Mark Scheme

Section A — Structured Questions

Question 1

(a) State what is meant by the term 'corporate prayer'. [2 marks]

Award 2 marks for a clear definition:

• Prayer that takes place when Christians worship together / in a group / as a community
• Communal worship / collective prayer

Award 1 mark for a partial answer:

• Praying together
• Prayer in church

Accept: 'public prayer', 'group worship', 'congregational prayer'
Reject: Any answer referring only to private prayer

(b) Describe two different types of prayer used by Christians. [4 marks]

Award 2 marks for each type clearly described (maximum 4 marks).

Creditable types include:

• Adoration: praising God for his greatness / acknowledging God's glory / worship focused on God's nature
• Confession: admitting sins / asking for forgiveness / acknowledging wrongdoing before God
• Thanksgiving: expressing gratitude to God / thanking God for blessings received
• Supplication/Petition: asking God for help / requesting things for oneself or others / intercession
• Penitence: expressing sorrow for sin / repentance

Level marking:

• 2 marks: Full description with clear explanation of what the prayer type involves
• 1 mark: Type identified with basic/limited description

Accept: Use of technical terms (e.g., 'intercession' for praying for others)
Reject: Vague answers such as 'talking to God' without specifying type

(c) Explain why the Lord's Prayer is important to Christians. [6 marks]

Level 3 (5–6 marks):

• Detailed explanation showing clear understanding of multiple reasons
• Uses accurate religious terminology
• Well-developed points with religious knowledge demonstrated

Level 2 (3–4 marks):

• Explanation of at least one reason with some development
• Some religious terminology used
• Basic religious knowledge shown

Level 1 (1–2 marks):

• Simple statement(s) with limited explanation
• Minimal religious terminology
• Limited religious knowledge

Creditable content includes:

• Taught by Jesus himself / direct instruction from Christ / authentic words of Jesus
• Provides a model/pattern for Christian prayer / shows how to pray correctly
• Contains key Christian beliefs (e.g., God as Father, kingdom of God, forgiveness)
• Used in worship services / part of liturgy / unites Christians globally
• Covers different aspects of prayer (praise, petition, confession)
• Helps Christians understand their relationship with God
• Emphasizes forgiveness / teaches Christians to forgive others
• Brief enough to memorize / accessible to all Christians

Accept: References to specific phrases from the prayer to support explanations
Accept: Both Protestant and Catholic versions recognized

Question 2

(a) Give two features of a mosque. [2 marks]

Award 1 mark for each correct feature (maximum 2 marks).

Creditable features include:

• Mihrab (prayer niche indicating direction of Makkah)
• Minbar (raised platform for sermon)
• Minaret (tower for call to prayer)
• Dome
• Ablution facilities / washing area / wudu facilities
• No images of living things / decorated with calligraphy
• Prayer hall / musallah
• Separation of men and women / separate areas for worship
• Qur'an stands
• Shoe racks / area for removing shoes

Accept: Descriptions if the technical term is not known (e.g., 'niche showing direction to pray')
Reject: Vague answers like 'place to pray' (this describes function not feature)

(b) Describe what happens during Salah (the five daily prayers in Islam). [4 marks]

Award up to 4 marks for clear description of the process.

Creditable content includes:

• Wudu (ritual washing) performed before prayer
• Facing Makkah / qibla direction
• Standing position (qiyam) / reciting Al-Fatihah
• Bowing (ruku)
• Prostration (sujud) / forehead touching ground
• Sitting position (julus)
• Recitation of passages from the Qur'an
• Saying 'Allahu Akbar' / takbir
• Each prayer consists of rak'ahs (units)
• Ends with tasleem (peace greeting)
• Can be performed individually or in congregation
• Imam leads prayer in mosque

Level marking approach:

• 4 marks: Detailed, accurate description covering multiple aspects of the ritual
• 3 marks: Good description with several accurate points
• 2 marks: Basic description with some accurate detail
• 1 mark: Limited description with minimal accurate detail

Accept: Arabic terms with or without English translation
Accept: Different transliterations (e.g., salat/salah, ruku/ruku')

(c) Explain why pilgrimage (Hajj) is important for Muslims. [6 marks]

Level 3 (5–6 marks):

• Detailed explanation showing clear understanding of multiple reasons
• Uses accurate Islamic terminology
• Well-developed points with religious knowledge demonstrated

Level 2 (3–4 marks):

• Explanation of at least one reason with some development
• Some Islamic terminology used
• Basic religious knowledge shown

Level 1 (1–2 marks):

• Simple statement(s) with limited explanation
• Minimal religious terminology
• Limited religious knowledge

Creditable content includes:

• One of the Five Pillars of Islam / obligatory duty for those able
• Follows example of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) / Sunnah
• Re-enacts actions of Prophet Ibrahim and Hajar / connects to Islamic history
• Demonstrates submission to Allah / obedience to God's command
• Unity of ummah / Muslims from all backgrounds come together as equals
• Spiritual cleansing / opportunity for forgiveness of sins
• Strengthens faith / renews commitment to Islam
• Fulfills religious obligation / completes practice of faith
• Experience of a lifetime / achieves important goal
• Demonstrates sacrifice / willingness to dedicate time and resources

Accept: References to specific rituals (Tawaf, Sa'i, standing at Arafat) to support explanations
Accept: Personal spiritual benefits alongside communal significance

Question 3

(a) State what is meant by 'religious authority'. [2 marks]

Award 2 marks for a clear definition:

• A source that believers trust to guide their beliefs and actions / guide to religious truth
• Something/someone that has the right to tell believers what to believe or how to act

Award 1 mark for a partial answer:

• Something religious people follow
• Rules from religion / religious leaders

Accept: 'Source of religious teaching', 'basis for religious decisions'
Accept: Examples given as part of definition (e.g., 'like the Bible or Church leaders')

(b) Describe two ways in which Christians might interpret the Bible. [4 marks]

Award 2 marks for each way clearly described (maximum 4 marks).

Creditable ways include:

• Literal/Literalist interpretation: Accepting the Bible as factually accurate / word-for-word truth / what is written actually happened
• Metaphorical/Symbolic interpretation: Understanding passages as containing symbolic meaning / using stories to convey spiritual truths
• Contextual interpretation: Considering historical/cultural context / understanding what it meant to original audience
• Conservative interpretation: Following traditional Church teaching / established doctrinal understanding
• Liberal interpretation: Considering modern knowledge / adapting understanding to contemporary context
• Fundamentalist interpretation: Believing Bible is inerrant / without error / divinely dictated

Level marking:

• 2 marks: Full description showing clear understanding of the interpretive approach
• 1 mark: Approach identified with basic/limited description

Accept: Use of denominational examples (e.g., 'Catholics follow Church tradition', 'Evangelicals emphasize literal reading')
Reject: 'Reading it' without explaining the interpretive method

(c) Explain why some religious believers might disagree with this statement. [6 marks]

(Statement: "Sacred texts provide the ultimate source of religious authority and should be followed exactly as written.")

Level 3 (5–6 marks):

• Detailed explanation showing clear understanding of multiple reasons for disagreement
• Uses accurate religious terminology
• Well-developed points with religious knowledge demonstrated

Level 2 (3–4 marks):

• Explanation of at least one reason with some development
• Some religious terminology used
• Basic religious knowledge shown

Level 1 (1–2 marks):

• Simple statement(s) with limited explanation
• Minimal religious terminology
• Limited religious knowledge

Creditable content includes:

• Sacred texts need interpretation / not always clear how to apply them
• Written in different historical/cultural context / may not directly address modern issues
• Religious leaders/scholars also provide authority / help interpret texts
• Tradition and Church teaching are important sources of authority
• Personal conscience/experience matters / individual relationship with God
• Some passages may be metaphorical not literal / shouldn't be followed 'exactly'
• Different denominations interpret texts differently / no single 'exact' meaning
• Reason and science provide knowledge / shouldn't ignore other sources of truth
• Some texts contain outdated social norms / need to be understood in context
• Holy Spirit guides believers / ongoing revelation

Accept: Specific examples from religious traditions (e.g., Catholic Magisterium, Jewish oral law)
Accept: Reference to specific problematic passages if used to support argument

Section B — Extended Response

Question 4

"Religious festivals are more about tradition than religious meaning in the modern world."

Evaluate this statement. [10 marks]

Level 4 (9–10 marks):

• Comprehensive evaluation with developed arguments on both sides
• Clear reference to at least one religion with accurate, detailed knowledge
• Multiple perspectives considered with balance
• Justified conclusion reached that follows from the argument
• Excellent use of religious terminology

Level 3 (6–8 marks):

• Good evaluation with arguments on both sides
• Clear reference to at least one religion with accurate knowledge
• Different perspectives considered
• Conclusion reached, though may lack full justification
• Good use of religious terminology

Level 2 (3–5 marks):

• Some evaluation, though may be one-sided
• Reference to religion with some accurate knowledge
• Limited consideration of perspectives
• Conclusion may be asserted rather than argued
• Basic religious terminology used

Level 1 (1–2 marks):

• Simple statements with minimal evaluation
• Limited religious knowledge
• Little consideration of different views
• Conclusion may be absent or unrelated
• Minimal religious terminology

Creditable content includes:

Arguments supporting the statement:

• Many people celebrate religious festivals without believing (e.g., secular Christmas celebration)
• Commercial aspects dominate (gifts, food, decorations) rather than religious meaning
• Cultural tradition/family gathering more important than worship for many
• Participation in rituals without understanding their significance
• Society secularizing / religious meaning lost in mainstream culture
• Festivals become public holidays / days off rather than holy days

Arguments against the statement:

• Many believers maintain deep religious significance (e.g., Easter resurrection, Eid celebrating end of Ramadan)
• Festivals provide opportunity for worship and religious observance
• Religious communities strengthen faith through festival celebration
• Rituals contain and transmit religious meaning even if not fully understood
• Tradition itself can carry religious meaning / connect to religious history
• Churches/mosques/temples remain central to festival celebration for believers
• Festivals teach religious values and stories to new generations

Examples from specific religions:

• Christianity: Christmas (Incarnation), Easter (Resurrection), Lent
• Islam: Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, Ramadan
• Judaism: Passover, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah
• Hinduism: Diwali, Holi
• Buddhism: Wesak
• Sikhism: Vaisakhi, Guru Nanak's birthday

Accept: Personal opinion if supported by argument
Accept: Both religious and secular perspectives
Expect: Some acknowledgment that experience varies between individuals/communities

Question 5

"The problem of evil and suffering is the strongest argument against belief in God."

Discuss this statement. [10 marks]

Level 4 (9–10 marks):

• Comprehensive discussion with developed arguments on multiple sides
• Clear explanation of the problem of evil with accurate philosophical/theological knowledge
• Religious and non-religious perspectives considered with sophistication
• Justified conclusion reached that follows from the argument
• Excellent use of philosophical and religious terminology

Level 3 (6–8 marks):

• Good discussion with arguments on both sides
• Explanation of the problem of evil with accurate knowledge
• Religious and non-religious perspectives considered
• Conclusion reached, though may lack full justification
• Good use of philosophical and religious terminology

Level 2 (3–5 marks):

• Some discussion, though may be one-sided
• Basic explanation of the problem with some accurate knowledge
• Limited consideration of perspectives
• Conclusion may be asserted rather than argued
• Basic philosophical terminology used

Level 1 (1–2 marks):

• Simple statements with minimal discussion
• Limited understanding of the problem
• Little consideration of different views
• Conclusion may be absent or unrelated
• Minimal philosophical terminology

Creditable content includes:

Explanation of the problem:

• Inconsistency between God's attributes (omnipotent, omnibenevolent, omniscient) and existence of evil
• If God is all-powerful, He could prevent evil/suffering
• If God is all-loving, He would want to prevent evil/suffering
• Yet evil and suffering exist
• Logical contradiction / philosophical challenge to theism

Arguments supporting the statement (agreeing):

• Scale of suffering seems incompatible with loving God
• Natural disasters affect innocent people / children
• Absence of God's intervention in preventing atrocities
• No adequate explanation reconciles God's nature with suffering
• Other arguments for God can be countered, but evil is direct evidence
• Personal experience of suffering leads people to lose faith

Religious/philosophical responses (disagreeing or offering alternative view):

• Free will defense: God gave humans freedom; evil results from wrong choices
• Soul-making theodicy: Suffering develops character/virtues / spiritual growth
• Testing/trial: Suffering tests and strengthens faith
• Punishment for sin: Consequence of human wrongdoing
• Mystery: Human understanding limited / cannot comprehend God's plan
• Evil as absence of good (privation) rather than thing created by God
• Afterlife compensates for earthly suffering / justice ultimately prevails
• Greater good: Suffering serves purposes we cannot see
• Biblical examples: Job, Jesus's crucifixion

Non-religious perspectives:

• Suffering evidence for no God / supports atheism
• Natural explanation for evil (evolution, natural processes) without need for God
• Other arguments against God may be stronger (lack of evidence, incoherence of concept)

Accept: Specific religious examples (Book of Job, Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis)
Accept: Philosophical terminology (theodicy, omnipotence paradox, Augustinian/Irenaean theodicy)
Accept: Conclusion that problem is strong but not necessarily "strongest" argument

Sample Answers with Examiner Commentary

Question 4 — Sample Answers

Grade A (high distinction) answer*

Religious festivals retain profound religious meaning for many believers, though they have also become cultural traditions in modern society. The extent to which tradition overshadows meaning varies significantly depending on the individual and community.

In support of the statement, it is undeniable that many religious festivals have been commercialized and secularized. Christmas, the Christian celebration of Jesus's incarnation, has become dominated by gift-giving, Santa Claus, and shopping, often with little reference to the nativity or Christian worship. Many non-believers celebrate Christmas as a cultural tradition and family gathering rather than a holy day. Similarly, the chocolate eggs and Easter bunny associated with Easter can obscure the central Christian belief in Jesus's resurrection. This suggests that in wider society, the religious meaning has been displaced by tradition and commercial interests.

However, for practicing Christians, the religious significance remains primary. Churches hold special services during Advent and on Christmas Eve/Day focusing on the incarnation theology—God becoming human to save humanity. Easter services celebrate the resurrection with the Paschal candle and proclamations of "Christ is risen," maintaining the religious meaning at the heart of the festival. The fact that society commercializes these festivals does not diminish their religious meaning for believers who engage with the theological significance through worship, prayer, and reflection.

The same pattern appears in other religions. Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, celebrates Muslims' successful completion of fasting and obedience to Allah. While it involves feasting, new clothes, and gifts, these traditions enhance rather than replace the religious meaning—they express joy at fulfilling a pillar of Islam and gratitude to Allah. For observant Muslims, Eid begins with communal prayers and continues with charity (Zakat ul-Fitr), maintaining its religious core.

In conclusion, while religious festivals have indeed become cultural traditions that non-believers participate in, this does not mean they are "more about tradition than religious meaning." For religious communities, the meaning remains central, and traditions serve to express and transmit that meaning. The statement may be true for secular society but not for believers themselves, for whom festivals remain vital expressions of faith.

Mark: 10/10

Examiner commentary: This answer demonstrates comprehensive evaluation with sophisticated arguments on both sides. The candidate provides specific examples from Christianity and Islam with accurate theological knowledge (incarnation, resurrection, Zakat ul-Fitr). Multiple perspectives are considered—secular celebration versus religious observance—and a nuanced, well-justified conclusion is reached acknowledging different experiences. Excellent use of religious terminology throughout.

Grade C (pass) answer

Religious festivals can be more about tradition than meaning in the modern world. Many people celebrate Christmas and Easter without being religious, which shows they are just traditions now.

Christmas is celebrated by people giving presents, decorating trees, and eating special food. Many people don't go to church or think about Jesus being born. They just enjoy the holiday and spending time with family. This is tradition not religious meaning. The same happens with Easter when people eat chocolate eggs and don't think about Jesus rising from the dead.

However, religious people still find meaning in festivals. Christians do go to church at Christmas and Easter to worship God and remember the important events. Muslims celebrate Eid after Ramadan and this is very religious for them because they have been fasting and praying. So for religious people the festivals still have meaning.

Also traditions can have religious meaning even if people don't realize it. The Christmas tree and giving gifts comes from the idea of God giving Jesus as a gift to the world. So the traditions are connected to the religious meaning.

In conclusion, I think festivals are about both tradition and meaning. For non-religious people they might be just tradition but for believers they still have religious meaning.

Mark: 6/10

Examiner commentary: This answer provides a good basic evaluation with arguments on both sides of the question. The candidate demonstrates some accurate religious knowledge (Christmas nativity, Easter resurrection, Eid after Ramadan) and considers different perspectives between believers and non-believers. However, the explanation lacks depth and detail—theological concepts are mentioned but not fully explored. The conclusion is reasonable but could be more developed. To reach higher marks, the candidate needed more specific religious terminology and deeper analysis of how tradition and meaning interact.

Grade E (near miss) answer

Religious festivals are mostly about tradition now because society has changed and people are less religious.

Christmas is a tradition where families get together and exchange presents. People have Christmas dinner and decorate their houses. This is all tradition and nothing to do with religion. Easter is when people eat chocolate eggs and have egg hunts. This is also tradition.

Some religious people still celebrate properly by going to church but most people don't. Society is becoming more secular so religion is less important. Festivals are just days off work now and people use them for holidays.

Traditions are important to keep families together and pass on to children. This is why people still celebrate festivals even if they're not religious.

Therefore religious festivals are more about tradition than religious meaning because most people aren't religious anymore but still celebrate them.

Mark: 3/10

Examiner commentary: This answer shows limited understanding of the question. While the candidate identifies that festivals involve traditions (gift-giving, family gatherings), there is minimal explanation of what the actual religious meaning might be—no reference to the incarnation, resurrection, or Islamic practices. The evaluation is one-sided, with insufficient consideration of how believers maintain religious significance. The answer relies on assertion ("people are less religious") rather than developed argument. To improve, the candidate needs to explain specific religious meanings of festivals, provide examples from at least one religion with accurate knowledge, and develop arguments on both sides before reaching a conclusion.

Question 5 — Sample Answers

Grade A (high distinction) answer*

The problem of evil and suffering presents a significant philosophical challenge to belief in God, but whether it is the "strongest" argument depends on how one evaluates the responses offered by religious believers and philosophers.

The problem can be stated as a logical inconsistency: if God is omnipotent (all-powerful), He could prevent evil and suffering; if God is omnibenevolent (all-loving), He would want to prevent evil and suffering; yet evil and suffering clearly exist in the world. This creates an apparent contradiction in the concept of God as understood in monotheistic religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The scale of suffering—natural disasters killing thousands, diseases affecting innocent children, atrocities like genocides—seems impossible to reconcile with a loving, powerful deity. For many atheists, this is direct empirical evidence against God's existence, unlike other arguments which rely on absence of evidence.

However, religious believers have developed substantial responses to this challenge. The free will defense argues that God gave humans genuine freedom to choose good or evil, and much suffering results from human choices—war, murder, exploitation. Without freedom, humans would be mere robots, and authentic love and morality would be impossible. God values human freedom enough to permit its misuse. This addresses moral evil (caused by humans) though less successfully natural evil (earthquakes, disease).

The Irenaean or soul-making theodicy, developed by theologians like John Hick, suggests that suffering serves a purpose in spiritual development. Humans are created imperfect and through facing challenges, pain, and adversity, develop virtues like courage, compassion, and patience. A world without suffering would produce no moral growth. In this view, Earth is not meant to be paradise but a place of "soul-making." This gives suffering a purpose within God's plan, though critics argue this seems cruel and that the scale of suffering exceeds what is necessary for development.

Religious traditions also point to mystery and limited human understanding. The Book of Job in the Bible presents a God whose purposes transcend human comprehension—Job questions his suffering but ultimately acknowledges he cannot understand God's ways. Many believers accept suffering as a test of faith or trust that divine justice will prevail in the afterlife, compensating earthly suffering.

From a non-religious perspective, suffering may indeed be strong evidence for atheism—it is explained more simply by natural processes (disease, natural disasters) and human nature evolved for survival rather than moral goodness, without invoking God. However, some philosophers argue that other arguments against God are actually stronger: the lack of empirical evidence for God's existence, the incoherence of concepts like omnipotence, or the success of scientific explanations that make God unnecessary. The problem of evil assumes God's existence and finds a contradiction; other arguments challenge the very concept.

In conclusion, the problem of evil and suffering is undoubtedly a powerful argument against belief in God, particularly the God of classical theism. It has emotional force (personal suffering) and logical force (apparent contradiction). However, whether it is the "strongest" argument is debatable—religious responses like the free will defense offer some explanation, even if not fully satisfactory to skeptics, and alternative arguments (evidential, conceptual) may be philosophically more decisive. For many individuals, it is their personal experience of suffering that most challenges faith, making it subjectively the strongest, but philosophically other arguments may be more conclusive.

Mark: 10/10

Examiner commentary: This answer demonstrates comprehensive, sophisticated discussion of multiple perspectives. The candidate clearly explains the logical problem of evil and develops detailed religious responses (free will defense, Irenaean theodicy, mystery) with accurate theological and philosophical knowledge. Non-religious perspectives are considered alongside religious ones, and the distinction between moral and natural evil is noted. The conclusion is nuanced and well-justified, acknowledging the argument's strength while questioning whether it is definitively "strongest." Excellent use of philosophical terminology (omnipotent, omnibenevolent, theodicy) and specific references (Book of Job, John Hick).

Grade C (pass) answer

The problem of evil and suffering is a strong argument against God because there is lots of suffering in the world and if God was all-powerful and all-loving He would stop it.

There are many examples of suffering like wars, diseases, and natural disasters. If God exists and is good, why does He let innocent people suffer? Children get cancer and people die in earthquakes. This doesn't make sense if there is a loving God who can do anything. This makes people doubt God exists or think He doesn't care about humans. Atheists use this as evidence that there is no God.

However, Christians have responses to this problem. They believe God gave humans free will to make their own choices. This means people can choose to do bad things which causes suffering. God doesn't want to take away freedom because then people would be like robots. So suffering from war and crime is because of human choices not God. Also Christians believe suffering can help people grow stronger and develop good qualities like compassion. This is called soul-making. Jesus also suffered on the cross which shows God understands suffering.

Some people think suffering is a test from God to make faith stronger. Muslims believe everything happens according to Allah's will and suffering is a test. If people are patient they will be rewarded in the afterlife.

But the problem of evil is still difficult to answer especially natural disasters that aren't caused by humans. Some people lose their faith because of suffering.

In conclusion, the problem of evil is a strong argument against God but religious people have explanations for why suffering exists. It depends if you find these explanations convincing or not.

Mark: 6/10

Examiner commentary: This answer demonstrates good basic understanding of the problem of evil and provides some accurate religious responses (free will, soul-making, testing). The candidate considers both atheist and religious perspectives and attempts to reach a balanced conclusion. However, the explanation lacks depth and sophistication—the logical problem is not precisely stated, philosophical terminology is limited, and responses are described superficially without full development. The distinction between moral and natural evil is touched on at the end but not fully explored. To reach higher marks, the candidate needed more detailed explanation of theodicies, engagement with whether this is the "strongest" argument compared to others, and more precise philosophical language.

Grade E (near miss) answer

The problem of evil is a strong argument against God. There is lots of suffering in the world like people dying and being ill. If God was real He would stop this but He doesn't so maybe He doesn't exist.

Bad things happen to good people which isn't fair. God is supposed to be good and powerful but lets bad things happen. This proves God isn't real or isn't as good as people think.

Some religious people say God has a plan and we don't understand it. They also say suffering is a test. But this doesn't really answer the problem because why would God test people with such terrible things.

Also the devil causes evil in the world not God. But if God is all-powerful He should be able to stop the devil.

I think the problem of evil does show God probably doesn't exist because there's too much suffering. If God was real the world would be better. Other arguments against God aren't as strong because this one is about real things we can see happening.

Mark: 3/10

Examiner commentary: This answer shows limited understanding of the philosophical problem. The candidate identifies that suffering exists and questions God's existence, but does not explain the logical contradiction between God's attributes clearly. Religious responses are mentioned very briefly without adequate explanation—soul-making, free will defense, and theodicies are not explored. The reference to the devil shows a common misconception (treating it as a simple answer without addressing why God permits the devil to act). Evaluation is minimal and one-sided. To improve, the candidate needs to explain the problem precisely using terms like omnipotent and omnibenevolent, describe religious responses in detail with accurate terminology, consider multiple perspectives genuinely, and develop a reasoned conclusion rather than simple assertion.