Relationship Questions in Christianity
In the World Religion section of Higher, we can have two types of ‘Analysis Question.’
The first is fairly straightforward – ‘Analyse the purpose of a (insert practice).’ I’ve got a post with two examples from Christianity here.
The second type of question is slightly trickier as it involves finding the ‘relationship’ between two beliefs OR a belief and a practice. For Christianity that means there is a big variety of questions – for the geeky amongst you… treating each named belief and practice as a separate examinable area, there are 56 possible pairings: 21 belief-to-belief questions and 35 belief-to-practice questions.
However, I would absolutely NOT advise practicing all 56 combinations. As I mentioned in my last post about exam technique in the World Religion section – I ask my pupils to find as many connections as they can every time we learn a new section of the World Religion. By practising this skill, they are far less phased by a combination they may not have seen before.
If should also be noted that some of the pairings – whilst possible – would be ridiculous because they don’t clearly connect in four different ways. The questions do have to be fair.
For example, I wouldn’t give my candidates ‘Analyse the relationship between sin and the Christian community.’ as can you find 4 connection points as a teacher?! Being part of the community might mean you’re less inclined to sin, there’s sinners within the community?! If you start ‘reaching’ then it’s probably not going to be a question!!
Other topics naturally sit together quite nicely – free will and stewardship, beliefs about Jesus and the Eucharist, beliefs about Jesus and living according to the Gospels. Any ‘nice’ combo where you can easily find connections as a subject expert is generally a good one to try (in my opinion!!)
As for structure, I think these questions are a bit of a gift. Here’s an example I’ve been working on – can you spot the structure?!
Analyse the relationship between beliefs about Jesus and Christian action.
Christians believe that Jesus is part of the ‘Trinity’ and is the son of God. (KU) The Bible is a record of his ministry and describes how he spent time with social outcasts such as tax collectors and prostitutes. (KU) Christians believe that Jesus taught them that caring for ‘the least of my people’ is the same as caring for him.(KU)
On example of Christian action can be seen through the Salvation Army. One element of their mission is to ‘spread the good news’ and they do this by playing music in the street to attract attention so they can hand out information. (KU) Another element is serving others and they do this through running food banks and drop-in centres. (KU) They also fight against injustice and run 25 debt advice centres across the UK. (KU)
These beliefs about Jesus relate to Christian action in a number of ways. Firstly, Christians know how to act because Jesus gave them the example of how to do this. (A) Secondly, through action Christians can show their gratitude to God for sending Jesus to them. (A) Thirdly, Christian action – like the Salvation Army – often targets the type of people that Jesus showed care for so is a way to obey his commands. (A) Lastly, the whole point of spreading the ‘good news’ is to tell people about Jesus, so without Jesus at its centre, then Christian action loses its meaning. (A)
Another structure (which personally I find trickier – and ends up with more KU than needed is to go 2-1/2-1/2-1/2-1:
Analyse the relationship between beliefs about Jesus and the Eucharist. (10)
Christians believe that Jesus gave his life so that humans can be forgiven for their sin. (KU) The Eucharist recalls the event of the Last Supper, where Jesus broke bread and said ‘this is my body broken for you.’ (KU) This shows that they relate because by taking part in the Eucharist, Christians are reminded that Jesus died for them. (A)
Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God – in human form. (KU). Roman Catholics between that during the Eucharist a process called ‘transubstantiation’ occurs where the bread and wine literally become Christ. (KU) Therefore these beliefs relate because by consuming the bread and wine, Christians are becoming one with Jesus.
Christians believe that Jesus had twelve disciples and it was these men that he shared the ‘Last Supper’ with. (KU) The Eucharist is generally carried out as part of the Sunday church service with the congregation gathered together. (KU) Therefore these beliefs relate because by coming together, Christians are mimicking the first community that Jesus gathered around himself.
Christians believed that Jesus told people that once they were forgiven for their sins they should ‘go and sin no more.’ (KU) As part of the Eucharistic service Christians confess their sins before taking on the bread and the wine. (KU) This shows that the two relate because the Eucharist is the renewal of a commitment to avoid sin and to live as Jesus intended. (A)
In truth… I found this question harder than the first and had to really recall some specific knowledge. Perhaps an indication I need to hit the books OR an indication it would be a tricky question!!
What’s your preferred approach for questions like this?
P.S. I’ve got a post similar to this one focused on Islam. If one focused on another World Religion would be helpful – let me know in the comments!