Religious

Studies
GCSE Revision
Guide
Philosophy 2
Unit
B602

Name________________________________________TG ____

This guide has been produced to give you all the key information you will need to pass
your RS G.C.S.E
The information is laid out in easy to read bullet points with quotations to support the
information. Each section contains the teachings of Christianity on the units you have
covered in class. It is important to remember that there is rarely a simple teaching
accepted by all believers, especially in Christianity.
If you do not understand any of the words or information it is important that you look it
up or ask for help.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
The booklet has been laid out clearly into different sections corresponding to the units
you have covered and will answer in the exam.
You will find the information laid out in bullet points. This is the bare bones of what you
will need. You must refer to your exercise book and any other revision guide (GCSE BBC
Bitesize or revision books published by OCR) that you have access to.
If you are not familiar with any of the terms used it is important that you ask.
At the end of each set of bullet points you will find a series of quotations. By learning
these you will develop a better understanding of the religious teachings. Failing that, it is
a good idea to know where the teachings come from, so try to learn the references.

HOW TO REMEMBER
There are many different ways to revise but the best way is to be active in what you are
doing.
Dont just read through your notes and the guide
Dont just pick it up, do 3 minutes and then put it down
Dont leave everything to the last minute
Dont revise without breaks
Dont punish yourself if you get something wrong
Dont revise where you know you will get disturbed
Do make a plan of what you will revise and when
Do test the information you have learned each time
Do give yourself rewards when you have worked hard
Do put up post it notes around the house containing key terms, dates, concepts, etc.
Especially in places you visit a lot, e.g. the fridge, toilet, light switches etc
Do play quiet music if it helps you to concentrate
Do tell your friends that you are serious about doing well
Do get other people to help you parents, friends etc
Do revise with friends if you know that they are serious too
THE EXAM

In the exam it is important not to panic. Take your time to read through the
questions and select the ones that you are confident with. Make sure that you
understand what every part of the paper is asking you. You will have lots of time to

plan your answers so dont just rush straight in. Set yourself 30 minutes for each
question and make sure that you do not over run.
You can always add more at the end if you have time. Try to ensure you are not
repeating yourself. Always write in full sentences. If you are running out of time and
have not included everything, jot down in bullet points what you wanted to say. You
will get credit for this. If you have finished before time is up, take care to read
through your answers, correct any mistakes and add any more information that you
may think of.

You must choose 2 Christianity questions from the choice of 3.

Each question is in 5 parts (a, b, c, d and e) which add up to 24 marks.
A 1 mark. This will ask for the meaning of a religious word related to the topic. One
sentence will do.
B 2 marks. This will ask for 2 facts about an idea related to the topic so be specific
and think in terms of your knowledge of Christianity. Do not over simplify.
C 3 marks. This will ask for a description of Christian beliefs about an issue. Try to
give 3 ideas.
D 6 marks. More detail is needed here. The examiner marks this answer on a
system of levels to assess the quality of your answer. They are looking for a
comprehensive answer, structure and use of specialist (religious) terms.
E 12 marks. (Thats 50% of the marks in case you needed that pointing out) Again
this is marked on levels. You must make sure you are answering the question. A top
level answer will show you have given your opinion and explained your reasons for it
and included a range of other possible points of view. You must also show you know
what a possible Christian response would be. It is a discussion, on paper. Write as
much as you possibly can. Refer back to the question in your answer to retain focus
and you will be fine.

Part d. - 6 mark Question

Level 0
0
No evidence submitted or response does not address the question.
Level 1
1-2 marks
A weak attempt to answer the question.
Candidates will demonstrate little understanding of the question.
A small amount of relevant information may be included
Answers may be in the form of a list with little or no
description/explanation/analysis
There will be little or no use of specialist terms
Answers may be ambiguous or disorganised
Errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling may be intrusive
Level 2
3-4 marks
A satisfactory answer to the question.
Candidates will demonstrate some understanding of the question.
Information will be relevant but may lack specific detail
There will be some description/explanation/analysis although this may not
be fully developed
The information will be presented for the most part in a structured format
Some use of specialist terms, although these may not always be used
appropriately
There may be errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation
Level 3
5-6 marks
A good answer to the question.
Candidates will demonstrate a clear understanding of the question.
A fairly complete and full description/explanation/analysis
A comprehensive account of the range and depth of relevant material.
The information will be presented in a structured format
There will be significant, appropriate and correct use of specialist terms
There will be few if any errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation
Pa


Part e. - 12 mark Question
5.

Level 0
0
No evidence submitted or response does not address the question.
Level 1
1-3 marks
A weak attempt to answer the question.
Candidates will demonstrate little understanding of the question.
Answers may be simplistic with little or no relevant information
Viewpoints may not be supported or appropriate
Answers may be ambiguous or disorganised
There will be little or no use of specialist terms
Errors of grammar, punctuation and spelling may be intrusive
Level 2
4-6 marks
A limited answer to the question.
Candidates will demonstrate some understanding of the question.
Some information will be relevant, although may lack specific detail.
Only one view might be offered and developed
Viewpoints might be stated and supported with limited argument/discussion
The information will show some organisation
Reference to the religion studied may be vague
Some use of specialist terms, although these may not always be used appropriately
There may be errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation
Level 3
7-9 marks
A competent answer to the question.
Candidates will demonstrate a sound understanding o f the question.
Selection of relevant material with appropriate development
Evidence of appropriate p personal response
Justified arguments/different points of view supported by some discussion
The information will be presented in a structured format
Some appropriate reference to the religion studied
Specialist terms will be used appropriately and for the most part correctly
There may be occasional errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation
Level 4
10-12
marks
A good answer to the question.
Candidates will demonstrate a clear understanding of the question.
Answers will reflect the significance of the issue(s) raised
Clear evidence of an appropriate personal response, fully supported
A range of points of view supported by justified arguments/discussion
The information will be presented in a clear and organised way
Clear reference to the religion studied
Specialist terms will be used appropriately and correctly

Few, if any errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation

Philosophy modules:

1. Good and Evil Suffering and coping with suffering

2. Religion, Reason and Revelation - The nature of revelation and the Bible
3. Religion and Science Origins of the world, people and animals and
environmental issues.

Topic 1: Good and Evil

Evil is when bad things happen such as natural

disasters or when humans do bad things such as
commit murder or rape. Sometimes it is referred
to the problem of evil as it is difficult for some
people to accept that a good God would create a
world containing so much evil. He is after all
omnipotent and omniscient so he should stop
evil.

Christianity entered the world as a result of
Adam and Eve giving in to temptation in the
Garden of Eden this switch from a perfect
world to one containing evil is known as The Fall.
Christianity teaches that every human being was
born natural inclination to do wrong after the fall
this is the idea of original sin. Its believed that
this excludes us from Heaven unless were
reconciled with God.
Christians believe God created humans with free will its up to us to
choose whether we sin and perform evil deeds or not.
Christianity has also believe evil comes in
human form as Satan or the Devil.
Christians might refer to someone who has
performed evil deeds as being possessed by the
Devil (although this isnt modern Christian
teaching).
In Christianity there are sins of thought as well
as sins of action.

The Problem of Evil

Evil and suffering can be divided into
two types:

Human Made or Moral Evil

1. This is when suffering is
brought by cruel actions
of people.
2. This includes things like
murder, war, rape and
torture.
3. The person causing the
evil is able to made a
choice about what is
morally right or wrong.

Natural Evil
1. This kind of evil and the
suffering that comes with it, is
caused by the world in which
we live and is no ones fault.
2. This includes things like
disease, floods and hurricanes.
3. However many recent natural
disasters may have been
caused by human interference
in the natural world.

Many people have tried to define evil and work out what it is or where it
comes from.

Evil and suffering may lead some people to question their belief in
God or even to reject their faith.
This might be because they cant believe that a God who is good
would allow such things to happen or because they feel that their
prayers are not being answered.
Other people might argue that God cant be very powerful if he is
unable to prevent suffering.
Some Christians would argue that most evil come about because of
how we humans act. After the Fall we have the choice to do evil and
it is our responsibility not to do so.
Some Christians think that evil is necessary for there to be free will
without the choice of doing wrong what freedom is there? They
believe that there has to be evil in the world for it to be possible to
do good.

 Many Christians believe that all the suffering in the word will in the
end come to good. God has a plan.

Coping with Suffering
Many Christians cope with suffering through prayer.
RCs and Orthodox Christians often pray for a saint to intercede
(become involved) with God on behalf of someone whos suffering.
Christians also pray to God to accept suffering as part of his plan.
Think of the story of Job and how his faith was tested by the Devil.
Many Christians believe that when we struggle and suffer we are
closest to Jesus as he struggled on the cross.
One argument that Christians make for accepting suffering is that
that life is worthwhile if Jesus chose to come and share it with us.
Many Christian organisations (like Christian Aid) work to alleviate the
suffering of others.







Moral Guidance
Religious people look in various places to find the truth about what is
right and what God wants.

Sacred text Believers commonly look to the Bible for moral guidance.
Some people claim that the Bible was written for a society with different
values and should be interpreted to suit the times. Others argue that
theyre the Word of God and should be obeyed to the letter.

The example of teachers/prophets Religious people may also look to
the lives and actions of teachers like Jesus to guide them along the right
path.

Conscience Your conscience is that little voice in your head telling you
whats right and what is wrong. Some believers argue that this is the
voice of God. So we should listen to it very carefully and always trust
what its telling us. Others say it is a result of your upbringing.

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Jesus set an example for Christians today.

1. Jesus Jewish opponents often accused
him of breaking religious laws.

2. Jesus thought the Jewish authorities had
missed the point of Gods law and that the
spirit of the law was more important that
the letter. He also criticised the Pharisees
for allowing ritual and tradition to become
too important.

3. He taught that your motivation was even more important that your
actions.

4. Jesus wanted his followers to love. When asked which is most
important commandment he gave the answer Love the Lord your
God Love your neighbour. Matt 12:30-31

5. Christians believe that in his willingness to suffer and die on their
behalf, Jesus set an example which they themselves should be
prepared to follow.

6. In dying on the cross Christians believe Jesus paid for all the sin of
mankind. The Bible teaches that God is merciful but he is also just
(fair) so our sins will have to be paid for.

7. Christians believe that everyone
who has died will be judged. Most
Christians believe that only those
who have followed Jesus teaching
and have behaved morally will
enter Heaven.

Exam questions
a)
b)
c)
d)

What is meant by evil? (1 mark)

Give two examples of human suffering. (2 marks)

What is the difference between natural
and moral evil? (3 marks)

How might Christians explain the problem
of evil in the world? (6
marks)

e) It is God who makes people suffer Discuss this statement. You should
include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint.
answer. (12 marks)
You must refer to Christianity in your
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

What is meant by conscience? (1 mark)

Suggest two causes of evil in the world.
(2 marks)

Give three ways in which a Christian might try to behave morally. (3

marks)
Explain why a Christian might say that suffering is a necessary part of
human life. (6 marks)

You should only help people if you get something in return. Discuss
this statement. You should include different, supported points of view

and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.

(12 marks)

What is sin? (1 mark)

What is meant by original sin? (2 marks)
Describe the role of conscience in making moral decisions. (3 marks)
Explain why Christians try to follow the example of Jesus. (6 marks)
will of God Discuss this
Suffering should be accepted as the
statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a

personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12
marks)

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1.
2.

3.
4.
5.

Topic 2: Religion, Reason and Revelation.

According to Christians there are lots of ways to
experience God. These experiences allow you to
know God.
God can reveal himself in many ways.
Christians believe that the truth about the world
and their rules for good behaviour were
revealed to them by God. These revelations
were written down in the Bible.
Most Christians believe their scriptures were divinely inspired.
That is that God revealed himself to the prophets and apostles
who then wrote the Bible on those experiences.

Revelation through mystical and religious experiences.
Prayer is an attempt to contact God directly. It usually involves
words and can be thought of as a conversation with God. A person
might feel the presence of God in an answered prayer.
Meditation a believer clears his or her mind of distractions and
focuses on God. This could involve repetitive prayer, reading
scripture or fasting. It doesnt need to be in a place of worship.
Meditation can result in vision and voices as the believer draws
closer to God.
Some people believe miracles occur today and that these miracles
show Gods power and presence.
Religious Ecstasy these experiences range from singing, dancing,
shaking or crying during worship to speaking in tongues, having
visions or prophesying.
Sacramental Rituals rituals in which Christians believe God makes
his presence felt directly. According to RCs there are 7
sacraments, baptism, confirmation, reconciliation, Eucharist,
ordination (becoming a priest), marriage and anointing of the sick.
In the Eucharist, RCs believe in transubstantiation.






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Jesus
Most Christians believe that the Jewish prophets spoke for
God but they believe that God revealed himself fully in the
person of Jesus. Christians believe he was both fully God
and fully human.
Jesus teachings were written down during his life and
passed on in the Gospels. They include the Sermon on the Mount
(Matthew 5 -7, Read this and you will find tonnes of Bible quotes to put
in many of the essays) which many believe is Christs most important
revelation.
In Jesus death and resurrection. Christians believe Jesus showed his
divine nature to man.

The Bible
The Bible is a collection of books in different styles and
languages written over a period of at least 1000 years. Its
also the Christians scripture meaning to Christians it is
sacred.

The New Testament (NT)
The Old Testament (OT)
The NT is specifically Christian.
The OT is the Jewish and Christian
scripture. Written in Hebrew and
Written in Greek in the 1st Century

Aramaic, its 39 books include the
CE, its 27 books include the 4
creation story, the books of Law,
Gospels, the Acts of the apostles,
the 10 commandments, various
13 letters by St Paul, 8 other
letters and the Revelation of St
histories, prophecy, poetry and
John an apocalyptic vision.
psalms.

The Bible as a Guidebook
Christians accept the Bible as authoritative in forming their beliefs and
guiding their actions.
1. Christians believe the Bible offers directions for living a moral life.
It presents JC as our example for godly living and teaches that we
best love God by showing love to others.
2. Both the OT and the NT include rituals for worship, large parts of
which are still included in modern worship service.
3. The faith of the RCC is based largely on the scriptures but eh RC
tradition and the Magisterium (the teachings of the Pope) are also
very important. The Protestant Churches claim their authority
mainly from the scriptures.
4. Different Christians interpret the Bible in different ways.

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Literalism:
Many

Christians
believe the Bible
literally, Jesus really did

walk on water.

Fundamentalism: This is a form of

literalism. Fundamentalists believe that its
wrong to question anything from the Bible
and it is the word of God.

Conservative
View: This view is probably the most common
Liberal: Liberals believe it

among Christians.
They believe that the Bible was inspired by
can be read symbolically.
God but not
dictated. Readers must use their intelligence and
the guidance
from the Holy Spirit to understand the writers
intelligence.


Exam questions

a) Name one Christians scripture (1 mark)

b) State two types of revelation (2 marks)

c) Describe how Christians might experience God. (3 marks)

d) Explain the importance of scripture to Christians. (6 marks)
Gods existence. Discuss this
e) One persons experience cannot prove
statement. You should include different,
supported points of view and a
personal viewpoint. You must refer to
Christianity in your answer. (12
marks)

(1 mark)
a) What does the word revelation mean?
texts? (2 marks)
(b) What is meant by scriptures or sacred

(c) What do Christians mean by revelation?
(3 marks)

(d) Explain the importance for Christians of their sacred texts. (6 marks)

(e) Sacred texts are too old to be useful. Discuss this statement. You should
include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You

must refer to Christianity in your answer.
. (12 marks)

a) What is meditation? (1 mark)

b) What is meant religious experience? (2 marks)

c) Describe the role of Jesus in the revelation
of God to Christians. (3 marks)

d) Explain why Christians believe that Jesus
was more than a prophet. (6
marks)

e) Scripture is the literal word of God Discuss
this statement. You should

include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You

must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(12 marks)

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Topic 3: Religion and Science

Cosmological Theories How the universe came into being. Chief
amongst these is the big bang theory.

Intelligent Design Theory E.g. William Paley (Paleys watch)

Evolutionary Theories How living
things are like they are today. In
1859, Charles Darwin published On
the Origin of the Species. In this
book he argued that all life on the
planet originated from simple cells.
Life evolved over millions of years.

These theories are at odds with many
religious arguments, however if you dont take the Bible literally, scientific and
religious arguments can exist in harmony with the science saying how and the
religious saying why.

Genesis
1:1
In
the
beginning God created
1. Christian thinking is based
the Heavens and the Earth.
on the idea that God
created everything. If the
Bible is taken literally the process took 6 days and humankind didnt
evolve but is descended from Adam and Eve. People who believe this
literally are called creationists.

2. However it can also be viewed as a
symbolic description of a more gradual
evolution. E.g. some argue a day is not
24 hours but a period of time. This
means its possible to believe in the Big
Bang and the Bible.
3. In 1996 the Roman Catholic Church accepted the Big Bang theory.

Most Christians believe in these key principles
The creation of the world was not an accident but intended.
God created the world and everything in it for a purpose
The world was created perfect
Humans were created in the image of God and given responsibilities within the
world.

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People and Animals

According to the Bible God created the world, mankind was created to
populate it and animals were created for the use of mankind; mankind
was given dominion over the earth, this means humans were put in
charge. But animal rights are of interest to many Christians.

1. One of the major issues for Christians is whether animals have souls
or not. If they dont then some people will argue that God created us
as superior to them and that animals are here for our use.

2. Christianity teaches that we should treat animals with kindness but
that they can be used to benefit mankind.

3. Some Christians point out that as everything is interdependent our
treatment of animals reflects on us. Indeed the CofE teaches that the
medicinal and technological use of animals should be monitored.

4. The RCC tolerates the use of animal
experimentation only if it can bring benefit for
humans.

5. Certain denominations are generally opposed to
any ill treatment of animals especially for human
pleasure, such as wearing of fur.

6. There are no specific food laws in Christianity so
Christians do not have to be vegetarian.



St Francis of Assisi (1181-1286)
He spoke out against the mistreatment of animals. He
disagreed with most Christians believing that animals
had souls too and as Gods creatures needed to be
treated with respect.

15

Environmental Issues

Problems in the world include global
warming, deforestation, extinction,
pollution and scarcity of natural
resources.


Stewardship God put humans in
charge of the earth to care for it.


1. Christians of all denominations believe that God gave us the Earth
but expects us to care for it stewardship.

2. There is pressure on governments and companies to sell goods
and services, even at the expense of the environment. Although it
can be difficult to balance taking care of the Earth with providing
for humankind, this is what Christians must try to do.

3. Christianity teaches that everything is
interdependent so driving a species of
animal or plant to extinction or harming
the planet eventually ends up harming
us.

4. Christian organisations CAFOD, Christian
Aid, are concerned with putting this
responsibility into practice.

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Exam Questions

a) What is meant by the origins of humanity?
(1 mark)
b) State two uses of animals that some
Christians might find
unacceptable. (2 marks)

c) Give three reasons why some Christians believe we should care for the

environment. (3 marks)
how the world began. (6 marks)
d) Explain what Christians believe about

e) Scientific theories and Christian teachings
have nothing in common.
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points
of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your

answer. (12 marks)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

What is stewardship? (1 mark)
Give two examples of environmental
issues. (2 marks)
What are the main scientific theories
concerning how the world and
humanity began? (3 marks)
Explain why some Christians might not accept scientific theories about
the origin of the world. (6 marks)
The world is ours to treat as we like.
Discuss this statement. You
should include different, supported points of view and a personal
viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. (12 marks)


What is evolution? (1 mark)
State two ways in which animals are
use by humans.(2 marks)
Briefly describe the Big Bang theory
of the origin of the universe. (3
marks)

Explain why most Christians care for the planet. (6 marks)

God created the universe and everything
in it. Discuss this statement.
You should include different, supported
points of view and a personal

viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity
in your answer. (12 marks)

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Glossary

Authority the idea that something has power or influence over people
in some way.

Bible The Book of the Holy Scriptures for Christians. It contains the Old
Testament (the Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament.

Conscience An inner feeling of whats right & wrong. Some believers
think that its the voice of God.

Conversion A form of religious experience that changes someones
beliefs or behaviour.

Creation The act of making something or the thing that has been
made. In RS this usually refers to the creation of the Universe by God.

Dominion the idea that humans have control and responsibility of the
earth.

Evil The bad things that happen in the world and the suffering they
cause, or the force that makes them happen.

Evolution The process by which life changes form over millions of
years to adapt to its environment.

Genesis The first book of the Bible containing the stories of creation.

The Fall Adam & Eves breaking of Gods commandments, and the
expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

Job A character in the Bible whos faith is tested.

Literalism The belief that everything in religious scripture is literally
true.

Meditation A form of religious discipline that involves clearing the
mind of distractions often by focussing on prayer.

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Moral evil Suffering caused by human beings eg war, murder, rape,

torture.

Natural Evil Suffering caused by the world we live in eg disease, floods,
earthquakes, hurricanes.

Numinous having a sense of being in the presence of God.

Original Sin the idea that, after The Fall, all humans are born in a state
of sinfulness, which we require Gods help to overcome.

Revelation knowledge that is revealed in a special way. For Christians,
God reveals himself them and guides them or strengthens their faith.

The Quran The main scripture of Islam. Believed to be the direct word
of Allah, as given to Muhammad, as the final and perfect revelation.

Satan in Christianity, the force of evil, seen as a figure tempting people
to do wrong. Also known as the Devil.

Sacrifice giving up life for God.

Scripture The texts associated with a particular religion i.e. the Bible,
Quran & Hadith. Often considered to be sacred or divinely inspired.

Sin - An act that breaks a religious law ie when Gods teaching is
disobeyed.

Stewardship Taking care of the Earth as custodians of creation, so that
it can be passed on to the next generation.

19