AQA GCSE RS Christianity Key Points and Exam Questions

Introduction

• Video creation took over four weeks.
• Video is divided into two sections: Beliefs and Teachings, and Practices.

Beliefs and Teachings

Creation

• Christians believe God created the universe, Earth, and mankind.
• Genesis 1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
• Story includes Holy Spirit and Son.
• Exam Question: Influence of creation beliefs on Christians today.

Nature of God

• Christianity is monotheistic.
• Key denominations: Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox.
• Descriptions of God:
  • Omnipotent: All-powerful.
  • Omnibenevolent: All-loving.
  • Omniscient: All-knowing.
  • Just: Perfect justice giver.
• Exam Question: Explain Christian beliefs about the nature of God.

Incarnation

• Jesus as God incarnate: God in human form.
• Nativity story: Virgin birth by Mary.
• "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
• Exam Question: Influence of incarnation beliefs on Christians today.

The Holy Trinity

• Three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
• Exam Question: Influence of Trinity beliefs on Christians today.

Crucifixion

• Jesus's death by crucifixion for claiming to be King of the Jews.
• Teaches forgiveness and redemption from sin.
• Exam Question: Influence of crucifixion beliefs on Christians today.

Resurrection and Ascension

• Jesus's resurrection signifies life after death.
• 40 days of appearances post-resurrection.
• Exam Question: Influence of resurrection beliefs on Christians today.

Sin and Salvation

• Sin separates humans from God.
• Original sin from Adam and Eve.
• Exam Question: Explain Christian beliefs about salvation.

Life After Death

• Belief in resurrection due to Jesus.
• Various views on resurrection and afterlife.
• Exam Question: Influence of life after death beliefs on Christians today.

Christ in Salvation

• Salvation restores relationship with God.
• Two methods: Good works and Grace.
• Exam Question: Influence of salvation beliefs on Christians today.

Heaven and Hell

• Heaven: Presence of God.
• Hell: Absence of God.
• Purgatory: Intermediate stage.
• Exam Question: Influence of heaven and hell beliefs on Christians today.

Practices

Worship

• Various forms: Liturgical, Non-liturgical, Informal.
• Private worship highly valued.
• Exam Question: Contrast ways Christians might worship.

Holy Communion

• Celebrates Jesus's sacrifice with bread and wine.
• Views differ on transubstantiation.
• Exam Question: Reasons Christians celebrate Holy Communion.

Prayer

• Communication with God through various forms.
• The Lord's Prayer as a model.
• Exam Question: Reasons why Christians pray.

Pilgrimage

• Journey to holy sites like Lourdes and Iona.
• Exam Question: Reasons Christians go on pilgrimage.

Baptism

• Sacrament of initiation; Infant vs. Believer's baptism.
• Exam Question: Debate on infant vs. believer's baptism.

Festivals

• Christmas: Birth of Jesus.
• Easter: Resurrection of Jesus.
• Exam Question: Importance of Christmas vs. Easter.

The Church in the Community

• Church as a body and building.
• Involvement in community projects like food banks.
• Exam Question: Ways street pastors carry out duties.

Mission and Evangelism

• Spread faith; Great commission by Jesus.
• Alpha Course as an evangelistic initiative.
• Exam Question: Importance of evangelism to the church.

Church Growth

• Rapid growth in certain regions despite persecution.
• Exam Question: How Christians support countries where faith is forbidden.

Church Worldwide

• Reconciliation as a key mission.
• Exam Question: Worldwide church's role in reconciliation.

Persecution

• Persecution strengthens faith.
• Exam Question: Christian organizations' mission work.

Responses to Poverty

• Christian charities like CAFOD, Tearfund, Christian Aid.
• Exam Question: How Christians respond to world poverty.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to subscribe and follow for more educational content.