This document provides guidance for students revising for a GCSE Religious Studies exam on Christianity. It outlines the structure and content of the exam, advising students to focus on key facts, beliefs, and teachings presented in bullet points. Students are encouraged to learn quotations provided and to actively practice recalling information in different environments. The document emphasizes careful planning, understanding questions, and fully explaining answers while managing time well during the exam.

1. Religious
Studies
GCSE
Revision
Guide
Philosophy
1
Unit
B601
Name___________________________________TG________

2. ADVICE
ON
REVISION
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,
the
VLE
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.
Don’t
just
read
through
your
notes
and
the
guide
Don’t
just
pick
it
up,
do
3
minutes
and
then
put
it
down
Don’t
leave
everything
to
the
last
minute
Don’t
revise
without
breaks
Don’t
punish
yourself
if
you
get
something
wrong
Don’t
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
2

3.
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
don’t
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. (That’s
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.
3

4. GCSE Philosophy and Ethics
B601 Revision Booklet
Introduction
Philosophy is about trying to understand basic concepts such as truth,
existence, reality, causes and freedom. Basically, philosophy is an attempt to
answer DEEP and MEANINGFUL questions. E.g.
1. How did we get here?
2. Why are we here?
3. Did someone put us here?
4. Why are there good and bad things in life?
5. Who is in charge of everything?
6. What happens next?
There are different types of truth. This may seem confusing but answering
these types of philosophical questions means that you cannot rely on what we
might usually think of as ‘proof’ or evidence based truth. So, here are the
different types of truth:
• Scientific truth
This means that through experiments and analysis we can work out results
and find answers. We cannot do this when talking about religion.
• Historical truth
Evidence based from books and
archaeology that show what happened in
the past. Most religious books are
historical, but if you do not believe in the
religion then it is unlikely that the book will
be believed as a historical account.
• Moral truth
When people believe they ‘know’ whether
something is right or wrong although there
is no evidence for this, only argument.
• Artistic truth
A film or novel or piece of music might represent reality in a way that sheds
light on something or says something meaningful about the way people
behave.
• Spiritual truth
Generally found in religion, this means that people discover the ‘truth’
through God.
4

5. Reasons Christians believe in God
The following are some of the reason why a Christian might believe in God.
1. Ontological argument.
First put forward by Anselm of Canterbury in the 11th Century. A bit
confusing but put simply, it means that God is the greatest being
imaginable and he must exist otherwise we would not be able to describe
him in this way. A bit confusing but this is all you need to know.
2. Cosmological argument.
Christians believe that something cannot come from nothing. Therefore
the universe must have been created by something powerful. The only
thing powerful enough is God – therefore, God must exist. Thomas
Aquinas put this argument forward. (Some people argue that the theory of
the Big Bang – a scientific theory – was really God creating the universe.)
3. Teleological argument (Design argument)
William Paley – a Christian philosopher, produced an
argument about a Divine Watchmaker. He imagined finding a
watch in a field by someone who had never seen a watch
before. The fact that a watch is so complex means it could not
have come into existence by chance – someone or something must have
designed it! Paley argued that the world is like a complicated machine and
must have been designed – much like the watch.
4. Argument from experience
Some argue that God can be experienced, this maybe through miracles or
answers to prayer. People believe they have felt God’ presence or heard
him speak to them so he must exist.
5. The Moral argument
This argument imply states that people have a basic understanding of
‘good’ and ‘bad’ and ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. They believe we are born with this
knowledge and that it is given to us by God.
6. Background and Upbringing
People brought up in a Christian family may accept God exists because
they have always been taught so.
Arguments against the existence of God
• Atheists reject all these arguments saying that they are not reliable evidence. They say
the universe can be explained through the study of science and physics.
• Some people argue that Darwin’s theory of Evolution shows that complex beings like humans
arrived through natural selection and that there is no design process. This challenged Paley’s
theory.
• Some argue that the world is very imperfect and that disasters like earthquakes, famine
and other natural disasters show that the world cannot have been designed.
• Some argue that we do not need God to tell us how to work out right from wrong and how
to make good moral decisions, we can do this ourselves.
• Why does evil exist if God is all good and all-powerful?
• Others argue that we should challenge our upbringing and not accept everything we are
told and try to work things out for our selves.
7

6. Miracles in the Bible.
A Miracle is an event that cannot be explained by science or any human
activity. Christians say this demonstrates God’s omnipotence and power over
science and nature. They also believe that it shows God’s love for his people.
One famous example is
from the Old Testament
when Moses asked God
to part the waves of the
Red Sea to allow the
Israelites to escape.
In the New Testament, which describes the life of Jesus, there are many
accounts of Jesus performing miracles.
• He fed 5000 people with 2 fish
and 5 loaves of bread.
• Jesus turned water into wine at
a wedding when the wine had
run out.
• Jesus brought Lazarus back
from the dead
Most Christians would recognise the
Resurrection of Jesus after his
crucifixion as the greatest of all
miracles. This is when Jesus came back
from the dead after he was put to death
on the cross and is celebrated at Easter
– the most important day of the year for
Christians.
To Christians, these stories demonstrate the awesome power of God over
nature show him intervening in the world. Christians believe this shows that
God exists.
8

7. Miracles Today
A Christian may ask God for a miracle to help them in a crisis. E.g. when a
loved one is suffering an illness. This is often done through pilgrimage and
prayer and many Christians believe that miracles can and do happen
today.
Lourdes in France is a very important
pilgrimage site for Christians (especially
Catholics). It is said that the Virgin Mary
(mother of Jesus) appeared to a young
peasant girl. A fountain appeared that is
said to have healing properties and more
than 5 million pilgrims visit Lourdes every
year in the hope of either a cure for
themselves or others. Many people are said
to have recovered from serous illness after
visiting Lourdes.
KEY WORDS
Word
Meaning
Apostles
Creed
An
early
statement
of
Christian
belief
Cosmological
The
argument
that
there
must
have
been
a
‘first
cause’
and
that
this
argument
was
God.
Father
On
person
of
the
threefold
nature
of
God.
(trinity)
Forgiveness
A
central
teaching
of
Christianity
as
taught
by
Jesus
Heaven
A
Christian
idea
of
paradise
where
the
soul
goes
after
death.
Eternal
life
with
God.
Holy
Spirit
One
person
of
the
threefold
nature
of
God.
(trinity)
Incarnate
Jesus
as
a
man
–
God
in
human
form.
Monotheism
Belief
in
one
God.
Resurrection
Jesus
rising
from
the
dead
three
days
after
his
crucifixion.
Son
One
person
of
the
threefold
nature
of
God
(trinity).
Teleological
The
argument
that
the
world
is
so
complex
it
must
have
been
designed
argument
by
God.
Trinity
The
Christian
belief
that
God
is
separated
into
three
beings,
The
Father,
The
Son
and
The
Holy
Spirit.
Ontological
The
argument
based
on
the
idea
that
God
is
greater
than
anything
else
argument
people
can
think
of
and
this
means
he
must
exist.
9

8. Exam Questions
1. What is a God? (1 mark)
2. Name two things that Christians might believe about miracles. (2
marks)
3. Describe Christian beliefs about God. (3 marks)
4. Explain why Christians believe in God (6 marks)
5. ‘If God existed we would know 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)
1. What is a miracle? (1mark)
2. State two Christian beliefs about the nature of God. (3 marks)
3. What do Christians believe about Jesus? (3marks)
4. Explain Christian beliefs about miracles. (6 marks)
5. ‘There is a lot of evidence to prove there is a 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)
1. What is a monotheist? (1 mark)
2. Name two words that Christians use to describe God. (2 marks)
3. Describe Christian belief in miracles. (3 marks)
4. Explain the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity (6 marks)
5. ‘A Christian upbringing is the most important reason to believe in
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)
10

9. Part2: Religious and spiritual experience
• Public and private worship
• Prayer and meditation
• Food and fasting.
It is very difficult to say exactly what a ‘religious experience’ is. Some
describe it as a ‘tingly’ feeling, like when listening to a piece of music that is
special to you. Some describe it as ‘sense of awe and wonder’ that makes a
person feel that they are in the presence of God. This experience is very
individual and allows some people to be more certain in their spiritual beliefs.
After a religious experience, people express their beliefs in different ways.
E.g.
• Through Prayer Numinous – a word to describe a religious
• Through meditation experience that is mystical and unlike any
• Worship with others other, which we do not have words to
explain.
Worship
For many Christians worship is one of the most important ways of expressing
their belief in God. Christians worship in a local church, as part of a local
community, which is part of a global community or church (there are over 2
billion Christians worldwide)
Through worship Christians:
• Honour God
• Develop a relationship with God
• Show love and commitment to
God
• Praise God
• Ask for help or guidance
• Strengthen their faith
• Get closer to God.
Learn these reasons for worship.
11

10. Features of public worship
• There are many different Christian denominations
(Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic, Baptist etc) which
each have a different style of worship. However
most worship in a holy building called a church,
cathedral or chapel usually on a Sunday.
• Sing hymns or play music.
• Make the sign of the cross to demonstrate their faith.
• Pray together, often in front of an altar.
• Readings from the Bible.
• Listen to a sermon conducted by a
preacher, priest or vicar.
• Take part in the Eucharist (the most
common form of Christian worship)
The Eucharist.
This is the most common form of public worship for
Christians and is also called Holy Communion or
Mass. This is where bread and wine are shared to
remember the Last Supper that Jesus held with his
12 disciples before his death. It allows Christians to
unite in their belief.
Private Worship
Many Christians also worship regularly throughout their daily lives.
Individual prayers give Christians an opportunity to communicate with God
about personal issues that might not be appropriate during public services.
These prayers could be read from a prayer book or they may be
spontaneous. Some might help others as a way of experiencing God
putting Christian teachings into practice.
12

11. Symbolism in Worship
A symbol is an image or picture used to represent something that has deeper
meaning. Symbols are often used within Christian worship. Here are some
examples:
1. The Crucifix. The most common and easily recognised
symbol found in Christian religious buildings as well as
worn or displayed (perhaps in the form of a tattoo) by
believers.
2. Alpha and Omega. The first and last letters of the
Greek alphabet meaning that Jesus is the beginning
and ending of all things.
3. The fish (Icthus). Originally a secret
symbol used by early Christians who
feared Roman persecution. The letters
ICTHUS symbolise the belief in ‘Jesus
Christ God’s Son Saviour’.
4. Chi-Rho. The first two letters of Jesus’ name in
Greek.
5. Candle. Te represent Jesus
as the light of the world.
6. Dove. Represents peace.
Why is symbolism important?
• They help convey deeper meaning
• They remind Christians about their faith
• They help Christians focus during worship
• They are visual reminders
• They help identify Christians to other people
• They help Christians feel closer to God in a more personal way
Art is also used to help Christians worship. This can be in the form of
paintings, sculptures, statues, music, poetry, stained-glass windows and
various other ways. It helps express worship without words. It can help ‘say
the unsayable’.
13

12. Prayer
Prayer is a form of communication with God that may be spoken or silent,
it helps develop a relationship with God. Jesus taught Christians to pray.
Meditation is a quiet form of prayer that allows the worshipper to
concentrate the mind on spiritual matters.
This is the most
famous Christian
prayer taught by
Jesus to his
disciples and
includes many
different themes.
E.g.
• Confession
• Thankfulness
• Adoration
• Concern for
others
• Being humble
Try and work out
the meanings for
yourselves.
What is the purpose of prayer?
• Ask for help or guidance
• To give thanks
• To confess (own up) to sins
• To feel closer to God
• To meditate in worship
• To follow the example set by Jesus
• To bring comfort in times of need
Rosary Beads
These are sometimes
Prayer enables Christians to deepen their faith and
used when praying to
is a powerful tool that allows the worshipper to
help focus the mind on
demonstrate their religious commitment. It provides
what is being said and
a direct relationship with God and Christians believe
shut out everything
it has spiritual power in providing guidance and
else.
direction and answers for those who seem lost.
14

13. Food and Fasting
Fasting is when you go without food or drink for a ser amount of time. This is
usually connected to ideas of purification of the body and soul. It makes
them less selfish and provides the opportunity to reflect on others rather then
themselves.
The most common time for fasting is Lent.
Christians might give up their favourite food
during the 40 days before Easter. This
remembers the time when Jesus went to the
wilderness for 40 days and nights and was
tempted by the Devil. They remember his
suffering as well as demonstrating their own
commitment and showing self-discipline.
Food
Most Christians eat all types of food, as they believe we have dominion over
the earth and that God provided us with plants, animals and fish to eat. Some
may be vegetarian as they believe we have the responsibility of stewardship
over the earth and that we should look after the animals of the world.
There are some foods that are traditional within Christianity.
• Bread and wine at the Eucharist (Holy Communion) service
• Hot cross buns at Easter
• Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday
• Mince pies at Christmas.
Some of these foods are now consumed by secular society as part of wider
national celebrations and not necessarily for religious reasons.
15

14. KEY WORDS
Word
Meaning
Crucifix
Cross
with
the
representation
of
Jesus
on
it.
A
symbol
found
in
holy
buildings
and
worn
by
many
Christians
as
a
necklace.
Denomination
A
branch
of
Christianity.
Eucharist
The
Christian
ceremony
celebrating
the
Last
Supper
–
often
known
as
Mass
or
Holy
Communion.
Fasting
To
voluntarily
go
without
something
as
a
sign
of
commitment.
Icons
Images
or
pictures
used
to
help
focus
during
prayer.
Lord’s
Prayer
The
most
important
prayer
in
Christianity.
Meditation
When
an
individual
is
occupied
in
thought
and
reflects
deeply
on
spiritual
matters.
Numinous
A
word
to
describe
a
very
personal
religious
or
spiritual
experience.
Prayer
Communication
with
God,
individually
or
as
part
of
a
group.
Ritual
A
set
approach
to
worship
where
the
same
actions
are
performed.
Secular
Non-­‐religious
Sermon
A
talk
given
by
a
minister.
Symbol
An
image
that
has
a
more
significant
meaning.
Trinity
The
Christian
belief
that
God
is
separated
into
three
beings,
The
Father,
The
Son
and
The
Holy
Spirit.
Worship
A
way
of
honouring
or
respecting
God
with
great
devotion.
Exam Questions
1. What is prayer? (1 mark)
2. Name two places a Christian might worship. (2 marks)
3. How do Christians worship? (3 marks)
4. Why do some Christians fast? (6 marks)
5. ‘Everyone should thank God for their food.’ 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)
1. What is fasting? (1 mark)
2. List two symbols used in worship by Christians. (2 marks)
3. State three ways Christians might worship in the home. (3 marks)
4. Explain how prayer deepens the faith of the believer. (6 marks)
5. ‘Art helps people to worship’ 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)
1. What is fasting? (1 mark)
2. List two examples of symbols used in Christian worship. (2 marks)
3. How is lent sometimes remembered? (3 marks)
4. Why do Christians pray? (6 marks)
5. ‘Worship is only about thanking 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)
16

15. Part 3: The End of Life
• Body and soul
• Life after death
• Funeral rites
What is the soul?
The soul can be described s the non-physical part of a human. Christianity
teaches that all have an immortal soul. This means it cannot die and lives on
after our physical bodies have passed away. Ideas about the soul include:
• The part of a human that is not physical
• The part of the human that lives on after
the body dies
• The spiritual aspect of a human that
makes every person unique from each
other
• The part of a human that allows them to
relate to God.
The belief in the soul means that humans are distinct and separate from every
other creature. Christians believe that animals do not have do not have a
soul. The following quotes suggest that humans have a divine spark which
animals do not possess.
• ‘God created man in his own image’.
• ‘The lord God formed the man from
the dust of the ground and breathed
into the nostrils the breath of life, and
the man became a living being’.
Genesis 2:7
Christians believe that the soul is immortal because:
• Jesus conquered death when was resurrected and ascended to
heaven.
• There are references to Abraham, Moses and Elijah (former prophets)
appearing with Jesus suggesting their spirits live on.
• There is something infinite and inexplicable about the human mind
that goes beyond the realms of physics and the material world.
A non-believer would probably agree that people had a soul. However, many
people link the idea of soul with the idea of a conscience that does not come from
God.
17

16. Life after Death
Christians believe that death is not the end and
that there is life after death. Christians cannot fully
explain what death will be like and refer to
teachings from the Bible. They all believe that they
will be reunited with God in some form.
More generally, people tend to believe that we will
be reunited with loved ones. Jesus promised there
would be a place for all who believed in him.
Christians believe that the immortal soul
continues on a journey of eternal life in Heaven,
Hell or Purgatory.
• Heaven – A place free from suffering where believers who have not
sinned can join with God.
Quote – ‘There will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain’
Revelation 21:4
• Purgatory – particularly strong with Catholics, this is the belief that
this is a place where souls go of people who are not ready to go to
Heaven. In the Middle-Ages, rich people believed they could pay
money to get out of purgatory more quickly.
•
• Hell – A place of eternal pain and
suffering without God often
associated with fire, torture and
torment. It was used as a way of
frightening people into following the
teachings of Christianity and
encouraging people to behave
more morally. Some Christians
believe this description of Hell is
more symbolic and that it is more a
‘state of mind’.
Jesus was crucified on a cross on Good
Friday. Christians believe that he rose 3 days
later and was resurrected. This is celebrated
at Easter.
Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross in order
to redeem believers from the original sin of
Adam and Eve. Those who believe in him
can be forgiven for their sins and enter
Heaven. They can gain salvation (be saved)
and redemption (forgiveness) through Jesus.
18

17. God as Judge
Christians believe that God is eternal and created the
world from the very beginning, and that he will be
there at the end of the world as the ultimate Judge.
After death Christians believe God will judge each
human individually according to the way they have
lived their lives, their faith and their actions.
Apostles Creed – according to this early Christian teaching, God will judge
the ‘living and the dead’ at the end of time. The Bible states that there are
two books – one containing the deeds and actions people have done in their
lives, and the other containing the names of all those who have shown belief
in the life of Jesus. Those who have followed Jesus will be rewarded; those
who haven’t will be punished.
The parable of the Sheep and Goats (see page 22)
This is a popular teaching from the Bible that
explains how God will; Judge humans.
When the Day of Judgement comes, humans will
be separated into two groups, those who have lived
good lives will be rewarded, and those who have not
will be damned to eternity in Hell without God.
These beliefs clearly have a definite impact on the way
Christians live their lives and they will try and live
according to God in order to attain the desired outcome.
Many Christians try and recognise when they have done
something wrong and confess their sins to God in order
to gain forgiveness. They put their faith in God to guide
them to eternal life with him in Heaven.
Teachings about judgement
Acts 17:31
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has
appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.
19

18. Funeral Rites
Funeral rites are the customs and ceremonies that happen after a person has
died. Some people plan their own funerals so they can be remembered in a
special way. This may involve special readings or poetry or perhaps music
that had a special meaning for them.
Christians believe that funeral rites are
very important. They:
• Help those left behind cope with
the loss.
• Provide comfort.
• Provide an opportunity to say
goodbye.
What happens at a Christian funeral?
• Christians can be either buried or cremated.
• Bible readings. John 11:25-26 is a common passage which mentions
eternal life with God. ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who
believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives
and believes in me will never die’.
• Prayers are said for both the deceased and the friends and family.
• Eulogy. A eulogy is a special kind of speech about a deceased person
and celebrates their lives with everyone present at the funeral.
• Hymns. Hymns are sung, often chosen by the deceased before they
die.
• Eucharist. Some Christians, particularly Roman Catholics, celebrate
the Eucharist as it remembers the death and resurrection of Jesus.
• The Committal. After the service the body is then buried or cremated.
When buried the phrase ‘Ashes to ashes; dust to dust; in sure and
certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life’ are often used.
How do funeral rites support the bereaved?
• It is an acknowledgement that the person is no longer part of the
physical world and is now with God.
• Family and friends can come together and comfort each other.
• The life of the deceased can be celebrated.
• The bereaved are able to share their feelings and emotions for the
deceased.
• It allows the deceased to gain a sense of ‘closure’ and begin to accept
life without the deceased.
20

19. Key words
Word
Meaning
Bereaved
Those
left
living
after
someone
close
to
them
has
died
Committal
The
actions
that
take
place
when
a
body
is
cremated
Day
of
Judgment
The
day
when
God
will
judge
everybody
according
their
actions
and
faith
on
earth.
Deceased
How
a
dead
person
is
referred
to
in
a
respectful
way
Eulogy
The
speech
given
at
a
funeral
about
the
person
who
died
Funeral
The
ceremony
or
service
given
when
someone
dies
Heaven
A
Christian
idea
of
paradise
where
the
soul
goes
if
it
is
free
from
sin.
Hell
A
Christian
idea
of
punishment
after
death
for
those
souls
who
are
not
free
from
sin
Judge
God
as
someone
who
determines
whether
a
person
goes
to
heaven
or
hell
after
death
Purgatory
A
condition
or
state
where
the
soul
can
be
cleansed
or
purified
in
preparation
for
Heaven
Redemption
The
idea
that
sins
can
be
forgiven
and
a
person
redeemed
or
improved
Salvation
Jesus
came
to
earth
to
save
people
from
their
sins
Soul
Christians
believe
the
soul
is
a
non-­‐physical
and
immortal
part
of
the
body
that
continues
after
death.
Exam Questions
1. What is the meaning of ‘rites’? (1 mark)
2. Give two examples of Christian funeral rites. (2 marks)
3. Describe the relationship between the body and the soul for a Christian.
(3 marks)
4. Explain how beliefs about life after death could affect a Christian’s moral
behaviour. (6 marks)
5. ‘We only have one life on this earth’. 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)
1. What is death (1 mark)
2. What is meant by soul? (2 marks)
3. What do Christians believe about life after death? (3 marks)
4. How may Christian funeral rites reflect beliefs about life after death? (6
marks)
5. ‘When people die that is the end’. 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)
21

20. The parable of the sheep and
the goats.
31
"But
when
the
Son
of
Man
comes
in
his
glory,
and
all
the
holy
angels
with
him,
then
he
will
sit
on
the
throne
of
his
glory.
32Before
him
all
the
nations
will
be
gathered,
and
he
will
separate
them
one
from
another,
as
a
shepherd
separates
the
sheep
from
the
goats.
33He
will
set
the
sheep
on
his
right
hand,
but
the
goats
on
the
left.
34
Then
the
King
will
tell
those
on
his
right
hand,
'Come,
blessed
of
my
Father,
inherit
the
Kingdom
prepared
for
you
from
the
foundation
of
the
world;
35for
I
was
hungry,
and
you
gave
me
food
to
eat.
I
was
thirsty,
and
you
gave
me
drink.
I
was
a
stranger,
and
you
took
me
in.
36I
was
naked,
and
you
clothed
me.
I
was
sick,
and
you
visited
me.
I
was
in
prison,
and
you
came
to
me.'
37
"Then
the
righteous
will
answer
him,
saying,
'Lord,
when
did
we
see
you
hungry,
and
feed
you;
or
thirsty,
and
give
you
a
drink?
38When
did
we
see
you
as
a
stranger,
and
take
you
in;
or
naked,
and
clothe
you?
39When
did
we
see
you
sick,
or
in
prison,
and
come
to
you?'
40
"The
King
will
answer
them,
'Most
certainly
I
tell
you,
inasmuch
as
you
did
it
to
one
of
the
least
of
these
my
brothers,
you
did
it
to
me.'
41Then
he
will
say
also
to
those
on
the
left
hand,
'Depart
from
me,
you
cursed,
into
the
eternal
fire
which
is
prepared
for
the
devil
and
his
angels;
42for
I
was
hungry,
and
you
didn't
give
me
food
to
eat;
I
was
thirsty,
and
you
gave
me
no
drink;
43I
was
a
stranger,
and
you
didn't
take
me
in;
naked,
and
you
didn't
clothe
me;
sick,
and
in
prison,
and
you
didn't
visit
me.'
44
"Then
they
will
also
answer,
saying,
'Lord,
when
did
we
see
you
hungry,
or
thirsty,
or
a
stranger,
or
naked,
or
sick,
or
in
prison,
and
didn't
help
you?'
45
"Then
he
will
answer
them,
saying,
'Most
certainly
I
tell
you,
inasmuch
as
you
didn't
do
it
to
one
of
the
least
of
these,
you
didn't
do
it
to
me.'
46These
will
go
away
into
eternal
punishment,
but
the
righteous
into
eternal
life."
Key Teachings
• At the end of the world God will judge people on the choices they have
made and how they have lived their lives
• God will separate the good from the bad like a shepherd separates the
sheep from the goats
• On his right will be the good (the sheep). They will be with him in heaven
• On his left will be the bad (the goats). They will be sent away from him to
hell.
• God judges us on how we treat our fellow humans. We are all created in
his image.
22