J1: Beliefs and ValuesRevision Notes for Edexcel Religious Studies

Notes

• When answering “Explain” questions, always remember to include your BCG:

• B - What does the Bible say?

• C - The Catechism or the Creeds

• G - The example of God the Son (Jesus)

1.1 Nature of God (One God, revealed to the world in three persons)

• Unity:

1. Universe shows oneness

2. Bible: First of 10 Commandments

3. Jesus: The greatest commandment

4. The Creeds, Catechism and writings of the saints

•Trinity:1. The Father - creates, sustains, answers prayers

• The Son - revealed God in his life on earth, brings salvation

• The Holy Spirit - inspires, brings presence of God into the lives of Christians

1.1 The Trinity1. Genesis 1:26 - “Let us make man in our

image”.

2. Baptism of Jesus - the Son is baptised, the Father speaks and the Spirit descends like a dove.

3. New Testament writers (2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2, Ephesians 4:4-6, Galatians 4:6).

4. The Creeds speak of one God revealed in three persons.

5. Catechism teaches that Trinity is basis of Christian faith.

1.2 God as Father1. God created the world and everything

in it, therefore is our Father.

2. Jesus: taught disciples to pray “Our Father”.

3. Jesus referred to God as his Father.

4. Apostles’ Creed: “We believe in God, the Father Almighty”.

5. Catechism: God cares for his children like a Father.

1.3 God as Creator• God created the universe and everything in it.

• God is good.

• God created human beings in his image.

• God created humans last.

• God is the cause of all life.

• All of God’s creation is good.

• Humans are a special creation.

• Humans have to look after the rest of creation.

1.3 God the Creator• Why this belief is important to

Christians:

1. God created the world, so it must be important to him.

2. It shows that life is sacred.

3. It shows that God is omnipotent.

4. The Catechism teaches that God shows his love, wisdom and plan for humans through creation.

1.4 God the Son(For each belief, you should be able to give four reasons why that belief is important to

Christians.)

1. Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

2. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.

3. On the third day Jesus rose again. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

4. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

1.5 God the Holy Spirit(Outline Christian beliefs)

1.Purifies people from sin.

2.The way in which God communicates with humans.

3.Inspired the writers of the Bible.

4.Gives Catholics grace through the Sacraments.

1.5 God the Holy Spirit(Why is he important?)

1. Part of the Holy Trinity.

2. Gifts of the Holy Spirit help Christians to follow their beliefs.

3. God’s presence on earth.

4. Allows Christians to live good lives full of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

5. Inspires the teachings of the Church.

1.6 Symbols of the Holy Spirit

• Wind: God’s presence; power; fills people with the presence of God

• Fire: purifies; power of God

• Dove: brings new life to people; God’s peace

1.7 Sin• Sin separates a person from God.

• Original sin is inherited from Adam and Eve; personal sin is from a person’s own actions.

• All people born with Original Sin - washed away at birth.

• Two types of sin: mortal and venial.

• Sins forgiven through Sacrament of Reconciliation.

• People who die with unforgiven mortal sins will go to hell; people who die with unforgiven venial sins will go to purgatory.

1.7 Sin1.Beliefs about sin explain why

Catholics need to be baptised.

2.They show why Catholics must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

3.They explain why Catholics must try not to commit sins.

4.They explain why sin can stop Catholics from directly reaching heaven.

1.8 Salvation

1.Salvation means being saved from sin.

2.This allows Christians to have eternal life with God.

3.Jesus came to earth to bring salvation.

4.Jesus’ death was the sacrifice needed to bring salvation.

1.8 Salvation(Why are beliefs about salvation important?)

1.Salvation means all Christians can have eternal life with God.

2.The purpose of life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

3.The reason why Catholics receive the Sacraments.

4.Encourages Christians to follow the teachings of the Church and act lovingly.

1.9 Love of God• Show love by: going to weekly Mass; praying every day;

receiving the Sacraments; following a Christian life.

• Why it is important to love God:

1. Jesus: Greatest commandment.

2. Eternal life with God for those who love God.

3. If Christians love God, they should tell others about him.

4. The Church teaches that all believers should love God.

5. The Pope and other Christian leaders emphasise the importance of loving God.

1.10 Love of Others

• Jesus: The Greatest Commandment - love God, and love others.

• The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

• The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

Learn all these words (2 marks each)

Key Words

• Monotheism

• Trinity

• Unity

• Christ

• Crucifixion

• Incarnation

• Resurrection

• Virgin birth

• Dove

• Fire

• Wind

• Faith

• Forgiveness

• Reconciliation

• Repentance

J1: Key Words

Exam Questions(b) 6 marks - make 3 points

• Outline Christian beliefs about the nature of God.

• Outline Christian beliefs about God as creator.

• Outline the Christian beliefs about Jesus that are found in the Apostles’ Creed.

• Outline Christian beliefs about the Holy Spirit.

• Outline Christian beliefs about sin.

Exam Questions(c) 8 marks - make 4 points (PEE)

• Explain why Christians believe in the Trinity.

• Explain why the creation story is important to Christians.

• Explain why Christians refer to God as Father.

• Explain why Christians use wind, fire and a dove to symbolise the Holy Spirit.

• Explain how the story of Zacchaeus shows the nature of repentance and forgiveness.

• Explain why it is important for Christians to love God.

Exam Questions(d) 4 marks - 2 reasons for, 2 reasons against

• “Everyone should believe Jesus is the Son of God.”

• “Jesus is the Son of God.”

• “The Holy Spirit is no longer important for Christians.”

• “All Christians should love their neighbour.”