Structure 20-mark questions in Christianity

I’ve recently been posting (recent as in this evening!) about different structures for analysis questions in Christianity which got me thinking about 20-mark questions and preferred structure for those. Again, I don’t have any really strict rules or firm opinions on this one but let’s give a couple a go.

In this first one, I’ve chosen to get all my KU done first before going into separate analysis and evaluation paragraphs. I found this pretty quick and straightforward to do and would recommend for most questions. Remember, we could also see a question about the ‘significance’ or ‘impact’ of beliefs, but whatever the word – just use that one in your evaluation!

Evaluate the relevance of Christian beliefs about heaven and hell.

Heaven is a place for those who have lived a life that God judges to be worthy of a reward. (KU) It is described in the Bible in many ways, such as a beautiful garden, a banquet, or a city filled with light. (KU) But the best thing about it is that you are meant to be in the presence of God and that it’s a place of perfect love, joy and peace. (KU) In the Bible, it says that in heaven God will ‘wipe every tear from their eyes’ (KU)  and that ‘there will be no more death.’ (KU) Jesus taught in his parable – the sheep and the goats –  that those who have followed his example (the sheep) will be the ones in heaven. (KU)

Hell is seen as separation from God and is also described in different ways such as complete darkness, fire, or a place of weeping. (KU) However, most scholars believe that these are no literal descriptions but symbols that show that you are cut off from love and goodness. (KU) The Pope wrote that ‘hell exists because human freedom exists.’ (KU) This quote shows that only people who have chosen to misuse their freewill be in hell, and it was their choice to go there. (KU) Hell is said to be ruled by Satan – a fallen angel –  who was sent there for his disobedience to God. (KU)

Believing in an afterlife could motivate someone to follow the example of Jesus, so that they are rewarded with a place in Heaven. (A) The idea of hell could make them feel very scared and anxious about decisions they make as they are scared of messing up. (A) The idea of heaven could make a person feel better when their friends or family pass away because they can believe they’re in a ‘better place.’ (A) Knowing that people are punished for their wrong doings might make people feel like life is more fair as nothing is hidden from God. (A) A person might also feel confused about how a loving God could send a person to be in hell which is a terrible place. (A)

This belief is relevant because ultimately, all of us will die one day and therefore these beliefs are relevant to every single person as it could be our destination. (E) It’s also relevant because no one really knows what happens after death, so this belief is as relevant as it ever was – it can’t be disproven by science etc. (E) But I also think that it’s less relevant because the idea of heaven and hell were used to control people for a long time, and for the majority of churches in the UK it’s not used that way anymore. (E) I think it is relevant because it offers people comfort in a time when it can be hard to look forward to the future. The idea that there is nothing beyond this life can be depressing, and the idea of heaven gives people hope. (E) The beliefs about heaven and hell are also relevant because they help us learn about God – He is loving but He is also just and most importantly, concerned in the details of life. And as God is the centre of all things in Christianity, it must be relevant.  (E)

For this one, I’ve tried to separate my essay into two sections – shared beliefs and then beliefs across different denominations (types of Christianity). I’m not sure if it was the topic or the structure, but I think I preferred the heaven and hell one!

Evaluate the significance of beliefs about judgement.

Christians believe that God is the ultimate judge of all human actions. (KU) As God is all present and all knowing there is no action that is hidden from him. (KU) The parable of the Sheep and the Goats teaches that people will be based on how they treated others. (KU) Those who are judged to be good will be rewarded with eternal life in heaven with God. (KU) Whereas those who turn from God will be in hell which is often depicted as a place of fire and torment. (KU)

These beliefs might lead a Christian to feel very anxious as they know there are severe consequences for doing the wrong thing. (A) Beliefs about judgement could remind Christians to live moral lives and to follow God’s teachings. (A) They could also give Christians hope for the future as they know that death is not the end. (A)

I think that these beliefs are significant because they can alter how a person feels and ultimately will choose to live their life as a consequence. (E) They are also significant because we have seen in the past how the threat of hell has been used to control people and the power that fear can really have on people. For example, the Church in the Middle Ages had ultimate power because people really lived in fear of God’s judgment. (E)

But there are also different beliefs across Christian denominations. Roman Catholics (and Orthodox Christians) believe that there is ‘particular judgment’ which happens immediately after death (KU) and then ‘final judgment’ which will happen at the end of time. (KU) Particular judgement is for the individual soul but final judgment is for all of humanity. (KU) It is believed that Jesus will return to Judge and that this will be the end of the world. (KU) Roman Catholics also believe that there is a third option (aside from heaven and hell) and that purgatory is a place of purification before entering heaven. (KU)

These beliefs might lead a Christian to be confused about what to believe as there is no agreement across the denominations on what seems like an important belief. (A) They might also find it hard to understand how a loving God would want people to be in hell forever. (A)

I think that these beliefs are significant because it shows that faith isn’t just an individual thing but that humanity as a whole will face judgement, which also shows why the Church is important in terms of Christians working together. (E) I also think that it is significant because knowing that there is a place to be purified helps to solve any worries about God not being loving as this gives people a second chance. (E) But I think because there are differing views that it is not a significant belief because these ideas must have developed over time to be different and can’t be direct Biblical teaching which shows it is not a really important thing. (E)