J1: Beliefs and Values
Revision Notes for Edexcel Religious Studies

Notes
• When answering “Explain” questions,
always remember to include your BCG:
• B - What does the Bible say?
• C - The Catechism or the Creeds
• G - The example of God the Son (Jesus)

1.1 Nature of God
(One God, revealed to the world in three persons)
• Trinity:
• Unity:
1. Universe shows oneness 1. The Father - creates,
sustains, answers prayers
2. Bible: First of 10
Commandments 2. The Son - revealed God in
his life on earth, brings
salvation
3. Jesus: The greatest
commandment
3. The Holy Spirit - inspires,
brings presence of God into
4. The Creeds, Catechism and
the lives of Christians
writings of the saints

1.1 The Trinity
1. Genesis 1:26 - “Let us make man in our image”.
2. Baptism of Jesus - the Son is baptised, the Father
speaks and the Spirit descends like a dove.
3. New Testament writers (2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Peter
1:2, Ephesians 4:4-6, Galatians 4:6).
4. The Creeds speak of one God revealed in three
persons.
5. Catechism teaches that Trinity is basis of Christian
faith.

1.2 God as Father
1. God created the world and everything in it,
therefore is our Father.
2. Jesus: taught disciples to pray “Our Father”.
3. Jesus referred to God as his Father.
4. Apostles’ Creed: “We believe in God, the
Father Almighty”.
5. Catechism: God cares for his children like a
Father.

1.3 God as Creator
• God created the • God is the cause of
universe and all life.
everything in it.
• All of God’s
• God is good. creation is good.
• God created human • Humans are a
beings in his image. special creation.
• Humans have to look
• God created
after the rest of creation.
humans last.

1.3 God the Creator
• Why this belief is important to Christians:
1. God created the world, so it must be
important to him.
2. It shows that life is sacred.
3. It shows that God is omnipotent.
4. The Catechism teaches that God shows his
love, wisdom and plan for humans through
creation.

1.4 God the Son
(For each belief, you should be able to give four reasons why that belief is important to Christians.)
1. Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy
Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
2. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, died and was buried.
3. On the third day Jesus rose again. He
ascended to heaven and is seated at the right
hand of the Father.
4. He will come again to judge the living and the
dead.

1.5 God the Holy Spirit
(Outline Christian beliefs)
1. Purifies people from sin.
2. The way in which God communicates
with humans.
3. Inspired the writers of the Bible.
4. Gives Catholics grace through the
Sacraments.

1.5 God the Holy Spirit
(Why is he important?)
1. Part of the Holy Trinity.
2. Gifts of the Holy Spirit help Christians to
follow their beliefs.
3. God’s presence on earth.
4. Allows Christians to live good lives full of
the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
5. Inspires the teachings of the Church.

1.6 Symbols of the Holy Spirit
• Wind: God’s presence; power; fills
people with the presence of God
• Fire: purifies; power of God
• Dove: brings new life to people; God’s
peace

1.7 Sin
• Sin separates a person from God.
• Original sin is inherited from Adam and Eve; personal sin
is from a person’s own actions.
• All people born with Original Sin - washed away at birth.
• Two types of sin: mortal and venial.
• Sins forgiven through Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• People who die with unforgiven mortal sins will go to
hell; people who die with unforgiven venial sins will go
to purgatory.

1.7 Sin
1. Beliefs about sin explain why Catholics
need to be baptised.
2. They show why Catholics must receive
the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
3. They explain why Catholics must try not
to commit sins.
4. They explain why sin can stop Catholics
from directly reaching heaven.

1.8 Salvation
1. Salvation means being saved from sin.
2. This allows Christians to have eternal
life with God.
3. Jesus came to earth to bring salvation.
4. Jesus’ death was the sacrifice needed to
bring salvation.

1.8 Salvation
(Why are beliefs about salvation important?)
1. Salvation means all Christians can have
eternal life with God.
2. The purpose of life, death and
resurrection of Jesus.
3. The reason why Catholics receive the
Sacraments.
4. Encourages Christians to follow the
teachings of the Church and act lovingly.

1.9 Love of God
• Show love by: going to weekly Mass; praying every day;
receiving the Sacraments; following a Christian life.
• Why it is important to love God:
1. Jesus: Greatest commandment.
2. Eternal life with God for those who love God.
3. If Christians love God, they should tell others about him.
4. The Church teaches that all believers should love God.
5. The Pope and other Christian leaders emphasise the importance
of loving God.

1.10 Love of Others
• Jesus: The Greatest Commandment -
love God, and love others.
• The Parable of the Good Samaritan
(Luke 10:25-37)
• The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
(Matthew 25:31-46)

Key Words
Learn all these words (2 marks each)

J1: Key Words
• Monotheism • Dove
• Trinity • Fire
• Unity • Wind
• Christ • Faith
• Crucifixion • Forgiveness
• Incarnation • Reconciliation
• Resurrection • Repentance
• Virgin birth

Exam Questions
(b) 6 marks - make 3 points

• Outline Christian beliefs about the nature of God.
• Outline Christian beliefs about God as creator.
• Outline the Christian beliefs about Jesus that are found in
the Apostles’ Creed.
• Outline Christian beliefs about the Holy Spirit.
• Outline Christian beliefs about sin.

Exam Questions
(c) 8 marks - make 4 points (PEE)

• Explain why Christians believe in the Trinity.
• Explain why the creation story is important to Christians.
• Explain why Christians refer to God as Father.
• Explain why Christians use wind, fire and a dove to symbolise the
Holy Spirit.
• Explain how the story of Zacchaeus shows the nature of repentance
and forgiveness.
• Explain why it is important for Christians to love God.

Exam Questions
(d) 4 marks - 2 reasons for, 2 reasons against

• “Everyone should believe Jesus is the
Son of God.”
• “Jesus is the Son of God.”
• “The Holy Spirit is no longer important
for Christians.”
• “All Christians should love their
neighbour.”