Origins of Christianity
Significance of Jesus & Bible
Nature of God
Salvation and Eternal Life (Luke 18:18-30, Luke 19:1-10)
Resurrection (Luke 24: 1-49, I Corinthians 15: 12-22)
Worship & Holy Communion

Section B Questions of Meaning
The Evidence for and against belief in God- Arguments from design, revelation experience and the nature of God

The question of Suffering -Types, origins, purposes of suffering and potential problems posed to belief in God

Abortion -Sanctity of life, quality of life, rights of those involved

Religion and Prejudice -Types of prejudice based on religion, race, colour, gender, reasons for prejudice, responses to prejudice

Section D Planet Earth
Human attitudes to animals -Extent to which animals are different from humans, vegetarianism, experiments, factory farming, hunting, value of animals

• Mary & Joseph told of impending birth - both visited by the angel Gabriel

• Born in Bethlehem, visited by Wise Men (gives gift of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh) and Shepherd's

• Brought up in Nazareth trained as a carpenter (his Father's trade)

• Baptised by John the Baptist (in the River Jordan)

• Begins preaching about the Kingdom of God

• Performs miracles - feeding five thousand, healing disabled man

• Teaching through parables - Good Samaritan, Mustard seed

• Enters Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)

• Last Supper (bread and wine - became common practice in Churches)

• Trial of Jesus

• Crucifixion

• Resurrection (appear to disciple

Christian - follower of Christ

Christ - Anointed one

Orthodox - right thinking

Catholic - Universal

Non - Conformist - does not conform to teachings of Church of England

Roman Catholic Church The Pope is the head of the Church. They have seven sacraments. They believe they are the one true Church.

Protestant Each denomination has its own local/national organisation. They stress the importance of the Bible; it does not require the church to interpret it.

The Bible is viewed differently by different groups of Christians.
Some see it as the infallible word of God, which is unchanging and unalterable.
Others see it as divinely inspired but also the work of Christians themselves trying to come to terms with the basic truths of faith and the universe.

Martin Luther who believed that God's truth was only found in the words of the Bible - only things that were talked about in the Bible could be true (He used this to resist things like indulgences, devotion to statues and the power of the Pope).

On the other hand the Roman Catholic Church has always had the view that Scripture needs to be interpreted by tradition (In other words, what has always been the custom and practice of the Church down the ages).

Christians use the Bible for many reasons, it can be used to teach, inspire, and guide them in everyday life. Through study of the Bible Christians can find answers to many challenging questions, and will gain a greater understanding of their faith.

Tri-three and unity-joined). Doctrine was agreed in the 4th Century CE.

There are biblical passages which refer to three aspects, "Go...teach all the nations, baptising in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matt 28:19-20)

God the Father - creator, loving, energy behind the universe

God the Son - God incarnated (becomes flesh) in human form, redeemer

There are two key texts on salvation and eternal life, you will need to remember many key aspects, these are likely to appear as one or two mark questions - points that are relevant are in bold. You must also understand the significance of Jesus' teachings on salvation, read the passages carefully and summarise the teachings.

Luke 18:18-30 Salvation and Eternal Life
18A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
19"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. 20You know the commandments: `Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother." 21"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said. 22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 23When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. 24Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?" 27Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." 28Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!" 29"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.

There are two passages on the resurrection, as with Salvation and Eternal Life you need to learn key points, these are in bold.

Purpose of the resurrection
Both passages refer to the concept that the resurrection was prophesied (Old Testament)

1. Jesus would be raised from the dead on the third day (this shows power over death)
2. The resurrection leads to forgiveness
3. If Christ had not been raised, faith would be in vain (Luke 24:47)
4. The Resurrection is the foundation of Christian Church

1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7`The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8Then they remembered his words. 9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. 13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him. 17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" 19"What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." 25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" 33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread. 36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." 40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate it in their presence. 44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." 45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Resurrection I Corinthians 15: 12-22

Worship in general enables believers to express and declare their faith, it will inspire and strengthen them in daily life and it can be expressed in a variety of ways (dance, drama, singing, mime, art, lighting candles, silence, offering money).

Some Christians would say that you don't have to attend a church to worship God. In everyday life they will try to carry out all tasks with thanks and praise to God, whatever they are doing. Worship then becomes a way of living, moving away from a self-centred view of life to God centred.

Liturgical Worship 'Liturgy' a Greek word meaning 'public worship'. In this style of worship all activities are set out in a certain pattern. Liturgical worship is often very formal, elaborate, and colourful with many rituals. This type of worship is common in churches that have high regard for the sacraments (RCC and Orthodox). In these churches beliefs are expressed through the use of many symbolic objects and actions. Christians who follow this type of worship see worship as being 'sacramental' (sacrament means an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace). Emphasis is placed on outward signs and symbols that express deep religious and spiritual feeling.

It remembers the words and actions of Jesus at the last supper, the bread represents the body and the wine the blood of Christ. However, this has been interpreted in different ways by Churches and has many different names e.g. Breaking of Bread, Eucharist, Lord's Supper, Mass (RCC), Holy Liturgy (Eastern Orthodox), Holy Communion.

Most Churches will have a similar pattern:-

Ministry of the word - prayers, Bible readings, Hymns, acts of confession and perhaps a sermon.

The taking of the bread and wine - reminded of origins of Eucharist and bread and wine are put on an altar or table.

The Great thanksgiving (the Eucharist prayer)

'It is indeed right,
it is our duty and our joy,
at all time and in all places
to give you thanks and praise,
holy Father, heavenly king,
almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ your only Son our Lord.'

The breaking of the bread - bread and wine are blessed (gospel passages may be read)

The sharing of bread and wine - Orthodox (bread is dipped into wine and given on a long spoon), Baptist (separate glasses for wine), C of E (receive kneeling at altar).

Dismissal - Short act of dismissal a prayer or hymn.

How often does it take place? Church of England once a month, Roman Catholic Church mass daily.

1. Explain the importance of Holy Communion for Christians (5) 1997

2. "Surely the Christian faith depends totally on the belief in the resurrection of Jesus."
How far do you agree with this statement? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. (5) 1998

You will do one 1 hour 45 minute exam It is divided into two sections.

Section A Thinking About God = two questions that MUST be answered.

In this section you need to understand arguments for & against the existence of God

Ultimately, though there is evidence, there can be no proof that God does (or does not) exist.God may only be known by faith.

• The Cosmological Argument

• The Design Argument

• Religious experience- provide personal evidence of God’s reality for those people who experience them

• Argument from Morality - Sense of right and wrong, and the ability to choose seems inborn. These special human qualities reflect God’s nature. Outstanding religious leaders demonstrate acute moral insight.

• Argument from probability -So many people from different times and cultures do believe, with such a variety of evidence to support their belief, that the likelihood of them all being wrong seems remote.

• Christians and Muslims say their sacred texts indicates that God made everything . Fundamentalist believers would say Genesis does offer a literal account of what happened in the beginning. However many would say that Genesis 1 is a metaphorical account, meaning it affirms God’s initiative in creation, but does not an eyewitness description of how things were made. But whatever did happen, God caused it. ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth’ .Genesis 1

• St. Thomas Aquinas taught the Cosmological Argument based on observation of ‘cause and effect.’ that the universe must have a ‘First cause’- God

• Evidence of a Big Bang Explosion from which the universe formed & Evolutionary Theory have been used to argue that the universe happened by accident, not God’s will

• Referring to Genesis, Christians say the world is as it is because God designed it this way

• ‘God created human beings in His image.’ Genesis1means humans are like God; having awareness, free will, and a sense of right and wrong.

• Design Argument by William Paley, says God must exist because the natural world appears to be designed. Things are complex and fit for a purpose just like a watch so God must be the Designer

• Darwin’s Theory of Evolution could be a scientific explanation a chance process of Natural selection explains the complexity in nature where only the fittest survive.

• You may also object to the idea of God as designer because of the random cruelty in nature.

• Many believers accept the Big Bang and theory of evolution do enlarge our understanding but they also feel that they can be seen as complementary to faith in God.

• Do these provide evidence of God’s existence or are they an illusion?

• conversion of St. Paul shows how people can change radically after an encounter with God.

• Holy Communion (called ‘Mass’ by Catholic Christians and ‘The Lord’s Supper’ by Baptists/Methodists) is a re-enactment of The Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. It involves eating bread and wine as symbols of Jesus’ body and blood give a very personal experience of God that may deepen someone’s faith.

• Miracles can have a dramatic impact on a Christian’s faith

• Prayer with Rosary beads, bible readings, music and other aids that help believers to communicate one to one with God.

• experienced through illness, natural disasters, war and crime may have natural or human causes .If God is all-powerful, all loving and all knowing, then why does He permit suffering? Non-believers think the extent of human suffering denies the possibility of God. Christians, Moslems and Jews answer this with

• Suffering can have a purpose. It may test our character and determination. It can encourage us to make things better. It may make us more sympathetic and helpful towards others who suffer

• Original Sin; Everything is contaminated with a spiritual disease called sin which means everything is imperfect. Story of Adam and Eve.

• Free Will; Human beings are not programmed for good behaviour- The Lord gave us mind and conscience; we cannot hide from ourselves.’ Proverbs 20 But they often choose badly ‘ It is what comes out of a man that makes him unclean.’ Mark 7 whereas ‘The righteous man gives his wealth to the needy.’ Surah 26

• Horrific events indicate evil?

• Christians can believe the devil a personal spiritual being tempts people to do wrong & ultimately the devil will be defeated.

• Some feel that evil is an impersonal force, like gravity. It affects people and nature but has no will and does not choose. It is an unfortunate fact.

• Others think evil is psychological. Abusive parents, combined with an antisocial lifestyle and fascination with guns may produce a person capable of evil acts.

• Christians believe God allows suffering and evil because they are the inevitable consequences of free will. People sometimes give into temptation and suffering is the consequence.

1 Define; Theist, Atheist, Agnostic, Polytheist, Monotheist

2 Summarise the Genesis account of creation in 50 words

3 Explain Darwin’s theory of evolution and the Big bang theory in 50 words

4 Explain how many believers can accept Genesis, Darwin and the Big bang

5 Summarise the following arguments for God in 50 words

a. Cosmological

b. Design

c. Experience

In this section you need to understand why it is difficult to describe God; what Christians and Muslims believe about God’s character, how God can be revealed and that religions teach that God’s nature is paradox; that God is immanent and transcendent, personal and impersonal.

• Immanence God is nearby-involved in human experience
• Transcendence God is beyond and outside the material world
• Personal God has human qualities (e.g. consciousness, free will)
• Impersonal God is like a force incapable of relationship (e.g. the wind)
• Omnipotent All-powerful
• Omniscient All-knowing

• Difference in scale &experience between humans & god

• God is a spiritual, not a physical reality so he can’t be directly observed or measured

• We are limited by time but God made time.

• Our lives are governed by natural laws (e.g. gravity) of the universe.

• But God exists outside the constraints of the physical universe.

• Creator of the universe ‘In the beginning God made the heavens and the earth.’ Genesis
• God sees and knows everything, so his judgement is perfect.
• Humans are made ‘in God’s image.’ (with awareness, morality, free will)
• The Lord’s prayer shows God as holy, like a father - providing for our needs, offering guidance, judging/forgiving our sins ‘Our Father in Heaven;Matthew 6
• Jesus is God as a human , fully human (he feels temptation and pain) and fully God (he performs miracles)

Christianity shares a belief with Islam that God is One. However both religions also believe that God has many aspects to his nature.

• In Islam this is described by the 99 Names E.g. The All-knowing, The Protector, The Lord of Creation, The Merciful, The Humbler.

• Christianity describes this by a belief in The Trinity ‘One God in 3 persons.’ sharing one nature but in different forms (like water in 3 forms; ice, water and steam) The Father; All-powerful creator ;God the Son; Jesus is ‘God made flesh.’, God the Holy Spirit; makes God known in believers’ lives.

1. Give 3 problems faced in trying to understand God

2. Define; Immanence, transcendence, personal , Impersonal, Omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent

3. Summarise what Christians teach about God in 50 words

4. Summarise what Muslims teach about God in 50 words

5 Describe how; a. Christians b. Moslems express a belief in ‘one God in many forms.’

Religions believe that God makes Himself known to people in a variety of ways. This is called Revelation-God has been revealed. There are two types of revelation.

• General revelation is INDIRECT and available to everyone (e.g. through the natural world or sacred texts-the bible or Qur’an.)

• Special revelation is DIRECT & given to a particular person/people at a specific time. (e.g. through a miraculous healing, conversion, prayer, worship)

• Through prayer-a communication between God and humans

• Through people-religious leaders are often God’s witnesses, teaching people about God and life. (e.g. The Pope, Martin Luther King etc. in Christianity, or in Islam through the prophet Mohammed pbuh, an Islamic priest-Imam or Mullah

• Dreams and Visions- many believers say that God has made himself known through their unconscious mind (e.g. telling Mary she would bear God’s son.)

• Worship-When believers gather to focus on God, who may be made known through their thoughts and feelings, sometimes in quite dramatic ways

• Sacred texts from the Bible/Qur’an. There are different ways in which sacred texts may be understood;the liberal and fundamentalist views.

• Miracles; e.g. Jesus turns water into wine/raises Lazarus from death.

• Nature can reveal God because it is His creation. Like the way a piece of art ‘reveals’ the artist. (e.g. ‘God rides on the wings of the wind.’ Psalm 104

1. What is revelation ?

2 Describe 3 events from the life of Jesus, and explain what these teach about God

.

3 Explain the difference between general and special revelation?

4 Find an example to describe underneath each type of revelation in 50 words involving;

a. Prayer

b. A dream

c. Worship

d. The bible/Qur’an

e. A miracle

f. Nature