How to Revise Faith and discipleship — AQA GCSE Religious Studies
This study area examines the ontological nature of faith (pistis) and the subsequent praxis of discipleship within the Christian tradition. It encompasses the transition from the kerygmatic proclamation of the early Church to the contemporary application of the 'Cost of Discipleship'. Analysis focuses on the tension between internal conviction and external manifestation in diverse socio-political contexts, evaluating the impact of martyrdom, social justice, and monasticism on the evolution of the faith community and the individual's response to the 'Great Commission'.
Examiner Tips for Faith and discipleship
- Ensure you can clearly define the Three Marks of Existence and provide examples for each
- Use precise terminology when discussing the Five Aggregates
- Be prepared to compare and contrast Theravada and Mahayana views on the human personality and the ideal of the enlightened person
- Link the concept of Dhamma to the broader Buddhist path to Enlightenment
Common Mistakes in Faith and discipleship
- Confusing the Theravada concept of the Five Aggregates with Mahayana concepts like sunyata
- Failing to distinguish between the Arhat and Bodhisattva ideals
- Misinterpreting the Three Marks of Existence as separate concepts rather than interconnected aspects of reality
- Overlooking the specific differences between Theravada and Mahayana perspectives on human personality and destiny
Key Marking Points
- Definition and understanding of the concept of Dhamma (Dharma)
- Explanation of dependent arising (paticcasamupada)
- Identification and explanation of the Three Marks of Existence: anicca, anatta, and dukkha
- Comparison of the human personality in Theravada (Five Aggregates) and Mahayana (sunyata, Buddha-nature) traditions
- Distinction between human destiny ideals: Arhat vs Bodhisattva
- Understanding of Buddhahood and the Pure Land