FoxChild@Learn
Paper 2A Perspectives on faith (themes)
June 2021
Q1.1: Which one of the following refers to methods that some Christians might use to
prevent pregnancy?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Adultery B Contraception C Procreation D Cohabitation
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: B Contraception
Q1.2: Give two reasons why Christians might believe that gender discrimination is wrong.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Devalues women / destroys their sense of self-worth / hinders them from fulfilling their potential / goe against teaching that both men and women are created in God’s image / goes against the statement Galatians that gender distinctions are not significant, etc. Credit should be given to answers that interpret this as referring to LGBT issues.
Q1.3: Explain two contrasting views in contemporary British society about the role of
women in the home. • You must refer to a Christian view. • Your contrasting view may come from Christianity or from another religious or non-religious tradition.
Question 1 continues on the next page
Answer:
similarities and differences within and/or between religions and beliefs First contrasting view If similar views are given, only one of them may be credited up to 2 marks. A married woman’s role is to be a partner to her husband / working with him to create a happy and stable environment / companionship / sharing hopes and fears / reflecting Jesus’ teaching on the two becoming one flesh, etc. It is a wife’s duty to obey her husband / recognising that he is the head / reflecting Christ’s headship the Church / ‘wives, be subject to your husband as you are to the Lord’ (Ephesians 5:22) etc. The woman’s role is no different from that of her husband / there is no distinction based on gender, e A mother’s role is to show love to her children / to create a happy and safe environment / in which the can flourish / ‘good mothers always stand up for their children’ (Youcat 148) / Mary’s love for her son sets an example, etc. Being a wife and mother fulfils her God-given roles / the fact that this is her vocation gives dignity to h The woman’s role in the home is only a small part of her life / her role in the world of work, for instanc is equally important / and it may be that caring for home and family is a role undertaken by the man,
Q1.4: Explain two Catholic beliefs about the nature and purpose of sexual love.
Refer to scripture 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 A gift from God at creation / to be enjoyed responsibly / marital / the profound expression of the commitment made in the marriage ceremony / sex before and outside marriage devalues it / it is a ho union / unitive / it deepens the couple’s commitment to each other / it is an act of unconditional self-giving / procreative / it allows God’s creative purposes to be fulfilled, etc.
Sources of authority:
‘The man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.’ (Genesis 2:25) ‘From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female…The two shall become one flesh ‘It is better to marry than to be aflame with passion.’ (1 Corinthians 7:9) ‘Each and every marriage act must remain open to the transmission of life.’ (Humanae Vitae) ‘The nuptial meaning of the body’ (Theology of the Body) Accept all other sources of authority that correctly support the beliefs given.
Q1.5: ‘Same-sex couples should be able to get married in a Catholic church.’
Evaluate this statement. In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • should refer to Christian arguments • may refer to non-religious arguments • should reach a justified conclusion.
Extra space
Q2 Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict
Answer:
In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view and understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. relevant evidence and information.
Arguments in support
Not to allow a church marriage is discriminatory / unjust / same-sex couples are capable of the same level of commitment and love as heterosexual couples / Christian same-sex couples will want to put God at the centre of their relationship / have God’s blessing / they can be open to God’s gift of childre through the act of surrogacy or sperm donation, fostering or adoption, etc.
Arguments in support of other views
Same-sex relationships are sinful, so same-sex marriages are contrary to God’s purpose / contrary to the order of creation / ‘God created man as male and female and destined them for each other in a bodily way as well’ (Youcat 415) / marriage is a sacrament between a man and a woman / this is in keeping with natural law / same-sex couples cannot meet one of the conditions for a valid marriage, that it is procreative / children may face prejudice for having same-sex parents and so will not have th stability to which they have a right, etc. Q2 Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict
Q2.1: Which one of the following means to mend broken relationships?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Pacifism B Radicalisation C Justice D Reconciliation
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: D Reconciliation
Q2.2: Name two Christian organisations that are working for peace.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Pax Christi / Justice and Peace Commission / CAFOD / Catholics for Peace and Justice / Third Orde of St. Francis / Christian International Peace Service / Christian Aid / Salvation Army / Society of Friends (Quakers), etc.
Q2.3: Explain two contrasting views in contemporary British society about using
nuclear weapons in war. • You must refer to a Christian view. • Your contrasting view may come from Christianity or from another religious or non-religious tradition.
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. Contrary to the conditions of the Just War theory / kill and injure civilians / disproportionate to the evi being fought, etc. Using them shows hatred not love / goes against Jesus’ teaching to love one’s enemy / and Paul’s teaching not to seek revenge, etc. Limited use may be justified as a last resort / when a war is dragging on because the enemy is not committed to seeking a peaceful end / their use ended World War II against Japan, etc. Modern nuclear weapons need not injure civilians / radiation damage can be limited / some have argued that nuclear weapons can be targeted against those who are fighting, etc.
Q2.4: Explain two ways in which Christians may support those involved in
21st century wars. Refer to scripture 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 Christianity plays an active part in diplomacy / in encouraging a peaceful resolution to conflicts that have already begun / in helping to prevent a conflict from starting or escalating / in trying to ensure th the method of warfare employed fulfils the Just War criteria / religious leaders such as the Pope and Desmond Tutu have met with world leaders to discuss how to find peace / prayer / Christians help those caught up in war / providing food, water, medicine and shelter etc. / and work when the war ha ended to ensure recovery / Christian organisations build orphanages / rebuild schools and hospitals act as stretcher-bearers / aid refugees / in extreme situations might approve the starting of a conflict,
Sources of authority
‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ (Matthew 5:9) ‘Just as you did it to one of the least of these…you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:40) ‘Bear one another’s burdens.’ (Galatians 6:2) ‘Peace, however, is not merely a gift to be received: it is also a task to be undertaken.’ (Message for the World Day of Peace) Accept all other sources of authority that correctly support the beliefs given.
Q2.5: ‘Non-violent resistance is the right response to injustice.’
Evaluate this statement. In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • should refer to Christian arguments • may refer to non-religious arguments • should reach a justified conclusion.
Extra space
Q3 Theme C: Religion, human rights and social justice
Answer:
In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view and understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. relevant evidence and information.
Arguments in support
A violent response simply hardens the resolve of the oppressor / and makes things worse / violence encourages violence / Jesus’ teaching that he who lives by the sword will die by it / it is vengeful / ‘an eye for an eye’ mentality / goes against Jesus’ teaching to turn the other cheek / the examples of Gandhi and Martin Luther King show that nonviolent resistance is effective / Luther King’s claim that hatred can only be overcome by the force of love / which cancels out any use of violence, etc.
Arguments in support of other views
The oppressor will see nonviolent resistance as a sign of weakness / and will be encouraged to continue the injustice / nonviolent resistance is costly in terms of timescale and possibly lives / the us of violence will achieve the goal of overthrowing injustice more quickly / the oppressor will be made t realise that (s)he has to compromise / Jesus used violence in the Temple court / when he was protesting against the injustice being shown to Gentiles who wished to pray / this shows he recognise the need for violence on some occasions, etc. Q3 Theme C: Religion, human rights and social justice
Q3.1: Which one of the following means that Christians show respect for the different views
of others?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Responsibility B Dignity C Tolerance D Stewardship
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Answer: C Tolerance
Q3.2: Give two ways in which Christians might support victims of racial prejudice.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority Through emphasising New Testament teachings on racial equality through sermons, parish newsletters, etc / setting up racially mixed youth clubs / setting up community meetings to talk throug problems being faced by ethnic minorities / being a friendly neighbour / giving practical support to
Q3.3: Explain two contrasting views in contemporary British society about the work of
Christian organisations that try to end poverty. • You must refer to a Christian view. • Your contrasting view may come from Christianity or from another religious or non-religious tradition.
Question 3 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. It is putting into action New Testament teaching / shows love of neighbour / Jesus’ teaching in the parable of the sheep and the goats / the author of James rebuked those who saw human need but d nothing about it / ‘in all circumstances…Christians are called to hear the cry of the poor’ (Evangelii Campaigning for justice has worked in the past / eg the pressure on governments to cancel debt had some positive results / their work in creating awareness leads to more people understanding the part they can play in ending poverty, etc. It can easily be the wrong type of aid that is given / it encourages dependency / victims of natural disasters etc. need to take action themselves / those from outside might not realise exactly what will give the most effective help and waste money on projects that will change little in the long term, etc. To recipients, the work of organisations may seem paternalistic / only those actually in the situation know what they need / and they may not be consulted, etc. The problems are often too large and too complex for charitable organisations to resolve / governme intervention is needed / particularly if conflict is the cause of the crisis / only they can put systems in place that will deal with the emergency and stop it happening again, etc.
Q3.4: Explain two Christian beliefs about why it is important for everyone to have
human rights. Refer to scripture 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 Everyone equal in the eyes of God and should be treated equally / those who are deprived of any of their human rights are not being treated equally / their dignity as a human is being ignored / it is unju not to ensure that all have human rights / shows a lack of love / leads to frustration and anger on the part of those whose rights are ignored / provides a breeding ground for terrorism, etc.
Sources of authority
‘God created humankind in his image…’ (Genesis 1:27) ‘Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.’ (Amos 5:24) ‘There is no longer Jew or Greek…slave or free…male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesu Every human person has ‘exalted dignity’ and ‘his rights and duties are universal and inviolable.’ (Gaudium et Spes) Accept all other sources of authority that correctly support the beliefs given.
Q3.5: ‘It is always good to be wealthy.’
Evaluate this statement. In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • should refer to Christian arguments • may refer to non-religious arguments • should reach a justified conclusion.
Extra space
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Answer:
In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view and understanding of relevant evidence and information. References to religion applied to the issue. relevant evidence and information. Clear reference to religion. relevant evidence and information.
Arguments in support
It is naïve in the modern world to think that being wealthy is not a good thing / in today’s world, peopl look up to those who are rich / wealth gives status / having money gives greater freedom of choice whereas poverty creates restrictions / it opens up more opportunities / enables a person to be independent and do what he/she wants in life whereas being poor leads to frustration / according to t New Testament it is only the love of money, rather than money itself, that is evil / and so having lots it need not be a moral issue / Jesus did not ask Zacchaeus to give up all his money but accepted tha he would still be wealthy / people can help others more effectively if they have lots of money / it encourages generosity whereas poverty breeds envy and resentment, etc.
Arguments in support of other views
Many people with a lot of money are very unhappy / family relationships collapse / they do not know becomes a god / Jesus warned that making money the chief focus in life alienated a person from Go Jesus’ parable of the rich fool shows the ultimate worthlessness of wealth / if not put into perspective and used wisely/ in contrast, those who are poor are free from the temptations that beset the rich / th find it easier to experience God’s presence / according to the Evangelii Gaudium, the poor have muc to teach others as ‘they know the suffering of Christ’ and so can bring others closer to him, etc.