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ALL SAINTS SCHOOL
RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONDEPARTMENT
YEAR 11REVISION GUIDE
OCR ETHICSPAPER TWO
Peace and JusticeEqualityMedia
This guide has been designed to help you revise more effectively for your RE
GCSE exam. You will need to use this alongside your class notes and
assessments.
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Within the guide you will find basic information on each of the units of the
paper, the format of exam questions, marking schemes and exam board
information and hints, tips and checklists to help focus your revision.
The general revision advice and techniques you have been given for all subjects,
including RE, should help you to find out the most effective way for you
personally to revise.
Remember:
Dont leave any of this to the last minute! You need to take your
time over the next few weeks and revise steadily
Make notes, mind maps, diagrams, mnemonics anything that
suits you to help you remember facts
Practice as many exam questions as you can and ask your RE
teacher to mark them and give you feedback
Try to get someone to test you particularly on Keywords and
Bible Quotes, as these can be the most difficult to remember,
but can gain you the most marks You will need to use keywords, bible quotes, Catholic views and
views of other Christians in your answer concentrate on all of
these in your revision.
Be careful with the timings during the exam make sure you
leave enough time to complete all the questions this can let a
lot of people down!
If you need any help or advice, ask your RE teacher.
DONT PANIC and always ask for help if you think you
are starting to panic!
ETHICS PAPER 2 - SYLLABUS CONTENT
Religion Peace and Justice
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Attitudes towards war
- The Just War theory
- Attitudes towards the use of violence and reasons for these
- Attitudes towards pacifism and reasons for these
Crime and punishment- Concept of justice
- Aims of punishment
- Attitudes towards capital punishment
- Beliefs about the treatment of criminals
-Responses to the treatment of criminals
Social injustice
- Concept of social justice and injustice
- Beliefs about social injustice
- Responses to social injustice
Religion and Equality
Biblical teaching about equality
Different views about prejudice and equality in relation to race
Practices in relation to racism
Different views about prejudice and equality in relation to gender
The role of women in Christian society
Attitudes towards other religions with reference to:
- Missionary work
- Evangelism
-Ecumenism
Beliefs about forgiveness and the impact of these beliefs about on believers
Beliefs about reconciliation and the impact of these beliefs about on believers
Religion and the Media
The different forms of media and the influence of the media
Portrayal of Christianity in the media
Portrayal of important religious figures
Responses and attitudes towards films, books and comics which focus onreligious/philosophical messages
Using the media to represent Christianity and to educate Christians and non-
Christians about Christianity
Concept of censorship and freedom of speech
Beliefs and attitudes towards the portrayal of violence and sex
Attitudes and responses to issues raised by freedom of speech
GRADE DESCRIPTORS FOR GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES
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These are the descriptions the exam board give of what you need to demonstrate to get each
grade. You know what your target is make sure your answers match the description for
your target grade!
Grade A*-ACandidates demonstrate detailed knowledge and thorough understanding of religion to
describe
explain and analyse the significance and impact of beliefs, teachings, sources, practices, ways
of life and forms of expressing meaning. They interpret, draw out and explain the meaning
and
importance of the beliefs and practices of the religion(s) and/or beliefs studied, and assess the
impact of these on the lives of believers. They explain, where appropriate, how differences in
belief lead to differences of religious response.
They understand and use accurately and appropriately a range of specialist vocabulary.
They use reasoned argument supported by a range of evidence to respond to religious beliefs,moral issues and ultimate questions, recognising the complexity of issues. They demonstrate
informed insight in evaluating different points of view to reach evidenced judgements about
these beliefs, issues and questions.
Grade B-C
Candidates demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of religion to describe and
explain
the significance and impact of beliefs, teachings, sources, practices, ways of life and forms of
expressing meaning. They show awareness of the meaning and importance of the beliefs and
practices of the religion(s) and/or beliefs studied, and can describe the impact of these on the
lives of believers. They recognise how differences in belief lead to differences of religious
response.
They communicate their ideas using specialist vocabulary appropriately.
They use argument supported by relevant evidence to express and evaluate different
responses to issues studied. They refer to different points of view in making judgements
about these issues.
Grade D-G
Candidates demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of religion to describe, with
somereasons, the significance and impact of beliefs, teachings, sources, practices, ways of life and
forms of expressing meaning. They show some awareness of the meaning and importance of
the religion(s) and/or beliefs studied, sometimes recognising and making simple connections
between religion and peoples lives.
They communicate their ideas using everyday language.
They present reasons in support of an opinion about the issues studied, and show some
understanding of the complexity of the issues by describing different points of view.
CHECKLIST FOR UNDERSTANDING A TOPIC
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Use this checklist for every topic as you revise, to help you make sure
that you have covered all the information and are prepared for every
type of question that could be asked:
Keywords (A Type Questions)
Do I know the main keywords and specialist language I can use
for this question and what they mean?
Key Facts (B and C Type Questions)
What do Christians believe about this topic?
What do they do because of their beliefs?
What does the bible or Catechism say about this topic?
Key Understanding (D Type Questions)
Why do people believe this about this topic?
What is the meaning behind what they do?
Why are their beliefs important?
Do some Christians do things differently? Why?
Key Evaluation (E Type Questions)
What are the main controversial/contentious issues on this
topic?
What different points of view are there on these issues?
What evidence and examples can I use to back these points of
view up?
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USEFUL REVISION WEBSITES
These may help you in your revision but dont rely on them
completely, as they are not specifically geared to your syllabus and
will only cover some sections of your paper.
(All links working April 2011!)
http://www.request.org.uk/ - A Christian website. Excellent general
info on all aspects of Christianity. Useful images, virtual tours. Very
simple a good starting point. Click on issues to get to GCSE
information.
http://www.logosre.net/ GCSE/default.htm Catholic site, see Moral
Issues page for Catholic perspective on key issues. Beliefs page also
useful.
http://www.cafod.org.uk/ Huge site on development issues poverty,
debt, aid, effects of war etc. Some quizzes and interactive stuff.
http://www.theresite.org.uk/ Very simple information but useful links
on themes and topics page.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs BBC Bitesize - some
good information and practice tests
http://revisioncentre.co.uk/gcse/re/index.html Limited, but some
useful revision notes
http://www.request.org.uk/http://www.logosre.net/GCSE/default.htmhttp://www.cafod.org.uk/http://www.theresite.org.uk/http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rshttp://revisioncentre.co.uk/gcse/re/index.htmlhttp://www.request.org.uk/http://www.logosre.net/GCSE/default.htmhttp://www.cafod.org.uk/http://www.theresite.org.uk/http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rshttp://revisioncentre.co.uk/gcse/re/index.html7/28/2019 REVISION GUIDE - ETHICS PAPER TWO (Complete)[1].doc
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Philosophy and Ethics Exams Hints and Tips
- Read the number of marks available for a question. This
gives you an idea of the length of answer needed
- Make sure that your answer is referring to Christian
beliefs and not just social and political ideas
- Use bible ideas wherever possible to back up your points
even if you are guessing slightly at what the bible says
and where it says it!
- Quite often different Christians will have different views
or beliefs (often Catholics different from others!) try tomake sure you mention this where possible, particularly
if the question asks specifically
- In most D questions you will need to explain what
Christians think, why they think it, and why some
Christians think differently so make sure you have
covered BAD (bible, attitudes, differences) in every
answer
- Question E will always need you to give two differentpoints of view. Dont forget to look at another side as
well as your own opinion and back up everything yousay with evidence.
- In D and E questions, you need to back up your ideas
with evidence and explanations remember PEE (point,
evidence, explanation) to help you!!
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UNIT 1 RELIGION PEACE AND JUSTICE
KEYWORDS
Conscientious Objector Someone who refuses to fight in a war because theybelieve that it is wrong
Deterrence Punishment designed to persuade others not to commit
the same crime
Holocaust The genocide of 6 million Jews (and other groups) bythe Nazis during the Second World War
Holy War A war which is fought over religious issues by people
who believe they are doing what God wants
Liberation Theology A movement, started in South America, which tries to
help those who are oppressed by social injustice
Oppressed People being overpowered and ruled by others unfairly
Pacifist Someone who disagrees with the use of violence
Protection Punishment designed to protect the public from the
criminal
Protests Declaring dissent against something or someone. This isoften done in the form of a public demonstration
Quakers A Christian group, known particularly for taking a
pacifist stance in times of war
Reformation Punishment that allows the criminal to become a better
person (a Christian view of punishment)
Reparation Making amends for something youve done wrong
Restorative Justice A way of trying to help the victim of injustice, usually
through the victim and criminal meeting together and
working things through
Social Injustice Unfair treatment of people in society, sometimes by an
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unjust government
UNIT 1 RELIGION PEACE AND JUSTICE
CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TO WAR
Christians believe war is wrong and that God wants people to live in peace. However, most
also believe that war is sometimes necessary to overcome evil it can be the lesser of two
evils. The Bible is ambiguous about whether war and the use of violence is right or wrong so
Christians have to look carefully at each situation and decide for themselves. Sometimes it
can seem wrong, and sometimes it may seem necessary to overcome evil.
THE JUST WAR THEORY
In the 13th
century a monk called THOMAS AQUINAS produced guidelines that could helpChristians decide in each different situation whether war was the right thing to do or not. This
became known as THE JUST WAR THEORY.
According to Thomas Aquinas a war is only morally just, or right, if it meets these
conditions:
1. The reason for the war must be just it cannot simple be for greed or revenge.
2. It must be the last resort. All non-violent methods of resolving the conflict must
have been tried first.
3. There must be a reasonable chance of winning and of establishing peace at the end.
4. Only a proper government or ruler can make the decision, not just a group of
individuals.5. The force used in the war must be enough to win but no more than that. And during
the conflict unnecessary cruelty or attacks on civilians must not be used.
These guidelines are still used today. Some Christians think that so long as the conditions for
a Just War are met, then it is acceptable to go to war. Some Christians argue that certain
forms of modern warfare that involve bombing cities or using nuclear weapons cannot
possibly meet the conditions, so cannot be acceptable.
Violence and Pacifism
People opposed to any form of warfare are called Conscientious Objectors their conscience
tells them to object to the war. They refuse to join the army or help the war effort in any way.
They support non-violent ways to resolve conflicts. Quakers are an example of a
denomination that refuses to take part in a war. Individual Christians of other denominations
are also conscientious objectors.
Another name for these people is Pacifists. Pacifists do not believe in letting unjust situations
remain, but they believe that non-violent methods can be used to bring about change. For
example, they might organise strikes, trade boycotts, protest marches and negotiations.
Christian pacifists believe that violence goes against the teachings of Jesus.
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The Bible says different things about violence. In the Old Testament people are often told by
God to go to war for example they are told to fight and destroy foreign tribes so that they
can take possession of the Promised Land. The prophets sometimes encourage war Rouse
the fighting warriors! Let the fighting men draw near and attack! (Joel)
One of the Ten Commandments, however, is Thou shalt not kill and even in the OldTestament the ideal, when Gods will is done, is for peace and justice. Micah said Nation
will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit
under their own vine tree and no one will make them afraid
The New Testament is very focussed on peace and forgiveness. Jesus calls the peacemakers
the children of God and taught people to get rid of hatred in their hearts and to love even
their enemies Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. In his own life
he refused to let Peter use violence against those who came to arrest him Put away your
sword. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword. And on the cross he prayed for
his killers to be forgiven.
Non-violent protests are used at other times apart from war. Many Christians believe that if a
law is wrong or unfair, it is their duty to campaign against it using non-violent methods.
Martin Luther King Jnr successfully led the Civil Rights movement in America without using
violence yet without ever giving up.
Treatment of Criminals
Christianity teaches a message of love and forgiveness. The story of the woman caught in
adultery tells how a woman was brought to Jesus who had been caught committing adultery.
The legal punishment was death by stoning, but Jesus said to the crowd If anyone of you is
without sin, let him be the one to throw the first stone and they all went away for all knew
they too had sinned. He taught people not to be too quick to find faults in others when we all
do wrong and all need forgiveness at some time (eg the story of the Unforgiving Servant, and
the teaching about noticing the speck in your bothers eye when you have a plank in your
own)
However, Christians do believe that a community needs a system of punishments for those
who break the law. Although it is important to forgive and reform the individual, the
community must also be kept safe and vulnerable people protected. They believe punishment
has several aims:- to deter others from breaking the law
- to protect the innocent from harm
- to give retribution to victims by showing them that criminal is being punished
- to reform the criminal and give them the chance to change and become a better person
Some Christians work with prisoners to try and ensure humane conditions. Elizabeth Fry was
a Quaker who was one of the first to talk about basic human rights for prisoners. She worked
in Newgate Womens Prison, which was notorious for its conditions, and also campaigned
for better standards on prison ships in which people were transported to Australia form
crimes as small as stealing a loaf of bread.
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Capital Punishment
The death penalty is opposed by many Christians because they believe all life is sacred and
even a killer should have the chance to repent and change. However, some Christians agreewith the death penalty because in the Old Testament it says an eye for an eye a tooth for a
tooth.
Social Injustice
This means a situation in which some people are treated unfairly and have fewer rights than
others. Since Christians believe all people are created by God and equally valued by God they
believe this is always wrong. Christians have not always lived up to these standards but many
do try to make the world a fairer place.
The Bible teaches that it is wrong to mistreat the poor or vulnerable. In the Old Testament the
prophets speak out against social injustice saying God will punish people for it. It says that
people who are strangers and immigrants should be welcomed and helped When a foreigner
lives with you, do not ill treat him. He must be treated as one of your own. Love him as
yourself (Leviticus)
In the New Testament Jesus makes a point of befriending the outcasts of society. His
followers are warned not to have more respect for the rich and powerful than for the poor.
Because of this, some Christians join organisations to help the homeless, or support agencies
like Cafod that run projects in poor countries, or buy Fair Trade products so that they will
know the workers will get a fair wage.
Liberation Theology is a way of following Christian teaching about justice and trying to put it
into action in society. It has been a strong movement in Latin America and other very poor
countries where there are extremes of wealth and poverty and a severe lack of rights for the
poor. It can be dangerous to be involved as people have been kidnapped, tortured and
executed for threatening the powerful people in their society. Archbishop Oscar Romero was
killed for speaking out for the poor in El Salvador and is now regarded by many people as a
martyr and a role model.
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UNIT 2 RELIGION AND EQUALITY
KEYWORDS
Denomination The different types of church within Christianity (eg Catholic,Anglican) that have different leadership, worship, doctrines etc.
Discrimination The unfair treatment of one person or group
Ecumenism The different denominations within Christianity working and
worshipping together in unity
Equality Different people/groups/things being given the same value
Evangelical Christians who believe that they should convert others to the
Christian faith
Forgiveness Pardoning or forgiving someone for something they have done
wrong
Inter-faith Dialogue
Discussion and sharing between communities from differentfaiths and religions
Missionaries People who travel to other countries to spread their faith
Persecution Mistreating and discriminating against a particular group overtime
Prejudice Making your mind up about someone, or a group of people,
without knowing them. Pre-juding based on misconceptions
Reconciliation Ending conflict and mending the relationship between two groups
or individuals
Rights The basic requirements for all human beings which should be
respected and upheld
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UNIT 2 RELIGION AND EQUALITY
The Bible and Equality
The Bible teaches that all people are equal, all made in the image of God (Gen 1:27)
In Acts of the Apostles we find the very first Christians quickly came to understand that God
does not have favourites Peter then spoke to them, Truly I realise that God does not have
favourites but in all nations, listens to everyone who fear God and do good. (Acts 10:34)
God loves everyone without exception or condition. Christians believe they should show the
same love. Paul says that rather than love for differences we should look for unites us Now
in Christ Jesus all of you are sons and daughters of God. Here there is no distinction
between Jew and Greek, or between slave and free, or between man and woman. All of youare one in Christ.
Christian Attitudes Towards Racism
Racism - the belief that some people are better than others because of the colour of their skin
or their ethnic origin. Sadly, Christians have historically have sometimes supported racism
many slave owners were Christian; some of the strongest supporters of apartheid in South
Africa were Christian. But there have also been many who have struggled against racism,
seeing it as an offence against God.
Martin Luther King 1929 1968 was a black Baptist pastor who lived at a time when black
Americans were segregated. He preached against racism, using biblical imagery and
language to encourage the people to be brave and to reject the use of violence saying
meet hatred with love. He led many non-violent protests which white people also
joined. On Aug 4th 1968, King was shot by James Earl Ray, (who claimed he was set-
up). But his importance continued to grow. There is now a national bank holiday in
America on Martin Luther King day. It is against the law to discriminate against anyone
in America because of his or her race, and black people have gained in power and
influence, leading now to a black president, Barack Obama.
Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Trevor Huddleston all campaigned in South Africaagainst the apartheid system. Black South Africans had few rights. They could not vote, were
told where they were allowed to live, and had to work in the mines and factories often apart
from their families while the white people owned the land and businesses.
Mandela grew up as a practicing Methodist, and at first he tried to fight apartheid non-
violently. However eventually he decided there was no option left except violence. The South
African (and UK) government saw him as a terrorist. In 1963 he was caught and sentenced to
life imprisonment on Robben Island. Eventually, through continued resistance in South
Africa and pressure from around the world, South Africa was forced to change its laws. In
1994 he became the first black President of South Africa.
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Mandela strongly discouraged the black South Africans from seeking revenge. He set up
Truth and Reconciliation Courts, where the truth could be heard and the guilty made to face
their crimes. There were however, no punishments! They were forgiven so that the country
could heal and move forward, black and white together the Rainbow Nation as they called
themselves.
Desmond Tutu, like Mandela, struggled against apartheid. He became Archbishop of
Johannesburg and won over many people by his courage and kindness. Unlike Mandela (who
is his good friend) he decided that violence was always wrong and he refused to use it or to
condone it.
Women in Society and in the Church
There are different opinions in Christianity about the roles of men and women. Some think
they are fundamentally different. For example women can have babies and can breastfeed;
men are physically stronger. Some Christians say God made men and women different and
intends them to do different things women to take care of the home and children andsupport the husband, while men provide an income and are the head of the household.
Other Christians say God created everyone equal to share the same talents and opportunities.
If they are parents they should share responsibility and decide between themselves about
work.
The official view of the Roman Catholic Church is that only men should become priests. This
is not because men are regarded as superior or made to be in charge, but because the priest
represents Christ during the Mass and they say it would be wrong for a women to do this. The
Church of England agreed to women priests in 1994. Many other churches such as the
Baptists and the Salvation Army have always had women as well as men ministers.
Attitudes Towards Other Religions
Christians have varied views about non-Christian religions.
Some believe only Christianity has the truth about God and other religions are false. They
believe everyone should convert to Christianity. They base this on a passage in Johns gospel
Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through me. These Christians believe that eternal life with God is only for Christians. They
may therefore go overseas to try to convert people to Christianity or they may give out
leaflets, or speak in town centres.
Christianity has in fact, always been one of the evangelical or missionary religions that is, it
believes in telling other people about Christianity and encouraging them to become Christians
too.
Other Christians believe that everyone who is sincerely trying to follow God is doing the
right thing whatever their religion. These people will worship with other faiths and have
discussions with them but they will not try to convert people who already have their own
strong faith. They say God will not reject someone just because they were born into a non-
Christian religion.
Prejudices between Christian churches.
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Some Roman Catholics and Protestants have had serious disputes about some issues such as
women priests or whether the Pope is the head of the Christian faith. Some people of both
traditions have felt sure theirs was the only right way, and that all others were wrong. This is
especially seen in Northern Ireland.
Many Christians feel very unhappy about this, and work instead towards unity. They stress
that they are all followers of Christ, one body with common aims. They support the
ecumenical movement which tries to bring together the different churches.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Christians believe they should try to forgive just as God is forgiving. They should not hold
grudges or seek revenge. If they ask God to forgive them, they in turn must forgive others.
The prayer Jesus taught the Lords Prayer teaches us this.
There are Christian centres, which especially focus on this. Coventry Cathedral heavilybombed in WW now has a peace chapel in the unreconstructed ruins of part of the cathedral.
Taize in France is an ecumenical centre where young people of all religions come together to
sing, meditate and pray, focussing on peace,
In the Roman Catholic Church, a special sacrament the Sacrament of Reconciliation
celebrates Gods forgiveness. People go to confession where they confess their faults and
problems and the priest, who, acting on behalf of God, assures them of forgiveness.
Forgiveness is also part of the Mass, and before receiving communion, Catholics give each
other a sign of peace usually a handshake, as a sign of friendship and reconciliation with
one another. During communion, when they share the bread and wine, Christians feel they
are joining together like different parts of the same body. All of these show the importance of
Christians working together and resolving their differences.
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UNIT 3 RELIGION AND THE MEDIA
KEYWORDS
Blasphemy An act that shows deliberate disrespect for God
Censorship Controlling or stopping something from being said or shown
by the Media
Freedom of Speech
The belief that no one should be punished for what they say
Idolatry The worship of false gods or idols
Media Different methods of mass communication including
newpapers, radio, tv, film, internet etc.
Pornography The explicit use of sexual images to stimulate sexual
excitement
Propaganda Information put out by a group or organisation to persuade
people to think in the same way as they do
Secular Non-religious ideas
Stereotype A representation of a group or type of person that is based on
commonly held beliefs that may be inaccurate or prejudiced
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UNIT 3 RELIGION AND THE MEDIA
Influence of Different Forms of Media
The term media refers to any type of mass communication. The range and extent of the
Media has grown drastically over the past few centuries, and particularly over the past few
decades, with the development of the Internet.
Examples of Media include: TV and film, radio, newspapers, magazines, posters and leaflets
and the internet. In recent years access to the Media has become more widespread and more
intense, with global access to information through the Internet and 24-hour rolling newschannels.
The Media has a big influence on society, particularly in a Western country such as the UK:
- it can reach a huge audience very quickly
- it has wide appeal, because it is so varied
- it is easy for all types of people to use, both to send and receive information
- there is a lot of money involved in the media, which means it is becoming
increasingly powerful
Positives:
- it can educate people about current affairs, history, science in fact, about almost
anything
- it can entertain people and unite communities, families and people with similar
interests
- it can get important information across to people quickly and effectively
- it can provide good role models for people, both real and fictional
- it can unite people from all over the world and lead to a positive sharing of cultures
and ideas
Potential Negatives:
- it can be misused by groups, or even by whole governments, to spread negativemessages and influence peoples views. This is known as propaganda and an
extreme example of this is the leaflets and films distributed throughout Germany by
the Nazis in the 1930s
- role models can be negative as well as positive
- advertising can influence what we buy and is mostly done with only profit in mind
- allowing more and more people to share their views and express them freely,
especially through the Internet, can lead to dangerous ideas becoming widespread
and vulnerable people being influenced by them
How Christianity Uses the Media
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Jesus told his disciples to spread the word and many Christians see the ever-growing
influence of the Media as a positive in allowing Christians to do this very effectively. The
Media is used by Christians in a number of ways:
- Praise and Worship programmes on TV and Radio which allow people to worship
with others, without leaving home. These can be useful and comforting for those who
are housebound or live in remote places as well as evangelising (spreading themessage of Christianity) to any non-Christians who may be watching. Songs of
Praise on BBC1 is a good example of this.
- Documentaries, either looking at aspects of the Bible, the life of Jesus and Christian
belief generally or (something which is becoming more popular) focussing on the
lives of ordinary contemporary Christians (eg. An Island Parish on BBC2). There
have also been a number of Reality TV shows focussed on Christianity, such as
The Monastery and The Convent where ordinary people spent time with a
religious order and the cameras followed how they coped.
- Debates and Discussions eg. The Big Question where Christians discuss
contemporary moral, political and philosophical issues, often with people of other
religions or none.- Christian churches have used newspapers, magazines, leaflets and posters for years to
spread their message.
- Internet: most churches, denominations and other groups in Christianity now have a
strong presence on the Internet. There are also some internet-based churches, such
as www.stpixels.comwhere people meet on-line to pray, discuss and socialise
Portrayal of Religious Figures in the Media
Different Christians have different views on the portrayal of God, Jesus and other religious
figures in the Media.
Some Christians object to the depiction of God or Jesus by actors, or in cartoon form, as they
see it is disrespectful and, for some, going against the second commandment by creating
false idols.
Other Christians see the depiction of God or Jesus as a really positive thing, as long as it is
done respectfully and for the right reasons. Programmes such as Jesus of Nazareth and
films based on Biblical stories are generally seen by Christians as being positive as they help
to spread the message of Christianity.
Some films and TV programmes have included God and/or Jesus as comedy figures (eg.
South Park, Family Guy) or have told controversial and non-biblical stories (eg Jerry
Springer: The Opera). Many Christians have issues with these depictions as they can be seen
to be disrespectful to the religion. Others dont mind, believing that people are entitled to tell
any story they want to, but may choose not to watch these portrayals.
Religious characters are often included in Soap Operas, sitcoms etc. This is sometimes seen
as a positive thing, particularly if they are included as good moral role models, or show
Christians as ordinary. However, some would have issues with Christian characters that
deliberately portray a negative image, or are seen as figures of fun. Comedy programmes
such as Father Ted and Vicar of Dibley divide opinion among Christians some find
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them funny because they can relate to the characters and situations, others find them
offensive as they portray members of the clergy in an absurd and unflattering way.
Contemporary religious figures such as The Pope and the Archbishop of York are often
shown on TV and in Newspapers. Some Christians are concerned that the modern Media
shows a bias against Christianity, preferring to focus more on negative and controversialissues and news items which show Christianity in a bad light and give people an exaggerated
view. However, not all coverage is negative, as the Popes visit in 2010 showed.
Media with Religious and Philosophical Messages
Religious Messages
Films/books/plays that include religious characters, events or activities eg:
- Jesus Christ Superstar
- Bruce Almighty
- Monty Pythons Life of Brian
- The Da Vinci CodeChristian views on these generally depend on what message the writer/director is trying to get
across and whether it could have a positive or negative effect on Christianity. When Life of
Brian was first released many Christians were against it as it was seen as poking fun out of
both Jesus and Christianity. The Da Vinci Code received a similar reaction as many
Christians saw it as painting a negative (and false) picture of Christianity. Where a message is
overwhelmingly positive, however, many Christians are fine with it, even if the story is made
up and purely for entertainment (eg Bruce Almighty)
Philosophical Messages
Films/books/plays that focus on beliefs, morals, the meaning of life etc. eg:
- The Matrix
- The Chronicles of Narnia
- Star Wars
- Harry Potter
These films may not have a specific Christian focus, but are seen by many Christians as
positive as they tackle issues of good and evil, free will, the meaning of life etc. in a way that
Christians can relate to and learn from. (The Narnia stories in particular were written with
this in mind, and can be seen as allegories). Some Christians have issues with such films,
either because the messages they contain arent clearly biblical enough, or because a lot of
them involve fantasy elements which some people find un-Christian. (eg. some Christians
boycott Harry Potter because they are concerned by links with witchcraft, even though JKRowling is a Christian)
The Portrayal of Sex and Violence
Many Christians are concerned by the portrayal of sex and violence in the media because
they believe it can lead to people accepting casual sex and violence as the norm.
Some Christians are particularly concerned about the portrayal of sex in the media. TV
programmes, films, magazines and celebrities in general tend to give the impression that
casual and extra-marital sex (heterosexual and homosexual) are common and particularly in
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the case of casual sex expected behaviour. This could place pressure on Christians to feel
that they should be having sex in this way, or make them feel inferior if they don't.
Christians recognise that violence happens, and most would accept that this needs to be
shown in factual programmes, historical dramas (eg Schindlers List) or serious dramas
that aim to educate and inform. However, many Christians are concerned by the amount ofviolence in films and TV that is there for shock value or shown in a way that glamorises the
drama and makes it acceptable, or even attractive. Some believe that there is a link between
what people see on the screen and the way they then behave towards others copycats.
Most Christians believe that pornography is wrong. It involves sex outside a loving
relationship and exploits people as sex objects. It can also encourage an unhealthy and selfish
obsession with sex. Some Christians are concerned that, particularly since the development of
the internet and multi-channel TV, porn is becoming more widespread and is seen as more
acceptable.
Censorship and Freedom of Speech
Censorship is the act of controlling what is said or written in the media. This can be done for
a number of reasons:
- age restrictions on film or TV (the watershed) to protect young children from
violence, sex or adult themes
- removing information to protect someones privacy (eg super injunctions on
celebrities)
- removal or restriction of offensive, inappropriate or sensitive material
Recent Censorship in the news:
- Julian Assange and Wikileaks. The governments of several countries have been
concerned about this website which reveals information that is seen as sensitive.
This has led to debates on how much governments should be allowed to keep from
the public.
- Comedians telling jokes that are personal and offensive about individuals without
reasonable justification eg. Ross and Brand and Sachsgate, Frankie Boyle telling
jokes about Katie Prices disabled son.
Many Christians are in favour of a certain amount of censorship, particularly in areas of sex,
violence and swearing. Some feel that censorship doesnt go far enough and needs to be
stricter, to fit more closely with Christian views.
Others believe that censorship shouldnt be so strict, so that people can exercise their own
free will in choosing what to watch or read, as Christians are expected to make their own
moral choices. Some are concerned that censorship could easily include censoring their own
religious views.
Freedom of Speech is the belief that people have the right to voice their own opinions freely
and without restriction. This is generally seen as a positive and important right in western
countries such as the UK, as restrictions of freedom hark back to methods of control used by
totalitarian governments such as Nazi Germany.
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In the UK people are free to express their views, including their religious views, unless these
views are likely to incite hatred and discrimination (eg. racist views). There are some
countries in the world, eg North Korea, where Christians are not allowed to express their faith
and can be imprisoned, tortured or even killed if they do.
ETHICS PAPER TWO PAST PAPERS
(There is only one Past Paper and one Specimen Paper for thisunit, as it has only been set once before)
(June 2010)
Peace and Justice
(a) What is Capital Punishment? [1](b) Give two aims of punishment. [2]
(c) Describe the attitude of Christians might be towards capital punishment. [3]
(d) Explain what Christians might believe about the treatment of criminals. [6]
(e) Putting people into prison is a waste of money.
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view
and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]Total: [24]
Equality
(a) What does the word racism mean? [1]
(b) Give two examples of prejudice. [2]
(c) Suggest how Christians might work to stop racism. [3]
(d) Explain Christian teachings about equality. [6]
(e) Religious people should treat everyone equally.
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view
and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12][Total: 24]
Media
(a) What is censorship? [1]
(b) Give two ways in which Christianity might be portrayed in the media. [2]
(c) Suggest why Christians might want the media to be censored. [3]
(d) Explain Christian attitudes towards the portrayal of religious figures in the
media. [6]
(e) The media does not treat Christianity with respect
Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of view
and a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12][Total: 24]
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(Specimen Paper)
Peace and Justice
2 Christianity(a) What is pacifism? [1]
(b) Give two examples of what Christians might consider to be social injustice. [2]
(c) Why might Christians work for peace? [3]
(d) What are Christian attitudes towards war? [6](e) All people must be pacifists.Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of viewand a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]
Total: [24]
Equality
(a) What is meant by equality? [1]
(b) What do Christians believe about reconciliation? [2]
(c) Describe Christian beliefs about equality. [3]
(d) Explain Christian teaching about the role of women in society. [6]
(e) Men and women are not equal.Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of viewand a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]
Total: [24]
Media
(a) What is meant by the media? [1]
(b) What does freedom of speech mean? [2]
(c) How is Christianity portrayed in the media? [3]
(d) Explain Christian attitudes towards the portrayal of violence in the media. [6]
(e) People should never be allowed to make fun of religion in the media.Discuss this statement. You should include different, supported points of viewand a personal viewpoint. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. [12]
Total: [24]
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