actually exist? Most people consider that no-one is actually evil although upbringing or injustices in society might make them do extremely immoral actions.
Some religions teach that believers can’t know the mind and actions of God.
There are teachings from the Bible about evil existing at the same time as God e.g. the devil tempting Jesus in the wilderness.
It is important to distinguish between evil actions and evil people.
Many consider there are two types of evil - moral and natural. There are many different interpretations of what is meant by evil. e.g. Avodah Zarah 3b talks of how idol worship and interacting with those who take part is seen as evil.
Some people consider there is an evil force,e.g. Satan, Shaytan or the Devil who tempts people into evil.
If God is omnipotent or omnibenevolent why doesn’t He stop evil? • The role of original sin and predestination.
Some Christians believe God allows evil to exist because suffering allows people to develop their moral souls - ‘soul-making’.
Buddhists don’t believe in the concept of evil as they don’t believe in the independent self.
Sometimes suffering that appears to come from evil is for a purpose, e.g. as a test or to strengthen faith in God as in the story of Job.
Humanists though not referring to suffering as any part of a divine plan, consider suffering can be sheer bad luck or due to human actions, e.g. famine and war.
Some people witness evil and say there can’t be a God e.g. The Shoah, but for others their faith is strengthened by witnessing evil.
Evil actions can exist because of free will. People have the freedom to do evil actions. Religious people believe that free will was given to us by God.
The basic entitlements of all human beings, afforded to them simply because they are human.
Fulfilling a religious duty, e.g. it is a mitzvah to help others; a pillar of Islam is zakah.
Expressing solidarity, e.g. ummah; brotherhood/sisterhood.
Treating people with dignity and respect. • Supporting justice and equality.
Supporting people practically, e.g. after natural disasters.
Reflecting the values and actions shown by religious leaders e.g. Guru Nanak and the water lily; Parable of the Good Samaritan. •
Helping other practically and spiritually. • Treating others as you would like to be treated.
Obeying religious teachings, e.g. Maimonides levels of charity.
Description of importance of charities, e.g. Christian Aid, Tzedek, Islamic Relief, Food for Life, Khalsa Aid; Karuna Trust
Teaching of religious leaders, e.g. Matthew 25:40, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me’.
Christianity
Diversity of beliefs and interpretations of teachings in Christianity.
As God made all human life each person is equal and sacred. • Leviticus 19:33-34 teaches that strangers must be accepted.
Deuteronomy 24:17 teaches that everyone deserves human rights ‘Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge’.
The actions of Jesus, e.g. he healed women and lepers and befriended Zacchaeus a tax collector, showed that there should be no prejudice towards anybody.
Specific teachings of Jesus, e.g. Luke 10:25-37 The Good Samaritan. • Martin Luther King taught the importance of equality, e.g. ‘I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by their colour ’.
St Paul wrote that in Galatians 3:27-29 ‘there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female for you are all one in Christ.’
Many Christians believe it is important to challenge prejudice and discrimination through participating in projects to raise awareness of cultural diversity, e.g. Catholic Association for Racial Justice and Church of England’s Committee for Minority and Ethnic Anglican Concerns (CMEAC).
Islam
Diversity of beliefs and interpretations of teachings in Islam. •
Islam teaches that all are created equally by God.
Qur’an 49: 13 teaches that the ummah crosses all gender, race and wealth boundaries.
The Qur’an teaches that different types of soil were used to create Adam. For many Muslims this is interpreted as showing all races are equal.
The actions of the Prophet Muhammad such as selecting Bilal a former black slave to take on the important role as the first muezzin.
The sayings of Muhammad such as in his last sermon ‘a white person is not better than a black person’.
Many Muslims believe it is important to challenge prejudice and discrimination through participating in projects to raise awareness of cultural diversity, e.g. Christian/Muslim forum.
Reference to Article 19 of the Declaration of Human Rights ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression’. • There is a difference between expressing beliefs in public or private. • Humanists support the right for people ‘to be allowed to speak, and believe, as they wish’. • Importance of speaking up for beliefs to campaign for social justice, e.g. Malala Yousafzai.
Sometimes people’s lives are at risk for expressing their beliefs, e.g. St Oscar Romero.
Difficulties if beliefs conflict with human rights or law of the country. • Arguments for and against censorship.
Examples of freedom of expression which have offended others, e.g. Charlie Hebdo.
References to the blasphemy law.
Beliefs can offend others and be seen as inciting others to racist, antisemitic or Islamaphobic hatred.
References to views of Westboro Church and other examples of extremism.
References to expressing beliefs through what people wear, e.g. hijab debate and references to countries which ban the wearing of symbols of religion. • Some people express beliefs as a form of mission and evangelism.
Balance between freedom of speech and extremism.
Resurrection is the belief that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday conquering death.
Christians have different views about the nature of heaven; there are few biblical descriptions about heaven. •
The Creeds state heaven is a place in the afterlife where Christians will be in the presence of God. •
Belief in an afterlife is a fundamental Christian belief and the idea that the soul goes to heaven after death. •
Christians believe angels live in the presence of God in heaven. •
Some Christians believe heaven is a physical reality. •
Some Christians believe heaven is more of a spiritual dimension. •
All Christians believe heaven is a place where those who are saved will be in the presence of God. •
Credit accurate content which describes Christian beliefs about how to reach Heaven.
The incarnation is God becoming human in the form of Jesus. •
Jesus is the ‘Son of God’. •
The incarnation is God ‘made flesh’ as Jesus but Jesus is not conceived through sexual intercourse. •
Jesus is born of a virgin/young woman. • Jesus is conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. •
Jesus is truly human or ‘made Man’. • Christians believe the birth of Jesus is a miracle, the miracle of the Virgin Birth. •
Jesus’ birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel and Mary was told that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus. •
The Incarnation is part of the creedal statements of Christianity and a fundamental belief. •
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke record the events of the Incarnation
Where appropriate, relevant references are likely to include:
John 1: 14 ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from
the Father, full of grace and truth.’
Luke 1:28-33 ‘In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary….You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the MostHigh.’
Apostles’ Creed ‘He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary’
The Lord’s Prayer has an explicit reference to heaven and it is a fundamental belief of the Christian religion that God is in heaven. •
The Creeds make explicit reference to belief in heaven and belief in an afterlife is a fundamental aspect of the Christian religion which can never be out of date. •
Some Christians regard traditional views of heaven and hell as being an actual physical place are out of date and regard descriptions in the Bible as metaphors to express beliefs about the afterlife. •
Some Christians believe in the literal descriptions of heaven and hell to express beliefs about the afterlife. •
The idea of heaven as a physical place in the sky and hell as a physical place underground are out of date; a more sophisticated way to understand this belief is to regard heaven as a place where God is present and where hell has no presence of God. •
The concept of a place of reward and place of punishment are an important part of the eschatology of Christianity and these beliefs will always be relevant and can never be out of date. •
Some Christians believe ideas about hell as a place of eternal punishment are out of date; if God is a God of love and forgiveness, they believe God will ultimately forgive everyone. •
many Christians believe traditional descriptions of heaven and hell are out of date and should be replaced by a more contemporary view of heaven and hell.
God is attributed with the qualities of being all-loving and infinitely good
Christians may attend special church services during Holy Week. •
Christians may attend the Saturday evening vigil before Easter Sunday. •
Christians may attend ‘sunrise’ services on Easter Sunday. •
Christians may exchange Easter greeting cards. •
Christians may go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land to ‘walk in the footsteps of Jesus’, especially at Easter. •
Christians may exchange Easter eggs. •
Christians may visit cemeteries to place flowers at graves during Easter weekend.
Prayer is important for Christians because they are following the example of Jesus. •
Prayer is a way of developing a relationship with God. •
Prayer is regarded as a fundamental practice of the Christian religion. •
Communal prayer allows Christians to join together in prayer as a family or community. • Jesus told the disciples to pray, e.g. the Lord’s Prayer. •
Prayer is an essential aspect of the celebration of the sacraments. •
Prayer is an essential part of rites of passage. • Prayer may take many forms: liturgical, informal and individual. •
Extemporaneous prayer is regarded as an important form of prayer, especially when influenced by the Holy Spirit. •
Prayer may take many forms and credit any exposition of these types of prayer; adoration, confession, contemplation, penitential, praise, thanksgiving, supplication.
Where appropriate, relevant references are likely to include:
Matthew 6:6 ‘Go to your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is in heaven’.
Matthew 18:20 ‘Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there with them.’
The Eucharist is more important than Baptism because Christians are acting on the words of Jesus at the Last Supper. •
Baptism is regarded as the first sacrament by many Christians. • For many the Eucharist is also a sacrament. •
It is not possible to say which is more important because both are sacraments. • Baptism is the rite of passage to show Christians belong to the Christian church. •
The Eucharist allows Christians to gather as a community. •
Baptism allows Christians to follow Jesus’ example of baptism by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. •
It is not possible to say which is most important because both are based on events of the life of Jesus recorded in the Gospels. •
Baptism is a single event whereas the Eucharist may be celebrated daily in the lifetime of a Christian. • Believer’s Baptism may be more significant for some Christians
Where appropriate, relevant references are likely to include: •
John 3:3-6 ‘Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." 4 "How can someone be born when they are old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit”.’
a way of life; Muslims believe Allah has set out a clear path for how Muslims should live.
Shariah Law is the set of moral and religious rules that put the principles set out by the Qur’an and the Hadith into practice
Beings made by Allah to carry out his will and bring his divine message
Shi’a Muslims place great importance on the five fundamental principles which they regard as the basis of the Muslim faith.
Shi’a Muslims believe it is important to have a knowledge of these principles.
These principles are referred to as the ‘roots of religion’.
Tawhid is the belief in the oneness of Allah and that Allah alone is worthy of worship.
The Justice of God, Adalah, is the perfect justice of Allah.
Prophethood, Nubuwwah, is the belief in the 124,000 prophets or messengers sent by Allah to provide an example of how Muslims should live, beginning with Adam and ending with the Seal of the Prophets, the Prophet Muhammad.
Leadership, Imamte, is the belief in the imams who followed the Prophet Muhammad and who guided Muslims in the way Muslim way of life. They are referred to as the ‘Family of the House’.
Resurrection, Qayamat, is a belief in divine judgment on the Day of Judgement and the resurrection of all Muslims to be judged by Allah.
Islam is a monotheistic religion and the fundamental belief of Islam is in only one God. •
Tawhid is the Muslim term for the basic belief in the oneness of God. •
Allah is the Creator of all things and the cause of all which exists. • Allah is transcendent, which means is he beyond all things, so Allah stands outside of time and space. •
Allah is immanent which means he is close to human beings and in the world. • Allah is all-powerful or omnipotent. • Allah is all-knowing and has complete knowledge of all things. •
Allah is both merciful and a judge of human actions. • Shi’a Muslims place an important focus on Adalat, or the Justice of God.
Where appropriate, relevant references are likely to include: •
Qur’an 3:18 ‘Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge - [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.…’ •
Qur’an 46:33 ‘Do they not see that Allah, who created the heavens and earth and did not fail in their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes. Indeed, He is over all things competent.
• Al-Qadr (Predestination) has implications for Muslims because it may be seen as limiting human freedom. •
Belief in predestination means that Allah knows everything which will take place and it is part of his plan. •
All Muslims are required to live their lives in submission to the will of Allah, as all events are outside the control of Muslims, as expressed in the term ‘insh’a Allah’. •
Belief in predestination mean that Muslims should not make choices in their lives based on good and evil and right and wrong.
All Muslims have been given Free Will and this means that all Muslims must make their own choices as human life is seen as a test.
Muslims believe that jihad – the daily struggle to live as a good Muslim – means Muslims do have the freedom to choose to live as good Muslims.
All Muslims believe Allah is omnipotent and has a design for all things but Shi’a Muslims place more of an emphasis on the importance of free will whereas Sunni Muslims place more of an emphasis on predestination.
Some Shi’a Muslims do not believe Allah is responsible for evil.
Where appropriate, relevant references are likely to include:
Qur’an 30:41 ‘Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].’
Qur’an 18: 24 ‘Except [when adding], "If Allah wills." And remember your Lord when you forget [it] and say, "Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer than this to right conduct.’
Qur’an 64:4 ‘He knows what is within the heavens and earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.’
A place of prostration' for Muslims; it is a communal place of worship for a Muslim community (‘masjid’ in Arabic).
The first revelation of the Qur’an took place during the Night of Power or Laylat-ul-Qadr.
Muhammad was meditating and praying in the cave of Hira, on the mountain Jabal an-Nour, near Makkah.
The Angel Jibril appeared to Muhammad while he was praying. • The Angel Jibril commanded Muhammad to read (recite) verses of the Qur’an. • Muhammad told the angel he was not able to read.
The angel embraces him several times, he repeats he is unable to read, and then he begins to recite.
This revelation is the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, which will take place over twenty-three years.
Where appropriate, relevant references are likely to include:
Qur’an 2: 87 ‘Say, "Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel - it is [none but] he who has brought the Qur'an down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], by permission of Allah, confirming that which was before it and as guidance and good tidings for the believers”.’
Prayer may take the form of obligatory forms of prayer, salat. •
Prayer may take the form of private and personal prayer, du’ah. •
Salat prayer takes place five times each day at set times. •
Muslims are called to prayer by the adhan because prayer must be performed at set times.
Muslims should prepare for prayer by adopting niyyah – the right intention to pray to Allah is a pre-requisite for prayer.
Muslims must perform wudu before salat prayer in order to be clean to pray. •
At home Muslims may pray as a family.
Men and women in a mosque pray apart in order to avoid distraction.
Muslims use a prayer mat for salat prayer in order for the place of prostration to be clean. • A series of movements are performed, the rak’ahs: Takbeerat, Al-Qiyam, Ruku, Qiyam, Saijah, Tashahhud, Salam.
The rak’ahs consist of standing and reciting the words of the Qur’an, bow with hands on knees, prostration, kneeling, standing, turning head once to the right and left. • The times of prayer are: Fajr, Zuhr, As’r, Maghrib, Isha.
In a mosque the prayers are led by an imam in order for Muslims to perform the prayer movements together.
In a mosque all men pray standing shoulder to shoulder facing Makkah as a practical expression of the ummah.
Britain is a less religious society today so following any religion, including Islam, is more difficult for religious believers.
There are many mosques in Britain so it is easier to belong to a mosque community.
Many faiths are practised in Britain today and the pluralism of religious practice makes the practice of Islam easier for Muslims today.
Schools and work places allow Muslims to follow Muslim dress codes.
Schools and work places recognise difficulties with fasting in summer months.
There are large Muslim communities where Muslims are able to support each other in the practices of their religion, such as halal butchers.
A secular society may present challenges to some Muslim beliefs and practices, e.g. some school lesson content may conflict with religious beliefs, conflict over dress customs, etc.
Many schools teach about Islam in Religious Education and Religious Studies lessons. • Some schools allow Muslim pupils to be absent for celebration of religious festivals.
Terrorists who claim to be Muslims create difficulties for some Muslims in Britain. • Stereotyping and prejudice in the media may present difficulties for Muslims.
Positive representations of Muslims in the media, e.g. Muslims performing prayers in recent adverts for the British army, promotes a positive image of Islam and a more inclusive approach.