The Christianity unit in A Level Religious Studies (RS) asks you to explain core doctrines, use sources of wisdom and authority accurately, and evaluate contemporary debates in theology and ethics.

Examiners reward tight AO1 (clear knowledge of beliefs, practices, scholars) paired with decisive AO2 (analysis, counter-arguments and justified conclusions).

Core doctrines you should be able to explain

• Trinity: One God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); economic vs immanent Trinity; biblical bases (e.g., Matt 28:19).
• Incarnation & Christology: Fully God and fully human; titles (Logos, Son of Man/Son of God); councils and heresies (e.g., Chalcedon, Arianism—if on your spec).
• Atonement & Salvation: Ransom, satisfaction, penal substitution, moral example; grace and faith; justification debates (Augustine, Aquinas, Luther).
• Eschatology & Kingdom of God: Resurrection and life after death; realised vs future kingdom; parousia and judgement imagery.
• Church & Sacraments: Nature and mission of the Church; Eucharist interpretations (transubstantiation, consubstantiation, memorialism); baptism and initiation.

Sources of wisdom & authority (how to use them well)

• Scripture: Canon, inspiration and interpretation (literal, allegorical, critical). Cite short phrases (e.g., “image of God”, “love your neighbour”) and apply them.
• Tradition: Creeds, councils, magisterium (Catholic/Orthodox), vs. sola scriptura emphases (Protestant).
• Reason & experience: Conscience, natural law, religious experience; how communities weigh these alongside scripture.
• Scholars & theologians: Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Barth, Rahner, Bultmann, N. T. Wright (examples). Use one line per scholar to drive evaluation.

Contemporary debates you may evaluate

• Science & creation: Genesis interpretations; compatibilist readings vs conflict models; the role of natural theology.
• Gender & ministry: Ordination debates; biblical texts and hermeneutics; complementarian vs egalitarian arguments.
• Sexual ethics & marriage: Tradition, natural law, pastoral approaches, and changing cultural contexts.
• Pluralism & salvation: Exclusivism, inclusivism (Rahner’s “anonymous Christian”), pluralism; mission vs dialogue.
• Faith & politics: Liberation theology, social justice, pacifism/just war, civil disobedience.

Essay technique that earns marks

• Plan in 4 minutes: Thesis → 3–4 paragraph points → a source/scholar for each → a counter → final judgement.
• Paragraph frame (PEEL/PEACE): Point → Evidence (brief verse/creed/scholar) → Analysis/Application → Counter → Evaluate/Conclude.
• Use sources surgically: Short phrases (not long quotes) tied to your conclusion, e.g., “imago Dei” → dignity → ethics of treatment.

Micro-example (Eucharist significance)

Point: A real presence view strengthens ecclesial unity and worship focus.

Evidence (AO1): “This is my body…”; Aquinas on transubstantiation; early creed/liturgy.

Counter (AO2): Memorialist readings prioritise scripture’s symbolic language and avoid metaphysical claims.

Evaluate (AO2): For traditions valuing sacramental grace and continuity, real presence better explains historic practice; symbolist views fit traditions emphasising preaching/word. On balance, the question’s emphasis on ecclesial unity favours real presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need long Bible quotations?

No. Use short phrases or key references and link them directly to your judgement. Long quotes waste time.

How many scholars per essay?

Quality over quantity—one precise scholar or doctrinal source per paragraph, used to drive AO2 evaluation, is plenty.

How do I show AO2 in doctrine questions?

Raise a live dispute (e.g., different atonement models), present the best counter, then give a reasoned conclusion for the case at hand.

Are topics the same across AQA/Edexcel/OCR?

All include Christianity, but options and emphasis vary by board. Check your specification and your exam centre’s supported options.

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