Please could someone mark my RE GCSE AQA 12 marker

I need to improve my 12 markers since it's the main place I lose marks in my papers, so if anyone with experience of AQA RE GCSE could help that would be amazingg

The statement was: "A loving God wouldn't send anyone to Hell"
Here's my answer

Many Christians believe God is omnibenevolent, all loving, and Hell is a place for people to suffer, so why would a loving God send people there?

A Christian may agree with the statement because they believe Hell doesn't really exist: it is just a way for God or the Church to incentivise us to turn to him. Because of the Bible teaching us of God's omnibenevolence and omnipresence, they may argue that Hell cannot exist because no place can exist without God, and even if he was there, we are taught that 'God is forgiving and merciful' in the Bible, so He would never send individuals there. Moreover, the Devil is believed to be a broken part of God Himself, a fallen angel, so a Christian may say that Hell is a place for the broken to be forgiven.

However, a Christian may argue that Hell is an incentive to turn to God, disagreeing with the statement because Hell is a way for God to reassure devoted Christians that they will be rewarded in Heaven while sinners who go against God will suffer. This is a way for God to show love to his believers. Moreover, some Christians believe that Hell is the only place where God doesn't exist, but how can this be, for we are told that "God is in every place"? The Bible teaches that God is omnipresent on Earth, but Hell transcends our understanding, so things may occur like a lack of God (in Hell).

In conclusion, I agree with the statement because God is omnibenevolent and merciful, so he would forgive all sinners who would otherwise go to Hell, and therefore, Hell doesn't literally exist, only as a metaphor for disappointing God.

Reply 1

JF ZAK

which paper was this for
as in theme or was it in a specific religion
thanks
this will help to give feedback and mark

Reply 2

Lily__S

6/12 (I'm being a bit stingy here, realistically I think this would be a 7/8)
Positive feedback:
-Great use of Bible references throughout.
-Both for and against views discussed and explained in depth.
-Second paragraph is great!!
-Conclusion is concise, and links back to the question.

(I'm sorry I know this bit is really harsh 😭)
Critical feedback:
-First point generalises Christians incorrectly; the majority of Christians do believe that Hell exists, even if only as a spiritual state.
-Your first point is unclear in parts, and doesn't directly link back to the question.
-Incorrect belief about Hell in 1st paragraph; Hell is not generally seen as a place of forgiveness.
-An extra For and extra Against paragraph is ideal.
-For top marks, you may want to evaluate each point (however, this is time consuming, so do not prioritise this).

If it means anything, I got a 9 last year with AQA, even though I didn't actually finish 3 of my 12 markers; so you do have some room for error 🙂

Reply 3

Klammer

9/12. I prefer a 4 paragraph structure but you definetly need at least another quote from the bible in that 2nd paragraph. Good understanding of nature of god and good understanding shown though.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 4

isabelle-

Original post by JF ZAK

which paper was this for
as in theme or was it in a specific religion
thanks
this will help to give feedback and mark

It was for paper 1 Christian Beliefs and Teachings, thanks :smile:

Reply 5

JF ZAK

for ur structure it a bit wrong
from experience i got 9/12 for a mock question but i misses a disagree paragraph which would have given me 12/12
u adda an intro
this means defining the key word in statement
then 2 agree and 2 disagree
then an evaluation paragraph
but ur essay is a level 3
hope the feedback below helps

Many Christians believe God is omnibenevolent, all loving, and Hell is a place for people to suffer, so why would a loving God send people there? (This paragraph introduces the topic well by presenting the concept of God's omnibenevolence and the existence of Hell. However, try to directly address the statement by discussing the compatibility of a loving God with the concept of Hell.)
A Christian may agree with the statement because they believe Hell doesn't really exist: it is just a way for God or the Church to incentivise us to turn to him. Because of the Bible teaching us of God's omnibenevolence and omnipresence, they may argue that Hell cannot exist because no place can exist without God, and even if he was there, we are taught that 'God is forgiving and merciful' in the Bible, so He would never send individuals there. Moreover, the Devil is believed to be a broken part of God Himself, a fallen angel, so a Christian may say that Hell is a place for the broken to be forgiven. (You provide an interesting perspective on Hell as a metaphor and the nature of God's forgiveness. To strengthen your argument, consider including specific biblical references or teachings that support this view.)
However, a Christian may argue that Hell is an incentive to turn to God, disagreeing with the statement because Hell is a way for God to reassure devoted Christians that they will be rewarded in Heaven while sinners who go against God will suffer. This is a way for God to show love to his believers. Moreover, some Christians believe that Hell is the only place where God doesn't exist, but how can this be, for we are told that "God is in every place"? The Bible teaches that God is omnipresent on Earth, but Hell transcends our understanding, so things may occur like a lack of God (in Hell). (This paragraph presents a contrasting viewpoint effectively, acknowledging the role of Hell as a deterrent and a reassurance for believers. However, ensure that you explore the implications of God's omnipresence in relation to Hell more deeply to fully address the statement.)
In conclusion, I agree with the statement because God is omnibenevolent and merciful, so he would forgive all sinners who would otherwise go to Hell, and therefore, Hell doesn't literally exist, only as a metaphor for disappointing God. (Your conclusion aligns with the statement and summarizes your position clearly. To enhance your argument, consider discussing the potential for repentance and redemption as part of God's mercy, which could further support the non-literal existence of Hell.)
Level: 3
Overall feedback: Your essay presents a thoughtful exploration of the statement, considering both sides of the argument regarding God's nature and the existence of Hell. You demonstrate a good understanding of Christian beliefs about God's attributes and the purpose of Hell. To improve, ensure that you provide specific scriptural or doctrinal evidence to support your points, and explore the nuances of God's justice in relation to His love. Additionally, aim to integrate your discussion more cohesively, ensuring that each paragraph contributes to a comprehensive evaluation of the statement.
What went well: You have successfully presented different Christian perspectives on the existence of Hell and its compatibility with a loving God. Your conclusion is clear and aligns with the statement.
Even better if: To improve, provide more specific biblical references to support your arguments, and explore the relationship between God's justice and love in more depth. Integrating your discussion throughout the essay will also strengthen your evaluation.