What is the A Level Religious Studies: Philosophy of Religion section testing?

Religious Studies is an interesting and often academically stimulating A Level subject that draws students in to consider the big questions of life. Nonetheless, when it comes to exam time, students have big questions of their own to answer, and it’s important to be properly equipped with a clear understanding and expectation of what is being asked.

For the Philosophy of Religion component, the questions consider philosophical evidence for and against the existence and nature of God, religious experience, and the scholars of philosophy. This means it is essential that A Level candidates fully understand the requirements of the Religious Studies exam and the broad-brush-strokes history that represents the major developments in philosophy. The first A Level Religious Studies assessment objective centres on the correct use of key terminology; thus it is of paramount importance that candidates drill and reinforce their understanding of key terminology and how to deploy it effectively. The second objective is for analysis and evaluation. This involves not simply describing and explaining philosophical ideas, but weighing them up, with evidence, and presenting reasoned conclusions about them.

For instance, let’s briefly analyse two A Level Religious Studies responses to the following question:

“Analyse the view that the argument for the existence of God based on religious experience fails to prove the existence of God. (20 marks)”

Weaker A Level Religious Studies: Philosophy of Religion response

This kind of written answer is common for A Level Religious Studies students:

There are arguments that the existence of God is not proven by religious experiences, due to their subjective nature, conflicting experiences, and the possibility of non-religious causes of these experiences. Firstly, these experiences are completely subjective. They can’t be proven and they can only prove the existence of God for the person who receives the experience. Secondly, there are lots of people who have religious experiences of all religions. That means that they may suggest something mystical is happening, but certainly don’t prove any specific religion, or the existence of God as they all seem to contradict one another. Indeed, there is also the possibility that there is a non-religious cause of many of these experiences, such as drug-use or epilepsy, which reportedly does give some religious experiences. In summary, there are plenty of reasons that suggest that religious experiences fail to prove the existence of God.

Why is this response weak for A Level Religious Studies?

Where this response slips up:

Although the argumentation is clear, it lacks examples and clarification.
None of the points are appropriately reasoned to arrive at a conclusive answer.
There is a lack of key terminology which is expected of the candidate.

Improved A Level Religious Studies: Philosophy of Religion response

Now consider this alternative A Level Religious Studies answer to the question (key terminology is italicised):

There are arguments that the existence of God is not proven by religious experiences, due to their ineffable nature, conflicting experiences, and the possibility of non-religious causes of these experiences. Firstly, these experiences are completely subjective and furthermore ineffable. They can only ‘prove’ the existence of a transcendent God for the person who receives and believes a numinous or conversion experience for example. The only type of religious experience that offers a sufficient rebuttal to the ineffability and subjective nature of religious experiences are corporate religious experiences. However, secondly, religious experiences are not confined to religion. Not only do followers of Abrahamic faiths such as Christianity and Islam have a variety of religious experiences, but so too do many Hindus and Buddhists, including corporate. While it’s possible something mystical is happening, it does not prove a specific religion, or God, as they all seem to contradict one another. Indeed, there may be a non-religious cause of the experience. This could be caused by disorders like temporal-lobe epilepsy or hallucinogenic drug use, which reportedly give some people religious experiences. Thus, the ineffability, conflicting nature and possible non-religious causes of religious experiences are three reasons for the idea that religious experiences fail to prove the existence of God.

Why is this A Level response better?

How this A Level Religious Studies response succeeds:

There is a consistent and clear analytical thread focused on the question.
There is a strong use of key terminology (in italics).
The points are supported by appropriate examples such as specific faiths and types of experience.

A Level Religious Studies is an eye-opening course but is certainly not the soft option some students seem to think it is. Indeed, demonstrating your understanding of the key terminology is non-negotiable to get those top marks, and mastering case study examples that can be deployed as needed is essential.

On top of this, students need to show sophisticated arguments that show in-depth knowledge of Philosophy of Religion. Working with an experienced A Level Religious Studies tutor to consolidate theoretical knowledge and exam technique ensures that you can confidently meet all the assessment objectives.

Feel free to contact us today for more information about our bespoke A Level tutoring programmes at (852) 2882 1017 or enquiries@bartyed.com.