Long answer options

Question 1

Why is Moses such an important figure in Judaism. Please use the terms covenants in your answer.

Answer 1

Moses is crucial in Judaism as he led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Torah from God at Mount Sinai. This event established the Mosaic Covenant, where God gave the Israelites laws (including the Ten Commandments) in exchange for their commitment to worship and obey Him. This covenant forms the foundation of Jewish law and identity, reinforcing the special relationship between God and the Israelites.

Question 2

Explain what the Hajj is, and how to do one

Answer 2

• Declare Ihram
• The pilgrims vist the Kabah in Mecca and walk around it seven times
• They run between two mounts called ‘Safa’ and ‘Marwa’.
• They camp in Mina and throw small stones at three stone pillars which symbolise the devil.
• All the pilgrims travel to Arafat and after sunset they set off to Muzdalifah.
• The men shave their hair and sacrifice an animal as performed by the prophet Abraham.
• Finally the pilgrims return to Mecca to the kabah and circle it seven times again.

Question 3

What is the reformation and why is it so important. What did it result in?

Answer 3

• The Reformation was a big change in Europe during the 1500s. Here’s why it mattered and what happened because of it:
• What is the Reformation?
• It was a movement started by people like Martin Luther who wanted to change the Catholic Church.
• They believed the Church had moved away from what the Bible taught and focused too much on money and power.
• They wanted everyone to have the chance to read the Bible and decide what to believe for themselves.
• Why is it important?
• The Reformation gave rise to Protestantism, which focused on personal faith, reading the Bible, and having a direct relationship with God.
• It challenged the Pope’s authority and split Christianity into Catholicism and many Protestant groups.
• It encouraged more people to learn to read so they could understand the Bible, which changed how people thought and lived.
• It also affected politics and led to wars, but eventually, it helped bring about religious tolerance in some places.
• Results of the Reformation:
• It led to the formation of different Protestant churches alongside the Catholic Church.
• It influenced how people viewed education, individual rights, and how societies should be organized.
• Its ideas about faith and freedom still impact how people think about religion and society today.
• In short, the Reformation was a big deal because it changed Christianity, questioned authority, and shaped the way people understood religion and society in Europe and beyond.

Question 4

Explain why St. Paul is so important to the development of Christianity.

Answer 4

• Spreading the Word: He traveled all over, telling people about Jesus and starting churches in different cities.
• Writing Letters: Paul wrote letters to these new churches, explaining what it means to follow Jesus and how to live as Christians.
• Big Ideas: He taught that God gives us forgiveness and love (grace) freely, just by believing in Jesus. This was a big shift from thinking you had to follow lots of rules to be saved.
• Including Everyone: Paul argued that anyone, not just Jewish people, could be part of the Christian community. He said faith in Jesus mattered more than following Jewish traditions like circumcision.
• Legacy: His teachings and bravery in spreading the gospel even when facing danger helped Christianity grow and laid down the beliefs that still guide Christians today.