Paper 1: Beliefs and Values *Component/paper code 4RS1/01

Content summary
This paper assesses knowledge and understanding of four key topic areas from a chosen religion:
• Section 1: The Universe, Creation and the Place of Human Beings
• Section 2: Life and Death
• Section 3: Peace and Conflict
• Section 4: Rights, Equality and Social Justice.
Assessment
• Assessment is through a 1-hour 45-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
• The total number of marks for the paper is 100.

Section 1: The Universe, Creation and
the Place of Human Beings
Christianity
1.1 The Universe and the
Place of Human Beings
Christian beliefs/teachings about creation; stewardship;
Imago Dei and the uniqueness of human beings.
Application of scripture in creation and teachings.
1.2 Human Nature and the
Human Condition
Christian beliefs/teachings about the nature of human
beings, with particular reference to the body, the spirit and
the soul.
1.3 Selfishness, Greed,
Ignorance and Sin
Christian beliefs/teachings about selfishness, greed,
ignorance and sin, and the nature of sin.
1.4 Free Will, Determinism
and Predestination
Christian beliefs/teachings about human freedom and its
limitations, and predestination.
1.5 Ultimate RealityChristian beliefs/teachings about God as the Trinity, as
reflected in the Creeds, with particular reference to God as
Father, Creator and Judge; and to God’s nature as
Almighty, omnipotent, omniscient and benevolent.
1.6 Belief, Uncertainty and
Unbelief
Christian beliefs/teachings about, and responses to,
reasons for/factors that may influence belief in God,
including Christian nurture and formation; and to reasons
for/factors that may lead to agnosticism or atheism.
1.7 The Problem of Evil and
Suffering
Christian beliefs/teachings about evil and suffering in the
world, and how they relate to the purpose of life, with
particular reference to suffering as punishment for sin and
proof of faith; the questions evil and suffering raise for
Christians about God’s omnipotence, omniscience and
benevolence; and Christian attempts to explain why God
created a world containing suffering and/or allows it to
continue; theodicy.
Section 2: Life and DeathChristianity
2.1 Death and Life after DeathChristian beliefs/teachings about heaven and hell;
judgment, resurrection; and the Last Judgment.
2.2 The Meaning and Purpose
of Life
Christian beliefs/teachings about eternal life; the Kingdom
of God; salvation; Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour; and
about how salvation may be achieved, with particular
reference to the grace of God, faith, worship and love.
Salvation through faith versus work.
2.3 Sanctity of Life, Abortion
and Euthanasia
Christian beliefs/teachings about the sanctity of life, the
particular value of human life; the importance of relieving
suffering; euthanasia; and abortion.
2.4 Human RelationshipsChristian beliefs/teachings about the principles of
relationships, with particular reference to Christian teaching
about love. Sexual relationships – Christian teachings
about the nature and importance of sexual relationships;
different Christian teachings and attitudes towards sexual
relationships outside of marriage and homosexuality;
different atheist and Humanist attitudes to sexual
relationships and Christian responses to them.
2.5 Marriage and PartnershipChristian beliefs/teachings about marriage and its
purposes, with particular reference to the marriage vows
and the principle of monogamy. Attitudes to cohabitation
and same-sex marriage.
2.6 Divorce and RemarriageChristian beliefs/teachings about annulment, divorce and
remarriage.
2.7 Family Structures and
Responsibilities
Christian beliefs/teachings about family life and its
importance. Ways in which Christian communities help to
sustain family life, support the upbringing of children and
keep families together, particularly through local churches.
2.8 Childlessness and CelibacyChristian beliefs/teachings about childlessness; genetic
engineering; contraception; and celibacy, including reasons
for and against it.
Section 3: Peace and ConflictChristianity
3.1 Conflict and WarChristian attitudes to conflict – the problems conflict causes
in society; the nature and causes of conflict; why each of
these leads to conflict – politics, resources, history, culture
and religion, Christian responses to the causes. Just War
theory – the nature, history and importance of the Just
War Theory; the conditions of a Just War; whether Just
War is possible; Christian teachings on Just War.
Holy war – the nature of a holy war; teachings about war
and peace as shown in the Bible; Christian teachings about
war.
3.2 Peace, Reconciliation and
Forgiveness
Christian attitudes towards peace – the nature and
importance of peace for Christians; Church teachings about
peace, including Jesus as a peacemaker. The role of
Christians in peacemaking – Christian teachings about
peacemaking; the importance of justice, forgiveness and
reconciliation in peacemaking; the work of one Christian
group working for peace today, what they do and why they
try to work for peace.
3.3 BullyingChristian attitudes towards bullying; the importance for
Christians of working towards a peaceful society.
3.4 Sin and CrimeChristian actions to end the causes of crime – the nature
and problem of crime; reasons why crime might occur –
poverty, politics, racism, drugs, upbringing and low
self-esteem; what action is taken by Christian individuals
and Christian groups to end these causes, including Prison
Fellowship and Street Pastors. Christian teachings on sin.
3.5 PunishmentChristian attitudes towards punishment – the nature of
punishment; why punishment is important for Christians,
biblical teachings about punishment; why punishment can
be regarded as justice; why punishment might be needed
in society. Christian attitudes towards the aims of
punishment – Christian attitudes towards each of the aims
of punishment – protection, retribution, deterrence and
reformation; the strengths and weaknesses of each of the
aims of punishment; biblical examples of teaching about
punishment, including Galatians 6:1–5.
3.6 Capital PunishmentChristian attitudes towards the death penalty– the nature
and purpose of capital punishment; Christian teachings
about capital punishment; why some Christians might
support its use; why some Christians might not support its
use; atheist and Humanist attitudes towards the use of
capital punishment.
Section 4: Rights, Equality
and Social Justice
Christianity
4.1 Human RightsChristian beliefs/teachings about love and the value of the
individual. Examples of Christian attitudes to/support for
human rights.
4.2 Equal Rights and Equal
Opportunities
Christian beliefs/teachings about love and the value of the
individual. Examples of Christian attitudes to/support for
equal rights and opportunities. Differing beliefs/attitudes
within Christianity about the role of women in religious
communities.
4.3 The Multi-ethnic Society
and Racial Harmony
Christian beliefs/teachings which oppose prejudice and
discrimination and help to promote racial harmony; and
examples of racial harmony in Christian practice.
4.4 The Multi-faith Society and
Interfaith Relationships
Christian beliefs/teachings about relationships with other
religions, and which help to promote the development of a
multi-faith society. Examples of interfaith (including
interdenominational) relationships, involving Christians,
in practice.
4.5 Relationships Between
Rich and Poor
Christian beliefs/teachings which encourage the wealthy to
support the poor. Examples of practical generosity within
and by Christian communities, based on Christian teachings
about love.

Paper 2: The Religious Community *Component/paper code 4RS1/02

Content summary
This paper assesses knowledge and understanding of three key topic areas from a chosen religion:
• Section 1: Origins and their impact on the community
• Section 2: Celebration & Pilgrimage
• Section 3: Worship & Practice

Assessment
• Assessment is through a 1-hour 30-minute examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
• The total number of marks for the paper is 60.

Origins and their Impact on
the Community
Christianity
Religious TextsThe Bible and its authority for Christians; differences
among Christians in their attitudes to its authority and
interpretation; and its use in worship, devotion/meditation
and instruction/education within any one Christian
denomination. Divergent Christian beliefs in their attitude
to the Bible.
Sources of AuthorityThe nature and form of authority in any one Christian
denomination; the role of individual conscience in matters
of belief and practice; differences among Christians in their
attitudes to the roles of the ordained ministry, the laity and
religious leadership in local communities.
Founders and LeadersThe life of Jesus Christ, with particular reference to his
baptism, temptations, death and resurrection; two
examples of his ministry of healing; his teaching about
discipleship; and his significance for Christians today.
The teaching, and contribution to Christianity, of one other
significant Christian, either historical or contemporary.
Celebration and PilgrimageChristianity
Festivals and CelebrationThe celebration and significance for Christians of the
festivals of Christmas and Easter.
Places of PilgrimageBethlehem, Jerusalem and any one other place of
significance to Christians (these may be places of historical
and/or contemporary importance to Christians in general,
or to particular denominations).
Worship and PracticeChristianity
Places of WorshipThe external and internal appearance, design, significant
features, purpose(s), use(s) and importance for Christians
and Christian communities of the local places of worship of
any two Christian denominations; different forms of church
design and their significance for Christians; the reasons for
their historical and contemporary importance. How
churches are used by Christians today. Similarities and
differences between churches in different communities.
Forms of WorshipThe form and style of public worship of any two Christian
denominations, with particular reference to the celebration
of the Eucharist/Communion/Mass/Lord’s Supper; (private)
prayer and/or devotional activities, and their significance
for individual Christians; and the celebration and
significance for Christians of the festivals of Christmas and
Easter. Rites of passage and their meaning and importance
for Christians, with particular reference to baptism,
marriage and funerals.