Monday 16th March 9am
WJEC RE GCSE Revision
What modules will I need to revise?
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Our World
Relationships
Looking for meaning
Is it Fair?
Relationships
revision
What do I need to learn for
‘Relationships?
What is love?
Responsibility & commitments.
Adultery & sexual relationships.
Contraception.
Marriage & cohabitation in Christianity &
Judaism
• Divorce & remarriage in Christianity Judaism.
• Same sex relationships.
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Responsibility
Duties you should carry out, ie, prayer 5 x day
Commitment
Making & keeping a promise, ie, wedding vows
Love
To have a deep affection for someone & express it
through words & actions
Chastity
Not having sex till you’re married
Celibacy
Never having a sexual relationship
Adultery
Having sex with someone other than your husband &
wife
Conflict
Working against each other rather than together
Reconciliation
Saying sorry & having it accepted, making up & starting
together again
Love – To have a deep affection for
someone and express it through your
actions and words, for example...
I love
my??
Which do you think is which?
Greek:
Storge
Meaning:
Love of objects/animals
Philia
Love of friends & family
Eros
Sexual love
Agape
Unconditional love
State two responsibilities married
couples have?
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Love
Provide & care for
Forgiving
Faithful
Obey marriage vows
How might a married couple show their
commitment to each other?
- Make sure they keep the vows/promises made
at the wedding.
- Joint bank account/take out a mortgage.
- Have children.
- Will work at their marriage & relationship.
- Renewal of vows.
- Give gifts to each other.
- Remain faithful to each other.
“Homosexuality is always wrong.” Do
you agree? Why?
I agree because...
• Bible teach that it is wrong.
• Cannot procreate naturally.
• God created marriage to be between a man & a woman.
• St Paul said homosexuals will not go to heaven.
• Orthodox Jews do not accept homosexual relationships.
On the other hand, I disagree because...
• Quakers have allowed same sex unions for over 20 years.
• Bible written in different culture.
• Liberal jews often support same-sex relationships
• Anglican church may bless the couple.
• Homosexuality seen in other animals.
• Did God create homosexuals?
• Does this mean heterosexual couples who are infertile should not
marry?
• IVF/adoption?
Contraception in Christianity
• Acceptable if sex is within marriage
• Both partners agree to the method used
• Quality of family life is important (not
quantity)
• Catholics don’t believe in contraception.
• They believe sex is only for procreation.
Contraception in Judaism
• Having children is part of God’s will.
• Condoms where the male seed is
destroyed is generally disapproved of.
Sexual relationships in
Christianity
Sex should only happen within marriage
Sex is a gift from God
It is holy and sacred.
Promiscuity devalues both people and sex.
Christians believe pre-marital sex is wrong
because:
Sex is for procreation and so must take place
within marriage.
The Bible says sex before marriage and
procreation is wrong.
All churches teach that pre-marital sex is
wrong.
Adultery
All Christians think Adultery is wrong because:
It breaks the vow to stay faithful to each
other.
It is forbidden in the Ten Commandments. “Do
not commit adultery.”
It is condemned by Jesus in the Bible
Is wrong because marriage is a sacrament
Harms the special relationship of marriage
Not a secure basis for any children born as a
result.
Sexual relationships in Judaism
• Sex is seen as one of the stages of marriage –
betrothal/contract/consummation.
• The Halakhah emphasises that a husband
should be sexually considerate.
• The Ten Commandments forbid adultery.
Outline the purposes of marriage in
Christianity:
- Lifelong relationship of love and
companionship.
- Support and comfort each other.
- Sex.
- Procreation.
- Bring up a Christian family.
Christian marriage service:
Exam Question: Describe from two different religious
traditions the main features of a marriage ceremony.
Christianity:
- Vows: “Till death do us part”, etc.
- Exchanging of rings/symbolism.
- Congregation present – symbol of community involvement.
- Asking of impediments – legally free to marry.
- Hymns – part of religious worship.
- Bible readings/sermon – part of religious worship.
- Pronounce union/sign register – shows couple are
married/legal requirement.
- Prayers.
Judaism
• Often held in a synagogue.
• Held under a Chuppah as it is often believed that is shows the
new home or a sign of God’s blessing.
• Blessing of wine symbolises joy and marriage.
• Signing of the ketubah (contract)
• Breaking of the class to represent the fragility of marriage and
the destruction of the Temple.
Exam Question: Explain why the vows in a
Christian marriage are important.
• The vows are for life – they are to be kept
‘until death.’
• They are not just promises to each other but
are taken in front of God & the congregation.
• They show how special marriage is, it is a
sacrament, God is involved.
Exam Question: Explain why many
religious believers expect marriages to
succeed.
• Marriage is a sacrament in which
God is involved.
• The community of believers are
there to support & help the couple.
• Vows are taken for ‘life.’
• Stable family/having children.
There are different attitudes to divorce in
Christianity…
Catholic:
- Does not allow divorce.
- Is not God’s intention.
- Breaking of vow “till death do us part.”
- Sacrament.
- Death only way marriage can be dissolved.
- Annulment (forced into marriage, not consummated,
etc.)
Why..?
- Jesus taught that divorce is wrong.
There are different attitudes to divorce in
Christianity…
Non-Catholics:
- Think divorce is wrong.
- Allow as ‘lesser of two evils.’
- Many allow remarriage. (talk to minister first.)
Why…
- Jesus allowed divorce for adultery.
- Forgiveness.
- Better to divorce than argue all the time.
Judaism and Divorce
• Divorcing couples must obtain a religious and
a civil divorce
• Husbands in Orthodox Judaism must give their
wife a GET (document of divorce)
• Remarrying can happen 90 days after
receiving the GET.
• Some men refuse to give their wives a divorce
(agunot)
IS IT FAIR?
Racial Harmony
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Good Samaritan. Love your neighbour.
Jesus treated a Samaritan woman as His equal.
Jesus healed a Roman Centurion’s servant.
A black African helped Jesus carry His cross.
Paul said everyone is equal.
All created from one man – Adam – therefore all
equal.
All created equally by God.
All created “in image of God.”
Christian leaders of every race.
All Christian Churches condemn racism.
Prejudice:
Judging someone before you know anything
about them or have any evidence.
Discrimination:
Putting your prejudice into action.
Treating somebody differently because of their
race, colour, gender, etc.
Equality:
Being treated in the same way, not
discriminated against, as all are part of God’s
creation
Sexism:
Discriminating against people because of their
gender.
Racism:
Discriminating against people because of their
race.
Belief that some races are inferior/superior.
What are the reasons why people are
prejudiced?
Pride/selfishness
Theology
Fear
Reasons for prejudice:
Anger/retaliation
Ignorance
Past experiences
Parental/peer pressure
Whenever you talk about Martin Luther
King you must always refer to…
March to Washington
demanding equal voting
rights
Non violence
Sit ins
Civil Rights Movement
I have a dream
Martin Luther King
Love your enemies
Bus Boycott
Christian teachings regarding wealth
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Material wealth is not the most important thing in life.
Do not worry or be anxious over money.
Material wealth should be shared with others.
True giving or generosity needs to involve sacrifice.
There is no point relying on money for security.
The way you make your money is just as important as
what you do with it.
• No gambling.
• No lending money for profit
• No greed.
Jewish teachings regarding wealth
• All possessions belong to God.
• Proverbs teaches: ‘Don’t wear yourself out
trying to get rich. Be wise enough to control
yourself. Wealth can vanish in the wink of an
eye’
• No money should be used on Shabbat
• Many Jews give money to charity but not
boasting about it is important.
Role of women in Christianity
Traditional Protestant:
Modern Protestant:
Catholic
Traditional Protestant:
• Men & women have separate and different roles.
• It is the role of the women to bring up children & run a
Christian home.
• Women should not speak in church & should submit to their
husbands.
• It is the role of men to provide for the family & to lead the
family in the religion.
• Only men can become church leaders.
• Why..? Paul teaches women should not speak in church.
• …Adam was created first. Woman led astray by satan and then
led man astray.
Modern Protestant:
• Men and women should have equal rights.
• Have women ministers & priests.
• Why..? God created men & women at the same time.
Men & women are seen to be equal before God.
…Both made “in image of God.”
Paul teaches that men & women are equal.
Jesus treated women equally & did not discriminate
against women (treated a Samaritan woman as His
equal, women disciples stayed with Him at cross, He
first appeared to women after resurrection.)
Evidence of women leaders in early church.
Catholic
• Men & women should have equal roles in life.
• Only men can become priests & bishops.
• Why..? The apostles were all men and so
bishops should be men.
• Jesus was a man and the priest represents
Jesus at mass. (Holy Communion.)
Judaism
• Woman are expected to take an important
role in religious ceremonies in the home such
as bringing in Shabbat.
• In Orthodox Judaism women are unable to be
Rabbis and sit separately from men in the
synagogue.
LOOKING FOR
MEANING
Key Terms:
Revelation:
- Something shown or explained that was previously
hidden, for example...Bible/Qur’an.
Afterlife:
- Where souls go when the body dies, for example,
heaven/paradise.
Akhirah:
- Life after death in Islam.
Vocation:
- Responding to God in terms of your job or career,
for example, priest/imam.
God:
- Ultimate being/creator of the world, for example,
Allah
Key Terms:
Symbolism:
- A sign which has a particular meaning, for
example...the cross for Christians.
Lord:
- Equal to God, ruler of the world & heaven.
Redeemer:
- Bringer of forgiveness, gives eternal life.
Community:
- A group of people with something in common, for
example, church community.
Awe:
- Completely overwhelmed by a sense of God’s
presence, for example, in a church/mosque.
Explain how religious believers
might experience God (4)
• Prayer – communicating with God, in a
church/synagogue
• Reading sacred texts – for example
Bible/Torah, may believe God speaks to
them through it.
• Worship – can be individual or as a
group, singing worship songs, prayers,
etc.
Explain how religious believers
might respond to God (4)
• Prayer – communicating with God, in a
church/synagogue
• Vocation – responding to God in terms
of your job or career, for example,
priest/Rabbi, working for a charity, etc.
• Pilgrimage – Christians go to Lourdes.
Explain how religious believers might use
symbols to express beliefs about God. (4)
• Christians may use the Trinity (God the
Father, Son & Holy Spirit). This shows the
3 parts of God’s character: Father –
creator of the world, Son – Jesus, Holy
Spirit – God’s power on earth.
• Jews use the Mezuzah. – the Mezuzah case
is found on the front door of many Jewish
homes. It contains the words of the first
two verses of the Shema, it reminds Jews
of the oneness of God, and of his presence
as they go about their daily lives.
Explain why many religious believers use
symbols and images to describe God. (4)
• Impossible to describe God in normal
human language, symbols help you to
explain something meaningful.
• Symbols can be easier to understand,
help to explain something, good for the
young.
• Can be useful in worship, for example,
cross or crucifix.
Describe the teachings about the
afterlife from two different religious
traditions (6)
Christianity
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Believe in life after death.
Only God knows the time you are going to die.
Heaven (party or banquet) & hell (opposite of heaven)
Judgement Day.
Judged on how treated others & what believed.
God going to judge you.
Eternal life.
Spiritual existence.
Worship God in heaven.
Describe the teachings about the
afterlife from two different religious
traditions (6)
Judaism
Resurrection of soul and body is a part of
most Jewish ideas about life after
death.
Everyone will be judged and those who led
good lives will be close to God; others
will be purified in hell.
Explain the funeral rites from two
religious traditions (6)
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Christianity:
Resurrection is the main theme.
Vicar wears white – symbol of resurrection.
Service starts “I am the resurrection & life.”
Prefer burial.
Coffin sprinkled with holy water.
If cremated – ashes scattered.
Holy Communion.
Bible readings.
Hymns or worship songs.
Priest talks about person’s life.
Service ends “Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to
dust.”
Explain the funeral rites from two
religious traditions (6)
• Judaism
• Sometimes a Tallit (prayer shawl) with one of
the fringes cut is placed over the body.
• Funerals usually take place within 24 hours of
death.
• Prayers and psalms will be read, and each
person may put a spadeful of earth in the
grave, a symbol of returning to the earth.
Explain two reasons why religious
believers believe in an afterlife. (4)
• It is written in the Bible/Torah– word
of God – meant to be believed.
• Gives life meaning & purpose –
rewarded/punished – heaven/hell.
• Christians believe Jesus resurrected
therefore afterlife.
Explain two reasons religious believers
might give for believing in God. (4)
• Upbringing/family – if brought up to
believe in God and taken to
church/Torah, Sunday school then may
be more likely to believe in God.
• Creation of the world – evidence of
design in the world – Paley & his watch.
(If something has been designed it must
have a designer.
Explain two reasons for people not
believing in God. (4)
• Upbringing/family – if brought up not to
believe in God, not taken to
church/Torah, etc may be more likely
not to believe in God.
• Creation of the world – Big Bang &
Evolution – may believe created by
scientific reasons and not by God.
What is the value of religion in a secular society?
• Religious beliefs are timeless and will always be
relevant to the believer.
• Religion can bind communities and people together.
• Religion has produced great works of art.
• Religion has often inspired courage and self
sacrifice.
• But...Britain is more secular. Fewer people worship.
• Education & government in UK are not led by
religion. However many laws are based on the Ten
Commandments
• Society has changed since the holy books were
written.
• Many traditions have changed, Sunday trading,
shops open on Christmas day.
Our World
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘environment.’
(2)
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘stewardship.’
(2)
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘creation.’ (2)
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘humanity.’ (2)
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘soul.’ (2)
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘dominion.’
(2)
Modern attitude.
• Men & women should have completely equal roles in
religion & education.
• Women should have careers but their role as mother
should take priority.
• Some would accept women leaders.
• Because…Qur’an teaches men & women are equal in
religion and education.
• Muhammad encouraged both men & women to
worship in the mosque.
• There were women leaders during early stages of
Islam.
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘dominion.’
(2)
Being in charge of the world for God, for example, God gave Adam
dominion in the Garden of Eden.
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘environment.’ (2)
The natural world all about us – plants, insects, animals & humans
which believers see as God’s creation.
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘stewardship.’ (2)
To guard over something for the real owner, for example, the earth
for God.
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘creation.’ (2)
God’s making of the world for a purpose, for example, for us to
enjoy/unique, according to a plan.
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘humanity.’ (2)
Caring about other human beings through prayer & action
Explain what religious believers mean by ‘soul.’ (2)
The part of humans that is not physical & lives on after you
die in heaven/paradise.
Explain how religious believers feel
we should use our talents. (4)
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Something you are good at.
Should be used/developed.
Given by God.
Use for benefit of others.
Musical talent – use in worship.
Lawyer – benefit others.
“Life has no built-in purpose; you make it yourself.”
Give two reasons why a religious believer might agree or
disagree with this statement. (4)
Agree
• Free will.
• Destiny/fate
Disagree
• Religious believers believe we have
purposes.
• Sex – procreation.
• Obey God.
• Steward/khalifah.
Explain using two different religious traditions
the teachings about creation. (6)
Some Christians regard the Genesis story as 100% true, they
take it literally and so are known as Literalists.
Some Christians believe that the Genesis story contains some
truths but is not 100% as it is written in Genesis. (ie, they
believe the world was created in six periods of time rather
than six 24 hour periods of time) They are known as Nonliteralists.
In your own words, explain what a literalist and nonliteralist are.
Uses religious language and terms
extensively ....
CHRISTIANITY
God created everything that is in the
heavens and the earth
There were six 'days' or periods of creation;
and a seventh of rest – a pattern to be
copied in life
Humans were the only ones created 'in the
image' of God; and were given special
responsibility for the earth/stewardship
Everything was created 'out of nothing'
Some regard the story as literal truth,
others as not strictly literal but containing
truths; and others as entirely poetic and/or
mythical.
“The world is there for us humans to enjoy; that’s
all that matters.” Do you agree? Why? (8)
I agree because...
• God gave us dominion
• Enjoy the world & its resources is one of the
purposes of humans
On the other hand, I disagree because...
• Stewardship/khalifah - duty
• Judged on how treated the earth
• Care for animals
• Care for others – love your neighbour
• Use our talents to look after the world
• Chico Mendes – protect rainforests
Explain the teaching from two religious traditions about
caring for the world & the environment (6)
Christianity
• Humans have a duty to be a steward
• God gave humans dominion over the earth
• God made the world
• Should use our talents to care for the world
• Psalms say – The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it
• Humans will face God on the Day of Judgement.
• When God created the world He said that it was good –
humans should not destroy what God has created.
• Judaism
• Got gave humans the responsibility to look after the world
he created.
• Thanksgiving is part of caring for the world, and being
reminded to enjoy but also to renew.
• It is important to avoid waste and use resources
responsibly and carefully.
Christians believe God created and then gave
us the earth. It is a gift from God but He
expects us to care for it, this is known as
stewardship.
We have no right to abuse God’s creation – we
should act responsibly.
Christianity teaches that everything is
interdependent so harming the planet
eventually harms us!
“Believing that the world was created is not in
line with modern knowledge.” Do you agree?
Why? (6)
Agree
• Literalists – Adam & Eve, etc, does not tie in with the
scientific theories.
• 6 24 hour periods of time does not agree with science.
• Disagree
• Science backs up the order of creation in Genesis.
• Six periods of time supports scientific theories.
• Einstein “Science without religion is blind, religion without
science is lame.”
• Answer different questions: Science tells you how,
religion tells you why/who.
• Non literalists can still believe in evolution/Big Bang.
Explain the beliefs from one religious tradition about the
world & the purpose of human beings. (6)
Christianity
• God created the world. Six days. Rested 7th.
• Stewardship. Duty. Dominion.
• Obey God. 10 Commandments.
• Have sex – children.
• Live in harmony with others – love your neighbour.
Judaism
• To obey God.
• Enjoy the world and its fruits/resources.
• Look after the world for God.
• Preserve trees.
• Live in harmony and care for others.
Intelligence – the ability
To think & reflect
Conscience
Morality – a sense of right
& wrong
Language – the
ability to read &
write
What makes
humans different
from animals?
Soul
Religious beliefs
& behaviour
Created in God’s image
What are the different ways that people are
destroying the earth?
Ways that humans are
destroying the earth:
What are the different ways that people are
protecting the earth?
Ways that humans are
protecting the earth:
There is enough for
everyone's needs but not for
man’s greed.
•According to Genesis God created the earth and it was good
•Human beings have physical needs which can met by good stewardship
of the earth's resources
• Human beings need to learn to share resources on the earth
• Human beings need to put stewardship into practice
•Practical caring for your neighbour will lead to a better lifestyle
• Human beings are naturally inclined to be greedy
• All religions teach that greed is wrong
• Greed is one form of selfish behaviour
• Contemporary culture in many ways encourage greed
In the very first chapter of the Bible it
is said that in the beginning, when
things were as God meant them to be,
animals were not created to be food for
humans. The animals were to eat grass,
foliage, etc and human beings, fruit and
nuts. Only later, when sin was in the
world, were animals granted to
humankind for food.
Why might some Christians choose to
be vegetarian
after reading this in the Bible?