RE Christian beliefs + Relationships & Families
1. 4-Mark Questions
Task: Explain two beliefs/practices (2 × 2 marks).
Acronym: P.E.E.R.
Point: State the belief.
Explain: Expand on it.
Example: Add a teaching/quote.
Repeat for the second belief.
Sentence Starters:
“One Christian belief about [topic] is…”
E.g., “One Christian belief about the Trinity is that God exists as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
“This means…”
E.g., “This means Christians worship one God but recognise His different roles in creation and salvation.”
“This is supported by…”
E.g., “This is supported by the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:16-17, where all three persons of the Trinity are present.”
“Another Christian belief is…”
Repeat steps 1–3.
2. 5-Mark Questions
Task: Explain one belief in detail with religious teachings (1 reference = 3 marks; 2 references = 5 marks).
Acronym: T.E.A.C.H.
Topic sentence: State the belief.
Elaborate: Explain it clearly.
Authority: Add two teachings/quotes.
Connect: Link teachings to the belief.
Harmonize: Show coherence.
Sentence Starters:
“Christians believe that [belief] because…”
E.g., “Christians believe salvation is achieved through Jesus’ resurrection because it overcomes sin and death.”
“The Bible teaches…”
E.g., “In John 11:25, Jesus says, ‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ showing his power to grant eternal life.”
“Additionally, [denomination] teaches…”
E.g., “Catholics also believe in the importance of the Eucharist, where Jesus’ sacrifice is remembered (Luke 22:19).”
“These teachings demonstrate…”
E.g., “These teachings demonstrate that Jesus’ resurrection is central to Christian hope for salvation.”
3. 12-Mark Questions
Task: Evaluate a statement (arguments for and against + conclusion).
Acronym: A.R.E.C.A.
Analyze the statement.
Religious arguments for (with teachings).
Ethical/social arguments against.
Counterbalance with religious rebuttals.
Assert your conclusion.
Sentence Starters:
Introduction:
“This statement is controversial because…”
“Christians may agree/disagree because…”
For the Statement:
“Some Christians argue for because…”
E.g., “Catholics oppose divorce as Jesus taught, ‘What God has joined, let no one separate’ (Matthew 19:6).”
“This is reinforced by…”
E.g., “The Catechism states marriage is a sacrament, making it indissoluble.”
Against the Statement:
“However, others argue against because…”
E.g., “Protestants allow divorce in cases of adultery (Matthew 5:32), prioritizing compassion.”
“Modern Christians might say…”
E.g., “In today’s society, divorce can protect individuals from harm, aligning with Jesus’ teaching to ‘love your neighbour.’”
Conclusion:
“Overall, the strongest view is…”
“While [argument] is valid, [religious teaching] suggests…”
Extra Tips for High Marks
Embed quotes: Don’t just list teachings—explain how they support your point.
E.g., “Genesis 1:27 says humans are made ‘in God’s image,’ which implies all life is sacred.”
Balance secular and religious views (for 12-markers):
E.g., “Although society accepts cohabitation, many Christians believe it undermines the sanctity of marriage.”
Use keywords: Terms like “atonement,” “stewardship,” or “sanctity of life” signal depth.
Practice Applying the Formulas
Example 12-mark question: “Sex before marriage is always wrong.”
For: “Traditional Christians argue sex is for marriage, as Paul says ‘flee from sexual immorality’ (1 Corinthians 6:18).”
Against: “Others believe love and commitment matter more, citing Jesus’ emphasis on the heart over legalism (Matthew 15:19).”Additionally, some argue that personal autonomy and consensual relationships should be respected, highlighting that the context of the relationship is crucial in determining the morality of sexual activity. Furthermore, proponents of this view contend that mutual consent and emotional connection can enhance the experience of intimacy, making it a natural expression of love rather than a mere moral obligation.