Photo AI
4 (a) Outline three Christian teachings that support the existence of life after death - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 4
4 (a) Outline three Christian teachings that support the existence of life after death. (3) (b) Explain two Christian pro-life teachings about abortion. (4) (c) Expl... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4 (a) Outline three Christian teachings that support the existence of life after death - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three Christian teachings that support the existence of life after death.
Answer
-
Resurrection of Jesus: Christians believe that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a foundational teaching that supports the belief in life after death. The empty tomb and His resurrection signify that believers too will have eternal life. This is supported by verses such as John 11:25-26, where Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life."
-
The Afterlife in Scripture: Many passages in the Bible, such as Matthew 25:46, illustrate the existence of an afterlife. It speaks of eternal life for the righteous and eternal punishment for the wicked, which reinforces the belief in existence beyond physical death.
-
The Nature of the Soul: Christianity teaches that humans possess an immortal soul, which aligns with teachings in Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into Adam. This implies a continued existence beyond earthly life.
Step 2
Explain two Christian pro-life teachings about abortion.
Answer
-
Sanctity of Life: Many Christians believe that all life is sacred because it is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This teaching leads to the view that abortion is morally wrong since it ends an innocent human life.
-
God's Plan for Each Individual: Christians often refer to Jeremiah 1:5, which states that God knew individuals before they were formed in the womb. This belief upholds the idea that every person has a divine purpose, making abortion unacceptable.
Step 3
Explain two reasons why Christians believe people should be stewards of the natural world.
Answer
-
Genesis Mandate: In Genesis 1:28, God commands humans to "fill the earth and subdue it". This implies a responsibility to care for the Earth and its resources, ensuring they are preserved and maintained for future generations.
-
Accountability to God: Christians believe they will be held accountable to God for how they treat the environment. Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the parable of the talents, indicating that believers should use their gifts wisely, including stewardship of the Earth.
Step 4
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments for the statement include:
-
Acceptance of Scientific Evidence: Many Christians believe that scientific explanations, such as evolution, provide a rational understanding of the natural world and its origins, which can coexist with the belief in God.
-
Interpretation of Scripture: Some argue that the Bible’s creation account can be metaphorical rather than literal, allowing for the acceptance of evolution without rejecting their faith.
Arguments against the statement include:
-
Literal Interpretation of Creation: Some Christians maintain that the Genesis creation narrative should be taken literally, which contradicts scientific explanations of evolution, thus rejecting the idea that all Christians should accept it.
-
Faith in God's Creation: Believers may feel that accepting scientific explanations undermines their faith, as it could suggest that God's creative power is not absolute.
In conclusion, while there are compelling arguments for both sides, it ultimately depends on individual interpretation of faith and science. A balanced viewpoint recognizes that while science provides explanations for creation, faith offers the purpose and meaning behind it.