Total marks: 56 · Duration: 60 minutes
Instructions to candidates
- Answer ALL questions in Section A and Section B.
- Write your answers in black ink or ballpoint pen.
- You are advised to spend approximately 35 minutes on Section A and 25 minutes on Section B.
- Write your answers in the spaces provided in the question booklet.
- Section A carries 34 marks. Section B carries 22 marks.
Paper
Section A — Structured Questions (34 marks)
Question 1
Study the source below:
"Christianity teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully human. This belief is called the Incarnation. Christians believe that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ in order to save humanity from sin."
(a) What is meant by the term 'Incarnation'? (2 marks)
(b) Describe two Christian beliefs about the nature of Jesus Christ. (4 marks)
(c) Explain why the Incarnation is important for Christians. (5 marks)
Question 2
(a) State two features of infant baptism in Christianity. (2 marks)
(b) Describe Christian beliefs about the sacrament of Holy Communion (Eucharist). (5 marks)
(c) Explain why some Christians believe baptism is essential for salvation while others do not. (5 marks)
Question 3
Study the sources below:
Source A: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
Source B: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
(a) Give two reasons why Christians engage in evangelism. (2 marks)
(b) Explain how the Bible is used in Christian worship. (5 marks)
Question 4
(a) State two Christian teachings about life after death. (2 marks)
(b) Describe Christian beliefs about judgement. (5 marks)
(c) Explain why belief in resurrection is important for Christians. (5 marks)
Section B — Extended Response (22 marks)
Question 5
"The problem of evil and suffering proves that God does not exist."
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. In your response you should:
- refer to Christian teachings
- refer to different Christian points of view
- reach a justified conclusion.
(15 marks)
[Plus 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology]
(Total for Question 5 = 18 marks)
Question 6 (Answer EITHER Question 5 OR Question 6)
"Christianity has a positive impact on family life in the 21st century."
Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
(4 marks)