GCSE Religious Studies B WJEC

This subject is broken down into 35 topics in 6 modules:

  1. Good and Evil 6 topics
  2. Judaism: Beliefs and Teachings 6 topics
  3. Judaism: Practices 5 topics
  4. Life and Death 6 topics
  5. Origins and Meaning of Catholic Theology 6 topics
  6. Sin and Forgiveness 6 topics
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  • 6
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  • 35
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  • 13,386
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Religious Studies B

Good and Evil

Good, Evil and Suffering

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Good, Evil and Suffering

Understanding Good and Evil

  • Good and evil are fundamental terminologies within religious discourse. Good refers to what is morally right, virtuous, and beneficial, while evil signifies that which is profoundly immoral or malevolent.
  • Many religions believe in the presence of good and evil in the world. The struggle between the two often features in many religious texts or teachings.
  • The role of human free will often features in discussions surrounding good and evil. For example, some argue that people have the freedom to choose good over evil.

The Problem of Evil

  • The famous problem of evil has been a subject of religious and philosophical discourse for centuries. It questions how an all-powerful, all-knowing, and benevolent God can allow evil and suffering to exist in the world.
  • There are two types of evil: natural evil, which stems from natural phenomena (like tsunamis and diseases), and moral evil, resulting from human actions (like greed or violence).

Perspectives on Good and Evil from Major Religions

Christianity

  • Christians believe in the concept of Original Sin, a state of sin inherited by all human beings as a result of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
  • According to Christian belief, individuals can attain salvation and overcome evil through faith in Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for the sins of humanity.

Islam

  • Muslims perceive good and evil as a test from Allah. Humans have a free choice to do good or evil and will face judgment for their actions in the afterlife.
  • Evil, known as "Sharr" in Arabic, exists as a result of human disobedience. It doesn't originate from Allah, who is seen as most Merciful and Beneficent.

Buddhism

  • In Buddhism, good and evil are perceived as karma, the law of moral causation. Individuals who do good actions experience happiness, while those who do evil suffer.
  • Suffering, or "Dukkha", is a fundamental concept in Buddhism. It's considered part of life, caused by desire, and can be eliminated by following the Eightfold Path.

Suffering and Theodicies

  • A theodicy is a defence of God's goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil. It attempts to reconcile how the attributes of a loving, omnipotent God can coexist with the reality of evil and suffering.
  • The Free Will Defence theorises that God gave humans free will to make their own decisions, and this freedom includes the ability to do evil acts.
  • Natural evils can be explained through the Soul-Making Theodicy. According to this concept, suffering presents an opportunity for individuals to grow spiritually and morally. Suffering, in this perspective, serves as a necessary tool for soul development.
  • Process Theodicy suggests that God’s power is persuasive rather than coercive. God cannot interfere to prevent evil or suffering, but continually works to lead the universe towards greater goodness.

Course material for Religious Studies B, module Good and Evil, topic Good, Evil and Suffering

Religious Studies B

Life and Death

Eschatology

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Eschatology

Understanding Eschatology

  • Eschatology: A branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind. It is often associated with concepts of life after death, judgement, Heaven and Hell.
  • This term originates from the Greek word 'eschaton' which means the end or last.

Eschatology in Different Religions

  • Christianity: Believes in the concept of resurrection and life in Heaven or punishment in Hell, and the coming of Judgement Day when God will judge all souls.
  • Islam: Holds firm belief in Day of Judgement or Yawm al-Qiyamah, when every individual will be accounted for their actions. They also believe in the concepts of Heaven (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam), and that the righteous will be rewarded and wrongdoers will be punished.
  • Hinduism: Does not focus much on eschatology but has concepts of life cycles (samsara) and the ultimate goal of liberation (moksha). It views time in large cycles, with each cycle ending in total destruction before a new cycle begins.
  • Buddhism: Does not have a linear concept of "end times", but speaks of cyclical periods of decline and rebirth (samsara). Reaching nirvana is considered the cessation of this cycle.
  • Judaism: Beliefs about end times are diverse but include the coming of the Messiah, a time of peace referred to as the Olam Ha-Ba, and the resurrection of the dead.

Key Aspects of Eschatology

  • Afterlife: Concept that an essential part of an individual’s identity or consciousness continues after death.
  • Resurrection and Reincarnation: Resurrection refers to the coming back to life after death, often in a spiritual or glorified body. Reincarnation, on the other hand, refers to rebirth in a new body.
  • Judgement Day: The day when God (or gods) will judge the deeds of humans and determine their eternal fates.
  • Heaven and Hell: Different religions have varied views about Heaven and Hell. Generally, Heaven is viewed as a place of reward and peace, and Hell is seen as a place of punishment and suffering.
  • Messianic Age: A future period of time often speculates in religious texts where there will be peace, unity, and prosperity under the leadership of a Messiah.

Eschatology and Ethics

  • Understanding and engaging with religious beliefs about the end times can help to contextualize ethical debates within religions, such as views regarding life and death.
  • Eschatological beliefs can shape a believer's perspective on what's important in life, the consequences of moral decisions, and the importance of religious law and practices.
  • Highlighted in ethical debates such as euthanasia, capital punishment, and abortion. These debates are shaped not only by views of morality and sanctity of life but also by beliefs about what may follow death.

In all of these areas, seeking out a variety of interpretations and views within each religious tradition is crucial for a well-rounded understanding of eschatology in religious studies.

Course material for Religious Studies B, module Life and Death, topic Eschatology

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