AQA GCSE RS Christianity Key Points and Exam Questions

Introduction

• Video took over four weeks to compile resources.
• Content is split into two sections: Beliefs and Teachings and Practices.
• Sections covered include: Creation, Nature of God, Incarnation, Holy Trinity, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension, Sin and Salvation, Life After Death, Christ in Salvation, Heaven and Hell, Christian Practices.

Beliefs and Teachings

Creation

• Christians believe God created the universe, including mankind (Genesis 1:1).
• Creation story is symbolic for many, showing God's role as creator.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of creation beliefs: Inspiring Christians through nature.
  • Beliefs about creation: Involvement of Holy Trinity in creation.

Nature of God

• Over 1.5 billion Christians, main denominations: Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox.
• Christianity is monotheistic (Nicene Creed).
• Attributes of God: Omnipotent, Omni-benevolent, Omniscient, Just.
• Exam Questions:
  • Beliefs about God: Omnipotent yet allows free will.
  • 12-marker on God’s benevolence vs. existence of suffering.

Incarnation

• Jesus was God incarnate, birth story in Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
• Notable points: Virgin birth, angel Gabriel’s announcement.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of incarnation beliefs: Better understanding of Jesus's teachings.
  • 12-marker on incarnation proving Jesus as the Son of God.

Holy Trinity

• Concept: God is three persons in one essence.
• Father (creator), Son (Jesus), Holy Spirit (guide).
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of Trinity beliefs: Comfort and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Crucifixion

• Jesus was crucified for claiming to be King of Jews.
• Importance: Teaches forgiveness and atonement.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of crucifixion beliefs: Christians seek forgiveness.

Resurrection and Ascension

• Jesus rose from the dead, appeared to followers for 40 days.
• Foundation of life after death beliefs.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of resurrection beliefs: Overcoming fear of death.
  • 12-marker on resurrection as the most important belief.

Sin and Salvation

• Sin separates humans from God; salvation restores relationship.
• Original sin from Adam and Eve.
• Salvation through good works and grace.
• Exam Questions:
  • Beliefs about salvation: Reconciliation and atonement.

Life After Death

• Different beliefs about resurrection and afterlife.
• Resurrection of soul or body and soul.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of afterlife beliefs: Encouragement to live a good Christian life.

Christ in Salvation

• Jesus's death seen as atonement for sin.
• Salvation through faith in Jesus and his teachings.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of salvation beliefs: Atonement and repentance.

Heaven and Hell

• Heaven: Eternal presence of God; Hell: Absence of God.
• Debate on who goes to heaven or hell.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of heaven and hell beliefs: Strong faith and prayer.

Practices

Worship

• Weekly public worship on Sundays; private worship anytime.
• Types: Liturgical, non-liturgical, informal.
• Exam Questions:
  • Contrasting worship styles: Liturgical vs. private worship.

Holy Communion

• Celebration of Jesus's sacrifice.
• Catholic belief in transubstantiation, Protestant symbolic view.
• Exam Questions:
  • Contrasting holy communion views: Transubstantiation vs. symbolism.

Prayer

• Communication with God; can be set or informal.
• Importance of Lord's Prayer.
• Exam Questions:
  • Importance of prayer: Reconciliation and personal connection.

Pilgrimage

• Journey to holy sites for spiritual reasons, e.g., Lourdes, Iona.
• Exam Questions:
  • Reasons for pilgrimage: Community connection, spiritual growth.

Baptism

• Sacrament of initiation: Infant vs. Believers Baptism.
• Exam Questions:
  • Debate on baptism types: Understanding vs. lifelong devotion.

Festivals

• Christmas and Easter as main festivals.
• Christmas: Birth of Jesus; Easter: Resurrection.
• Exam Questions:
  • Importance of festivals: Christmas vs. Easter.

Church in Community

• Church as a body of Christ and as a building.
• Role in community support: Food banks, street pastors.
• Exam Questions:
  • Role of street pastors: Supporting vulnerable people.

Mission and Evangelism

• Spreading Christianity worldwide.
• Great Commission and role of evangelism.
• Exam Questions:
  • Importance of evangelism: Fulfilling Jesus's command.

Church Growth

• Christianity's global growth, especially in non-Western countries.
• Notable organizations: Christ for all Nations.
• Exam Questions:
  • Support for persecuted Christians: Prayer and advocacy.

Church Worldwide

• Reconciliation and dealing with persecution.
• Role in promoting peace and forgiveness.
• Exam Questions:
  • Worldwide church’s reconciliation efforts: Promoting harmony.

Responses to Poverty

• Christian charities: CAFOD, Tearfund, Christian Aid.
• Addressing poverty through aid and development.
• Exam Questions:
  • Christian responses to poverty: Role of specific charities.