Question 1

What should I focus on for Cambridge OCR A-Level Religious Studies?

Accepted Answer

When outlining the logical problem, explicitly use the inconsistent triad and state the explicit contradiction. Note that Alvin Plantinga’s free will defense is seen by many as logically resolving the problem, shifting attention to the evidential argument.

Question 2

What should I focus on for Cambridge OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (2)

Accepted Answer

For evaluating theodicies, structure your answer with clear strengths and weaknesses. Use technical terminology (privation, original sin, epistemic distance, soul-making) to demonstrate precise knowledge and earn higher marks.

Question 3

What should I focus on for Cambridge OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (3)

Accepted Answer

To achieve higher marks, integrate scholarly views: for Augustine, refer to modern scientific challenges (evolution, geology) and philosophical critiques (e.g., Schleiermacher's objection); for Irenaeus, mention John Hick’s vale of soul-making and the problem of gratuitous evil.

Question 4

What should I focus on for Cambridge OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (4)

Accepted Answer

In comparative essays, highlight the contrasting paradigms: Augustine’s theodicy is retrospective (restoring a perfection lost through the Fall) while Irenaeus’ is prospective (moving towards a future perfection). Show awareness of pastoral and existential implications.

Question 5

What should I focus on for Cambridge OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (5)

Accepted Answer

Always maintain a critical focus on the exam question, ensuring you consistently evaluate whether the theodicies succeed in responding to the problem of evil, rather than merely describing them. Use phrases like 'However, this is insufficient because...' to demonstrate evaluation.

Question 6

What are common mistakes in Cambridge OCR A-Level Religious Studies?

Accepted Answer

Confusing the logical problem of evil (claiming a logical contradiction) with the evidential problem (claiming improbability), often failing to articulate the distinct forms of argument.

Question 7

What are common mistakes in Cambridge OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (2)

Accepted Answer

Presenting Augustine’s theodicy as simply stating evil is a privation without explaining how this relates to free will, the Fall, and the transmission of original sin.

Question 8

What are common mistakes in Cambridge OCR A-Level Religious Studies? (3)

Accepted Answer

Misunderstanding Irenaeus’ theodicy as implying God directly causes evil for a greater good, rather than permitting it as a necessary condition for soul-making and free moral development.

Religious Studies

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Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Analysis & Evaluation

Key Command Words

Common Exam Mistakes

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Specification Topics

Philosophy of Religion

Religion and Ethics

Developments in Christian Thought

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