GCSE Religious Studies: Thematic Studies
The thematic papers are where the marks are, and the examiner is not asking what you think. The question is always which teaching or principle a believer holding a stated position would appeal to, and why someone in the same tradition might reach a different conclusion. So every question here is built around the reasoning rather than the verdict.
Two questions on relationships turn on exactly that. Marriage as a covenant made before God is the principle behind the claim that it cannot be dissolved — and the question says openly that some denominations do permit divorce and remarriage. The disagreement over contraception is presented as what it actually is: a question about whether the unitive and procreative purposes of sex can be separated, with the Catholic position holding that they cannot and others holding that responsible parenthood allows it.
The rest covers the priority of human life in arguments about animal research, the sanctity-of-life case against euthanasia, last resort as a condition of just war, the Quaker peace testimony, reformation as an aim of punishment, Christian opposition to capital punishment set against older retributive principles, the image of God as the argument against discrimination, and what the design argument actually claims.
Nothing here evaluates. No question asks whether a belief is true, which position is morally right, or which religion is correct — only what is held and on what grounds. Exam board specifications, past papers and mark schemes are copyright material and nothing in this set is taken from them.
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- Identify the principle a believer appeals to on a contested issue, and say why others in the same tradition disagree
- Explain the covenant argument for lifelong marriage and the unitive/procreative distinction behind the contraception debate
- State the sanctity-of-life argument on euthanasia and the priority-of-human-life argument on animal research
- Name conditions of just war theory and describe the Quaker pacifist position
- Distinguish retribution, deterrence, reformation and protection as aims of punishment
- Set out the image-of-God argument against prejudice and the core claim of the design argument
Why do some religious believers argue that contraception is acceptable within a marriage, while others, such as the Catholic Church, traditionally oppose it? — one of ten questions written for this set, alongside marriage as covenant, animal research, euthanasia, just war, Quaker pacifism, aims of punishment, capital punishment, discrimination and the design argument.
Sample question
Which principle do many Christians use to argue that marriage is a lifelong commitment, despite some denominations allowing for divorce and remarriage?
- The belief that marriage is a sacred covenant before God that cannot be dissolved by human action.
- The legal requirement that all civil contracts must be permanent to be recognised by the state.
- The teaching that remarriage is only permitted if the first spouse has passed away.
- The view that marriage is primarily a social arrangement designed to ensure the stability of the state.
See the answer
The belief that marriage is a sacred covenant before God that cannot be dissolved by human action.
Many Christians view marriage as a sacrament or covenant, which implies an unbreakable spiritual bond. While some traditions allow for divorce as a recognition of a failed relationship, the core theological argument for permanence rests on the idea of a divine covenant, not civil law or state requirements.