HSC

Studies of
Religion
Mrs Louise Zavone
Education officer: Secondary
Religious Education
Catholic Education Office, Sydney
March 2014

Religious Tradition
Depth Study:
CHRISTIANITY

From the Syllabus:

The purpose of this section is to develop a
comprehensive view of religious traditions as living
religious systems that link directly with the life of
adherents.
the particular focus is on the ways in which a
religious tradition, as an integrated belief system,
provides a distinctive answer to the enduring
questions of human existence.
Page 37

The focus of this study is the contribution of

significant people, ideas, practices and ethical
teachings to an understanding of Christianity as a
living religious tradition. The study of Christianity is
to be of the WHOLE tradition where applicable.
Page 40

From the Syllabus:

a living religious system

the life of adherents
integrated belief system
distinctive answer to the
enduring questions of
human existence
living religious tradition
whole tradition

The focus of this study is

the contribution of
significant people, ideas,
practices and ethical
teachings to an
understanding of
Christianity
as a living religious
tradition.

In the past

significant significant ethical

person
practice teachings
One extended response on one of
these in the last section of the
examination
2008:
Question 2 Christianity (20 marks)

Analyse how Christian religious practices

influence the lives of adherents. In your
answer refer to ONE of the following:
Baptism; Marriage ceremony;
Saturday/Sunday worship.

Recently
2010:
Question 2 Christianity (20 marks)
By this all will know that you are my disciples, if
you have love for one another. John 13:35 New King James
version

With reference to the quotation, evaluate

the influence of Christianity in the life of
adherents and the Christian community.
2011:
Question 2 Christianity (20 marks)
Some religions emphasise justice, while others
emphasise compassion.

How does the statement reflect the

diversity of expression within the Christian
tradition?

But in 2012

2012
Question 2 Christianity (20 marks)

Men, women and schools of thought have

reformed and/or revitalised the Christian
tradition.
How well does this statement reflect the
impact on Christianity of ONE significant
person or school of thought, other than
Jesus?

In 2013

In 2013

significant
person

significant
practice
ethical
teaching
s

CHRISTIANI
TY

significant
person a

significant
practice

living
religious
tradition

Preliminary depth study work as a foundation

ethical
teachings

CHRISTIANITY

significant
person
a living
religious
tradition
Preliminary depth study work as a foundation

How does Paul of Tarsus contribute to

an understanding of Christianity
as a living religious tradition?

CHRISTIANITY

significant
practice
a living
religious
tradition
Preliminary depth study work as a foundation

How does Baptism contribute to an

understanding of Christianity as
a living religious tradition?

CHRISTIANITY
How do
Christian ethical teachings on
Bioethics/Environmental Ethics/Sexual
ethics contribute to an understanding of
Christianity as
a living religious tradition?

a living
religious
tradition

ethica
l

Preliminary depth study work as a foundation

teaching
s

CHRISTIANIT
Y
significant
person
Eg.PAUL OF TARSUS

significant
practice
Eg. BAPTISM

Christianity as
a living
religious
tradition
Preliminary depth study work as a foundation

BIO/EE/SEXUAL
ethical
teachings

CHRISTIANITY

The focus of this study is

the contribution of
significant people, ideas,
practices and ethical
teachings to an
understanding of
Christianity
as a living religious
tradition.

contribution
adding to

changing

developing
being a part of

progressing

leaving a legacy

So how
do you
answer
the
questio
n?

Find REAL,
AUTHENTIC
LINKS
between the
person,
practice and
ethical
teaching.

Use
what
you
ALREADY
HAVE

Use what you ALREADY

HAVE

For example:

The study of the significant practice in Christianity

already has a focus on the significance of Baptism to the
individual and to the community,
i.e. why / how is the practice relevant, meaningful,
life giving to the adherents.
The studies of sexual ethics in Christianity already has
you looking at ethical teachings in Christianity and how
these teachings apply to the individual as they make
choices in the areas of sexuality.
The studies of the significant person in Christianity
already has you looking at the effect and impact of St
Paul on the development and expression of the
tradition.

For example:
St Paul of
Tarsus
What do we know
about him?

* He wrote
extensively to
the early
Christian
Communities
* His writings
formulated key
teachings about
the nature of the
Church.
* His writings
influenced
theologians such
as Martin
Luther

Make connection to Pauls letters laying

the foundations for much of the belief
and practice evident in the Christian
Church today.
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 13:5
emphasises the common sharing of all
things- link between faith and charity.
Link to Pauls writings as being
foundational in underpinning rites such
as Baptism and Eucharist, celebrated
by individuals in most Christian
denominations.
SCRIPTURE : By our baptism, we were
buried with him and shared his death;
so that as Christ was raised by the
power of God, so also we might live a
new
Romans 6:4 of St Pauls
Link life
to interpretations
teaching leading to the Reformation,
resulting in Protestant Churches of
Christianity which are evident today.
Also, contemporary theologians go
back to Pauls writings
Pauls writings are used in current
Christian worship eg. Catholic Church
uses Pauls writings most Sundays in
the mass.

For example:
Baptism

What do we know
already know
about Baptism?
* It is the
initiation of the
individual into
the Christian life/
community

* Uses symbols
which
commemorate
the life, death
and resurrection
of Jesus
* Is integral to
Salvation.

Make connection to becoming

members of Christ (Body of Christ)
and are incorporated into the
Church and therefore share in its
mission and take on the duties and
responsibilities of Christian life.
Scripture: As many of you as were
baptised in Christ have clothed
yourself with Christ. Galatians 3:
27
Also 1 Corinthians 12:13
Allows participation in further
sacraments/religious rituals
Reaffirmation of the faith
community
Regeneration of the tradition in
welcoming new members.
- The use of water/immersion or
sprinkling is symbolic of life, death
and resurrection.
- Scripture: Romans 6: 3-4
-

Baptism signifies repentance and

forgiveness of sins
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:11

For example:
Sexual Ethics
What do we know
about Sexual Ethics
in Christianity?

* Christian
approaches to
Sexual Ethics
have their
foundation in the
Scriptures

Make connection to the Old testament

especially Genesis 1:26-27 , where
humanity is create together in Gods
image and likeness.
Make connection to Jesus in the Gospels
and the writings of St Paul eg. Jesus told
parables which gave examples of living
that were life giving.
Scripture: John 10:10 I have come that
you may have life and have it t the full.
Make connections to Jesus instruction is
to love one another- Great
Commandment.
St Paul wrote to Early Christian
communities in the Hellenic world were
the excesses of Roman life were evident.
He encouraged the valuing of
relationships and the importance of
modesty and moral actions, preparing
Christians for the next life.
Scripture : 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
These timeless principles are applied to
contemporary issues.

Use LANGUAGE
THAT
DEMONSTRATE
S the
real
contribution
of the person,
practice or
Sexual ethical
teaching.

For example:
X contributes to the to an understanding of Christianity
as a living religious tradition because
links directly to the history and scriptural writings of
the tradition in a contemporary context
keeps the tradition alive and relevant by re-interpreting
the stories of the tradition in a contemporary context
provides adherents with a contemporary spirituality
based on traditional aspects / stories / scriptures of the
tradition
allows adherents to pray and worship in a personal,
relevant and meaningful manner, bringing them closer to
God
allows adherents to understand the scriptures in a
manner that is personal yet challenging

For example:
X contributes to the to an understanding of Christianity
as a living religious tradition because
provides adherents with a form of prayer and devotion
that is closer to the intention of the founder
allows adherents to engage in the rich symbolism and
ritual of the tradition
highlights the connection between issues raised in the
scriptures and contemporary challenges faced by our
society
provides solutions, answers, responses and
considerations to enduring questions of human existence
by breaking open the scriptures and relating them to our
contemporary life

St Paul taught
about Baptism as
participating in the
death and
resurrection of
Jesus and forming
part of the Body of
Christ. He also
taught about how
to be a member of
the church- right
actions.

CHRISTIANI
TY

a living
religious
tradition

Baptism allows
believers to
participate in
the life of the
Church. It is a
call to continue
Jesus' mission.

Preliminary depth study work as a foundation

Baptism connects the believer to the body of

Christ and the responsibility to live out the
commandments and beatitudes in all
relationships.

2009

Report from the Marking

Centre, 2009
Section III (long response)

2009
Question 2: Christianity
Candidates assessed Christianity as a living religious tradition in the life of adherents
in the light of the quote from Lukes Gospel, responding from the perspective of ethics
and/or significant practices in the life of adherents and/or significant people and
ideas.
Higher range responses demonstrated explicit understanding of Christianity as a
living religious tradition. These responses were well considered and clearly expressed,
showing the importance of Christianity in the life of adherents. They were supported
by clear examples, made strong links to the quote or sections of the quote and
explicit reference to sacred texts. Sound judgements were made about the
importance of Christianity as providing a sense of purpose in the life of adherents.
They used correct and relevant terminology and logically developed an argument. In
essence, they demonstrated how a particular significant practice and/or significant
person/school of thought and/or ethical viewpoint evidenced the ongoing relevance
and influence of the tradition in the lives of believers.
Mid-range responses tended to focus on the particular significant practice and/or
significant person/school of thought and/or ethical teaching of only one variant of
Christianity, thereby missing the opportunity to demonstrate and apply a thorough
and comprehensive knowledge of the whole religious tradition. Responses tended to
be descriptive, lacked relevant examples and provided limited judgements. There was
limited use of relevant terminology. Links to the quote were not as evident and not
necessarily relevant or well supported. Some candidates attempted to link a prepared
response by writing an introduction and conclusion incorporating the quote and
question. The body of these responses bore little relation to the question.
Lower range responses did not show a clear understanding of terms commonly

2009
Question 2: Christianity

Candidates assessed Christianity as a living religious

tradition in the life of adherents in the light of the
quote from Lukes Gospel, responding from the perspective
of ethics and/or significant practices in the life of adherents
and/or significant people and ideas.
Higher range responses demonstrated explicit
understanding of Christianity as a living religious
tradition. These responses were well considered and
clearly expressed, showing the importance of
Christianity in the life of adherents. They were
supported by clear examples, made strong links to the
quote or sections of the quote and explicit reference to
sacred texts. Sound judgements were made about the
importance of Christianity as providing a sense of
purpose in the life of adherents. They used correct and
relevant terminology and logically developed an argument.
In essence, they demonstrated how a particular

2009
Question 2: Christianity

Mid-range responses tended to focus on

the particular significant practice and/or
significant person/school of thought and/or
ethical teaching of only one variant of
Christianity, thereby missing the opportunity to
demonstrate and apply a thorough and
comprehensive knowledge of the whole religious
tradition. Responses tended to be
descriptive, lacked relevant examples and
provided limited judgements. There was
limited use of relevant terminology. Links to the
quote were not as evident and not necessarily
relevant or well supported. Some candidates
attempted to link a prepared response by writing

2010

Report from the Marking

Centre, 2010
Section III (long response)

2010
Question 2: Christianity
General comments
In higher range responses, candidates demonstrated a clear understanding of
Christianity as a living religious tradition that connected directly with the life of
adherents. These responses were well thought out and clearly articulated. They made
clear links to the key elements of Christianity.
Reference to the quote was well integrated throughout the response. They were
supported by relevant examples, made strong links back to the quote using excellent
detail and explicit reference to sacred texts, beliefs and the ethical teachings of
Christianity. Well-informed judgements were made about the importance of
Christianity and its influence on the life of adherents.
In mid-range responses, candidates tended to focus on the particular person and
idea/ethic/practice of only one variant, thereby missing out on the opportunity to
demonstrate a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the whole tradition. The
links to the quote were tenuous and focused on Christianity as a living tradition with
no clear support from examples. There was a tendency to be descriptive and make
limited judgements. There was some use of relevant terminology. Attempts were
made to link the response to the quote. Some candidates referred to the quote at the
beginning and end of the extended response and made little or no reference to it in
the body of their response. These responses were often generalised or sweeping
statements which were unsubstantiated. Reference to sacred texts, beliefs and the
ethical teachings of Christianity was limited. These responses were typically
descriptive, with limited judgement.
In lower range responses, candidates made general statements with limited structure.
Such responses showed limited knowledge and were mainly descriptive with little or
no reference to the quote. At times these responses were a generalised commentary

2010
Question 2: Christianity
General comments

In higher range responses, candidates

demonstrated a clear understanding of
Christianity as a living religious tradition
that connected directly with the life of
adherents. These responses were well thought
out and clearly articulated. They made clear
links to the key elements of Christianity.
Reference to the quote was well integrated
throughout the response. They were supported
by relevant examples, made strong links back to
the quote using excellent detail and explicit
reference to sacred texts, beliefs and the
ethical teachings of Christianity. Wellinformed judgements were made about the

2010
Question 2: Christianity
General comments

In mid-range responses, candidates tended to focus

on the particular person and idea/ethic/practice of
only one variant, thereby missing out on the
opportunity to demonstrate a thorough and
comprehensive knowledge of the whole tradition.
The links to the quote were tenuous and focused on
Christianity as a living tradition with no clear support from
examples. There was a tendency to be descriptive and
make limited judgements. There was some use of relevant
terminology. Attempts were made to link the response to
the quote. Some candidates referred to the quote at the
beginning and end of the extended response and made
little or no reference to it in the body of their response.
These responses were often generalised or sweeping
statements which were unsubstantiated. Reference to
sacred texts, beliefs and the ethical teachings of
Christianity was limited. These responses were

2012

Question 2: Christianity
In better responses, candidates engaged thoughtfully
with the question and challenged what reform and
revitalisation actually meant in relation to the significant
person or school of thought chosen. Regardless of whether
candidates agreed fully or in part with the stimulus, they
presented a critical judgement explicitly supported
by specific scripture references, other writings and
examples. The information presented was accurate,
relevant and well integrated into the response. In these
responses, candidates wrote objectively, and were
comprehensive in detail and cohesive in structure.

2012
Question 2: Christianity continued
In mid-range responses, candidates made some reference
to the statement but were not explicit enough in presenting a
reasoned judgement; that is, they did not go far enough to show
how the person or school of thought reformed or revitalised the
Christian religious tradition. In these responses, candidates
discussed the impact of the person or school of thought, but
showed no real understanding of the terms revitalised
and reformed. Information presented was largely descriptive
and relevant, but the responses lacked detail. In these responses,
candidates did not provide enough evidence to imply a
sustained, reasoned judgement. They often lacked
coherent structure.
In weaker responses, candidates presented information about
a person or school of thought that was largely biographical and
lacking in accurate detail. In some responses, candidates
discussed ethics or practice without any links being made to the
person or school of thought.

In YOUR Response
Make clear connections with the life
of adherents in Christianity.
Make clear links to
beliefs/practices/ethical teachings of
Christianity.
Make explicit links to any stimulus
material.
Use scripture and relevant examples
to support your response.
Use relevant terminology.
Make well informed
judgements/analysis.
Demonstrate the ongoing relevance
and influence of the tradition in the