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Question 1: Jewish Beliefs (a) Outline three characteristics of the Almighty - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 1
Question 1: Jewish Beliefs (a) Outline three characteristics of the Almighty. (b) Explain two ways that belief in life after death may be important for Jews today.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 1: Jewish Beliefs (a) Outline three characteristics of the Almighty - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three characteristics of the Almighty.
Answer
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The Almighty is the Creator who brought the universe into existence, demonstrating supreme power and authority.
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The Almighty is One, reflecting the monotheistic belief central to Judaism that affirms the oneness of God.
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The Almighty is eternal, meaning that God has no beginning or end and exists beyond the constraints of time.
Step 2
Explain two ways that belief in life after death may be important for Jews today.
Answer
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Jews believe that heaven is the reward for a good life, motivating individuals to live in accordance with God's teachings and to pursue a virtuous life.
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Some Jews hold that there will be a bodily resurrection, reinforcing the belief that their actions in this life have significant implications for their afterlife.
Step 3
Explain two ways the Covenant with Abraham is important for Jews today.
Answer
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As part of the covenant, Abraham agreed to circumcise all males, as seen in Genesis 17:11, which remains a vital practice in Jewish identity today.
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The Almighty's promise to Abraham that he would look after the Jews is reaffirmed in Deuteronomy 14:2, indicating the special relationship between God and the Jewish people.
Step 4
"Believing in the sanctity of life is difficult in the modern world." Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
The sanctity of life is a fundamental principle in Jewish teachings, with the belief that all life is sacred and a gift from God. Therefore, it is important to uphold this belief. However, in modern society, debates around issues such as euthanasia and abortion challenge this notion, leading some to argue that the application of this principle can be complex and context-dependent.
On one hand, many Jewish teachings advocate for the preservation of life, citing sources such as the Talmud. On the other hand, there are varying viewpoints among Jews regarding the nuances of life and death situations, making it a topic of ongoing discussion. Ultimately, while the sanctity of life is a guiding principle, its interpretation varies in today’s ethical landscape.