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Question 1: Beliefs and Teachings (a) Outline three beliefs about life after death in Judaism - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 1
Question 1: Beliefs and Teachings (a) Outline three beliefs about life after death in Judaism. (3) (b) Explain two reasons why the Messiah is important for some Je... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 1: Beliefs and Teachings (a) Outline three beliefs about life after death in Judaism - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three beliefs about life after death in Judaism.
Answer
- Many Jews believe in Gan Eden, a paradise where the righteous are rewarded after death.
- Some Jews believe in Gehenna, a place of purification for the soul before it reaches Gan Eden.
- There is a belief that the body will be resurrected at the end of days, allowing for a form of reunion with loved ones and continuity of existence.
Step 2
Explain two reasons why the Messiah is important for some Jews.
Answer
- The arrival of the Messiah is anticipated as a time when peace will be established on Earth, fulfilling prophetic visions and ending suffering.
- Many Jews believe that the Messiah will restore Israel and bring unity among the Jewish people, leading to spiritual revival.
Step 3
Explain two ways the Covenant at Sinai is important for Jews. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.
Answer
- The Covenant at Sinai is significant as it established the Ten Commandments, which serve as moral and ethical guidelines for Jewish life, as recorded in Exodus 20:1-17.
- This covenant also symbolizes the chosen relationship between the Almighty and the Jewish people, highlighting their responsibilities and duties as outlined in the Torah, reinforcing their identity and purpose in relation to God.
Step 4
Evaluate the statement: "Saving a life is more important than any law."
Answer
The concept of Pikuach Nefesh emphasizes that preserving human life holds precedence over following certain laws. For many Jews, this principle is derived from the Torah, which prioritizes life.
Arguments for the statement suggest that saving a life is the ultimate act of compassion, reflecting God's will. Yet, objections note that laws may serve an essential purpose, creating order in society and fostering community values.
Ultimately, while life is vital, Jewish teachings uphold the balance between respecting laws and valuing human dignity, indicating that while laws are important, they are not absolute in the face of life-threatening situations.