Life and Death specification

QUESTION 4 – GOOD AND EVILMARK SCHEME The suggested responses given in the mark scheme are not a checklist. Other valid alternative responses should also be credited. (a) questions credit as instructed below: 1 mark for each relevant point made, 2 marks for either two separate points or one point which is developed/explained/elaborated What is meant by 'conscience’? [2]   Conscience is a person's moral sense of right and wrong   Conscience may act as a guide to personal behaviour and conduct  

Describe religious teachings about Free Will. [5] Christianity and Catholic Christianity   God has given everyone freedom to live their lives   References to different views on predestination and beliefs from different interpretations of The Fall   References to writings of St Augustine   Different emphasis regarding relationships between predestination and free will depending upon denominations   Many Methodists believe that while God is all-knowing and always knows what choices each person will make; God still gives them the ability to choose (or not choose) everything   Many Lutherans believe humanity is free to choose and act in every regard except for the choice of salvation   Many Roman Catholics do not view free will as existing apart from or in contradiction to grace  

(c) Explain how religious believers respond to suffering. [8]   Suffering is a necessary part of being human as all animals suffer in some way   Suffering can bring benefits, e.g. resilience, deepening of faith   Some people suffer (e.g. fasting) to experience the suffering of others and create a shared humanity   The acceptance of the principle of karma which relates suffering to previous actions   References to the lessons learnt in scriptures and wisdom e.g. the story of Shivan, Job, etc.   References to the role of suffering by sources of authority e.g. the suffering of Jesus; the suffering of the Buddha leading to the principle of the Middle Way   Religious believers may accept suffering as part of God's plan   Religious believers may pray for God to help them through suffering   Religious believers may see suffering as a test   It may weaken or strengthen faith  

(d) 'It is important to always forgive others.' [15] Discuss the statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer). ●  Sacred texts teach forgiveness of others is important e.g. Lord's Prayer, (Matthew 6:14-15), Qur'an 64:14 ●  Jesus forgave the people who crucified him and expected others to forgive  Other religious figures such as Buddha and Muhammad also taught the importance of forgiveness ● Forgiveness is better for you; it allows you to have 'closure' on a situation   It depends on what the person has done; some parts of scripture encourage justice instead ('an eye for an eye')   The principle of karma and dharma suggests that we must accept the consequences of our actions and that forgiveness is not always appropriate   If God made us, and is omniscient, then he knows we would not be able to forgive sometimes   Some religions think forgiveness is not always appropriate e.g. Jews believe that you must not forgive on behalf of another   Even some holy books teach about the idea of hell, so forgiveness can't always be appropriate or there would be no such 'place'   Catholic Christians have the Sacrament of Reconciliation to show that forgiveness is always possible