1. Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies
Community
Cohesion
Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies
Unit 2.4
Community Cohesion

2. Key Words Community Cohesion: Prejudice: Discrimination:
Ethnic Minority:
Sexism:
Racism:
Multi-Ethnic Society:
Racial Harmony:
Multi-Faith Society:
Religious Freedom:
Religious Pluralism:
Interfaith Marriage:

3. Key Words
Community Cohesion: A common vision and shared sense of belonging for all groups in society.
Prejudice: Believing some people are inferior or superior without even knowing them.
Discrimination: Treating people unfairly because of their race, colour, gender, class, age, etc.
Ethnic Minority: An ethnic group smaller than the majority group.
Sexism: Discriminating against people because of their gender (sex).
Racism: the belief that some races are superior to others because of their race or colour.
Multi-Ethnic Society: Different races and cultures live together in one society.
Racial Harmony: A society where different races/colours live together happily.
Multi-Faith Society: Different religions live together in one society.
Religious Freedom: The right to practice your religion and change your religion if you want to.
Religious Pluralism: Accepting all religions as having an equal right to exist together
Interfaith Marriage: Marriage where each partner is from a different religion.

4. “From one human being He created all races on earth”.
St Paul - Acts 17:26

5. ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ.’
St Paul - Galatians 3:28

6. “God created man in his own image”
Genesis 1:27

7. “A new command I give you: love one another
“A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”.
Jesus - John 13:34

8. “Love your neighbour” Matthew 22:40
Jesus –
The Parable of the Good Samaritan

9. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”
Jesus - Matthew 5:44

10. ‘We state that racism is a direct contradiction to the teaching of Christ.’
Methodist Church
Revision Quotes
Christianity

11. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
God will judge everyone on how well they have looked after their fellow humans: food, water, clothes, homeless, sick, in prison
Jesus - Matthew 25:32-33

12. “Blessed are the peacemakers”
Jesus - Matthew 5:9

13. ‘God does NOT show favouritism, but accepts people from every nation.’
Acts 10:34-35

14. St Paul writing to Timothy
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.”
( For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.”
St Paul writing to Timothy
1Timothy 2:12-14

15. “Any attack on the dignity and human rights of any racial or religious group damages all of us.”
May 1998 the Churches Together in England published a letter against racism and religious hatred.

16. “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me”.
Jesus - John 14:6

17. Adam & Eve unequal because Eve was tempted St. Paul said:
Adam & Eve created equally
St. Peter said:
The Good Samaritan:
Because of this:
Women should be treated equally
Women are respected by Catholics
Women can be priests un C of E
Because of this:
Women should be inferior to men
Women shouldn’t do same jobs as men
Women cant be priests
Women cant be equal
A man was beaten and left for dead. Two 2 people left him because it was hassle/against their religion. His enemy, a Samaritan, helped him and gave him money to sort himself out.
“God has no favourites amongst
races””
“Women should be silent in Church”
Women are not equal
Cant be priests
Don’t be racist
Allow people to practise religion
Allow people to change
Inter marry
Meaning:
Treat everyone the same even your enemies. Show compassion to all.
Jesus had women disciples and he appeared to women first after resurrection
Q: Where is the woman?
A: There isn't one!
Because of this:
Only men can become priests.
Only men are important in Church
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, man or woman, we are all equal in Christ”
“There are many rooms in my fathers house””
Because of this:
No sexism
No racism
No intolerance of other faiths
Pro multi-faith and ethnicity.
Women are equal
Can be priests
No prejudice or discrimination
Pluralism and freedom are good
No racism
Be tlerant
Because of this:
Women should be equal in all ways..
Allowed to be priests

18. Discrimination: Prejudice: Prejudice is the thought.
Prejudice & Discrimination
Discrimination:
Prejudice:
Prejudice is the thought.
Discrimination is the act.
I’m not sure I like the look of this fella!
Hey guys, I didn’t ask to be yellow!

19. Sexism
Sexism:
Equality:
Women make up 84% of workers in the service industries
Men make up 66% of
all senior officials
(2001 Census)
Traditionally certain roles have seemed more suited to certain genders.
Remember, men can be the victims of sexism too.

20. Advances in Equal Rights for Women
‘The Qualification of Women Act 1918’ gave women over 31 the right to vote in elections.
In 1928 the age was lowered to 21 to be the same as men. (Now all 18)
‘The Equal Pay Act 1970’
‘The Sex Discrimination Act 1975’

21. Why Attitudes Have Changed Towards Women
1. World Wars
2. The example of other countries
3. Women role models
4. UN Declaration of Human Rights
5. Abortion and the Pill
For Christians the bible sometimes seems to say different things. Most Christians believe men and women are equal whilst Catholic Christians believe they are equal but were given different roles by God.

22. Top Tip: Quotes from the Bible are often seen as
‘The Bible on Women’
‘Wives submit to your husband… for the husband is head of the wife.’
Ephesians 5:22
‘God created humanity in his own image, male and female he created them both.’ Genesis 1:27
‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ.’ Galatians 3:28
‘Women must remain silent in church, they are not allowed to speak.’
1 Corinthians 14:34
Top Tip: Quotes from the Bible are often seen as
the best kind of evidence to show Christian belief but must be used with a relevant explanation.

23. The Catholic Church do not accept women as priests:
Women and the Church
The Catholic Church do not accept women as priests:
‘The Lord chose men to form his 12 disciples
and the apostles did the same when they chose their successors. For this reason the ordination of women is not possible.’
‘Ordination’ is when the Church officially recognises a person as a priest/vicar etc.
The Church of England
have officially accepted the ordination of
women; but they still are barred from being Bishops
The Methodist Church has allowed women
to hold any level of leadership within the church for many years.

24. Benefits Multi-Ethnic Society
‘Where different races and cultures live together in one society.’
Multi-Ethnic Society
‘A society where different ethnic groups live together happily.’
Racial Harmony
‘Where people of different faiths live together in one society.’
Multi-Faith Society
Benefits
 People gain an understanding and acceptance of other cultures - this can lessen the chance of conflicts and wars.
 People experience different cultures, festivals and foods from around the world.
Society can make better progress sharing innovation and new perspectives on issues.

25. The Slave Trade: Segregation:
Racism
Racism: ‘The belief or attitude that some races are superior to others.’
A Racist attitude can lead to racial incidents where some races have been discriminated against or shown violence. In the past this has led to many injustices happening:
The Slave Trade:
Segregation:

26. Exam tip: Use clear P.E.E. with Bible verses to secure HIGHER grades.
The Bible on Race
Jesus’ story, ‘The Good Samaritan’, told his Jewish listeners that God valued all people. Luke 10:25-37
St Peter originally thought Christians from a Jewish background were better, but after God spoke to him in a dream he said ‘God does NOT show favouritism, but accepts people from every nation.’
Acts 10:34-35
St Paul said there is no difference between people from different nations in the eyes of God. ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all equal to Christ..’ Galatians 3:28
Exam tip: Use clear P.E.E. with Bible verses to secure HIGHER grades.

27. Racism vs Racial Harmony
Racism is strongly rejected in the Christian Church.
‘We state that racism is a direct contradiction to the teaching of Christ.’ Methodist Church
‘We state that Christian belief is incompatible with any philosophy that is based on hatred or treats people as inferior because of their race, religion or for any other reason.’ Baptist Church
‘Every form of social & cultural discrimination must be stopped
and eradicated as incompatible
with God’s design.’ Catholic Church

28. The Effects of Discrimination & Racism
Racism and discrimination in society can lead to the rise in groups such as the BNP who encourage division between different ethnic groups in society.
If certain groups feel that they are being treated unfairly by society, they may become insular, cut themselves off from society, and even work against that society.
In 2001, Oldham, Burnley and Bradford riots by disaffected Asian youths.

29. Extremism and acts of terror
The July 7th (2005) bombers were British citizens who had lost their sense of allegiance to Britain and were prepared to kill because they felt society worked against them.
Extremism and acts of terror
It is thought that some young people from minority backgrounds turn to crime because they cannot see a future for themselves in a discriminating society.

30. The Race Relations Act 1976 The Commission for Racial Equality
The Law & Racism
The Race Relations Act 1976
Leading to...
The Commission for Racial Equality
An organisation set up by the Government in 1976 to

31. Education Funding Laws People
Government Action to Promote Community Cohesion
Community Cohesion: when a common vision and shared sense of belonging exists for all groups in society.
Education
Funding
What can
be done to promote community cohesion?
Laws
People
Equality and Human Rights Commission

32. The Church, Asylum Seekers & Immigrant Workers
The Church of England (also called the Anglican Church) has worked with many minority groups in society including asylum seekers and immigrant workers.
What They Do
Why They Do It
Legal advice clinics with lawyers and interpreters for the immigration process.
home starter kits with essential items such as kettles etc.
language classes to help people integrate in society.
They support the ‘Still Human, Still Here’ campaign to support the human rights of asylum seekers and immigrants
The Bible shows God as demanding justice for all people - this means fair treatment for everyone.
Christians follow the Golden Rule taught by Jesus - ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’.
The Bible tells Christians to ‘Love God and thy neighbour’.
The parables of the ‘Good Samaritan’ and the ‘Sheep and Goats’ tell Christians to treat all people in society well as this demonstrates your faith.

33. Jesus told a story about minority groups and helping others
The Good Samaritan
Jesus told a story about minority groups and helping others
A Jewish man was once attacked by robbers. A little later a religious leader came by but hurried off scared that he might be attacked also. After a little more time a teacher of the Jewish faith came along but also refused to touch the man as this would make him ‘unclean’.
Eventually a Samaritan man came along, they were enemies of the Jews. However, he saw the man needed help no matter what religion he was. So, he helped the man on to his donkey, took him to an inn and paid the inn keeper to look after the injured Jewish man.
Jesus said this foreign man, part of a minority group in his day and distrusted and hated by those listening to Jesus’ story, was a hero. Jesus said the Samaritan was a true neighbour, and people who act like him will be the ones who are doing what God really wants from people.

34. HM Office of National Statistics 2001 Census
Multi-Faith Britain
Most people believe that individuals have the right to believe in the god of their choice and follow the religion they choose.
Outline of Religious
belief in Britain
Christian
No Religion
No Answer
Muslim
Hindu
Sikh
Jewish
Buddhist
Other Religion
42,558,000
8,197,221
4,823,000
1,591,207
558,746
336,040
267,711
149,237
157,000
Religious Freedom:
‘The right to practice your religion and change your religion if you want to.’
HM Office of National Statistics 2001 Census

35. Exclusive Christians
‘I (Jesus) am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father (God) except through me.’ John 14:6
Exclusive: Most Christians are exclusive, this means they believe; only those people who follow Jesus, and live by his teachings, will go to heaven.
Problems:
intolerant and discriminatory.
There are many good, caring people in other religions
How could a loving God allow anyone to go to hell because they’ve been born into a non-Christian culture?

36. This goes against what Jesus said in the Bible (John 3:16).
Inclusive Christians
Inclusive: Some Christians believe you should only go to heaven by accepting Jesus, and his teachings, but, some members of other religions and some non-Christians may also be able to go to heaven.
When religious people die they will realise Jesus’ teaching was the right way and convert after death.
God saved people before Christianity existed. God will save people who lived right lives as if the God they followed had been the right one.
Problem:
This goes against what Jesus said in the Bible (John 3:16).

37. John Hick: Modern day theologian, philosopher and religious pluralist.
Pluralist Christians
Religious Pluralism: ‘Accepting all religions as equally valid and correct and can all coexist.’
John Hick: Modern day theologian, philosopher and religious pluralist.
Faithful followers of all religions will be saved and go to heaven. All religious experience comes from God, different cultures follow it in different ways. E.g. Hinduism in India.
Problems:
Pluralist belief goes against the teaching of Jesus so is not always considered as truly Christian.
Most other world religions reject pluralism and are either inclusive or, more commonly, exclusive.

38. Hick’s Mountain Paths:
John Hick: Religious Pluralism
Hick’s Mountain Paths:
Hick pictures religion like mountain paths. People try and get to the top but take different routes.
Each route is “mapped out” through the cultural, family and religious experiences of their life.
Hick pictured the summit as God.
Eventually all followers will reach the same summit.
Hick concluded; all religions are looking for the same God.

39. How religions promote community cohesion in the UK
Similarities - Work with other religions to see what they have in common. E.g. Christianity, Islam and Judaism all believe in Abraham and Moses. Try to find ways to live together.
Interfaith services - Develop ways of having interfaith marriages e.g. Protestant churches and liberal Jewish synagogues have special wedding services for mixed couples.
Support for bringing up children – e.g. how they should be brought up. Some Protestant Churches and liberal Jewish synagogues encourage mixed couples to raise children in both faiths and let the child decide when they are older.
Projects: Join together in special groups to explore ways of helping community cohesion e.g. the Bradford District Faiths Forum who meet together, plant trees, share meals etc.

40. Many different religions living together in one society
Multi-faith society
The benefits
Issues for families
Conversion
Bringing up children
Interfaith marriages
Food
Where to worship God
 Less chance of conflict because people of different religions, races and nationalities will get to know each other and like each other.
More progress because new people will bring new ideas and new ways of doing things to the country.
Life is more interesting with a much greater variety of food, festivals, music, fashion and entertainment. 
Many different religions living together in one society

41. Exam style questions a) What is racism? (2)
a) What is meant by a multi-ethnic society? (2)
b) Do people from a different religion have the right to try to convert you? Give two reasons for your point of view (4)
b) Do you think we need laws against racism? Give two reasons for your point of view (4)
c) Explain why some Christians give equal roles to women in religion and some do not. (8)
c) Explain why the United Kingdom is often referred to as a multi-faith society. (8)
c) Choose one religion other than Christianity and explain why the followers of that religion should help to promote racial harmony. (8)
d) ‘Men and women should have equal roles in life’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion. Give reasons why some people may disagree with you (6)
d) ‘All societies should be multi-faith societies’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion. Give reasons why some people may disagree with you (6)

42. The Media - East is East Community Cohesion in 1971
Themes
Racism – ‘That Paki’
Multi-faith marriage - Muslim and Christian living together
Multi-faith society – different religions e.g. Islam and Christianity
Multi-ethnic society – Asian (Pakistani) and English living together in Manchester
Issues raised
Different attitudes to homosexuality from religions and society in 1971 e.g.
Circumcision – causing family tension
Culture clash for young people e.g. Mosque van/white dating Asian, diet (eating bacon)
Sexist attitudes – The father’s attitude re first wife and owning the house
Arranged marriage
Domestic violence
Biased or offensive?
Examples – racist language, humour about circumcision
Do we laugh at the father because of his race or religion?
Or is it a fair portrayal of life in the 1970’s and educating and entertaining at the same time?