GCSE Religious Studies - Skills Builder 1 TGAU Astudiaethau Crefyddol - Gweithgaredd Meithrin Sgiliau 1

On the Religious Studies GCSE exams, the c) questions ask for explanations.

Explanations need to include the word ‘because’ – it is difficult to explain something well without using this word at least several times.

Use the religion(s) or religious traditions you have learned about to add the explanations to the following statements. Don’t forget that in the Philosophy/Ethics c) questions, you will be asked to explain from two religions’ perspectives, but the examples below are just for you to practice the skill of explaining.

Remember, try and use ‘because’ whenever it is sensible to do so. Below is an example.

Also remember that using relevant sources and good religious language will also gain credit:

1. Some religious traditions do not agree with same-sex relationships because sacred writings, such as the Bible, seem to say that they are wrong. For example, ‘You must not lie with a man as with a woman’. Other teachings in the Bible say that marriage should be between a man and a woman, ‘a man must be joined to his wife and the two shall become one’. Also, it is considered wrong because a same-sex couple can’t produce a baby naturally and this goes against the idea in Genesis that we should ‘go forth and multiply’. Catholics do not agree because one of Thomas Aquinas’ Precepts says that sex should always be open to the possibility of creating a baby.