Faith and discipleship
The Dhamma (Dharma) is a foundational concept in Buddhism, representing the universal truth, the Buddha's teachings, and the path to Enlightenment. It encompasses the nature of reality, the human condition, and the ethical framework required to end suffering.
Topic Overview
Faith and discipleship is a key topic in AQA GCSE Religious Studies, focusing on the nature of Christian faith and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The term 'disciple' comes from the Latin 'discipulus', meaning 'learner' or 'follower'. In Christianity, discipleship involves following Jesus’ teachings and example, often requiring sacrifice and commitment. This topic explores biblical passages, such as the call of the first disciples (Mark 1:16-20) and the cost of discipleship (Luke 9:23-27), as well as how these principles apply to modern Christian life.
Understanding faith and discipleship is crucial because it forms the foundation of Christian practice. It examines the relationship between belief (faith) and action (discipleship), addressing questions like: What does it mean to have faith? How should faith be expressed in daily life? The topic also considers differing Christian perspectives, such as Catholic and Protestant views on salvation by faith alone versus faith with works. This connects to broader themes in the GCSE course, including Christian beliefs about salvation, the role of the Church, and ethical teachings.
For students, mastering this topic requires analysing biblical texts, evaluating different interpretations, and applying concepts to modern issues like persecution, wealth, and service. The AQA exam often asks for explanations of key terms, analysis of scripture, and discussion of how discipleship impacts believers today. A strong grasp of this topic will help students tackle questions on Christian practices, beliefs, and their relevance in the 21st century.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Faith: Trust and belief in God and Jesus Christ, often described as a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). It involves both intellectual assent and personal commitment.
- →Discipleship: The act of following Jesus, which includes learning from his teachings, imitating his life, and spreading his message. It often requires sacrifice (e.g., leaving possessions behind).
- →The Great Commission: Jesus’ command to his disciples to 'go and make disciples of all nations' (Matthew 28:19-20), emphasizing evangelism and baptism.
- →Cost of discipleship: The idea that following Jesus may involve hardship, persecution, or giving up material wealth (e.g., the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-31).
- →Grace vs. works: The debate between salvation through faith alone (Protestant view) and faith expressed through good works (Catholic view), both rooted in discipleship.
What You Need to Demonstrate
Key skills and knowledge for this topic
- 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
Marking Points
Key points examiners look for in your answers
- 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
Examiner Tips
Expert advice for maximising your marks
- 💡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
- 💡Use specific Bible references: When discussing faith or discipleship, quote relevant passages (e.g., Mark 1:16-20, Luke 9:23-27). This shows detailed knowledge and boosts marks in AO1 (knowledge and understanding).
- 💡Evaluate different Christian perspectives: For higher marks in AO2 (analysis and evaluation), compare Catholic and Protestant views on faith and works. For example, explain how Catholics emphasize sacraments and good works as part of discipleship, while Protestants stress faith alone.
- 💡Apply to modern examples: Connect discipleship to contemporary issues like persecution of Christians today, or how charities like Christian Aid put faith into action. This demonstrates relevance and depth.
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
- 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
- Misconception: Discipleship only applies to the first 12 apostles. Correction: While the term 'disciple' originally referred to the twelve, in Christianity all believers are called to be disciples (Matthew 28:19). Discipleship is a lifelong commitment for every Christian.
- Misconception: Faith is just believing facts about God. Correction: In Christianity, faith involves trust and action. James 2:17 says 'faith without works is dead', meaning genuine faith leads to a transformed life and good deeds.
- Misconception: The cost of discipleship means Christians must be poor. Correction: While Jesus warned against wealth (e.g., 'it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle'), discipleship is about prioritizing God over material possessions, not mandatory poverty. Many Christians are wealthy but use their resources for God's kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Christian beliefs about God and Jesus: Understanding the Trinity, incarnation, and resurrection helps contextualise why disciples follow Jesus.
- •The nature of salvation: Knowing concepts like sin, atonement, and grace is essential for discussing faith and discipleship.
- •Basic knowledge of the Bible: Familiarity with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) is important, as key discipleship passages are found there.
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
Likely Command Words
How questions on this topic are typically asked
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Practice questions tailored to this topic