GCSE Religious Studies CCEA

This subject is broken down into 52 topics in 10 modules:

  1. Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Mark 5 topics
  2. Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Matthew 5 topics
  3. Introduction to Christian Ethics 5 topics
  4. Introduction to Philosophy of Religion 5 topics
  5. Islam 5 topics
  6. Judaism 5 topics
  7. The Christian Church 5 topics
  8. The Christian Church with a focus on the Catholic Church 5 topics
  9. The Christian Church with a focus on the Protestant Church 5 topics
  10. The Revelation of God and the Christian Church 7 topics
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  • 10
    modules
  • 52
    topics
  • 18,855
    words of revision content
  • 2+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Religious Studies

Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Mark

The Identity of Jesus

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The Identity of Jesus

The Identity of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark

Messiah and Son of God

  • The Gospel of Mark begins by presenting Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. This is immediately signalled in Mark 1:1, setting the stage for rest of the Gospel.
  • Jesus being referred to as 'Christ' or 'Messiah' in Mark’s Gospel carries powerful implications because the term signifies an anointed one, a deliverer, or a King in Jewish tradition.

Human and Divine

  • Throughout Mark's Gospel, Jesus is presented as having a dual nature - both human and divine. This is unique and fundamental in Christian belief.
  • His human side is shown in his emotions and sufferings, such as in Mark 14:33-34, where Jesus is described as being 'deeply distressed and troubled'.
  • His divine nature is illustrated through miracles and teachings, confirming that Jesus wasn’t just a human, he was also divine.

Prophet

  • Jesus is often portrayed as a prophet, continuing God’s communication to the people. A clear example is His teaching in parables, for instance, the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4.
  • Jesus, like Old Testament prophets, faced persecution and rejection, further portraying Jesus as a prophet.

Crucifixion and Resurrection

  • Mark's account of the crucifixion and resurrection hold great significance for Jesus' identity.
  • The crucifixion depicted in Mark 15 provides evidence for Jesus being the suffering servant of God, fulfilling the prophecies and carrying the sins of humanity.
  • The resurrection, described in Mark 16, asserts Jesus' victory over death and sin, proving His divine nature beyond doubt.

Teacher and Healer

  • Jesus is frequently shown as a great teacher in Mark's Gospel. For instance, His teachings on divorce in Mark 10 argue against the practices of the time and show a deep understanding of God's intentions.
  • The many healing miracles in Mark (e.g., the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2) present Jesus as a healer. These miracles not only confirm His divine nature but also reveal His compassionate character.

By understanding these aspects of Jesus’ identity in Mark's Gospel, one can gain important insights into the Christian belief system.

Course material for Religious Studies, module Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Mark, topic The Identity of Jesus

Religious Studies

Judaism

Sacred Writings

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Sacred Writings

Sacred Writings in Judaism

Introduction

  • Judaism as a religion is founded on the Tenakh (the Jewish Bible), the Talmud (Jewish oral law), and the various Jewish writing traditions.
  • These texts are considered holy and are used for moral guidance, religious ceremonies and rituals, and to understand the Jewish worldview.

The Tenakh

  • The Tenakh consists of the Torah, the Nevi'im (Prophets) and the Ketuvim (Writings).
  • The Torah is the first five books of Moses. It contains the stories of creation, the patriarchs and matriarchs, and the laws given to the Israelites.
  • The Nevi'im is a collection of historical books and prophetical messages from figures like Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah.
  • The Ketuvim includes the Book of Psalms, Proverbs, and more.

The Talmud

  • The Talmud is an essential document that includes the Mishnah (Oral Torah) and the Gemara (interpretation and explanation of the Mishnah).
  • It provides a deep interpretation of the commandments in the Torah and serves as the core of Jewish legal tradition.
  • It guides Jews in their everyday life, by providing detailed discussions on ethics, customs, and laws.

Other Sacred Writings

  • Jews also place high importance on other Jewish writings, including Midrash and Responsa.
  • Midrash is a body of classical Jewish biblical exegesis, constituting a method of interpreting biblical stories.
  • Responsa is collections of interpretations of Jewish laws by leading scholars in various generations.

Significance of Sacred Writings

  • The sacred writings provide the foundation for Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, and ritual.
  • They connect the Jewish community with their forefathers, and serve as a beacon of inspiration, wisdom, and hope.
  • They also maintain Jewish identity, shaping the core beliefs and practices of Judaism.

Interpretation of Sacred Writings

  • Interpretation of the texts can vary between Jewish traditions, with Orthodox Jews interpreting the texts more literally, believing them to be divinely inspired and unchangeable.
  • On the other hand, Reform Jews might take a more critical and flexible approach to interpretation, seeing the texts as divinely inspired but shaped by historical context.
  • Conservative Jews could be seen as taking a middle ground approach, balancing tradition with modernity.

Course material for Religious Studies, module Judaism, topic Sacred Writings

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