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2 The existence of God (a) What is meant by the term soul-making? (b) Outline the argument for the existence of God from First Cause - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
2 The existence of God (a) What is meant by the term soul-making? (b) Outline the argument for the existence of God from First Cause. (c) Explain why Christia... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:2 The existence of God (a) What is meant by the term soul-making? (b) Outline the argument for the existence of God from First Cause - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
What is meant by the term soul-making?
Answer
Soul-making refers to the idea that life experiences contribute to the development and maturation of an individual's soul. It denotes a process by which humans cultivate virtues and character through suffering and challenges, ultimately leading to spiritual growth. This concept emphasizes the role of trials in shaping identity, suggesting that humans are not simply created with predetermined qualities but are continuously evolving through their decisions and experiences.
Step 2
Outline the argument for the existence of God from First Cause.
Answer
The First Cause argument posits that everything that exists has a cause. Since the universe exists, it too must have a cause. This leads to the conclusion that the First Cause must be uncaused, eternal, and necessary. The argument often references Aristotle's idea of a prime mover and Aquinas's stance that God is the necessary being that initiated the existence of everything else. In contemporary discourse, this aligns with scientific approaches such as the Big Bang theory, which suggest a definitive beginning to the universe, thus necessitating a cause.
Step 3
Explain why Christians have different beliefs about God's relationship with the world.
Answer
Christian beliefs regarding God's relationship with the world vary widely due to different interpretations of scripture, historical context, and denominational teachings. Some Christians see God as a creator who maintains direct involvement, aligning with the traditional view of God’s providence. Others view God as more distant, having set the world in motion and allowing human beings to govern themselves. The varying emphasis on scripture, religious tradition, and personal experiences leads to differing theological viewpoints on how God interacts with creation.
Step 4
'All Christians should accept that the Bible is the Word of God.' Discuss this statement.
Answer
The Bible is viewed by many Christians as the authoritative text that conveys God's will and message to humanity. This perspective holds that scripture is divinely inspired and serves as a guide for faith and practice. However, not all Christians interpret the Bible in the same way. Some emphasize literal interpretations, while others advocate for contextual readings that consider historical and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, viewpoints on the authority of scripture may differ between denominations, leading to varied opinions about its role in guiding ethical and moral decisions. Ultimately, the statement invites a rich discussion on faith, interpretation, and the relationship between scripture and experience in the Christian journey.