Applying religious teachings to real-life situations

Overview

This guide explores how to apply Christian teachings to contemporary ethical issues, a central requirement of the OCR J625 specification. Examiners expect candidates to move beyond simple statements of belief to a nuanced analysis of how scripture, tradition, and reason shape Christian responses to modern dilemmas. This involves understanding the diversity of views within Christianity and evaluating the influence of these teachings on believers' lives. A high-level response will demonstrate a clear chain of reasoning, connecting a specific Source of Wisdom and Authority to a real-world situation and explaining its impact on decision-making. This skill is essential for success in both the 5-mark 'Explain' and 15-mark 'Discuss' questions, which together constitute a significant portion of the exam.

Key Concepts

Sources of Wisdom and Authority

What it is: The foundations upon which Christians base their beliefs and moral decisions. For the OCR exam, these are primarily Scripture, Tradition, and Reason.

Why it matters: You cannot earn marks without referencing these. Every argument must be grounded in a specific source.

Specific Knowledge:

• Scripture: The Bible (Old and New Testaments). Key texts include Genesis, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10), and Paul's Epistles (e.g., Romans, Corinthians).
• Tradition: The accumulated wisdom of the Church. This includes the teachings of the Church Fathers (e.g., Augustine, Thomas Aquinas), the Creeds (e.g., Nicene Creed), and the formal pronouncements of Church councils (e.g., Second Vatican Council) and leaders (e.g., the Pope for Roman Catholics).
• Reason/Experience: The use of logic, conscience, and personal experience to interpret and apply scripture and tradition. This is particularly important for understanding how teachings are adapted to new contexts.

Denominational Diversity

What it is: The recognition that Christianity is not a single, monolithic entity. Different denominations (e.g., Roman Catholic, Anglican, Quaker, Methodist) often have distinct interpretations and ethical stances.

Why it matters: Using phrases like "All Christians believe..." is a common mistake that limits marks. Showing awareness of different viewpoints is a hallmark of a high-level response.

Specific Knowledge: Be able to contrast at least two denominational views on key issues. For example:

• War: Roman Catholic Just War Theory vs. Quaker Pacifism.
• Abortion: The absolute prohibition in Roman Catholicism vs. the more nuanced, situational approach of the Church of England.
• Social Justice: The focus on charity and the 'Preferential Option for the Poor' in Catholicism vs. the emphasis on structural change and equality in Quakerism.

The 'This Means That' Bridge

What it is: A technique for ensuring you explain the connection between a teaching and its application. After citing a source, you must explicitly state what it means for a believer's actions.

Why it matters: It forces you to move from description (AO1) to analysis (AO2). It is the core of what it means to 'apply' a teaching.

Example: "The Bible teaches 'Love thy neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12:31). This means that a Christian should show compassion and care for others, regardless of their background. Therefore, when faced with the issue of poverty, a Christian might be motivated to volunteer at a food bank or campaign for fairer wages."

Exam Structure and Technique

Named Example Bank

Examiners reward specific, detailed knowledge. Here are five essential named examples to use in your answers:

1. The Quaker Peace Testimony (1661): A formal declaration by the Religious Society of Friends rejecting all forms of violence and war. Use this when discussing pacifism and conscientious objection.

2. Second Vatican Council (1962-1965): A major gathering of Catholic bishops that modernized Church teaching. Key documents include Gaudium et Spes (on the Church in the modern world) which addresses social justice, war, and human dignity.

3. Pope Francis's Encyclical Laudato Si' (2015): A papal letter on environmental care, calling for 'integral ecology' and care for our common home. Use for questions on environmental ethics and stewardship.

4. Desmond Tutu (1931-2021): Anglican Archbishop and anti-apartheid activist who applied Christian teachings to the struggle for racial justice in South Africa. Use for questions on social justice and reconciliation.

5. The Trussell Trust: A Christian charity operating food banks across the UK. Use as a concrete example of how the teaching in Matthew 25 (feeding the hungry) is applied in modern Britain.

Application to Real-Life Situations: Step-by-Step

When answering a question about applying teachings, follow this process:

1. Identify the ethical issue: What is the question asking about? (e.g., poverty, war, abortion)
2. Select a relevant Source of Wisdom and Authority: Choose a biblical passage, church teaching, or theological principle that directly addresses this issue.
3. Explain the teaching: What does it say? What is the core principle?
4. Apply the 'This means that' bridge: How does this teaching translate into action or belief?
5. Give a real-world example: Name a specific person, organization, or action that demonstrates this application.
6. Show denominational diversity (if relevant): Are there different Christian views on this? Contrast at least two.

Common Ethical Issues and Key Teachings