A. Religious identity through diversity in baptism:
The case for infant baptism by Augustine and Zwingli (the role of baptism in salvation; the role and 
importance of Christian parents); the case for believer’s baptism with reference to Karl Barth (the 
example of Christ; importance of consent).

B. Religious identity through diversity in Eucharist:
The importance of the Eucharist in the life of contemporary Christian communities; selected Roman 
Catholic theories (transubstantiation, transignification and transfinalization); selected Protestant 
approaches (consubstantiation and memorialism); the similarities in Eucharistic practice in Christian 
traditions.

C. Religious identity through diversity in festivals:
Christmas
The similarities (with reference to the focus on incarnation of Christ) and differences (date of 
celebration; focus of Advent season; Christmas services) between the Eastern Orthodox and the 
Western churches’ celebration of Christmas.
Easter
The similarities (with reference to the doctrine of the resurrection of Christ) and differences (date; 
liturgical practice at Easter; the diversity within each stream of tradition) between the Eastern Orthodox 
and the Western churches’ celebration of Easter.

Issues for analysis and evaluation will be drawn from any aspect of the content above, such as:
• The extent to which both infant and adult baptism are just symbolic acts.
• The criteria for expressing the commitment to be baptised.
• The extent to which there is any common ground within contemporary understandings of the 
Eucharist.
• The extent to which theoretical beliefs about the Eucharist affect the practice of different 
denominations.
• Whether the different emphases and practices mean that Easter is a different celebration in the 
Eastern Orthodox and Western churches.
• The relative importance of Easter and Christmas.

D. Religious identity through unification: 
The development of the Ecumenical Movement since 1910 (World Missionary Conference); the 
World Council of Churches, its rationale, its mission and its work in three main areas: Unity, Mission, 
and Ecumenical Relations; Public Witness and Diakonia; and Ecumenical Formation.

How developments in beliefs and practices have, over time, influenced and been influenced by 
developments in philosophical, ethical studies of religion.

E. Religious identity through religious experience:
The development of the Charismatic Movement post-1960; main beliefs; implications for Christian 
practice in the experience of believers and Christian communities; philosophical challenges to 
charismatic experience (verification and natural explanation).

F. Religious identity through responses to poverty and injustice:
The basis (political, ethical and religious) of South American liberation theology with reference to 
Gustavo Gutierrez and Leonardo Boff; Roman Catholic Church responses to South American 
liberation theology.

Issues for analysis and evaluation will be drawn from any aspect of the content above, such as:
• Whether the work of the World Council of Churches can be viewed as a success or a failure.
• The extent to which the non-membership of the Roman Catholic Church affects the aims of the 
World Council of Churches.
• The strengths and weaknesses of the Charismatic Movement.
• Whether a natural explanation for charismatic experiences conflicts with the religious value of the 
experience.
• Whether the political and ethical foundations of liberation theology are more important than any 
religious foundations.
• The extent to which liberation theology offered a cultural challenge to the Roman Catholic 
Church.