Unit two – The Nature of belief

(a) Describe the part that either art or symbols play in the spiritual life of the religion that you are studying. (40)

(b) Explain how followers of this religion may feel that the buildings in which they worship and the type of worship itself may assist them in their life and belief. (35)

(c) ‘Prayer is a waste of time. We can’t even be sure that God exists.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer and show that you have considered other points of view. (25)

Prepare for this assignment by the work you do in lessons and homeworks.
To answer these questions, refer to the relevant pages in your textbooks, class notes as well as other media you have used (such as video, the Internet, Library books etc.).

In particular, look at:

Discovery Mayled, Ahluwalia, Nelson Thornes Ltd 2002 pp 27 - 44

Thinking about God, Harrison, Kippax, Collins 1996 pp 59 - 88

In addition, for parts (a) and (b) you might look at examples of religious places, either ones you know, or guides to religious places of worship on the web

In part (c) you should argue from both points of view before coming to a conclusion in order to achieve the top level available.


Remember the date that this assignment is due in – this is your responsibility. Don’t leave the work for this until the last minute – prepare for it over the course of the unit of study.