This textbook has been written to meet the needs of students following the AQA GCSE Religious Studies Specification A course who are studying Unit 4 Roman Catholicism: Ethics. Detailed analysis of the issues and discussion of a range of views are supported throughout by key word definitions and study of set Biblical passages and other Christian teachings. Each section concludes with sample questions and answers, questions for exam practice, class activities and homework tasks. A final section on exam technique is followed by a glossary and list of useful websites. Each of the following topics for this specification is considered from the perspective of Roman Catholicism: Christian values Christian marriage Holy Orders and religious vocation Lay ministry The Sacrament of Reconciliation Crime and punishment Prejudice and discrimination The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick Respect for human life (at the beginning of life) Respect for human life (at the end of life) Vocation in action War and peace

 

 

There are 152 pages in this book.

It is aimed at Young Adult readers. The term Young Adult (YA) is used for books which have the following characteristics: (1) aimed at ages 12-18 years, US grades 7-12, UK school years 8-15, (2) around 50-75k words long, (3) main character is aged 12-18 years, (4) topics include self-reflection, internal conflict vs external, analyzing life and its meaning, (5) point of view is often in the first person, and (6) swearing, violence, romance and sexuality are allowed.

This book was published in 2009 by Hodder Education .

Sheila Butler is a Principal Examiner and an experienced Head of Religious Studies.

This book has the following chapters: Introduction 1. Sources of authority for Roman Catholics 2. Christian values The Ten Commandments: Exodus 20:1-17 The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:1-12 3. Christian marriage The Roman Catholic marriage service Roman Catholic teaching about marriage Sexual relationships Responsible parenthood Adoption and fostering Why marriages fail Divorce, annulment and remarriage 4. Christian vocation: holy orders The ordination of priests The role and work of the priest The role of deacons 5. Christian vocation: religious life Religious orders and religious vows The ordination of women to the priesthood Arguments against women priests Arguments for women priests Celibacy of the priesthood 6. Lay ministry Lay people (the laity) The parable of the talents: Matthew 25:14-30 7. Christian reconciliation Sin Reconciliation and forgiveness The Sacrament of Reconciliation The life and teaching of Jesus The parable of the forgiving father: Luke 15:11-32 8. Crime and punishment Causes of crime How are people punished? Aims of punishment Capital punishment Christian attitudes to crime and punishment The parable of the unmerciful servant: Matthew 18:23-35 9. Prejudice and discrimination Causes of prejudice and discrimination Discrimination and the law Areas of discrimination The parable of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37 Christian attitudes to prejudice and discrimination 10. Christian healing The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick Dying and the Afterlife 11. Respect for human life (at the beginning of life) The sanctity of human life Contraception Abortion In vitro fertilisation (IVF) 12. Respect for human life (at the end of life) Types of euthanasia Dignity in Dying The ProLife Alliance Arguments for euthanasia Arguments against euthanasia Roman Catholic attitudes to euthanasia Other Christian views on euthanasia 13. Christian responses to global issues Vocation in action The situation in developing countries The response to the crisis Christian attitudes to world poverty 14. War and peace Causes of war Consequences of war Types of weapons and warfare The Just War theory Terrorism Pacifism Christian attitudes to war and peace Exam technique Glossary Useful websites Index