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Key Points on Christianity for AQA GCSE

Apr 27, 2025

AQA GCSE RS Christianity Key Points and Exam Questions

Video Introduction

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Structure of GCSE RS Christianity

  • Two main sections: Beliefs and Teachings, Practices.
  • Topics covered include Creation, Nature of God, Incarnation, Holy Trinity, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Sin and Salvation, Life after Death, Christ in Salvation, Heaven and Hell, Worship, Holy Communion, Prayer, Pilgrimage, Baptism, Festivals, Church in the Community, Mission and Evangelism, Church Growth, Church Worldwide, Christian Responses to Poverty.

Beliefs and Teachings

Creation

  • God created the universe, as per Genesis chapter 1.
  • The story of creation is seen as literal by some Christians, metaphorical by others.
  • The Holy Spirit and Son are present from the beginning.

Exam Question

  • Explain two ways belief about creation might influence Christians today.
    • Inspiration from nature as signs of God's work.

Nature of God

  • Christianity is monotheistic, belief in one God.
  • God is described as omnipotent, omni-benevolent, omniscient, just.
  • God is genderless but shows male and female characteristics.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two Christian beliefs about the nature of God.
    • God's omnipotence and granting of free will.
  • 12-marker: Discuss the statement: "God cannot be omni-benevolent because there is too much suffering."

Incarnation

  • Jesus as God incarnate, born of the Virgin Mary.
  • Immaculate conception and his birth are crucial for understanding Jesus' actions and miracles.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two ways belief about incarnation might influence Christians today.
    • Following Jesus' teachings with greater understanding.
  • 12-marker: "The stories of the incarnation prove that Jesus is the son of God."

Holy Trinity

  • Three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit; all equally God.
  • God is one in three and three in one.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two ways Christians' belief about the Holy Trinity might influence Christians today.
  • Explain two Christian beliefs about Trinity.

Crucifixion

  • Jesus' arrest by Romans, charged with treason, crucifixion.
  • Importance of Jesus' forgiveness and sin redemption.

Exam Question

  • Explain two ways belief about crucifixion might influence Christians today.

Resurrection and Ascension

  • Jesus' resurrection, appearances to followers, ascension to heaven.
  • Significance of life after death belief.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two ways belief about resurrection might influence Christians today.
  • 12-marker: "The resurrection is the most important belief."

Sin and Salvation

  • Sin separates humans from God; original sin from Adam and Eve.
  • Salvation through good works or grace.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two Christian beliefs about salvation.

Life after Death

  • Belief in resurrection, either immediately after death or future judgment.
  • Variations in afterlife beliefs across denominations.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two ways belief about life after death might influence Christians today.

Christ in Salvation

  • Jesus' death for the redemption of sin; salvation through grace or works.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two ways belief about salvation might influence Christians today.

Heaven and Hell

  • Heaven: eternal presence of God.
  • Hell: eternal absence of God.
  • Purgatory as an intermediate stage.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two ways belief about heaven and hell might influence Christians today.

Practices

Worship

  • Includes prayer, meditation, hymns, preaching.
  • Liturgical, non-liturgical, and informal worship forms.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two contrasting ways a Christian might worship.
  • Explain two ways in which private worship is important for Christians.

Holy Communion

  • Also known as the Eucharist, celebration of Jesus' sacrifice.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two contrasting ways a Christian might receive holy communion.

Prayer

  • Communication with God, set or informal.
  • Lord's Prayer as a pattern of prayer.

Exam Questions

  • Explain why two reasons why Christians pray.
  • 12-marker: "The best way for Christians to reach an understanding of God is by practicing prayer."

Pilgrimage

  • Journey to holy sites, e.g., Lourdes, Iona.
  • Reasons include closeness to God, penance, or reflection.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two reasons why Christians go on a pilgrimage.

Baptism

  • Initiation into Christianity; infant or believer's baptism.

Exam Questions

  • 12-marker: "Christians should only have believers baptism."

Festivals

  • Christmas and Easter as major celebrations.

Exam Questions

  • 12-marker: "Christmas is more important than Easter."

Church in the Community

  • Provides various services and support, such as food banks.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two ways in which street pastors carry out their duties.

Mission and Evangelism

  • Spreading Christianity through mission work and evangelism.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two reasons why evangelism is important to Christians.

Church Growth

  • Growth trends in various regions; significant in South America, Africa, Asia.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two ways in which Christians support those countries where it's forbidden to follow Jesus.

Church Worldwide

  • Focus on reconciliation, facing persecution.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two ways in which the worldwide church works for reconciliation.

Responses to Poverty

  • Christian charities like CAFOD, Tearfund, and Christian Aid work to alleviate poverty.

Exam Questions

  • Explain two ways in which Christians respond to world poverty.
  • End of video: Motivational closing and encouragement to follow more content.

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