YEAR 11 STUDIES OF RELIGION STUDY GUIDE
The following is a checklist of the content covered in the preliminary course of Studies of Religion
that you will need to revise
THE NATURE OF RELIGION
-
10 Multiple choice questions
ONE - 5mark source question
CONTENT
TICK WHEN
REVISED

Define the supernatural dimension

Define the terms ‘transcendent’ and ‘immanent’.

Discuss a transcendent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine
power and/or powers beyond the human

Discuss an immanent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine being
or powers dwelling within the individual

Explain the characteristics of religion
–
–
–
–
beliefs and believers
sacred texts and writings
ethics
rituals and ceremonies

Explain what is meant by the term ‘living religion’

Discuss the ways in which these characteristics interact to create a dynamic,
living religion

For ONE religion, identify and describe the characteristics of Religion.

Explain the contribution of religion to:
– Individuals
– society and culture

Define the term ‘The Dreaming’

Brainstorm the characteristics of ‘The Dreaming’.

Outline the nature of the Dreaming in relation to:
– origins of the universe
– sacred sites
– stories of the Dreaming
– symbolism and art

Explain the diversity of the Dreaming for Aboriginal peoples

Explain the importance of the Dreaming for the life of Aboriginal peoples

Explain and discuss with examples the inextricable connection of the
Dreaming, the land and identity.
RELIGIOUS TRADITION ONE: Christianity
CHOICE:
-
Short answer responses ( 15 Marks)
Or
Extended Response ( 20 Marks)
CONTENT
ORIGINS

outline the historical and cultural context in which Christianity began

Timeline the principal events of Jesus’ life

Explain the significance of principal events in Jesus life.

Explain why Jesus is the model for Christian life using specific examples
from Christian sources.

Describe the early development of Christian communities after the death of
Jesus

Outline the unique features of:
– Anglicanism
– Catholicism
– Orthodoxy
– Pentecostalism
– Protestantism
PRINCIPLE BELIEFS

Outline the principal beliefs regarding the divinity and humanity of Jesus
Christ

Explain the importance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for
Christians

Outline the beliefs about the nature of God and of the Trinity

Examine the Christian understanding of revelation

Describe the Christian understanding of salvation
SACRED TEXT – BIBLE

Identify and explain the importance of the Bible in Christianity

Examine extracts from the Bible which demonstrate the principal beliefs of
Christianity
TICK WHEN
REVISED
ETHICS

outline the principal ethical teachings in:
– the Ten Commandments
– the Beatitudes
– Jesus’ commandment of love

List the sources of ethical guidance for Christians

List and explain FIVE key ethical teachings in the New Testament.

Describe the importance of ethical teachings in the life of adherents
PRAYER

Describe the different types of personal prayer
RELIGIOUS TRADITION ONE: Islam
CHOICE:
-
Short answer responses ( 15 Marks)
Or
Extended Response ( 20 Marks)
CONTENT
ORIGINS

Outline the social conditions and religious practices that existed in preIslamic Arabia

Timeline the principal events in Muhammad’s life

Explain important events that occurred in Muhammad’s life.

explain why the Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger is the model for
Muslim life

describe the development of Islam after the death of Muhammad under the
leadership of the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs, accounting for the emergence
of the Sunni and the Shi’ia
TICK WHEN
REVISED
PRINCIPLE BELIEFS

Explain and discuss the articles of faith explained in the Aqida as:
–
–
–
–
–
–
Tawhid
Angels
Books of Allah
Rusul
Akhira
Fate/predestination
For each article of faith discuss the implications for Muslim belief and practices
SACRED TEXT – Quaran/Hadith

Identify the importance of:
– the Qur’an
– the Hadith

examine and explain extracts from the Qur’an and Hadith which demonstrate
the principal beliefs of Islam
ETHICS

Explain the conceptand process of Islamic jurisprudence
–
–
–
–
the Qur’an
the Sunnah and Hadith
ijma’ – consensus among religious leaders
qiyas – comparison with teachings of the Qur’an or Hadith

Outline the principal ethical teachings within Islam.

Discuss the implications of the ethical teachings for Islamic adherents.

Describe the importance of ethical teachings in determining that which is:
– halal
– haraam
PRAYER – EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH

Identify and describe the FIVE PILLARS OF FAITH

Describe the function of a Mosque

Explain the process of Salat

Explain the significance of prayer.