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2 (a) State three apocalyptic ideas of the early church - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
2 (a) State three apocalyptic ideas of the early church. 1 .................................................................. 2 ...................................... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2 (a) State three apocalyptic ideas of the early church - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three apocalyptic ideas of the early church.
Answer
- The Second Coming: The belief that Jesus Christ will return to Earth.
- Resurrection of the Dead: The idea that the dead will rise again, either to eternal life or judgment.
- Final Judgment: A future event where God will judge all individuals and decide their eternal fate.
Step 2
Describe the purpose of human beings according to the biblical accounts of Creation.
Answer
According to the biblical accounts of Creation, the purpose of human beings is to:
- Image of God: Humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), which signifies a unique relationship between humans and the divine. This implies a purpose of reflecting God's character in the world.
- Stewardship: Humans are entrusted with the responsibility to care for the Earth (Genesis 1:28), indicating a duty to manage and protect the environment and all living things responsibly.
- Relationship with God: Human beings are made for fellowship with God, as demonstrated in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve walk in the garden with Him, showcasing the purpose of communion with the Creator.
Step 3
Describe why Christians celebrate Christmas.
Answer
Christians celebrate Christmas primarily to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Key reasons include:
- Incarnation: Christmas represents the belief that God became flesh in the person of Jesus, emphasizing the significance of Jesus in Christian faith.
- Joy and Hope: The celebration brings joy and hope, as the birth of Christ is seen as the fulfillment of prophecies and the bringing of salvation to humanity.
- Family and Community: It is a time for families and communities to gather, reinforcing bonds and the spirit of giving, which is central to the message of Christmas.
Step 4
Outline the work of ecumenical communities.
Answer
Ecumenical communities focus on bringing together different Christian denominations for shared goals and understanding. Their work includes:
- Promoting Unity: They strive for cooperation among various Christian groups to overcome divisions and foster communal relationships.
- Shared Worship: These communities encourage joint worship services and activities among diverse traditions, enhancing inter-denominational fellowship.
- Social Action: Many ecumenical efforts address social issues collectively, advocating for justice and charitable actions in local and global contexts.
Step 5
'Baptism should only be for adults.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
The statement regarding baptism raises critical theological perspectives:
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Adult Baptism Significance: Many denominations, like Baptists, argue that baptism should follow individual faith and understanding, emphasizing the importance of personal commitment to Christ.
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Infant Baptism Perspective: In contrast, traditions such as Catholicism see baptism as a sacrament that welcomes infants into the faith, which they believe removes original sin and initiates them into the Christian community.
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Divergent Views: Some view infant baptism as important for ecclesial identity, while others emphasize the necessity of personal faith as a prerequisite for the rite.
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Authority and Wisdom Sources: Reference can be made to scripture (i.e., Matthew 28:19-20) and church teaching as sources that influence these practices and viewpoints across different denominations.