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Outline three ways natural suffering causes problems for Christians - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
Outline three ways natural suffering causes problems for Christians. Explain two Christian beliefs about atonement. Explain two Christian teachings about the natur... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline three ways natural suffering causes problems for Christians - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three ways natural suffering causes problems for Christians.
Answer
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Challenge to Faith: Natural suffering, such as disasters or diseases, can cause believers to question God’s goodness and existence, leading to a crisis of faith.
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Moral Dilemmas: Situations of immense suffering may lead Christians to struggle with moral questions about sin, justice, and divine intervention in a world where suffering occurs.
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Impediment to Spread of Gospel: If potential converts observe suffering and evil in the world, they may find it difficult to understand how a loving God can allow such conditions, thus hindering evangelism.
Step 2
Explain two Christian beliefs about atonement.
Answer
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Forgiveness of Sins: Christians believe that atonement is achieved through Jesus’ death and resurrection, which provides the means for individuals to obtain forgiveness for their sins, thus restoring their relationship with God.
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Reconciliation with God: Atonement also means that through Jesus’ sacrifice, individuals can be reconciled with God, allowing them to access eternal life, as emphasized in John 3:16, where belief in Jesus leads to salvation.
Step 3
Explain two Christian teachings about the nature of heaven and hell.
Answer
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Heaven as God's Presence: Heaven is described as a place where believers will reside in the presence of God, experiencing unending joy and peace, as noted in Revelation 21:4, where it states that God will wipe away every tear.
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Hell as Separation from God: Hell is viewed as a place of punishment and separation from God, where those who reject Him face eternal consequences, as illustrated in Matthew 25:46, indicating that these individuals will experience everlasting punishment.
Step 4
"The biblical account of creation is a metaphor." Evaluate the statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments For the Statement:
- The creation accounts in Genesis can be seen as metaphorical, allowing for a broader interpretation that aligns with scientific theories about the origins of the universe.
- Metaphorical readings can highlight the spiritual significance of creation rather than focusing on literal timelines, thus accommodating modern scientific understanding.
Arguments Against the Statement:
- Many Christians view the biblical account as literal and authoritative, considering it essential for understanding God’s relationship with the world.
- Interpretations that deny the literal truth of Scripture may challenge the foundational beliefs about creation and God's nature.
Conclusion: While metaphoric interpretations can bridge faith with science, maintaining a literal understanding preserves the integrity of Christian doctrine.