FoxChild@Learn
Paper 2B Perspectives on faith (textual studies)
June 2024
Q1.1: Which one of the following titles reminds Christians that Jesus came ‘not to be served
but to serve’?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A Christ B Son of David C Son of Man D Teacher
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority. Answer: C Son of Man
Q1.2: Give two instructions that Jesus gave to his disciples in Mark’s account of the feeding
of the five thousand.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority. He told them to come away to a deserted place all by themselves and rest awhile / to give the people something to eat / to go and see how many loaves they had / to get the people to sit in groups (on th green grass) / to distribute the bread.
Q1.3: Explain two contrasting beliefs in contemporary British society about Jesus as
Messiah in Mark’s account of the entry into Jerusalem. • You must refer to a Christian belief. • Your contrasting belief 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 belief Second contrasting belief Contrast may mean opposing or mean different views in terms of either belief or issue. • In Mark's Gospel Jesus gives strict orders to those present not to tell anyone about his identity as Messiah / the idea that Jesus was the Messiah was seen as a threat by the Jewish religious leade who did not understand the type of Messiah Jesus was / it was customary to enter Jerusalem on fo as only kings rode into the city as a sign of triumph after victories of conquest or authority, etc. • As Jesus entered Jerusalem he is revealing his identity as Messiah / this is because he knew that has come to the end of his ministry / according to Mark, Jesus was making a statement when he makes a grand entrance into the city on a colt (donkey) / by riding into Jerusalem on a colt Jesus acted as the Messiah/King / and was fulfilling the scriptures / as the prophet Zechariah had written centuries earlier that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem on a colt, etc. • Jesus was seen as a very popular figure as he entered the city / the crowds welcomed him as the Messiah / they responded as if a king or great ruler had arrived / they placed their cloaks on the co for Jesus / many placed their cloaks on the road and leafy branches / this shows their belief in Jes as the Messiah, etc. • The crowd shouted ‘hosanna’ which in Hebrew literally means ‘save us now’ / the Zealots were waiting patiently for a warrior figure Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule by force / and they were responsible for many uprisings / however, it was often used as a shout of greeting rather than cry for help, etc. • The impression given by Mark suggests that it was a celebration involving many people / however those who acclaimed Jesus as Messiah might have been a small group consisting of his disciples and those who had travelled with him from Jericho / the vast majority of pilgrims would not have arrived so early in the week / and a large scale gathering would have alerted the authorities to Jes • By referring to the coming Kingdom of David, the crowd showed that they believed Jesus to be the Messiah / the Jews believed that the Messiah would come from the line of King David / some thou he would be a King in the political sense, a leader of the Jewish nation who would free them from t Romans / Son of David was a Messianic title, etc. • There was a difference between the traditional view of the Messiah King the Jews expected and th type of Messiah Jesus was portraying / Jesus was portraying himself as a peaceful Messiah and n a warrior King / the significance of the colt is that it was not a horse that a warrior would ride / Jesu showed humility / he came in peace / this was considered a sign that he was not likely to take up arms against the Romans, etc.
Q1.4: Explain two Christian beliefs about the importance of Mark’s account of the
Last Supper. You must refer to St Mark’s Gospel in your answer.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority. Relevant and accurate reference to St Mark’s Gospel – 1 mark • The Last Supper reminds Christians of the last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples / it was a Passover meal to remember when God, through Moses, saved the Jewish nation from slavery in Egypt / their covenant relationship with God had begun, sealed with the blood of sacrificial lambs / was a family meal / and for Jews, sharing such a meal was also a sign of community, etc. • The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper / breaking bread and drinking wine are normal parts of the Passover meal but Jesus gave these actions new meaning at the Last Supper he said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ / ‘This is my blood of the covenant’ / ‘which is poured out for many indicating his broken body on the cross / and the wine a symbol of his death, etc. • Christians look upon Jesus as the Lamb of God / who sacrificed himself for the sins of the world / and believe that his words over the bread and wine at the Last Supper symbolize that his sacrificia death would not be meaningless / it would bring about a new covenant between God and the hum race / Jesus said, ’I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in t kingdom of God’ / Jesus was stating that his work was now finished but he would celebrate with hi followers again in the kingdom of God / a sign of the promise of the afterlife, etc. • For many Christians today the Eucharist is the central ceremony of their worshipping life / it is a sacred meal at which they remember the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples / that God rescued all people from sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus / that the bread and wine a linked to Jesus’ crucifixion / that they are re-enacting or remembering Jesus’ sacrificial death / and sharing in his risen life / that they are united with Jesus and one another / that they receive spiritua strength to be faithful disciples in their daily lives, etc. • However, the names by which the service is called / the meaning of Jesus’ words / and the frequen with which it is celebrated varies from tradition to tradition, etc. NB maximum two marks for answers that simply narrate the text. Sources of Authority: Mark: 14: 12-26 The Last Supper On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So he sent tw of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follo him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” So the disciples set out and went to the city a found everything as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eati Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twel one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new the kingdom of God.” When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Q1.5: ‘The only important teaching from Mark’s account of the healing of the paralysed man
is about Jesus’ authority.’ Evaluate this statement. In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments to support this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • should refer to St Mark’s Gospel • may refer to non-religious arguments • should reach a justified conclusion.
Extra space
Q2 Theme E: St Mark’s Gospel as a source of spiritual truth
Answer:
In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments to support 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:
• In this healing miracle Jesus acted with authority / he demonstrated authority over the illness of the man by curing him / he told him ‘to stand up, take your mat and go to your home’, etc. • He showed in his teaching that he had the power and authority to forgive sins / he said to the paralysed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’ / by using the title ‘Son of Man’ he is claiming that he was sent by God without actually saying it / he is stating that he has authority from God / ‘but so tha you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’ he said to the paralysed man, ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home’ / Mark states that the paralysed man ‘stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them’, etc. • The reaction of the crowd emphasises the authority of Jesus / Mark states that they were all amaze and glorified God, saying, ‘we have never seen anything like this’ / at the time of Jesus there were other Galilean teachers who could perform miracles, yet the crowd here see something different in Jesus / his authority is supported by his actions and teachings / and recognised by others, etc.
Arguments in support of other views:
• This miracle story also teaches about the importance of faith / the paralysed man’s friends had so much faith in Jesus’ ability to heal that four of them carried the paralysed man on a mat to the hous where Jesus was preaching / they were unable to enter the house because of the crowd but they were so determined to get him to Jesus that they dismantled the roof and ‘after having dug through they let down the mat on which the paralysed man lay’, etc. • The story teaches about the importance of forgiveness / Jesus rewards the men's faith when he sa to the paralysed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’ / at the time of Jesus, many Jews believed that suffering was a punishment for sin so if Jesus forgave the man’s sins he would be cured of his • Christians learn of the challenge Jesus faced from the authorities / Jesus' teaching in this miracle story also brought him into conflict with the teachers of the law / they did not say anything but Jesus knew they were unhappy with him / Mark states that some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way?’ / they believed that only God could forgive sins and by Jesus claiming to be able to do this he was therefore making himself like God / and committing blasphemy / but Jesus proved to them that he could forgive sins when he told the man to get up and walk and the man did so, etc. Q2 Theme E: St Mark’s Gospel as a source of spiritual truth
Q2.1: Which one of the following stories from St Mark’s Gospel shows Jesus taking care of
those disregarded by society?
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer. A The denials of Peter B The man with leprosy C The Parable of the Growing Seed D The Parable of the Sower
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority. Answer: B The man with leprosy
Q2.2: Give two things that Jesus said when he heard that the disciples were unable to heal
the epileptic (demon-possessed) boy.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority. You faithless generation / how much longer must I be among you / how much longer must I put up w you / bring him to me / Jesus asked the father how long this has been happening to the boy / Jesus said to the father, ‘If you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes’ / Jesus rebuked spirit by saying, ‘You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out him’ / ‘and never enter him again’ / Jesus told the disciples that this kind can come out only through
Q2.3: Explain two contrasting views in contemporary British society about how Christians
today can follow the example of the disciples in Mark’s account of the mission of the twelve. • 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 Contrast may mean opposing or mean different views in terms of either belief or issue. If similar views are given, only one of them may be credited up to 2 marks max. • Jesus instructed the disciples to go in pairs mainly for their own safety / the Christian Church today encourages companionship / and for Christians to support one another in times of need / many Christians organise support groups in local communities / eg visiting the lonely / the sick / transporting patients to hospital appointments / prayer groups / Bible classes / operating call centre where people can meet, etc. • The disciples were to take a staff on their journey for support and protection against anything that threatened them / a staff is like a shepherd’s crook, and today when bishops take part in ceremoni they carry a crozier as a sign of their pastoral office / and their role as a shepherd of the church, et • The disciples could wear sandals / but not an extra shirt / no bread / no bag / no money / meaning that faith is essential in the Christian journey and that God will provide / many Christians today live simple lives / nothing elaborate or expensive / many believe there is no need to accumulate things that trusting in God, practising their faith and relying on others in times of need are more important • The disciples were to stay in the same house that welcomed them meaning that Jesus was praisin welcome and hospitality / Christian churches today are centres of welcome / strangers are encouraged to join the congregation / teaching the Christian faith is important / there are many Church services for the youth / refugees / cross communities / interfaiths / many Christians have opened their doors to refugees, etc. • If the disciples were not welcomed they were to shake the dust off their feet / there will be times when Christians are not welcome / persecuted / discriminated against / but they continue to keep going eg missionaries / agencies and charities working in war torn countries, etc. • Jesus sent the twelve out to preach repentance / many Christians today do this by devoting themselves to religious life / eg ministers, priests, nuns / or becoming missionaries / working at hom and abroad / eg preaching the Gospel / supporting projects to improve lives / sometimes, like the twelve, at risk to their own lives / many Christians do this by example / through worship / prayer / b trying to live a Christian life within society / following the commandments / receiving the sacrament donating to Christian charities, etc. • Jesus sent the twelve out to drive out demons / and to anoint the sick with oil and heal them / Christianity today has a strong tradition of healing / there are healing services in many churches / becoming a nurse, doctor is a Christian vocation / pilgrimages / mental health awarene • Some Christians today would find it very difficult to follow the example of the twelve on their mission / and would consider it unsafe to travel with only the bare essentials / and to expect people to open their houses to strangers / for some Christians the level of sacrifice would be too great / eg no food, no money, etc. / some Christians believe that the cost of living today would restrict people generosity / that people are more selfish / more materialistic / some Christians would find it difficult face persecution / or discrimination / or to give up family to do missionary work, etc.
Q2.4: Explain two teachings about faith shown in Mark’s account of the woman with
the haemorrhage. You must refer to St Mark’s Gospel in your answer.
Answer:
beliefs, practices and sources of authority. Relevant and accurate reference to St Mark’s Gospel – 1 mark • The woman had faith in Jesus’ ability to heal her / she had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years / she had spent all her money on treatments but was no better / she believed that if s touched Jesus’ clothes she would be made well, etc. • Jesus rewarded the woman’s faith / her cure was instant / when she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his clothes she immediately felt that her haemorrhage had stopped / and felt in her body that she was healed of her disease, etc. • However, her faith almost failed her when Jesus asked who had touched him / she became frightened and fell at his feet / her illness would have prevented her from working and living a norm family life / she would have been classed as unclean and by touching Jesus she would have made him unclean also, etc. • Jesus praised her for her faith when she told him the truth / instead of being angry with her he said ‘Your faith has made you well’ / he gave her spiritual comfort by telling her to ‘go in peace and be healed of your disease’, etc. • By calling her ‘daughter’ this form of endearment shows that Jesus not only accepted her faith but treated her well as a person / in first century Palestine the woman would have been rejected by society / Jesus was demonstrating the equality of every person in the eyes of God / and his approa to her would have seemed unusually kind and considerate to those around him, etc. • This story shows that anything is possible if you have faith / this woman had shown great faith in Jesus’ ability to heal her, even though she was not a disciple, etc. NB maximum 2 marks for answers that simply narrate the text. Sources of Authority: Mark: 5 :24b-34: The woman with a haemorrhage And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians and had spent all that she had, and she was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesu and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, “If I but touch his cloak, I w be made well.” Immediately her flow of blood stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crow and said, “Who touched my cloak?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’ ” He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and to him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.''
Q2.5: ‘Christians should sell what they have and give to the poor.’
Evaluate this statement. In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments to support this statement • should give reasoned arguments to support a different point of view • should refer to St Mark’s Gospel • may refer to non-religious arguments • should reach a justified conclusion.
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Question . number .
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Answer:
In your answer you: • should give reasoned arguments to support 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:
• This is what Jesus asked the rich man to do / Christians should do what Jesus asks / Jesus told th rich man that by doing this only then will he have treasure in heaven / eternal life, etc. • Jesus looked at the rich man ‘lovingly’ because he knew he was a good man but that he was too obsessed with his riches / and that his greed presented a barrier between him and the Kingdom of God / Jesus was teaching that the man’s riches prevented him from seeing the priorities / or being sensitive to people’s needs / he needed to lose all the power and prestige which his money created for him, etc. • When the man walked away sad because the price was too high, Jesus compares a rich man’s chances of entering Heaven to those of a camel going through the eye of a needle / perhaps meaning a small gate in Jerusalem which a camel could only pass through if it was unloaded first / Jesus was saying that love of wealth is a burden which hinders spiritual growth / such people may more concerned about money than they are about others, etc. • Jesus was critical of those who allowed riches to be a barrier to their beliefs / the rich man fits well into the category of the seeds which fell among the weeds in the parable of the sower / he is choke by worldly possessions / Jesus was critical of the rich in the temple who were not generous in their giving / and praised the widow who gave away all she had / she had nothing left, etc. • Christians believe that the privilege of wealth brings responsibility / money and riches very often distort the way a person looks at life / in spending a lifetime increasing one’s wealth a person may neglect the much more important spiritual side of life / commitment to God may well involve the changing of priorities / it is how you achieve riches and what you do with them that is important, etc
Arguments in support of other views:
• Too sweeping a statement / Christians today cannot give everything away otherwise society will no work / money is needed to survive in society today / to pay mortgages and buy essentials / society does not work on barter / it is important to support the family, etc. • People are encouraged to save for the future / people may be married to each other and both may not be believers / it depends on the person and their circumstances, etc. • Many active Christians are rich and should not be criticised for being rich / wealth can be seen as a reward for hard work / or a gift to be used / in Jesus’ day wealth was seen as a blessing from God is possible to have some possessions and still give to those in need, etc. • Meeting the needs of others less well-off is part of Jesus’s teaching and being rich enables Christians to be role models for charity / many wealthy Christians demonstrate ‘loving your neighbour’ in practice through helping out at food banks, soup kitchens, etc. / many charities could not survive without rich people supporting them / eg Christian Aid, Cafod/Trocaire, etc. • Jesus did not mean that all wealthy people cannot enter the Kingdom of God, it is just those obsessed with wealth and riches that cannot / there are many examples of rich people (philanthropists) who donate their money / experience / time / talent / or skills to help others / and create a better world / many Christians take vows of poverty / eg nuns like Saint Teresa of Calcutta