This mini-lesson works through the AQA GCSE topic Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings: the nature of God and the Trinity, creation, the incarnation, the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, and Christian teachings on sin, salvation, atonement and the afterlife.
Work through each screen, answer the questions as you go and collect ⭐ stars. Every belief here is stated as mainstream Christianity teaches it. Press Start when you're ready.
Christianity is monotheistic: there is one God. Christians describe God as omnipotent (all-powerful), omnibenevolent (all-loving) and just (fair, the righteous judge). God is both Creator of everything and the loving Father of believers.
The problem of evil: because God is all-powerful and all-loving, the existence of suffering raises a challenge for Christians — how can such a God allow evil? This is a key debate for the theme on the existence of God.
Christians teach that the one God is a Trinity — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — as set out in the Nicene Creed. The three are distinct persons, yet each is fully God, and there is only one God, not three.
Christians believe God created the universe. The account in Genesis 1 describes God creating in an ordered way and calling it "good". The Word (the Son) is described as active in creation.
The incarnation is the belief that God the Son became human in Jesus Christ — fully God and fully man. Christians believe Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and is the Son of God.
Careful: "incarnation" means God taking on human flesh in Jesus — not the resurrection and not the crucifixion. Keep the terms distinct.
Tap a term on the left, then its meaning on the right.
The crucifixion is the belief that Jesus was put to death by being nailed to a cross. Christians teach that Jesus died willingly, and that his death was a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
For Christians the cross is not only a tragedy but the means by which atonement (being made "at one" with God) becomes possible.
Christians believe that on the third day after his death Jesus rose from the dead — the resurrection. Later he ascended into heaven. The resurrection is central: it shows Christians that Jesus has conquered death and that they can have eternal life.
Why it matters: without the resurrection, Christians say their faith would be empty (see 1 Corinthians 15). It is the ground of Christian hope in life after death.
Sin is acting against God's will; it separates people from God. Salvation is being saved from sin and its consequences. Christians teach that salvation is made possible through Jesus' death and resurrection — this is atonement.
Christians believe in life after death. After death (and, many believe, a final judgement) people may enter heaven — eternal life in God's presence — or be separated from God in hell. Roman Catholics also teach about purgatory, a state of purification.
Divergent views: Christians differ on how literally to picture heaven and hell. Many see them as being with, or apart from, God rather than physical places.
Tap a description, then tap the box that matches.
Tap an idea, then the person of the Trinity it is most linked to.
Nature of God: one God — omnipotent, omnibenevolent, just; Creator and Father.
Trinity: one God in three persons — Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Creation: God created all things (Genesis 1); humans made in God's image.
Incarnation: God the Son became human in Jesus ("the Word became flesh").
Crucifixion: Jesus' death on the cross — a sacrifice for sin.
Resurrection & ascension: raised on the third day; ascended to heaven — hope of eternal life.
Sin & salvation: sin separates from God; salvation by grace through faith — atonement.
Afterlife: judgement, heaven and hell; Catholics also teach purgatory.
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You've worked through Christianity: Beliefs & Teachings for AQA GCSE Religious Studies A. 🎉
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