RE: Catholic Christianity - Forms of Expression and ways of life - Past Paper questions and answers

Forms of Expession and Ways of Life 

THIS IS FROM THE SAMPLE ASSESMENT MATERIALS RELEASED BY EDEXCEL, THESE ARE MODEL ANSWERS. 

(a) Outline three aspects of the symbolism of the cross for Christians.

Award one mark for each point identified up to a maximum of three.

• It is a universally acknowledged symbol of the Christian faith by all denominations (1)
• The crucifix is a physical reminder of the suffering Jesus went through for others(1)
• It is a reminder that Jesus’ death delivered humans from sin (1)
• The empty cross is symbolic of Jesus’ power over death (1)
• It as a reminder to Christians that God is with them through their own sufferings(1)

(b) Explain two reasons why Orthodox Christians use icons.

Award one mark for providing a reason. Award a second mark for development of the reason.Up to a maximum of four marks.

• Icons are visual representations of God, Jesus and the saints (1) which help believers appreciate individual qualities of each of them(1)
• An icon is a window into heaven (1) as an icon has no shadows or real perspective unlike earth (1)
• Icons help the believer to worship and praise God (1) as St Basil ‘the honour paid to the image passes to the prototype’ (1)

(c) Explain two reasons why religious paintings are significant within Christianity. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.

Award one mark for each reason/belief. Award further marks for each development of the reason/belief up to a maximum of four marks. Award one further mark for any relevant source of wisdom or authority.

• Creating religious paintings can be seen as an…