OCR GCSE Religious Studies sample questions and answers (J625)
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90 sample questions and answers
Taken from every topic of OCR GCSE Religious Studies, specification J625. The full guide has 2,800.
Group 1 papers
Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings
105 questions in the guide, across 9 subtopics. More from this topic
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Christian terms for the nature of God
What does monotheistic mean?
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Monotheistic means believing in only one God. Christianity, Judaism and Islam are all monotheistic religions. -
Why God's nature matters to Christians
Why is God as judge significant for Christians today?
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Christians know they will answer to God for how they live. Belief in judgement encourages them to act justly and kindly. -
The Christian Trinity and different attitudes to it
What does the Apostles' Creed say about the three Persons?
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The Apostles' Creed professes belief in God the Father Almighty, in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Spirit. The creed is structured around the Trinity.
Group 1 papers
Christianity: Practices
82 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Christian worship and the structure of services
What is the structure of a Roman Catholic Mass?
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The Mass has two main parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The priest consecrates the bread and wine, and the people receive Communion. -
Christian worship and the structure of services
Why is liturgical worship important for some Christians?
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Liturgy follows a set pattern that has been used for centuries. Worshippers feel united with Christians everywhere and through history. -
Christian sacraments: baptism and the Eucharist
Which Christians do not practise outward sacraments?
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Quakers and the Salvation Army do not hold sacraments. Both believe God's grace can be received without outward rituals.
Group 1 papers
Islam: Beliefs and Teachings
134 questions in the guide, across 10 subtopics. More from this topic
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The six articles of faith in Sunni Islam
What does the article of belief in the prophets ask of a Sunni Muslim?
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A Muslim accepts every prophet Allah sent, without favouring some and rejecting others. Muhammad is accepted as the last prophet. -
The five roots of Usul ad-Din in Shi'a Islam
What is Al-Nubuwwah, and what does Surah 16:36 add?
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Al-Nubuwwah is belief in prophethood, which ended with Muhammad. Surah 16:36 says Allah sent a messenger to every nation to call people away from false gods. -
The 99 names of Allah
What does it mean to call Allah merciful?
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Allah is al-Rahman and al-Rahim, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful. Allah forgives those who repent and cares for all creation.
Group 1 papers
Islam: Practices
158 questions in the guide, across 13 subtopics. More from this topic
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The Five Pillars of Sunni Islam
What is Salah as a pillar?
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Salah is the ritual prayer performed in the proper way five times each day. Salah follows set words and movements while facing Makkah. -
The Ten Obligatory Acts of Shi'a Islam
What is Nahi Anil Munkar?
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Nahi Anil Munkar means forbidding what is evil. Shi'a Muslims should discourage wrongdoing by word or action. -
Shahadah, Jummah prayer and the khutba
Why is the Shahadah called the only non-action pillar?
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The Shahadah is a statement of belief, while the other four pillars are actions. The Shahadah gives the other pillars their meaning.
Group 1 papers
Judaism: Beliefs and Teachings
128 questions in the guide, across 10 subtopics. More from this topic
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G-d as One, Creator, Law-Giver, Judge and Eternal
What does Genesis 1:1–2 teach about creation?
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Genesis 1:1 states that in the beginning G-d created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, with the spirit of G-d hovering over the waters. -
G-d's characteristics and the problem of suffering in Judaism
What does it mean that G-d is beyond time and space?
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G-d is not part of the physical universe and is not limited by it. Human language can only partly describe G-d. -
Shekinah, the divine presence of G-d
What do Exodus 40:35 and Numbers 9:16 describe at the Tabernacle?
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Exodus 40:35 says the cloud and G-d's glory filled the Tabernacle, so Moses could not enter. Numbers 9:16 says the cloud covered it by day and looked like fire by night.
Group 1 papers
Judaism: Practices
176 questions in the guide, across 14 subtopics. More from this topic
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The synagogue: design, features and the Temple
How does the position of the Bimah differ between Jewish groups?
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Orthodox synagogues usually place the Bimah in the centre of the prayer hall. Many Reform and Liberal synagogues place it at the front, near the Ark. -
Synagogue services and worship in the Jewish home
What role does the synagogue play in the Jewish community?
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The synagogue is a centre for education, charity and social events as well as worship. Synagogues run Hebrew classes, celebrate life events and support the bereaved. -
Jewish private prayer, the Shema and blessings at home
Why is Deuteronomy 6:4 significant for Jewish prayer?
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The verse states that G-d is One, the heart of Jewish belief. Jews cover their eyes while reciting it to concentrate fully.
Group 1 papers
Buddhism: Beliefs and Teachings
143 questions in the guide, across 11 subtopics. More from this topic
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The life of the Buddha and his Enlightenment
Why were the Four Sights a turning point for Siddhattha?
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The sights revealed that ageing, sickness and death come to everyone, including a prince. The holy man inspired Siddhattha to leave the palace and seek the end of suffering. -
The Dhamma and dependent origination
How does dependent origination explain samsara?
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Samsara is the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Dependent origination shows that ignorance and craving are the conditions that keep beings in it. -
The Three Marks of Existence
How is anatta linked to anicca?
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A person is made of parts that are always changing. A permanent self cannot be found among impermanent parts.
Group 1 papers
Buddhism: Practices
78 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Buddhist worship: puja, chanting, mantras and offerings
What is a mantra?
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A mantra is a sacred sound or phrase repeated to focus the mind. Tibetan Buddhists chant Om mani padme hum, the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. -
Buddhist worship: puja, chanting, mantras and offerings
Why do Tibetan Buddhists offer bowls of water?
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Tibetan Buddhists set out seven bowls of water as offerings to the Buddha. Water is freely available, so it can be given without greed or loss. -
Buddhist meditation: samatha, vipassana, zazen and visualisation
What is vipassana meditation?
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Vipassana means insight. The meditator observes body and mind closely to see anicca, dukkha and anatta directly.
Group 1 papers
Hinduism: Beliefs and Teachings
126 questions in the guide, across 10 subtopics. More from this topic
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Atman, the eternal self
How does Uddalaka use salt dissolved in water to teach Svetaketu about Brahman?
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The salt cannot be seen, yet every sip of the water tastes of it. Brahman likewise cannot be seen but pervades everything, including Svetaketu himself. -
Samsara, maya, detachment and moksha
How are samsara, maya, detachment and moksha connected?
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Maya leads people to cling to the world, which keeps them in samsara. Detachment weakens that clinging and opens the way to moksha. -
Hindu teaching on karma
What is prarabdha karma?
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Prarabdha karma is the portion of past karma that has begun to ripen in the present life. Prarabdha karma shapes a person's birth, body and circumstances.
Group 1 papers
Hinduism: Practices
102 questions in the guide, across 8 subtopics. More from this topic
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The four margas: jnana, bhakti, karma and raja yoga
What is astanga or raja yoga?
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Astanga, or raja, yoga is the path of meditation set out by Patanjali in eight limbs. The limbs lead from moral restraint, posture and breath control to samadhi. -
Varnashrama dharma, svadharma, sewa and dana
Why is varnashrama dharma significant for individuals and society?
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Individuals know their duties at every stage of life. Society benefits when each person contributes their part, like organs in one body. -
Hindu worship: havan, puja, japa, bhajan and darshan
What is prasad in Hindu worship?
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Prasad is food offered to the deity and then shared among worshippers. Prasad is believed to carry the deity's blessing.
Group 2 paper
Christianity: Relationships and Families
74 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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The purpose of Christian marriage and family life
What does Matthew 19:4–6 teach about marriage?
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Jesus says God made humans male and female, and a man is united to his wife. What God has joined together, no one should separate. -
The purpose of Christian marriage and family life
What does the exchange of rings symbolise in a Christian wedding?
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The unbroken circle of a ring symbolises never-ending love and faithfulness. Rings are a visible sign of the vows made. -
Christian attitudes to same-sex marriage and civil partnership
What does the Church of England teach about same-sex marriage?
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The Church of England does not conduct same-sex weddings. The Church approved prayers of blessing for same-sex couples in 2023.
Group 2 paper
Christianity: the Existence of God
72 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Christian understandings of God's relationship with the world and humanity
How do Christians understand God's relationship with humanity?
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God made humans in God's image to know and love God. God seeks a personal relationship with every person. -
Christian understandings of God's relationship with the world and humanity
How does the Parable of the Lost Son show God's relationship with humanity?
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The father runs to welcome back his wayward son. God longs for people to return and forgives them freely. -
God's goodness and human suffering
Why does a world designed by a good God raise a problem?
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A good designer would be expected to make a world without disease and disasters. Suffering can suggest either a flawed design or no designer at all.
Group 2 paper
Christianity: Religion, Peace and Conflict
80 questions in the guide, across 8 subtopics. More from this topic
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Christian teachings about violence and conflict
What does Joel 3:9–11 describe?
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Joel calls the nations to prepare for war and to beat ploughshares into swords. The passage pictures God's final judgement on the nations. -
Christian attitudes to terrorism
Why do Christians condemn terrorism?
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Terrorism deliberately kills innocent people. Terrorism breaks the commandment not to murder and Jesus' command to love. -
The Just War theory, Holy War and conduct in war
What Christian attitudes guide behaviour during war?
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Prisoners and civilians must be treated humanely, and torture is wrong. Christians should fight without hatred or revenge.
Group 2 paper
Christianity: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious Beliefs
85 questions in the guide, across 8 subtopics. More from this topic
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Christianity in British public life
What role do bishops have in the House of Lords?
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Twenty-six Church of England bishops sit in the House of Lords as the Lords Spiritual. The bishops take part in debates and votes on laws. -
Secularisation and the rise of humanism in Britain
What effects has secularisation had on religion in Britain?
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Church attendance and membership have fallen, and fewer couples marry in church. Many churches have closed or merged. -
Religious and secular values in education
Why do many Christians support faith schools?
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Faith schools help children grow in their family's faith and values. Many parents choose them for their ethos and results.
Group 2 paper
Islam: Relationships and Families
85 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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The Muslim family: roles and purposes
Why do many Muslims care for elderly parents at home rather than use care homes?
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Surah 17:23 places kindness to parents directly after the command to worship Allah alone. Many Muslims see caring for parents at home as repaying the care they received. -
The Muslim family: roles and purposes
How does the family fulfil a duty to the wider ummah?
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A stable family raises children who serve their community and worship Allah. Muslims see strong families as the foundation of a healthy ummah. -
Muslim marriage: purposes, contract and practice
What happens at a Muslim wedding ceremony?
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The nikah contract is agreed before witnesses, often with a short sermon and Qur'an readings. A walima feast follows to celebrate the marriage publicly.
Group 2 paper
Islam: the Existence of Allah
85 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Muslim views on what Allah is like
What does Surah 2:29 teach about Allah's relationship with humanity?
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Surah 2:29 says Allah created everything on earth for humankind. Allah then turned to the heavens, and He knows all things. -
Muslim views on what Allah is like
How did the Mu'tazilites and Ash'aris differ over Allah's attributes?
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The Mu'tazilites argued that Allah's attributes are not separate from His essence, to protect His oneness. The Ash'aris held that the attributes are real and eternal, though unlike human qualities. -
Allah's goodness and the problem of evil in Islam
What is the problem of evil as it applies to Islam?
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If Allah is all-powerful, all-knowing and good, many ask why evil and suffering exist. Atheists argue that such a God would prevent suffering.
Group 2 paper
Islam: Religion, Peace and Conflict
77 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Muslim teachings on violence and conflict
What does Surah 2:256 imply about using violence in matters of religion?
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Surah 2:256 says there is no compulsion in religion. Violence can never be used to force anyone to become a Muslim. -
Muslim teachings on violence and conflict
How are Muslim teachings about violence applied by individuals?
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Individual Muslims are taught to control anger and never take revenge into their own hands. A hadith says the strong person is the one who controls himself when angry. -
Muslim responses to terrorism
How do Muslims use Surah 5:32 against terrorism?
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Surah 5:32 says killing one innocent soul is like killing all of humanity. Muslims use the verse to show that terrorism is a grave sin.
Group 2 paper
Islam: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious Beliefs
85 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Muslim perspectives on Christianity in British public life
How do many British Muslims view the established Church?
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Many British Muslims support an established Church because it keeps faith in public life. Some Muslim leaders see the Church of England as a protector of all faiths. -
Muslim perspectives on Christianity in British public life
How do British Muslims respond to Christian services marking key national events?
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Many Muslims attend or respect services such as Remembrance Sunday as shared national moments. Muslim leaders now often join these events and offer their own prayers. -
Secularisation, humanism and Muslim faith schools
How has humanism grown and organised in Britain?
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Humanism grew as more people chose to live good lives without religion. The British Humanist Association, renamed Humanists UK in 2017, promotes non-religious ethics and ceremonies.
Group 2 paper
Judaism: Relationships and Families
72 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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The purpose of family and marriage in Judaism
What are the purposes of marriage in Judaism?
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Marriage provides companionship, love and support between husband and wife. Marriage also allows children to be born and raised in the Jewish faith. -
The purpose of family and marriage in Judaism
What does the Ketubah show about Jewish beliefs on a wife's rights?
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The Ketubah guarantees a wife support and protection within marriage. Marriage is understood as mutual obligation rather than ownership. -
Jewish views on same-sex relationships and civil partnership
What do Reform and Liberal Jews teach about same-sex marriage?
Show the answer
Reform and Liberal Judaism accept same-sex relationships as equal to heterosexual ones. Reform and Liberal rabbis conduct same-sex weddings in their synagogues.
Group 2 paper
Judaism: the Existence of G-D
74 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Jewish beliefs about G-d's nature and relationship with the world
What does Deuteronomy 11:13–21 teach about G-d's relationship with the natural world?
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G-d promises rain and good harvests if Israel obeys, and drought if it turns to other gods. G-d is pictured as governing nature in response to human behaviour. -
Jewish beliefs about G-d's nature and relationship with the world
What does Numbers 15:37–41 show about G-d's relationship with humanity?
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G-d gives Israel visible reminders of the commandments in the tzitzit. The passage ends by naming G-d as the one who brought Israel out of Egypt to be their G-d. -
Jewish responses to evil and human suffering
What does Psalm 28:7 teach about facing suffering?
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The psalmist calls G-d “my strength and my shield” and trusts in G-d for help. Jews can draw strength from G-d even in times of trouble.
Group 2 paper
Judaism: Religion, Peace and Conflict
82 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Jewish teachings on violence and its justification
What does Proverbs 25:21 teach about enemies?
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If an enemy is hungry, give him bread, and if thirsty, give him water. Kindness to an enemy can turn hatred into peace. -
Jewish teachings on violence and its justification
What role have Jewish individuals and communities played in violent conflicts?
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Jewish partisans and ghetto fighters resisted the Nazis, as in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. Many British Jews served in both World Wars. -
Jewish attitudes to terrorism
How have Jewish communities in Britain responded to terrorism?
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Jewish communities hold vigils, support victims and protect synagogues through the Community Security Trust. Many rabbis call for justice rather than revenge.
Group 2 paper
Judaism: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious Beliefs
85 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Jewish perspectives on Christianity's place in British public life
What is the Monarch's role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England?
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The monarch is the formal head of the Church of England and promises to uphold it. King Charles III said in 2022 that he also has a duty to protect the diversity of faiths in Britain. -
Jewish perspectives on Christianity's place in British public life
How do public holidays based on Christian festivals affect British Jews?
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Christmas and Easter are public holidays, but Jewish festivals are not. Jews must often take leave from school or work for festivals such as Yom Kippur. -
Judaism in a secular Britain
How do Jews respond to the rise of humanism in Britain?
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Humanism is a non-religious worldview based on reason, science and human values, and it has grown in Britain. Jews share many Humanist values but root morality in G-d.
Group 2 paper
Buddhism: Relationships and Families
71 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Buddhist views on the family and the Sigalovada Sutta
What duties do parents owe their children according to the Sigalovada Sutta?
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Parents should keep children from wrongdoing and encourage them to do good. Parents should train them for a trade, help them marry suitably and pass on their inheritance. -
Buddhist views on the family and the Sigalovada Sutta
Why do some Buddhists see family life as a hindrance to Enlightenment?
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The Buddha described household life as crowded and dusty, and he left his own family. Attachment to family can feed craving and distract from practice. -
Buddhist attitudes to marriage and its cultural forms
What is fidelity and why does it matter to Buddhists?
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Fidelity is faithfulness to one's partner. Buddhists see unfaithfulness as sexual misconduct that causes deep harm and breaks trust.
Group 2 paper
Buddhism: the Existence of Ultimate Reality
71 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Buddhist understandings of Ultimate Reality without a creator God
What are the three bodies (trikaya) of a Buddha?
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The Nirmanakaya is the physical body seen on earth, like Gotama's. The Sambhogakaya is a heavenly bliss body, and the Dharmakaya is ultimate reality itself. -
Buddhist understandings of Ultimate Reality without a creator God
What does the Brahmajala Sutta say about the god Brahma's claim to be creator?
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The Brahmajala Sutta tells of Brahma, the first being to appear in a new world-cycle. Brahma wrongly believes he created the beings who appear after him. -
Buddhist views on goodness, evil and suffering
How might a Buddhist answer the claim that suffering disproves any Ultimate Reality?
Show the answer
Buddhists see suffering as the starting point of the Dhamma, not evidence against it. The Buddha taught the end of suffering, not a God who permits it.
Group 2 paper
Buddhism: Religion, Peace and Conflict
78 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Buddhist teachings on violence and non-harm
What does Dhammapada 5 teach about hatred?
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Hatred is never ended by hatred but only by non-hatred. The Buddha called this an eternal law. -
Buddhist teachings on violence and non-harm
How are teachings about violence applied by Buddhist communities?
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Monasteries are places of non-violence where even insects are protected. Communities teach loving-kindness to children and campaign against cruelty. -
Buddhists in violent conflict and attitudes to terrorism
What was the Tokyo subway attack of 1995?
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Members of Aum Shinrikyo released sarin gas on the Tokyo subway, killing more than a dozen people. Aum was a new religious movement mixing Buddhist, Hindu and apocalyptic ideas.
Group 2 paper
Buddhism: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious Beliefs
73 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Buddhists in British society and public life
How might a Buddhist view the monarch's role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England?
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The monarch is the Church's formal head and promises to maintain it. King Charles III, monarch since 2022, has spoken of protecting the practice of all faiths. -
Buddhists in British society and public life
How do Buddhist families view church schools?
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Many Buddhist parents send children to church schools for their good reputation. Some Buddhists worry these schools give Christianity a privileged place in education. -
Buddhist responses to secularisation and secular education
How do Buddhists respond to the rise of Humanism?
Show the answer
Humanists UK, formerly the British Humanist Association, promotes a non-religious approach to life. Buddhists share Humanists' reliance on reason but not their rejection of rebirth.
Group 2 paper
Hinduism: Relationships and Families
83 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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The Hindu family and the purposes of marriage
Why do Hindus traditionally value having children?
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Children continue the family and perform the rites for ancestors after death. Hindu tradition speaks of a debt to the ancestors repaid by raising a family. -
The Hindu family and the purposes of marriage
What other ethical models of relationship do Hindus draw on?
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Shiva and Parvati model a partnership in which each completes the other. Savitri, who won her husband back from Yama, the god of death, models devoted love. -
The significance of a Hindu wedding
Why are the couple's garments tied together in a Hindu wedding?
Show the answer
The bride's and groom's garments are knotted together to show that two lives are now joined. The knot symbolises a bond that should never be broken.
Group 2 paper
Hinduism: the Existence of Ultimate Reality and Deity
73 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Brahman, the gods and the Hindu question of deity
How do Vaishnava and Shaiva Hindus describe the nature of the Ultimate?
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Vaishnavas and Shaivas describe the Ultimate as a supreme personal Lord with infinite good qualities. Devotees believe this Lord can be known, loved and served. -
Brahman, the gods and the Hindu question of deity
How does the Shakta tradition challenge a male picture of God?
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Shaktas hold that the Ultimate is feminine, the Goddess who is both the power and the ground of all things. A Shakta saying holds that Shiva without Shakti is shava, a corpse. -
Hindu responses to evil and suffering
How might a Hindu reply to the claim that karma blames victims?
Show the answer
A Hindu might reply that karma explains suffering but never excuses cruelty or indifference. The duty of daya means Hindus must help those who suffer.
Group 2 paper
Hinduism: Religion, Peace and Conflict
79 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Hindu teachings on violence and the Kshatriya's duty
What does Bhagavad Gita II 37–38 tell Arjuna about fighting?
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If Arjuna dies in battle he gains heaven, and if he wins he enjoys the earth. Krishna tells him to fight treating victory and defeat alike, and so incur no sin. -
Hindu teachings on violence and the Kshatriya's duty
What does the karma of violence mean for a Hindu?
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Violence done out of anger or greed creates bad karma that returns to the doer. Only duty done without selfish motive escapes this. -
Hindus, terrorism and religious politics
How has Hindu nationalism been linked with violence?
Show the answer
Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, assassinated Gandhi in 1948, believing Gandhi had favoured Muslims. Hindu nationalist activists demolished the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya in 1992, sparking deadly riots.
Group 2 paper
Hinduism: Dialogue Between Religious and Non-Religious Beliefs
84 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Hindus and the Christian heritage of British public life
How do Hindus view bishops sitting in the House of Lords?
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Some Hindus accept the 26 bishops as a tradition that keeps faith in public debate. Others argue that every faith deserves a voice, though Hindu peers sit only as individuals. -
Hindus and the Christian heritage of British public life
How do Hindus view church schools and Hindu faith schools?
Show the answer
Many Hindu children attend Church of England schools and value their ethos. Krishna Avanti Primary School in Harrow opened in 2008 as the first state-funded Hindu school. -
Hindus in a secular Britain: secularisation, humanism and schools
How has the rise of Humanism challenged Hindus in Britain?
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Humanists argue that people can live good lives without religion, using reason and compassion. Humanists UK, called the British Humanist Association until 2017, campaigns for a secular state.
OCR GCSE Religious Studies Active Recall Guide
The other 2,710 questions, with the answers printed after each section.