General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Religious Studies Syllabus

What is meant by 'mission' and 'evangelism' in Christianity?

Mission is the duty of Christians to spread the message of Jesus and serve others. Evangelism is specifically the work of sharing the Christian gospel to convert people, following the Great Commission to 'go and make disciples of all nations'.

Name one Christian charity and describe the kind of work it does.

Christian Aid works to fight global poverty and injustice, providing emergency relief, long-term development and campaigning for fairness, motivated by the belief in helping others (e.g. the parable of the Good Samaritan).

In Islam, what are the Six Articles of Faith (Sunni beliefs)?

Belief in: (1) the oneness of God (Tawhid), (2) angels (Malaikah), (3) the holy books (Kutub), (4) the prophets (Nubuwwah), (5) the Day of Judgement (Akhirah), and (6) the supremacy of God's will/predestination (Al-Qadr).

What are the Five Roots of Usul ad-Din in Shia Islam?

Tawhid (oneness of God), Adl (divine justice), Nubuwwah (prophethood), Imamah (leadership of the Imams), and Mi'ad (the Day of Judgement/resurrection).

Define 'Tawhid' and explain why it is central to Islam.

Tawhid is the belief in the absolute oneness and unity of Allah. It is the most important belief in Islam; associating partners with God (shirk) is the greatest sin.

What are the Five Pillars of Sunni Islam?

Shahadah (declaration of faith), Salah (five daily prayers), Zakah (almsgiving), Sawm (fasting in Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).

What is the Shahadah and what does it state?

The Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of faith: 'There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.' Reciting and believing it sincerely makes a person a Muslim.

How often and in what direction do Muslims perform Salah?

Muslims perform Salah five times a day, facing the Ka'bah in Makkah (the qiblah). Prayer is preceded by ritual washing (wudu).

What is Zakah and what is the standard rate given?

Zakah is the obligatory giving of a portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy. The usual rate is 2.5% of a Muslim's savings/surplus wealth each year.

What is Sawm and who is exempt from it?

Sawm is fasting from food, drink and other physical needs from dawn to sunset during Ramadan. Exemptions include the sick, travellers, pregnant or menstruating women, the elderly and young children.

What is Hajj, and how often must a Muslim perform it?

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah, performed during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform it at least once in their lifetime.

Name two key festivals in Islam and what each celebrates.

Id-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan (breaking the fast) with feasting and charity. Id-ul-Adha marks the end of Hajj and remembers Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, involving the sacrifice of an animal.

What dietary rules do Muslims follow (halal and haram)?

Halal means permitted: lawful foods slaughtered correctly in God's name. Haram means forbidden: e.g. pork, blood and alcohol. These rules shape a Muslim's lifestyle and diet.

What is Akhirah and how does belief in it affect a Muslim's lifestyle?

Akhirah is belief in life after death and the Day of Judgement, when Allah judges deeds and assigns paradise (Jannah) or hell (Jahannam). It motivates Muslims to live morally and follow God's will.

What is the difference between a religious (sacramental) and a civil marriage?

A religious marriage takes place in a place of worship before God and is seen as a sacred, often lifelong covenant. A civil marriage is a legal ceremony conducted by a registrar without religious content.

Why do many Christians and Muslims oppose cohabitation and sex before marriage?

They teach that sex is a gift from God intended for marriage. Cohabitation and pre-marital sex are seen as going against God's plan for committed, faithful, lifelong relationships and the proper context for raising children.

What are the main religious arguments for and against divorce in Christianity?

Against: Jesus taught 'what God has joined, let no one separate'; Catholics see marriage as a permanent sacrament and do not allow remarriage. For: some Protestants permit divorce as a regrettable last resort, emphasising forgiveness and a new start.

What religious teachings support the equality of men and women in family life, and what views support traditional roles?

Equality: both made in God's image, 'neither male nor female...all one in Christ'. Traditional roles: some interpret scripture as giving men and women complementary, distinct roles (e.g. husband as head, wife as nurturer), though many believers reject this today.

What is meant by the 'sanctity of life'?

The belief that life is holy and sacred because it is created and given by God. It means human life has special value and should be protected, influencing views on abortion and euthanasia.

Summarise religious arguments for and against abortion.

Against: sanctity of life, life begins at conception, 'do not kill'. For/accepting in some cases: compassion (quality of life), the mother's life or health, cases of rape, or seeing the foetus as not yet a full person. Views vary by tradition.

What is the difference between euthanasia and the sanctity-of-life objection to it?

Euthanasia is deliberately ending a life to relieve suffering (active = doing something to cause death; passive = withdrawing treatment). The sanctity-of-life objection says only God should decide when life ends, so euthanasia is wrong.

Why do most religious believers reject the idea that humans 'own' the environment?

Because of stewardship: God made humans responsible for caring for creation on his behalf (dominion as responsible care, not exploitation). They must protect the planet for future generations.

How can religion be portrayed in the media, and why might believers object to some portrayals?

Religion appears in news, films, dramas and documentaries. Believers may object to portrayals seen as blasphemous, stereotyping, mocking beliefs, or breaking rules (e.g. some Muslims object to depictions of the Prophet Muhammad).

What is the difference between a 'just war' and pacifism?

Just War theory sets conditions under which war can be morally acceptable (e.g. just cause, last resort, proportionality, legitimate authority). Pacifism is the belief that violence and war are always wrong and conflict should be resolved peacefully.

List three of the main conditions of Just War theory.

Any three of: just cause; declared by a legitimate authority; fought with the right intention; a last resort after all peaceful options fail; a reasonable chance of success; proportional force; and protection of civilians (discrimination).

Define 'pacifism' and give a religious reason a Christian might be a pacifist.

Pacifism is the belief that war and violence are never justified. A Christian might cite Jesus' teaching to 'turn the other cheek', 'love your enemies', and 'blessed are the peacemakers'.

What are the three main aims of punishment, and what does each mean?

Retribution: the criminal pays for the wrong (deserved punishment). Deterrence: discouraging the offender and others from crime. Reformation: changing the offender so they do not reoffend. (Protection of society is often added.)

Summarise religious arguments for and against capital punishment (the death penalty).

For: retribution and 'a life for a life', protection of society, deterrence. Against: sanctity of life, only God can take life, emphasis on forgiveness and reformation, and the risk of executing the innocent. Most churches now oppose it.

What is the difference between 'forgiveness' and 'justice' as religious responses to crime?

Forgiveness is letting go of resentment and giving the offender a chance to reform (central to Jesus' teaching). Justice is ensuring fair treatment and that wrongdoing has appropriate consequences. Religions teach both should be balanced.

What do religions teach about human rights and social justice, and name one form of discrimination they oppose?

They teach that all people are equal and valuable (made in God's image / created by Allah), so believers should defend human rights and fight injustice. They oppose discrimination such as racism, by teaching the equality of all people regardless of race.