AQA GCSE Religious Studies (RS) Christianity

Key Sections

• Beliefs and Teachings
• Practices

Creation

• Belief: God created the universe, Earth, and mankind (Genesis 1:1).
• Christians differ in literal vs non-literal interpretations.
• Holy Spirit and Son are present from the beginning.
• Exam Questions:
  • How creation beliefs influence Christians: Inspires from nature, connects to the Trinity.

Nature of God

• Christianity is monotheistic (Nicene Creed).
• God is seen as genderless but has male and female attributes.
• Attributes: Holy, omnipotent, omni-benevolent, omniscient, just.
• Exam Questions:
  • Nature of God: Omnipotence, free will, justice.
  • Controversial statement: Suffering vs. omni-benevolence.

Incarnation

• Jesus is God incarnate; birth stories in Matthew and Luke.
• Immaculate Conception: Mary virginity, Gabriel's announcement.
• John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of Incarnation: Following teachings, understanding miracles.

Holy Trinity

• Concept: Three persons, one God; Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
• God as Creator, Jesus as God on Earth, Holy Spirit as guide.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of Trinity: Comfort, monotheism.

Crucifixion

• Jesus' arrest by Romans, charged with treason.
• Forgiveness on the cross teaches sin can be forgiven.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of Crucifixion: Seeking forgiveness, staying sin-free.

Resurrection and Ascension

• Jesus rose on the third day, seen by followers.
• Ascension after 40 days, foundation for Christian Church.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of Resurrection: Faith in overcoming death, importance of belief.

Sin and Salvation

• Sin separates humans from God; original sin from Adam and Eve.
• Salvation through good works or grace.
• Exam Questions:
  • Salvation beliefs: Reconciliation, atonement, grace.

Life After Death

• Belief in resurrection and eternal life varies by denomination.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of afterlife beliefs: Prayers for afterlife, good Christian life.

Christ in Salvation

• Jesus' death compensates for original sin; offers forgiveness.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of Salvation belief: Atonement, remorse.

Heaven and Hell

• Heaven: Presence of God; Hell: Absence of God.
• Exam Questions:
  • Influence of beliefs: Faith in salvation, prayer practices.

Christian Practices

Worship

• Act of praise; includes prayer, singing, Bible reading.
• Types: Liturgical, non-liturgical, informal.
• Exam Questions:
  • Contrasting worship methods: Liturgical vs informal.

Holy Communion (Eucharist)

• Thanksgiving service using bread and wine.
• Beliefs vary: Transubstantiation vs symbolic.
• Exam Questions:
  • Holy Communion reasons: Community, sacrifice.

Prayer

• Communication with God, set or informal.
• Exam Questions:
  • Reasons for prayer: Reconciliation, personal connection.

Pilgrimage

• Journey to holy sites for spiritual reasons.
• Examples: Lourdes, Iona.
• Exam Questions:
  • Reasons for pilgrimage: Connection to community, spiritual growth.

Baptism

• Sacrament of initiation; infant vs believer's baptism.
• Exam Questions:
  • Believers vs infant baptism: Understanding of commitment.

Festivals

• Important events: Christmas, Easter.
• Exam Questions:
  • Importance comparison: Christmas vs Easter.

Church in the Community

• Church as body of Christ; community projects.
• Examples: food banks, Street Pastors.
• Exam Questions:
  • Church community roles: Support, guidance.

Mission and Evangelism

• Spreading faith through preaching and service.
• Great Commission: Baptizing and teaching (Matthew 28:19).
• Exam Questions:
  • Importance of evangelism: Command of Jesus.

Church Growth

• Rapid growth in Africa, Asia, South America.
• Exam Questions:
  • Support for persecuted Christians: Prayer, discreet help.

Church Worldwide

• Reconciliation and persecution.
• Exam Questions:
  • Role in reconciliation: Following Jesus' example.

Responses to Poverty

• Following Jesus' teachings to aid the poor.
• Charities: CAFOD, Tearfund.
• Exam Questions:
  • Charities' role: Aid, support, development.

Note

Remember to review the starter points for exam questions provided in each section for effective preparation.