Edexcel A-level Religious Studies (9RS0) · Study of Religion: Christianity (Paper 4B Option)
Mini-Lesson
Study of Religion: Christianity
This overview covers core Christian beliefs, sources of authority and practices: the Bible and tradition, the Trinity, the person and work of Jesus, and Christian worship and ethics.
Christianity is a diverse global faith, with Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant traditions sharing central beliefs. Answer the questions and collect ⭐.
Authority
Sources of wisdom and authority
The Bible — the Old and New Testaments — is the primary source of authority.
Church tradition (creeds, councils, teaching) carries authority, especially in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity.
Reason and experience also inform belief; traditions weigh these differently.
Check
Authority
1What is the primary source of authority for Christians?
God
God as Trinity
Christians are monotheists who believe in one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit — the Trinity. This is expressed in the Nicene Creed (from the councils of 325 and 381 CE). The three persons are distinct yet of one being.
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The Trinity
2The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that God is:
Jesus
The person and work of Jesus
Incarnation: in Jesus, God became human ("the Word became flesh", John 1:14).
Death and resurrection: Jesus’ crucifixion and rising are central; through them Christians believe humanity is reconciled to God (atonement) and offered salvation by God’s grace.
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Incarnation
3The doctrine of the incarnation is the belief that:
Worship
Worship, sacraments and traditions
Christian worship includes prayer, scripture and song. Two sacraments are recognised across the traditions — baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion); Catholic and Orthodox Christians recognise seven. The main traditions are Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant.
Ethics
Moral teaching and the afterlife
Jesus summarised the Law as loving God and loving your neighbour — the Great Commandment (Mark 12:30–31), often linked with agape (selfless love). Christians hope for resurrection and eternal life with God after death.
Sort it
Belief, practice or authority?
Sort each item into the correct category.
🙏 Belief about God
⛪ Practice / worship
📜 Source of authority
Match
Term to meaning
Match each term to its meaning.
Statement
Answer
Recap
The big ideas to know
Authority: The Bible (primary); tradition, reason, experience
God: Trinity — Father, Son, Holy Spirit; the Nicene Creed
Jesus: Incarnation, death and resurrection; atonement and salvation by grace
Practice: Baptism and Eucharist; Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant traditions
Link each belief to its practice and source for full marks. Press Finish.
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You've worked through Study of Religion: Christianity. 🎉