GCSE Religious Studies: Philosophy & Applied Ethics

Past Paper Booklet

OCR GCSE Religious Studies B

– Beliefs about Deity – B601

June 2014

a) Give one word that describes the nature of God. [1]b) State two Christian beliefs about the Holy Spirit. [2]c) Describe one way Christians believe God intervenes in the world through Jesus. [3]d) Explain the different responses of Christians to miracles. [6]e) ‘People should believe in a creator God’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2013

a) What is meant by the term ‘belief’? [1]b) Give two examples of how God intervenes in the world. [2] c) Describe why some Christians believe that God chooses to intervene in the world. [3] d) Explain what Christians believe about the nature of God. [6]e) ‘Belief in God is not reasonable’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2012

a) What is meant by the term ‘deity’? [1] b) Give two examples of Christian miracles. [2]c) Describe one reason a Christian might give for believing in God. [3] d) Explain why there are different beliefs about miracles within Christianity. [6] e) ‘God cannot be described’. Discuss this statement. You should include different,

supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

May 2011

a) What does monotheism mean? [1]b) (i) Give one word that describes the nature of God.

(ii) State what it means. [2]

c) Describe how the Holy Spirit affects Christians. [3] d) Explain why Christians believe God exists. [6] e) ‘It is important for Christians to believe in miracles’. Discuss this statement. You

should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

May 2010

a) What is a miracle? [1]b) State two Christian beliefs about the nature of God. [2] c) What do Christians believe about Jesus? [3]d) Explain Christian beliefs about miracles. [6]e) ‘There is a lot of evidence to prove there is a God’. Discuss this statement. You

should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

– The End of Life – B601

June 2014

a) Give one example of a funeral rite. [1]b) Give two beliefs about salvation. [2]c) Describe one Christian belief about the suffering of Christ. [3]d) Explain the relationship between the body and the soul. [6] e) ‘There is no point to funerals’. Discuss this statement. You should include different,

supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2013

a) What is meant by the term ‘redemption’? [1]b) Give two examples of how Christians can behave morally. [2] c) Describe one Christian belief reflected in a Christian funeral ceremony. [3] d) Explain the link between salvation and heaven for a Christian. [6] e) ‘There is no difference between the body and the soul’. Discuss this statement. You

should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2012

a) What word means ‘rising again to life’? [1] b) Name two places a Christian might go in the afterlife. [2] c) Describe Christian beliefs about redemption. [3] d) Explain the importance of the soul to Christians. [6]e) ‘Heaven can be reached by everyone’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2011

a) What is ‘purgatory’? [1] b) State two things that might happen in a Christian funeral. [2] c) Describe one Christian belief about the soul. [3] d) Explain how Christian funerals might support the bereaved. [6]

e) ‘It’s my life so I can do what I want’. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

May 2010

a) What is the meaning of ‘rites’? [1] b) Give two examples of Christian funeral rites. [2] c) Describe the relationship between body and soul for Christians. [3]d) Explain how beliefs about life after death could affect a Christian’s moral behaviour.

[6]e) ‘We only have one life and it is on earth’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

– Good & Evil – B602

June 2014

a) State the meaning of the term ‘moral evil’. [1]b) Name two sources that help Christians decide how to behave morally. [2]c) Describe one Christian teaching about the existence of good and evil. [3]d) Explain how Christian beliefs might help a person cope with suffering. [6]e) ‘Bad people can never do good things’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2013

a) What is meant by the term ‘original sin’? [1]b) Give two examples of natural evil. [2]c) Describe how Christians might use the Bible ti make moral choices. [3] d) Explain how the devil might be linked with human suffering. [6] e) ‘Good things always come out of suffering’. Discuss this statement. You should

include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2012

a) What is meant by the term ‘evil’? [1]b) Give two examples of actions a Christian might consider evil. [2] c) State three things which might guide Christians in their moral behaviour. [3] d) Explain how the suffering of Christ might help a Christian to cope with suffering. [6] e) ‘Doing the right thing will never cause suffering’. Discuss this statement. You should

include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

May 2011

a) What does ‘immoral’ mean? [1]b) Describe one way in which Christians might try to cope with suffering. [2] c) How does the idea of free will explain why there is evil in the world? [3]

d) Explain why Christians might feel it is important to behave morally. [6] e) ‘There is no such thing as evil’. Discuss this statement. You should include different,

supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

May 2010

a) What is meant by the conscience? [1]b) Suggest two causes of evil in the world. [2]c) Give three ways in which Christians might try to behave morally. [3]d) Explain why a Christian might say that suffering is a necessary part of human life. [6] e) ‘You should only help people if you will get something in return’. Discuss this

statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

– Science & Religion – B602

June 2014

a) Name one scientific theory about the origins of the world. [1]b) Give two reasons why Christians might think humans are more important than

animals. [2] c) Describe how beliefs about stewardship might affect Christian responses to

environmental issues. [3]d) Explain why Christians have different responses to theories about the origins of

humanity. [6]e) ‘Religion and science must work together’. Discuss this statement. You should

include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2013

a) What is meant by the term ‘scientific theory’? [1]b) Give two uses of animals which Christians might find acceptable. [2]c) Describe one Christian belief about the origins of the world. [3]d) Explain different attitudes Christians might have towards environmental issues. [6] e) ‘God wants people to make scientific discoveries’. Discuss this statement. You should

include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2012

a) What is meant by the term ‘stewardship’? [1]b) State two ways in which human beings are damaging the environment. [2]c) Give three reasons that Christians might use to support being eco-friendly. [3] d) Explain Christian attitudes towards the treatment of animals. [6] e) ‘The human race is more important than the environment’. Discuss this statement.

You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

May 2011

a) What is meant by ‘environmental problems’? [1]b) Give two reasons that Christians could use to support medical testing on animals. [2] c) Why might Christians reject the theory that human beings evolved from apes. [3]d) Explain what Christians believe about the role of humanity in the world. [6] e) ‘If humanity is here by chance then my life has no purpose’. Discuss this statement.

You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

May 2010

a) What is meant by the ‘origins of humanity’? [1]b) State two uses of animals that some Christians might find unacceptable. [2]c) Give three reasons why some Christians believe we should care for the environment.

[3] d) Explain what Christians believe about how the world began. [6] e) ‘Scientific theories and Christian teachings have nothing in common’. Discuss this

statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

Human Relationships – B603

June 2014

a) What word means the ‘legal ending of a marriage’? [1] b) State two reasons which a Christian might give for getting married. [2] c) Describe the attitude of some Christians towards the role of women in the family. [3]d) Explain why sexual relationships are important to some Christians. [6] e) ‘A marriage will not fail if the couple share a religious faith’. Discuss this statement.

You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2013

a) State what is meant by the term‘re-marriage’. [1]b) Give two beliefs which Christians might have about contraception. [2] c) Describe one Christian attitude towards divorce. [3]d) Explain what Christians might believe about the importance of marriage. [6]e) ‘A sexual relationship is the most important part of a marriage’. Discuss this

statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

January 2013

a) Give one example of contraception which might be acceptable to a Christian. [1] b) State two reasons which a couple might give for seeking a divorce. [2] c) Describe what some Christians believe about sex before marriage. [3] d) Explain Christian attitudes towards re-marriage. [6]e) ‘Marriage is outdated’. Discuss this statement. You should include different,

supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

May 2012

a) What is meant by the term ‘marriage’? [1] b) State two reasons which a Christian couple might give for not having sex before

marriage. [2] c) Describe how some Christians might respond to a person getting married after

divorce. [3] d) Explain Christian attitudes towards contraception. [6] e) ‘Divorce is sometimes necessary’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2011

a) State one thing which takes place during a Christian marriage ceremony. [1]b) Give two reasons why marriage might be important to a Christian. [2] c) Describe one belief that is reflected in a Christian marriage ceremony. [3] d) Explain how some Christians might respond to a couple who are considering divorce.

[6] e) ‘The man should be the dominant partner in marriage’. Discuss this statement. You

should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

January 2011

a) What is meant by a civil partnership? [1] b) Give two reasons why Christians might decide to get married. [2]c) Describe how a Christian might respond to a couple who want a civil partnership. [3] d) Explain how a Christian marriage ceremony might reflect Christian beliefs about

marriage. [6] e) ‘A couple should be married before they have children’. Discuss this statement. You

should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2010

a) What does contraception mean? [1]b) Name two forms of contraception that might be acceptable to some Christians. [2] c) Describe the attitude of some Christians towards sex before marriage. [3] d) Explain the beliefs of some Christians about the value of sexual relationships. [6] e) ‘It is the duty of religious people to encourage contraception to avoid the world

becoming overpopulated’. Discuss this statement. You should include different,

supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

January 2010

a) What is meant by divorce? [1]b) State two reasons Christians might give for seeking a divorce. [2] c) Describe the roles of men and women in a Christian family. [3] d) Explain Christian attitudes towards divorce and marriage. [6] e) ‘Married couples should never divorce’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12

Topic 8– Medical Ethics – B603

June 2014

a) What word means ‘to take your own life’? [1] b) State two beliefs Christians might have about cloning. [2]c) Describe one attitude some Christians have towards abortion. [3]d) Explain why Christians have different attitudes towards fertility treatment. [6] e) ‘People should be allowed to choose when to die’. Discuss this statement. You

should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2013

a) What word means ‘easy death’? [1]b) Give two reasons why Christians might be against fertility treatment. [2] c) Describe one Christian response to the issues raised by cloning. [3]d) Explain different Christian attitudes towards the use of animals in medical research.

[6]e) ‘Every unborn child has the right to die’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

January 2013

a) Give the word that means ‘making an exact copy of a living creature’. [1] b) State two views which Christians might hold about the use of animals in medical

research. [2] c) Describe one attitude which Christians might have towards euthanasia. [3] d) Explain why Christians have different attitudes towards suicide. [6]e) ‘It is always wrong to take a human life’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2012

a) What is meant by the term ‘suicide’? [1]b) State two reasons why Christians might be against suicide. [2] c) Describe one reason why Christians might oppose abortion. [3] d) Explain why Christians have different attitudes towards euthanasia. [6] e) ‘The use of animals in medical research is always wrong’. Discuss this statement. You

should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2011

a) What is meant by the term ‘abortion’? [1]b) State two reasons which might be given for seeking a legal abortion in the UK. [2]c) Describe one Christian attitude towards fertility treatment. [3] d) Explain why Christians differ in their attitudes towards abortion. [6] e) ‘Religious people should keep their views about medical ethics to themselves’.

Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

January 2011

a) State one way in which animals are used for medical research. [1]b) State two reasons why Christians might be against euthanasia. [2] c) Describe how a Christian might respond to the issue of cloning. [3]d) Explain why Christians might have different attitudes towards a woman seeking

fertility treatment. [6] e) ‘We should be able to treat animals in any way we wish’. Discuss this statement. You

should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2010

a) What does euthanasia mean? [1]b) Give two reasons which might lead to a person to commit suicide. [2]c) Describe the attitude of some Christians towards suicide. [3] d) Explain the attitude of some Christians to helping a terminally ill person die. [6] e) ‘Only God had the right to take life’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

January 2010

a) What is meant by cloning? [1]b) State two reasons why some Christians might oppose human cloning. [2] c) Describe the attitudes of some Christians towards a childless couple seeking fertility

treatment. [3] d) Explain some Christian attitudes towards abortion. [6] e) ‘Children are a gift, not a right’. Discuss this statement. You should include different,

supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

Peace & Justice – B604

June 2014

a) What is meant by the term ‘capital punishment’? [1]b) Give two aims of capital punishment. [2]c) Give three reasons why Christians might work for peace. [3]d) Explain different Christian beliefs about going to war. [6] e) ‘Prison is the best place for criminals’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2013

a) What is meant by the term ‘pacifism’? [1]b) i) Name one of the aims of punishment. [1]

b) ii) State what this means. [1]

c) Describe one way Christians might put the concept of justice into practice. [3]

d) Explain why some Christians believe they should not use violence. [6]

e) ‘Punishment is not the best way to deal with criminals’. Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

January 2013

a) What is meant by the term ‘criminal’? [1]b) State two ways in which Christians might work for social justice. [2] c) Describe one attitude Christians might have towards war. [3]d) Explain why Christians might be against capital punishment. [6] e) ‘Christians should not want to punish people’. Discuss this statement. You should

include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

May 2012

a) What is meant by the term ‘Just War’? [1]b) Give two examples of social injustice. [2]c) What do Christians believe about pacifism? [3]d) Explain why working towards social justice is important to Christians. [6] e) ‘Capital punishment can never be justified’. Discuss this statement. You should

include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2011

a) What is meant by the term ‘social justice’? [1]b) Give two reasons why Christians might be pacifist. [2] c) Give three ways in which a Christian might respond to social injustice. [3]d) Explain what Christians believe about Just War. [6] e) ‘You should always stand up to unjust governments’. Discuss this statement. You

should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2010

a) What is capital punishment? [1]b) Give two aims of punishment. [2]c) Describe what the attitude of Christians might be towards capital punishment. [3] d) Explain what Christians might believe about the treatment of criminals. [6]e) ‘Putting people in prison is a waste of money’. Discuss this statement. You should

include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

Equality – B604

June 2014

a) State the meaning of the term ‘racism’? [1]b) Give two examples of inequality based on gender. [2]c) Describe one Christian belief about forgiveness. [3]d) Explain why equality might be important to Christians. [6]e) ‘You should not change your religion’. Discuss this statement. You should include

different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2013

a) What is meant by the term ‘reconciliation’? [1]b) State two reasons why Christians might believe equality is important. [2]c) Describe one belief Christians might have about other religions. [3]d) Explain how beliefs about forgiveness might affect the life of a Christian. [6] e) ‘Fighting racism is the most important thing a Christian can do’. Discuss this

statement. You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

January 2013

a) What is meant by the term ‘equality’? [1] b) Give two examples of inequality. [2] c) Describe what Christians might believe about reconciliation. [3]d) Explain Christian beliefs about racism. [6] e) ‘Women have the most important role in Christian society’. Discuss this statement.

You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2012

a) What is meant by the term ‘prejudice’? [1] b) Give two examples of racism. [2] c) State three ways in which a Christian might challenge inequality. [3] d) Explain why Christians might have different beliefs about the role of women. [6] e) ‘Religious people have a duty to convert others’. Discuss this statement. You should

include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2011

a) What is meant by the term ‘sexism’? [1]b) Give two examples of sexism. [2]c) Describe Christian attitudes towards the role of women in society. [3] d) Explain Christian beliefs about forgiveness. [6] e) ‘If Christianity is right, all the other religions must be wrong’. Discuss this statement.

You should include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]

June 2010

a) What does the word ‘racism’ mean? [1] b) Give two examples of prejudice. [2]c) Suggest how Christians might work to stop racism. [3] d) Explain Christian teachings about equality. [6] e) ‘Religious people should treat everyone equally’. Discuss this statement. You should

include different, supported points of view and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]