3.1 Component 1: Catholic Christianity
This component covers the content laid down by DfE for study of religions: Catholic Christianity: beliefs and teachings; practices; sources of wisdom and authority, and forms of expression.
Catholic Christianity should be studied in the context of Christianity as a whole, and common and divergent views within Catholic Christianity and, where relevant, Christianity as a whole, should be included throughout. Students should be aware of the influence of Catholic Christianity on individuals, communities and societies.
Creation
Students explore the Catholic understanding of creation, particularly the notions of God as creator, humanity as the image of God and the role of humanity as stewards of creation. Students also explore the basis for these beliefs in scripture and their expression both in the visual arts and in the increasing agency of the Church in tackling global concerns about the environment, as well as different Christian understandings of the account of creation in Genesis 1 and 2 and the Catholic understanding of the harmony between science and religion. Although the material is set out in separate sections, all parts are linked and students may draw ideas together in any way they wish in response to the set questions.
Forms of expression – art
- The meaning and significance of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam.
- How it reflects Catholic beliefs about God as creator and the creation of humanity in the image of God.
- How its meaning and significance contrasts with one other Christian artistic expression of creation.
Beliefs and teachings
- The nature of God expressed in Genesis 1 and 2: God as creator, God as transcendent and omnipotent; the significance of these beliefs for Catholics.
- The meaning and significance of the belief that human beings are made in the image of God.
- The influence of this on Catholic views about: free will, stewardship, the dignity of human beings and the sanctity of life.
Sources of authority
Scripture
- The origin of the Bible, its structure and key literary forms, including law, history and prophecy.
- The meaning and significance of Catholic understanding of inspiration and of the Bible as the revealed Word of God.
- Issues concerning the literary type of the Genesis creation accounts and different Christian understandings of their significance.
Tradition
Natural law, including how belief in the goodness of creation leads to Catholic understanding of natural law and how belief in natural law influences Catholic views about the sanctity of life.
Magisterium
The influence of the Second Vatican Council on Catholic views of the harmony between science and religion, eg Gaudium et Spes 36.
Practices
- Care for the environment as an expression of the requirement to ‘love our neighbour’ in concrete terms.
- The meaning of stewardship and of different ways in which Catholics might carry out their duty to be stewards at a local, national and global level.
- The meaning and significance of CAFOD’s work on sustainability as an expression of Catholic beliefs about the goodness of creation.
Incarnation
Students explore the Catholic understanding of incarnation as the revelation of God in the image of humanity. The significance of the example and teaching of Jesus as the authoritative source for moral teaching is considered, alongside the importance of the sacramental nature of reality and expressions of beliefs about Jesus in symbol and statuary. This leads to an examination of different Christian views about images of Jesus. Although the material is set out in separate sections, all parts of the content are linked and students may draw ideas together in any way they wish in response to the set questions.
Forms of expression – symbol and incarnation
- The religious significance and relevance of the following Christian symbols: Ichthus (fish), Alpha and Omega, Chi-Rho.
- How belief in the incarnation has influenced Catholic views about religious art and imagery.
- The meaning and significance for Catholics of one sculpture or statue of Jesus and different Christian views about sculptures, statues or images of Jesus.
Beliefs and teachings
- The meaning and scriptural origins of the belief in Jesus as the incarnate Son (Luke 1:26–38 and Matthew 1:18–24) and divine Word (John 1:1–4 and 1:14).
- Jesus as both fully human and fully God,
including the meaning and significance of:
- Jesus as ‘Son of Man’ (Mark 8:31)
- Jesus as ‘Son of God’ (Mark 14:61–62).
Sources of authority
Scripture
Jesus as the fulfilment of the law, a model of virtues and authoritative source for moral teaching as exemplified in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12) and in his teaching on how Christians should respond to those in need (Matthew 25:31–46).
Tradition
The meaning and significance of ‘the glory of God is a human being, fully alive’ from the writings of Irenaeus (Adversus Haereses, 4,20,7).
Magisterium
The similarities and differences in the understanding of the incarnation as presented in Dei Verbum 4 and Verbum Domini 12.
Practices
- The meaning and significance of grace and the sacramental nature of reality, including how a belief in the incarnation leads to these beliefs.
- The names of the seven sacraments and Catholic beliefs about their effects on the sanctification of life.
- The meaning and significance of the influence of imago dei on Catholic practice in terms of protection of the unborn, with reference to Luke 1:44.
The Triune God, mission and prayer
Students consider Catholic understanding of the glory of God and the mystery of the Trinity. Expressions of this belief in music, scripture and tradition are explored along with the authority and influence of the magisterium and the practice of prayer. Although the material is set out in separate sections, all parts of the content are linked and students may draw ideas together in any way they wish in response to the set questions.
Forms of expression – music and the glory of God
- The use of different styles of music in worship including psalms, plainchant, traditional hymns, contemporary worship songs and their influence.
- Mass settings used in liturgy, their significance and influence.
- Eucharistic acclamations: the Gloria, Alleluia, Sanctus and Mystery of Faith.
Beliefs and teachings
- One God as a Trinity of persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit as expressed in the Nicene Creed; the scriptural origins of this belief: Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 3:16–17, Galatians 4:6.
- How belief in the Trinity has influenced Christian interpretations of Genesis 1:1–3.
- The significance and influence of belief in the Trinity in Catholic life today, including an understanding of mission and evangelism as a work of the Spirit presented in Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est 19.
Sources of authority
Scripture
Christian understanding of God as a Trinity of persons with reference to Mark 1:9–11 and Galatians 4:6–7.
Tradition
St Augustine and Catherine LaCugna on the intimacy of God's love; similarities and differences.
Magisterium
The meaning and significance of conciliar magisterial authority, including its influence on Catholic doctrine of the Trinity with reference to the Councils of Nicaea (AD 325) and Constantinople (AD 381).
Practices
- The meaning and significance of Baptism as a sign of initiation and participation in the life of God, Father, Son and Spirit.
- The significance of prayer as a ‘raising of the heart and mind to God', including contrasting features of traditional and spontaneous prayers.
- How prayer and posture are linked in Christian worship.
Redemption – ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven
Students explore the Paschal mystery of salvation as it is understood in Catholic theology and as it is celebrated and realised in Catholic worship, as well as the Church as the ‘Body of Christ’ and a redeemed ‘People of God’. They will consider the different metaphors used to express the mystery of salvation and the shape, contents and meaning of Church buildings and decoration ‒ specifically those parts of a Church which speak directly about the mystery of salvation as celebrated and made present in the sacrament of the Eucharist. The wonder of redemption is a common theme within Catholic Christianity, but thinkers such as Irenaeus and Anselm emphasise different aspects of the tradition. Although the material is set out in separate sections, all parts of the content are linked and students may draw ideas together in any way they wish in response to the set questions.
Forms of expression – architecture and design
- How the architecture, design and decoration of Catholic churches reflect Catholic beliefs and facilitate worship.
- How the lectern, altar, crucifix and tabernacle express different aspects of the mystery of redemption and facilitate worship.
- How contrasting architecture and artefacts within a church emphasise different aspects of Catholic belief both for individuals and as a community of believers including table or altar, a plain cross, crucifix or ‘risen Christ’.
Beliefs and teachings
- The death of Jesus understood as restoration through sacrifice; the resurrection understood as restoration through recreation; the ascension understood as restoration of the cosmic order.
- The significance of each event in the story of redemption.
- Contrasting Christian views on ‘salvation’ (past, present or future) and grace.
- How far the story of redemption has influenced Catholic understanding of the liturgy.
Sources of authority
Scripture
Identification and understanding of redemption themes in Mark 15:21–39 and John 20:1–18, Acts 1:6–11 and 2:1–4.
Tradition
A comparison of salvation metaphors in Irenaeus and Anselm.
Magisterium
The meaning and significance of the conscience as the Voice of God and as a guide for the redeemed with reference to Gaudium et Spes 16 and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Different Christian understandings of the conscience and its value as a guide.
Practices – Eucharist and redemption
- The Mass as the ‘source and summit’ of Christian life including the meaning and significance of the Eucharist for Catholics and other Christian denominations.
- Understanding how the Words of Institution, the Agnus Dei, the ‘Real Presence’ and ‘the sacrifice of the Mass’ are linked. How belief in the ‘real presence’ influences Eucharistic adoration.
Church and the Kingdom of God
Students explore the nature of the Church and its mission to bring about the Kingdom of God as expressed in the Lord’s Prayer. Catholic understanding of the Church as the pilgrim people of God is explored through the study of dramatised prayer and pilgrimage and the meaning of mission through vocation and service.
Although the content is set out in separate sections, all parts are linked and students may draw ideas together in any way they wish in response to the set questions.
Forms of expression – drama and the faith journey
- How ‘dramatised prayer’, including the Stations of the Cross, reflects Catholic beliefs about the Church as a people of God on a sacred journey of service.
- Pilgrimage as dramatised journey: the meaning and significance of pilgrimage to holy sites including Jerusalem, Rome, Walsingham and Lourdes.
- How Catholic understandings of mission and evangelism are expressed in drama and the influence of such drama.
Beliefs and teachings
- The meaning and significance of the ‘Reign’ or ’Kingdom’ of God as expressed in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13).
- Understanding of Catholic teaching on justice, peace and reconciliation as signs of the Kingdom.
- Understanding the hierarchy of the Church and its consultative nature as reflected in the Second Vatican Council, including an outline of the history of the Council, the four key documents and their themes.
Sources of authority
Scripture
The meaning and significance of Mary as model of discipleship in the Church; Luke 1:46‒55 the Magnificat as a controversial Kingdom prayer.
Tradition
Identification and meaning of the four marks of the Church: one, holy, catholic and apostolic; how belief in ‘apostolic succession’ leads to a Catholic understanding of the magisterium.
Magisterium
- The nature of the magisterium both conciliar and pontifical.
- The role of the magisterium in providing Catholic social teaching in Gaudium et Spes 1 and Evangelii Gaudium 53–54.
Practices – Church as Body of Christ
- How the command to love our neighbour in concrete ways is expressed in the works of Catholic agencies, locally, nationally and globally: the work of two agencies should be studied, one working locally, the other working nationally and globally.
- How Kingdom values have influenced the ways in which vocation is understood in Catholicism whether through priesthood, family, religious life or community.
- How belief in justice, peace and reconciliation is expressed in the life of one important Catholic figure.
Eschatology: Christian life, death and eternity
Students consider what Catholics believe about life after death and the implications of these beliefs for how Catholics live their lives today.
This includes an exploration of the Paschal candle as an expression of the risen Christ and Michelangelo’s Last Judgement, as well as beliefs about life after death, the funeral rites and the implications of beliefs about life and death for Catholic views about euthanasia. Although the material is set out in separate sections, all parts of the content are linked and students may draw ideas together in any way they wish in response to the set questions.
Forms of expression – artefact and eschatology
- The features and Christian significance of the Paschal candle as an artefact of Resurrection.
- Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement; the meaning and significance of its religious themes.
- How different Christian beliefs about life after death are expressed in different forms of memorial expression, eg tombstones, monuments and remembrance gardens.
Beliefs and teachings
- Catholic beliefs about eschatology and life after death; resurrection, including how the resurrection of Jesus has influenced Christian eschatology with reference to 1 Corinthians. 15:42–44.
- The four last things: death, judgement, heaven and hell.
- Catholic beliefs about purgatory and the difference between particular and final judgement.
- The meaning and significance of different Christian beliefs about life after death.
Sources of authority
Scripture
The religious significance of the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31).
Tradition
The meaning and significance of the idea of the cosmic reconciliation of all things with reference to Mother Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love 32.
Magisterium
The importance of the Second Vatican Council for a Catholic understanding of eschatology, with particular reference to Lumen Gentium 48 and Catechism of the Catholic Church 1037.
Practices – liturgies of life and death
- Identification and understanding of ‘the last rites’ as sacramental expression of reconciliation, healing and hope.
- Understanding and evaluation of the ways in which the prayers and actions of the funeral rite are influenced by Catholic beliefs about life after death.
- Evaluate the influence of 'the sanctity of life' on Catholic views about the care of the dying and euthanasia.
