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Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes (a) State three ways in which the Christian religion influences public life. - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes (a) State three ways in which the Christian religion influences public life.. (b) Describe what... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes (a) State three ways in which the Christian religion influences public life. - OCR - GCSE Religious Studies - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
State three ways in which the Christian religion influences public life.
Answer
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Moral Guidance: The Christian religion provides moral guidance that influences laws and social norms, such as teachings on equality and compassion. These teachings often shape public policies, particularly in areas like welfare and human rights.
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Community Involvement: Churches play an integral role in community service, engaging in charitable activities, and providing support systems for the needy. This involvement impacts public welfare initiatives and strengthens local communities.
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Political Participation: Many Christians actively participate in politics, advocating for policies that align with Christian values. This can lead to significant influence on legislation, particularly in social issues.
Step 2
Describe what inter-faith dialogue means to Christians in Great Britain.
Answer
Inter-faith dialogue refers to discussions and interactions between people of different faiths aimed at fostering understanding, respect, and cooperation. For Christians in Great Britain, it involves sharing beliefs and practices with individuals from other religions, such as Islam and Judaism. This dialogue is essential to promote tolerance, address societal issues collaboratively, and reduce prejudices. It challenges Christians to reflect on their own faith while learning about others, which enhances mutual respect and community harmony.
Step 3
Explain how Christian teachings affect the attitudes of Christians to abortion.
Answer
Christian teachings significantly influence attitudes towards abortion, primarily focusing on the sanctity of life. Most Christian denominations believe that life begins at conception, leading to the view that abortion is morally wrong. For instance, many reference Psalm 139:13-16 which speaks about God's active role in the formation of each individual. Additionally, teachings emphasize compassion for both the unborn child and the mother, encouraging supportive responses that respect life while providing help to mothers in difficult situations. Overall, these teachings guide Christians to advocate for life-affirming alternatives.
Step 4
"Religion should always influence how a country is ruled." Discuss this statement.
Answer
This statement invites critical reflection on the role of religion in governance. Supporters argue that religious values provide a moral foundation for laws that promote justice and welfare. Within Christianity, teachings on love, justice, and caring for others can guide leaders to make ethical decisions. For example, Archbishop Desmond Tutu emphasizes the necessity of moral principles in governance.
On the other hand, critics contend that religious influence in politics can lead to the marginalization of non-religious citizens and minorities. A secular approach may better serve a diverse society by ensuring that laws reflect the pluralistic nature of the populace. Thus, while religion can positively inform governance, it must be balanced with the principles of democracy and respect for all beliefs.