Example answer:
Christians believe that all people are equally valuable to God and therefore any form of injustice is wrong, especially by a government. The Christian response would be to speak out against this government's injustice towards its people. They might do this through protests, petitiions and marches to show the government that they believe they acting wrongly. For example Martin Luther King's campaign for civil rights in America. Some Christians believe in liberation theology, which is a movement that says God is on the side of the poor and the oppressed and that Christians should act to make the world a fairer place. This might sometimes result in the use of violence if Christians believe it might bring a more just society. Liberation theology started in South America in the 1970s and 80s where the governments in the different countries treated their people very badly.
Sunday 13 May 2007
Wednesday 9 May 2007
stuff on liberation theology
Today's Independent newspaper's big question is all about liberation theology for those interested.
And someone else explains what it's all about here:
And someone else explains what it's all about here:
One of the major trends in contemporary theology 30 plus years ago was the rise of liberation theology, in various forms. I suppose that makes it no longer quite so contemporary. Of all the branches of this theology, its most influential form came out of Latin and South America and involved a variety of Catholic and Protestant writers, some of whose names are still very well known-- for example Leonardo Boff (Brazil), Gustavo Guttierez (Peru), Jon Sobrino (El Salvador). This theology arose as a response to the extreme poverty of many Christians and others in these regions, and the oppressive dictatorships and regimes that kept wealth in the hands of the few, while leaving millions of residents in these countries in abject poverty.
In essence, Latin and South American liberation theology had as its major theme that God had a special concern for the poor and oppressed, which is true enough, and that the church itself should reflect God's agenda which was understood to involve "a preferential option for the poor". But this theology was not content to simply deal in depth with what the Bible has to say about poverty and wealth. It welded such materials to a Marxist liberation schema, involving political action of various sorts, and in some cases even supported Marxist guerrillas in some countries, in their opposition to the governments of the region.
Tuesday 1 May 2007
Archbishop of Canterbury on Euthanasia
Last year in July the Archbishop of Canterbury wrote this letter with other Christian and Jewish leaders against a government bill that try to make legal some forms of euthansaia. I've highlighted the different arguments against euthanasia.
Sir,
Today the House of Lords will debate the Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill. We are opposed to this Bill and to any measure that seeks to legalise assisted suicide or euthanasia. We believe that all human life is sacred and God-given with a value that is inherent, not conditional. We urge legislators to withhold support for this Bill so as to ensure that British law continues to safeguard the principle that the intention to kill, or assist in the killing, of an innocent human being is wrong.
Compassion for the terminally ill is incumbent on all of us, but in that respect we believe that the Bill is misguided. Such a Bill cannot guarantee that a right to die would not, for society's most vulnerable, become a duty to die. Were such a law enacted, the elderly, lonely, sick or distressed would find themselves under pressure, real or imagined, to ask for an early death. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that economic pressures might not come to play a significant part in determining whether to treat or recommend assisted death.
...
We particularly acknowledge the opposition to a change in the law from disability groups and from the majority in the medical profession, especially those committed to providing palliative care (e.g. hospices). In helping the terminally ill to face their fears, and by relieving their pain and suffering, palliative care workers are integral to securing the dignity of those nearing death. We believe, therefore, that properly funded and universally accessible palliative care services are essential for meeting the needs - material, emotional and spiritual - of those with terminal illnesses, and we urge the government to recognise the need for greater funding for palliative care.
The Most Reverend and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster
Sir Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth
Sir,
Today the House of Lords will debate the Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill. We are opposed to this Bill and to any measure that seeks to legalise assisted suicide or euthanasia. We believe that all human life is sacred and God-given with a value that is inherent, not conditional. We urge legislators to withhold support for this Bill so as to ensure that British law continues to safeguard the principle that the intention to kill, or assist in the killing, of an innocent human being is wrong.
Compassion for the terminally ill is incumbent on all of us, but in that respect we believe that the Bill is misguided. Such a Bill cannot guarantee that a right to die would not, for society's most vulnerable, become a duty to die. Were such a law enacted, the elderly, lonely, sick or distressed would find themselves under pressure, real or imagined, to ask for an early death. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that economic pressures might not come to play a significant part in determining whether to treat or recommend assisted death.
...
We particularly acknowledge the opposition to a change in the law from disability groups and from the majority in the medical profession, especially those committed to providing palliative care (e.g. hospices). In helping the terminally ill to face their fears, and by relieving their pain and suffering, palliative care workers are integral to securing the dignity of those nearing death. We believe, therefore, that properly funded and universally accessible palliative care services are essential for meeting the needs - material, emotional and spiritual - of those with terminal illnesses, and we urge the government to recognise the need for greater funding for palliative care.
The Most Reverend and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster
Sir Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth
Some possible answers to human relationship questions
Describe Christian beliefs about divorce:
Possible answers might include: different christian views; mention that divorce is never encouraged by christians, but some accept it is sometimes inevitable; might mention that some christians that marriage cannot be broken because it is a union made before God and blessed by God and can only be broken by death; might comment on Jesus permitting divorce on the grounds of adultery
Explain how a Christian marriage service might help a couple in their married life:
Possible answers might include: emphasis on marriage for life, on faithfulness and marriage blessed by God; might also discuss the expectation of the couple to have children as one of the purposes of marriage
Explain the importance of the vows made at a marriage service:
Possible answers might include: the significance of vows being made before God, how the vows emphasise faithfulness, support, love and how they might help the couple in the future, how the vows don't permit divorce ('until death do us part')
Possible answers might include: different christian views; mention that divorce is never encouraged by christians, but some accept it is sometimes inevitable; might mention that some christians that marriage cannot be broken because it is a union made before God and blessed by God and can only be broken by death; might comment on Jesus permitting divorce on the grounds of adultery
Explain how a Christian marriage service might help a couple in their married life:
Possible answers might include: emphasis on marriage for life, on faithfulness and marriage blessed by God; might also discuss the expectation of the couple to have children as one of the purposes of marriage
Explain the importance of the vows made at a marriage service:
Possible answers might include: the significance of vows being made before God, how the vows emphasise faithfulness, support, love and how they might help the couple in the future, how the vows don't permit divorce ('until death do us part')
Some possible answers to medical ethics questions
Describe Christian attitudes towards abortion:
Possible answers might include: Roman Catholic and other Christian views; biblical references in support; some consideration of issues to do with sanctity of life, ensoulment and quickening
Explain how a Christian might respond to someone who wants to commit suicide:
Possible answers might include: mention that people need support and help and not blame; arguments about compassion and sanctity of life (life is a gift, precious, not to be destroyed, treated with respect) might be made; might mention christian views on euthanasia; might mention traditional christian views on euthanasia (it's a sin)
Explain Christian attitudes to the use of animals in medical research:
Possible answers might include: consider issues of equality, benefits to humans; how christians should treat animals; might mention what the Bible says
Possible answers might include: Roman Catholic and other Christian views; biblical references in support; some consideration of issues to do with sanctity of life, ensoulment and quickening
Explain how a Christian might respond to someone who wants to commit suicide:
Possible answers might include: mention that people need support and help and not blame; arguments about compassion and sanctity of life (life is a gift, precious, not to be destroyed, treated with respect) might be made; might mention christian views on euthanasia; might mention traditional christian views on euthanasia (it's a sin)
Explain Christian attitudes to the use of animals in medical research:
Possible answers might include: consider issues of equality, benefits to humans; how christians should treat animals; might mention what the Bible says
Some example answers to poverty and wealth questions
Explain why a Christian might give to charity:
Possible answers to include: the command 'to love one's neighbour'; Jesus' teaching about wealth; duty to follow the example of Jesus in showing concern for the poor
Describe Christian teachings about money:
Possible answers to include: the story of the widow's mite, the rich young man. Answers might also mention the importance of not wasting money on luxuries and stress the idea of moderation
'It does not matter how you earn your money' Do you agree?
Possible answers to include: occupations that Christians see as immoral or why some against working on a Sunday. Other views might include the importance of providing for a family, which might be more important than how money is earnt
Possible answers to include: the command 'to love one's neighbour'; Jesus' teaching about wealth; duty to follow the example of Jesus in showing concern for the poor
Describe Christian teachings about money:
Possible answers to include: the story of the widow's mite, the rich young man. Answers might also mention the importance of not wasting money on luxuries and stress the idea of moderation
'It does not matter how you earn your money' Do you agree?
Possible answers to include: occupations that Christians see as immoral or why some against working on a Sunday. Other views might include the importance of providing for a family, which might be more important than how money is earnt
Past paper GCSE RE Questions
See how many of the questions are the same with slightly different wording.
Topic 5 – Good and Evil
From 2003 paper
(a)Describe Christian beliefs about the Devil (Satan) [8]
(b)Explain the ways in which a Christian might try to find out the right answer to a difficult moral problem. [7]
(c)‘If people suffer, it is usually their own fault’. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
(a)Describe how Christians might try to find out the right way to behave [8]
(b)Explain how Christians might cope with suffering [7]
(c)‘If you believe in God, suffering doesn’t matter.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2005 paper
(a) Describe Christian beliefs about good and evil [8]
(b) Explain the ways in which a Christian might try to find the answer to a moral problem [7]
(c) 'When people suffer they are being punished for something they have done'. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2006 paper
(a)Describe Christian beliefs about God and the Devil [8]
(b)Explain how these beliefs might help people who are suffering [7]
(c)‘If God was really good then people who not suffer.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
Topic 6 – Religion and Human Relationships
From 2003 paper
(a)Describe Christian beliefs about divorce [8]
(b)Explain how a Christian marriage service might guide a couple in their married life [7]
(c)‘Divorce is never the best way to solve problems with a marriage.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2005 paper
(a) Describe Christian beliefs about divorce [8]
(b) Explain how a Christian marriage service might help a couple in their married life [7]
(c) 'Divorce is never right.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2006 paper
(a)Describe the roles of men and women in a Christian family [8]
(b)Explain Christian attitudes towards divorce [7]
(c)‘Every Christian should get married.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. [5]
Topic 7 - Religion and Medical Ethics
From 2003 paper
(a)Describe Christian teachings about euthanasia [8]
(b)Explain why Christians might be opposed to suicide [7]
(c)‘All life is worth living.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2005 paper
(a)Describe Christian attitudes to abortion [8]
(b)Explain how a Christian might respond to someone who was thinking about suicide.
(c)‘Only God has the right to take away life.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2006 paper
(a) Describe Christian attitudes towards abortion [8]
(b) Explain why some Christians might be against fertility treatment. [7]
(c) ‘It is up to God to decide if a woman is going to have a baby.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
(c) ‘Life comes from God and only God should be allowed to take life.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
(c) ‘People who are suffering should be allowed to take their own lives.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
Topic 9 – Religion, poverty and wealth
From 2003 paper
(a) Describe the main causes of hunger in the world [8]
(b) Explain why a Christian might give money to charity [7]
(c) 'It does not matter how you earn your money, as long as you make enough to live on.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2005 paper
(a) Describe the main causes of hunger in the world [8]
(b) Explain why a Christian might regularly give money to charity [7]
(c) 'It does not matter how you earn your money.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2006 paper
(a)Describe Christian teachings about concern for the poor [8]
(b)Explain why a Christian might give money to charity [7]
(c)‘People must look after their family before they worry about the poor.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
Topic 10 – Religion, Peace and Justice
(a)Describe Christian teachings about ‘Just War’ [8]
(b)Explain Christian attitudes towards pacifism. [7]
(c)‘Violence is always wrong.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2003 paper
(a) Describe what Christians mean by a 'Just War' [8]
(b) Explain how Christians might respond if they see other people being treated very badly by a government [7]
(c) 'Sometimes using violence is the only way to solve a problem.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2005 paper
(a) Describe what Christians mean by a 'Just War' [8]
(b) Explain Christian atittudes to the treatment of criminals [7]
(c)'Violence is never the best way to solve a problem.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2006 paper
(a)Describe Christian teachings about war [8]
(b) Explain why a Christian might work for peace [7]
(c) 'Violence is sometimes necessary.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
Topic 5 – Good and Evil
From 2003 paper
(a)Describe Christian beliefs about the Devil (Satan) [8]
(b)Explain the ways in which a Christian might try to find out the right answer to a difficult moral problem. [7]
(c)‘If people suffer, it is usually their own fault’. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
(a)Describe how Christians might try to find out the right way to behave [8]
(b)Explain how Christians might cope with suffering [7]
(c)‘If you believe in God, suffering doesn’t matter.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2005 paper
(a) Describe Christian beliefs about good and evil [8]
(b) Explain the ways in which a Christian might try to find the answer to a moral problem [7]
(c) 'When people suffer they are being punished for something they have done'. Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2006 paper
(a)Describe Christian beliefs about God and the Devil [8]
(b)Explain how these beliefs might help people who are suffering [7]
(c)‘If God was really good then people who not suffer.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
Topic 6 – Religion and Human Relationships
From 2003 paper
(a)Describe Christian beliefs about divorce [8]
(b)Explain how a Christian marriage service might guide a couple in their married life [7]
(c)‘Divorce is never the best way to solve problems with a marriage.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2005 paper
(a) Describe Christian beliefs about divorce [8]
(b) Explain how a Christian marriage service might help a couple in their married life [7]
(c) 'Divorce is never right.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2006 paper
(a)Describe the roles of men and women in a Christian family [8]
(b)Explain Christian attitudes towards divorce [7]
(c)‘Every Christian should get married.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. [5]
Topic 7 - Religion and Medical Ethics
From 2003 paper
(a)Describe Christian teachings about euthanasia [8]
(b)Explain why Christians might be opposed to suicide [7]
(c)‘All life is worth living.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2005 paper
(a)Describe Christian attitudes to abortion [8]
(b)Explain how a Christian might respond to someone who was thinking about suicide.
(c)‘Only God has the right to take away life.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2006 paper
(a) Describe Christian attitudes towards abortion [8]
(b) Explain why some Christians might be against fertility treatment. [7]
(c) ‘It is up to God to decide if a woman is going to have a baby.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
(c) ‘Life comes from God and only God should be allowed to take life.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
(c) ‘People who are suffering should be allowed to take their own lives.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
Topic 9 – Religion, poverty and wealth
From 2003 paper
(a) Describe the main causes of hunger in the world [8]
(b) Explain why a Christian might give money to charity [7]
(c) 'It does not matter how you earn your money, as long as you make enough to live on.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2005 paper
(a) Describe the main causes of hunger in the world [8]
(b) Explain why a Christian might regularly give money to charity [7]
(c) 'It does not matter how you earn your money.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2006 paper
(a)Describe Christian teachings about concern for the poor [8]
(b)Explain why a Christian might give money to charity [7]
(c)‘People must look after their family before they worry about the poor.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
Topic 10 – Religion, Peace and Justice
(a)Describe Christian teachings about ‘Just War’ [8]
(b)Explain Christian attitudes towards pacifism. [7]
(c)‘Violence is always wrong.’ Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2003 paper
(a) Describe what Christians mean by a 'Just War' [8]
(b) Explain how Christians might respond if they see other people being treated very badly by a government [7]
(c) 'Sometimes using violence is the only way to solve a problem.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2005 paper
(a) Describe what Christians mean by a 'Just War' [8]
(b) Explain Christian atittudes to the treatment of criminals [7]
(c)'Violence is never the best way to solve a problem.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
From 2006 paper
(a)Describe Christian teachings about war [8]
(b) Explain why a Christian might work for peace [7]
(c) 'Violence is sometimes necessary.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [5]
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