Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies Component 1 themes: a complete C120 overview
A complete overview of Eduqas (WJEC) GCSE Religious Studies (C120) Component 1, the four philosophical and ethical themes: relationships, life and death, good and evil, and human rights, plus non-religious worldviews, the a, b, c, d question ladder and the sources of wisdom and authority Eduqas rewards.
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What this module demands
Component 1 is the largest paper, applying religious and non-religious worldviews to contemporary ethical issues. It asks you to explain what Christians, Muslims and non-religious people (including Humanists) teach about four themes, and to evaluate these views, always supported by sources of wisdom and authority. The key skill is preparing both sides of every issue, since the 15-mark d question always asks you to argue for and against and reach a justified conclusion. This overview ties the dot-point pages together.
Issues of relationships
Most believers teach that marriage is a lifelong, faithful union for love, sex and raising children. On divorce, the Catholic Church does not recognise it, while Protestants, the Orthodox and Islam permit it as a last resort. On sexuality, traditional teaching keeps sex within marriage, while views on same-sex relationships and contraception vary widely. On gender, all teach equality of worth, but differ over whether roles should be identical or complementary. Humanists judge relationships by love, consent and commitment.
Issues of life and death
Most believers hold the sanctity of life: life is God-given and must be protected (Psalm 139:13; Surah 17:33). On this basis most oppose abortion and euthanasia, supporting palliative care, though some accept them in hard cases (rape, risk to the mother, severe suffering). On the environment, religions teach stewardship of creation. Humanists weigh the quality of life, autonomy and consequences.
Issues of good and evil
Religions call for justice with mercy. The aims of punishment are retribution, deterrence, protection and reformation; most Christians stress reformation and forgiveness ("forgive ... seventy-seven times", Matthew 18:22), while Islam balances justice and mercy. Believers teach humane treatment of criminals but not the end of punishment. On the problem of evil, they respond with free will and the example of Jesus; Humanists see suffering as a natural fact to be reduced.
Issues of human rights
All people have dignity because they are made by God (Genesis 1:27; Surah 4:1), which grounds human rights and the duty to oppose prejudice and discrimination (Galatians 3:28; Surah 49:13). Believers work for social justice and teach that wealth is a trust from God to be shared (1 Timothy 6:10; Zakah). Humanists support rights and helping the poor on grounds of equality and wellbeing.
Religious and non-religious worldviews
Every issue is studied from religious and non-religious viewpoints. Atheism denies God; agnosticism says we cannot know; Humanism bases a good life on reason, evidence and compassion. Believers decide using sources of wisdom and authority; Humanists use reason and human wellbeing and the golden rule. They often agree on core values and differ on issues like abortion, euthanasia and sexuality.
Check your knowledge
A mix of recall questions covering the whole module. Attempt them, then check the solutions.
- What is the sanctity of life? (2 marks)
- Name one Roman Catholic teaching about divorce. (2 marks)
- Name the four aims of punishment. (2 marks)
- What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination? (2 marks)
- What is Humanism? (2 marks)
- What does Galatians 3:28 teach about equality? (2 marks)
- Name one religious teaching about the use of wealth. (2 marks)
- What is the golden rule? (2 marks)
Sources & how we know this
- Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies specification (C120, from 2016) — WJEC Eduqas (2016)