Applying Religious Teachings to Contemporary Issues Revision Notes
Subject: Religious Studies | Level: GCSE | Exam Board: WJEC
This study guide for WJEC GCSE Religious Studies equips students to master the skill of applying religious teachings to contemporary ethical issues. It focuses on building the analytical and evaluative skills needed to deconstruct complex dilemmas, engage with diverse viewpoints, and construct theologically grounded arguments, which is essential for achieving top marks.
Revision Notes & Key Concepts
Key Terms & Definitions
- Sanctity of Life
- The belief that human life is sacred, holy, and precious because it is a gift from God.
- Imago Dei
- A Latin term meaning 'Image of God'. The belief from Genesis 1:27 that humans are created in God's likeness.
- Agape
- A Greek word for selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial love. It is the highest form of Christian love.
- Khalifah
- An Arabic word meaning 'steward' or 'vicegerent'. The Islamic belief that humans have a duty to care for the world on behalf of God.
- Utilitarianism
- A non-religious ethical theory that states the best action is the one that maximises happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people.
- Humanism
- A non-religious worldview based on the belief that humans can lead ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity, without reference to a god.
Worked Examples
Worked Example
Question: 'Euthanasia is always wrong.' Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (15 marks)
Solution: **Introduction**: This statement addresses the morality of euthanasia, the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve suffering. While some religious traditions hold an absolutist view against it, others, along with non-religious perspectives, argue for a more situational approach based on compassion and quality of life. **Paragraph 1 - For the statement (Christianity)**: Many Christians would agree with the statement based on the core doctrine of the **Sanctity of Life**. This principle, derived from the belief that humans are created in the 'Imago Dei' (Genesis 1:27), holds that life is a sacred gift from God and only God has the authority to end it. The commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' (Exodus 20:13) is interpreted as an absolute prohibition against intentionally ending a human life. The Roman Catholic Church, for example, teaches that euthanasia is a 'grave violation of the law of God'. **Paragraph 2 - Against the statement (Humanism)**: A non-religious Humanist perspective would strongly disagree. Humanists argue that moral decisions should be based on reason, empathy, and a concern for human welfare, not divine commands. They prioritise an individual's **quality of life** and **personal autonomy**. If a person is suffering from a terminal illness with no hope of recovery, a Humanist would argue that it is compassionate and ethical to respect their wish to die with dignity, rather than forcing them to endure unnecessary pain. **Paragraph 3 - Alternative Religious View (Liberal Christianity)**: It is important to note that not all Christians hold an absolutist view. Some Liberal Protestants, while still valuing the Sanctity of Life, place a greater emphasis on the Christian duty of **agape**, or compassionate love. They might argue that in a situation of extreme and incurable suffering, the most loving and compassionate action could be to allow a person to die peacefully. This approach, known as situation ethics, prioritises the most loving outcome in each unique situation. **Conclusion**: In conclusion, while the statement that euthanasia is 'always wrong' is strongly supported by absolutist religious teachings, particularly within the Catholic Church, it is not a universally held view. A Humanist perspective provides a compelling counter-argument based on autonomy and quality of life. Furthermore, the diversity within Christianity shows that even for religious believers, principles like compassion can lead to a different conclusion. Therefore, I disagree with the statement because 'always' is too strong a word; a more nuanced approach that considers individual circumstances and suffering seems more ethically sound.
Worked Example
Question: Explain two religious beliefs about the use of wealth. (8 marks)
Solution: **First Belief (Christianity - Stewardship)**: One Christian belief is that wealth is a gift from God and humans have a duty to be **stewards** of it. This means they are caretakers, not owners, and should use their resources responsibly to help others. This is taught in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where the servants who invest their master's money are rewarded, while the one who hoards it is punished. This implies that wealth should not be hoarded but used for the good of the community. Many Christians act on this by donating a portion of their income to the church (tithing) and to charities like Christian Aid, which work to alleviate poverty. **Second Belief (Islam - Zakat)**: A second religious belief, from Islam, is the principle of **Zakat**. Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a compulsory donation of 2.5% of a Muslim's surplus wealth to the poor and needy. The Qur'an teaches that wealth is a trust from Allah and that giving Zakat purifies the wealth of the giver and ensures a more equitable society. It is not seen as mere charity but as a duty and a right of the poor. This shows that Islam has a built-in mechanism to tackle poverty and prevent the excessive accumulation of wealth.
Worked Example
Question: Describe Christian teachings about the nature of the family. (4 marks)
Solution: One Christian teaching is that the family is the primary place for the procreation and raising of children. The Bible commands believers to 'be fruitful and multiply' (Genesis 1:28), and traditionally the family unit of a married man and woman is seen as the ideal environment for this. Another key teaching is that the family should be a place of love and mutual support, reflecting the love of Christ for the Church. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians instructs husbands to 'love your wives, just as Christ loved the church' (Ephesians 5:25), highlighting the importance of selfless love and commitment within the family structure.
Practice Questions
Question: 'War is never the right way to solve problems.' Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (15 marks)
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Question: Explain two religious beliefs about prejudice and discrimination. (8 marks)
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Question: Describe Muslim teachings about family life. (4 marks)
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Question: 'Capital punishment is a valid form of punishment.' Discuss. (15 marks)
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Question: Explain two religious beliefs about divorce. (8 marks)
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