FoxChild@Learn
Paper 1 Catholic Christianity
June 2024
Q1.1: Which one of the following is the meaning of the term ‘purgatory’?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A A ceremony to celebrate the life of a dead person B A journey by a believer to a holy site C A state of cleansing to remove the effects of sin D A story with a religious message
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: C A state of cleansing to remove the effects of sin
Q1.2: Give two Catholic beliefs about matrimony (marriage).
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority considered for marking. Marriage is a sacrament / the sacrament of matrimony is a public sign that an individual is giving themselves totally to another person / it is also a public statement about God / it is a sign of the loving union between God and the couple / a covenant by which a man and a woman establish a whole life partnership / one of the purposes of the sacrament is to sanctify the procreation and upbringing of children / vows are made between the couple and the priest acts as a witness to the vows / the couple make their vows to each other before God and the congregation / they promise to stay together for life / to care for each other in sickness or health / to remain together in good times and bad / to be faithful to each other / it is only within marriage that a couple should have a sexual relationship / in marriage the couple promise to accept children lovingly from God / the marriage is for life unless there is a reason accepted by the Church for it to be annulled, etc.
Q1.3: Explain two ways in which the Genesis accounts of creation influence
Christians today.
Question 1 continues on the next page
Answer:
influence on individuals, communities and societies To be a ‘detailed explanation’ the ‘influence’ of the way must be included. • The Genesis accounts of creation are in the first book of the Bible, therefore the inspired word of God / some Christians may believe it literally word for word and others will interpret it / all Christians believe that God is the creator and they may be influenced to evangelise and spread this message to others. • Christianity teaches that God is responsible for the creation of the Earth and the universe / Christians believe that the Genesis account shows them important elements of God’s nature / helps them to better understand God’s nature / the account demonstrates that God gives humans self-knowledge and free will / they are therefore capable of choosing between good and evil / they may be influenced to take care of God’s creation as in the Genesis account. • In the Genesis account humans are given a special place and role in God’s creation / God creates Eve as a companion for Adam linking with Matrimony (Marriage) in Christianity today / Adam is asked to name the birds and animals that God has created / humans are seen to be given responsibility to look after and nurture God’s creation / this may influence Christians to take responsibility in their own lives for looking after the world they live in / to encourage others to look after the environment. • In the Genesis account God is seen to create everything to be good / Christians should therefore be influenced to do good on Earth and ensure that God’s creation is not damaged / this may influence Christians to speak out about eg global warming / to join environmental groups / to care for the Earth’s resources and encourage those around them to do the same. • Christians believe that they are made ‘Imago Dei’ - in the image and likeness of God / God’s creation fills them with awe and wonder / this should influence them to be co-creators and to ensure that they do all they can to ensure the continuation of God’s creative plan on Earth today / to continue God’s plan for the world and all who inhabit it, etc. NB Do not allow references to accounts of The Fall.
Q1.4: Explain two Christian beliefs about the Incarnation.
Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Relevant and accurate reference to sacred writing or another source of Christian belief and teaching – 1 mark • The doctrine of the Incarnation is central to Christianity / it teaches that God took on the full limitations of the human condition when God became Jesus / this forms the very basis of Christianity / it is why Christians celebrate Christmas / that God assumed a human nature and became a man in the form of Jesus Christ / Incarnation literally means ‘to take on flesh’. • For Christians Jesus is both fully God and fully human / through the Incarnation of Jesus humans were able to start repairing their damaged relationship with God / the relationship which had been imperfect since Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the book of Genesis. • The Incarnation demonstrates that God loves the human race so much that he was prepared to share in it to the fullest extent / God in Jesus knows all the trials, stresses and issues of being human / he can empathise with the human race / this then helps Christians to value God’s love. • Through the Incarnation of Jesus God began the process of salvation from sin / the Incarnation made it possible for humans to have their full relationship with God restored / enabled them to gain entry to Heaven. • In Jesus Christ humans are able to see fully what God is like / Jesus acted as a messenger and link between God and humans / to reconnect humanity to God and his teachings, etc.
Sources of authority might include:
‘The Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him Immanuel.’ (Isaiah 7:14) ‘You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king, as his ancestor David was, and he will be the king of the descendants of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end!’ (Luke 1:31-33) ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and God’s power will rest upon you. For this reason the holy child will be called the Son of God.’ (Luke 1:35) ‘And the word became flesh and dwelt among us and we saw his glory, glory as the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only son.’ (John 1:14) ‘For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.’ (Nicene Creed) ‘The Incarnation is the assuming of the human nature by the Son of God in order to accomplish our salvation’ (CCC 461) Accept all other sources of authority that correctly support the beliefs given.
Q1.5: ‘For Catholics, the Eucharist is the most important sacrament.’
Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: • refer to Catholic teaching • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • reach a justified conclusion.
[SPaG 3 marks]
Extra space
Q2 Catholic Christianity: Practices
Answer:
In your answer you should: • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view [SPaG 3 marks] understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. evidence and information.
Arguments in support
• The Eucharist is the receiving of the consecrated bread and wine which Catholics believe becomes the body and blood of Christ. Through the Eucharist the life of Christ is received, enabling the believer to continue growing in God’s love. The Eucharist can be received daily by Catholics. Eucharist, meaning ‘thanksgiving’ is especially used about the Mass as a thanksgiving sacrifice to God and can be seen as a hymn of praise to God. For Catholics this is a very special sacrament in which they receive Christ in a very special way and is a time when they can offer thanks and praise. • Catholics believe that in the words of consecration in the Eucharist, the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ through transubstantiation. As well as receiving the Eucharist during Mass many Catholics like to pray in front of the tabernacle in church which houses the ‘Real Presence’ of Christ. This can offer a deep sense of peace to believers and an opportunity to give thanks and praise to God. Catholics see this as a very special time when they can be close to • Even those who are unable to attend Mass may still receive the Eucharist and find peace and comfort from this, the consecrated bread can be taken to them by a priest or minister. A Eucharistic service using the bread consecrated at a previous Mass may also be held, led by a deacon or lay minister if a priest is unavailable for daily Mass. In this way people can stay empowered by Christ and feel part of a community even when Mass is not possible. Jesus shared the first Eucharist at a meal with his disciples, in the same way Catholics believe that they too can be a part of a community with others receiving the Eucharist. • The Eucharist is also a memorial of the words and actions of Jesus during the Last Supper. The actions of breaking the bread and pouring the wine symbolise the death of Jesus, which he accepted for the salvation of humanity. Jesus’ command to eat and drink makes his followers sharers in the offering that he made to his father on the cross. The blood is the blood of the new covenant between God and humans which will never end; it is a once and for all sacrifice that Catholics join in at Mass. Catholics believe that they too can offer their suffering to God and remember the sacrifice that Jesus made. • The command to ‘do this in memory of me’ was an order to not simply remember the Last Supper, death and resurrection of Jesus as a past event, but to make this event a reality every time his followers meet to celebrate the Eucharist as a celebratory meal that binds them to each other and to God in Christ. Catholics believe that each time the Eucharist is celebrated Christ is present and with them in a special way. • Just as the Last Supper was a Passover meal celebrating the Jews gaining freedom from slavery in Egypt, so the Mass celebrates the freedom from the slavery of sin. Humans are redeemed through Jesus’ sacrifice as the ‘lamb of God’, in the same way that the Jews were saved from death in Egypt by the sacrificial lamb. The Eucharist is the means to salvation for Catholics as the ‘source and summit of Christian life’. The Mass and the Eucharist make present the saving action of God in human history and therefore are very important, etc.
Arguments in support of other views
• Although for Catholics the Eucharist is a very important sacrament it cannot be said to be the most important as Catholics have seven sacraments all of which are considered to be an ‘outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Jesus Christ, by which grace is given to the soul’. Each sacrament not only symbolises the giving of grace, but through the process of each sacrament, grace is actually given to the believer. Grace is the life of God freely given, which increases in the believer every time any sacrament is received. Every sacrament originates in the work and teaching of Jesus so all are important. • Each of the sacraments is seen as a meeting point with God and give an opportunity to welcome Christ into the life of the candidate at important moments, sometimes as a one-off event and sometimes as a regular event, whichever is the case they are important sacraments for Catholics. • All the sacraments sanctify the life of the believer, helping to make the person a stronger witness to the love and presence of God. Each of the sacraments strengthens the relationship with God in a different way. In Baptism a person becomes a child of God and enters them into the community of Christians, without Baptism a person cannot partake in the other sacraments. In Confirmation faith is strengthened and the power of the Holy Spirit is renewed in the believer’s life. All these three sacraments alongside the Eucharist initiate the person fully into the Christian • In Matrimony the couple accept that their love for each other is God’s love active in their lives. In Ordination the new priest commits himself to God and to the Church. He is given the power to then confer sacraments on others, consecrate at Mass and to preach and forgive sins. These two sacraments are sacraments of commitment. • In Reconciliation the believer rejects those areas of life that have damaged the relationship with God and through the sacrament the relationship is restored. In the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick the person who is ill is made aware of the strength and love of Christ with them in their time of need. These two sacraments are sacraments of healing and are therefore important in giving Catholics strength. In effect, all sacraments strengthen the relationship with God, etc. NB Students may refer to one or more of the other sacraments. Q2 Catholic Christianity: Practices
Q2.1: Which one of the following means telling others the ‘good news’ about Jesus?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Ascension B Evangelism C Pilgrimage D Prayer
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: B Evangelism
Q2.2: Give two reasons why Catholics say the Rosary.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority considered for marking. The Rosary is a traditional prayer for Catholics / the words are laid out so people do not have to think of their own words to use / and it is a prayer which has been passed down over generations / said as a penance / using the traditional prayers can create a feeling of ease / the person can become open to the presence of God rather than being distracted by the words / many Catholics like to use the Rosary as it is a repetitive prayer using traditional well known prayers / the simple repetition allows the mind to go deeper than the words / to meditate and reflect on the mysteries of the Rosary and the events they recall from the Bible / it is a powerful prayer to God through Mary which allows Catholics to really focus on what Jesus did and said / it includes the prayer taught by Jesus / it remembers Mary’s obedience to God, etc.
Q2.3: Explain two contrasting views about the importance of pilgrimage for Christians.
Question 2 continues on the next page
Answer:
similarities and differences within and/or between religions and beliefs First contrasting view Second contrasting view If similar views are given only one of them may be credited up to 2 marks max. • A pilgrimage is a journey of spiritual and religious significance / pilgrims go to a place that they believe has been touched in a special way by the presence of God / pilgrimage sites might be connected to events in the life of Jesus, Mary or one of the saints / or to a place where visions have been seen. • Pilgrimage is very important because it is a movement forward to a final destination / Christians believe they are progressing through life on their way to meet God when they die / because of this during life, a Christian’s daily prayer and actions should also reflect this idea of making progress / Christians are on a sacred journey of service throughout their lives / this means that they will do their best to ensure that those they meet will be touched by the presence of God through them. • Christians go on pilgrimage to express thanks to God / to ask for forgiveness for sins / to seek spiritual and physical healing / to renew commitment to their faith / to experience the support of other believers / to physically express their inner journey of faith / these are all important reasons to go on pilgrimage for Christians. • Although pilgrimage is not compulsory in Christianity / many Christians will choose to undertake journeys to holy sites to be healed / to deepen their connection with God / some Christians will, however, believe that the money spent on pilgrimage could be better spent in other, better ways / they may prefer to send the money to charities to help the poor and needy / they may think that pilgrimage sites have become too commercialised and focus on money-making / they may believe that it is just as easy to get close to God through prayer and service at home rather than going on pilgrimage. • Vast amounts of money do not need to be spent go on pilgrimage / Christians may go to a local pilgrimage site for a short period of time and find the experience just as fulfilling / they may feel just as united with other Christians and uplifted by this / St Paul talks of ‘the body’ in 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 and this can be compared with the unity felt even on a short pilgrimage / often the stronger parts will look after the weaker parts of the ‘body’, etc.
Q2.4: Explain two ways in which the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) helps
people today. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Relevant and accurate reference to sacred writing or another source of Christian belief and teaching – 1 mark • SVP follows God’s command to love / anyone in need is a brother or sister to a Christian / Christians believe that this love must be put into action in their lives if they are to reflect Christ’s example in their daily lives / SVP puts this love into action. • SVP believe that Christ’s love may be shown through actions locally, nationally and globally / locally they can give help to people living in the immediate area / Christians can join locally with other Christians to ensure that help given makes an effective and long-lasting difference / SVP is an example of such help / the work of the SVP addresses practical issues locally on an individual basis as Christ did when he was on earth. • SVP members are dedicated to going out into the local community to help those in need / members of SVP visit those in need at home, in hospitals, prison offering support / this reflects Jesus’ teaching in the gospels / SVP offer support to the sick and elderly / show friendship and concern / they help practically such as with shopping, providing food and items for the home / they aim to help people have a better quality of life. • SVP are also involved in bigger local projects that help the community / these may include soup kitchens for the homeless / summer camps for children / furniture stores providing free furniture / advice for asylum seekers / the main aim of SVP is to give practical help to individual people in need / members also attend local meetings that start with prayer and Bible readings, where they can share their work with each other / this reflects Jesus’ example which is still at work in the world today, etc.
Sources of authority might include the following:
‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? Th expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise’ ‘(Luke “If anyone says, ‘I love God’, and hates his brothers, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20) ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour a yourself’’ (Leviticus 19:18) Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matt. 25:40) Accept all other sources of authority that correctly support the beliefs given.
Q2.5: ‘For Catholics, supporting Catholic agencies (charities) is the most important part of
their duty to ‘love our neighbour’.’ Evaluate this statement. In your answer you should: • refer to Catholic teaching • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • reach a justified conclusion.
Extra space
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Answer:
In your answer you should: • give reasoned arguments to support this statement • give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. evidence and information.
Arguments in support
• Poverty is the condition of not having enough money to be able to meet basic daily needs / it exists in all countries but particularly in the developing world / the Catholic Church teaches that all human life is sacred / humans are made in God’s image ‘Imago Dei’ Genesis 1:27 / anything that prevents people living in dignity is unjust / Catholic agencies work to alleviate poverty. • The Catholic Church teaches that humans are not just individuals / St Paul states that ‘all parts should have equal concern for each other’ 1Cor. 12 / it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure the dignity of anyone in need / to ensure that people have at least the basics for a decent life for themselves and their families / by supporting Catholic agencies Catholics are able to fulfil these • One of the main teachings of the Catholic Church is that of ‘the preferential option for the poor’ / this means that the needs of the poor should be put first / they should be given preferential treatment to make up for the fact that they are deprived of basic human needs / it is the responsibility of every Catholic to support agencies working to provide the help for the poor. • The Catholic Church teaches that Catholics have a duty to protest and work against the forces in society that create poverty / caring for the poor is a demand because of faith / Catholics should put the needs of others first just as Jesus did frequently in the gospels / they should speak for the voiceless and defend the defenceless / Pope Francis has spoken out frequently about poverty, ‘Poverty in the world is a scandal in a world where there is so much wealth’ Pope Francis June • The Catholic Church teaches that Christians should always be aware that they are part of the Body of Christ on earth / those who have more money should support those who are not as well off / for Christians there is no point in claiming to love your neighbour at the same time as ignoring those living in poverty / James 2:15-17 and 1 John 4:20 both focus on this / the Church teaches that love is shown in deeds and that how Catholics treat others will have a bearing on how they will be judged / this is seen clearly in the Parable of the Sheep and Goats Matt. 25:31-46 / charities such as CAFOD and SVP are supported by Catholics to help people less fortunate than themselves therefore demonstrating love of neighbour, etc.
Arguments in support of other views
• The Catholic Church is often criticised for its wealth when so many people are living in absolute poverty / the Church owns valuable property and art and some may argue that it should give this wealth to help those in need / they say that love of neighbour means giving up wealth to help the poor / if the Church is not prepared to give up wealth why is it a duty for Catholics to do so / some also argue that providing the poor with limited basic needs only helps to keep them in the poverty trap and makes them reliant upon people rather than giving them dignity and independence. • Some people think it is more important to be generous with their time / to direct their energies towards solving issues of injustice as this is the only way to put an end to it completely / there are eg many multinational companies who abuse their power by paying poor wages and making big profits / they may believe peaceful protest and awareness raising is more important than giving money to charities / if a greater number of people did this it would raise awareness and may put an end to injustice and exploitation. • Some may believe that personally volunteering to help others is more important / by doing this more help may be given to people in specific need / responsibility should be placed on Catholics to do more on an individual basis / they should make a difference themselves personally rather than just giving money to an agency or charity / the parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37 may influence Catholics to personally help those in need. • Some may believe that praying for their neighbour is more important / they may say that the power of prayer is the best way to demonstrate this love / God will listen to prayer and answer and help those in need / he is omnipotent and listens to prayer and can heal mentally, spiritually and physically, etc.