GCSE RS: Christianity Beliefs and Teachings Guide

The nature of God

Christians believe God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing) and benevolent (all-loving), though this raises the problem of evil and suffering — a key area of debate in GCSE RS.

The Trinity

Christians believe in one God in three persons: the Father (creator), the Son (Jesus, who came to Earth) and the Holy Spirit (God's active presence in the world). Denominations vary in how they interpret and emphasise this.

Jesus, incarnation and salvation

Christians believe Jesus was both fully human and fully divine (the incarnation), and that his crucifixion and resurrection made salvation — forgiveness of sin and eternal life — possible for humanity.

Different Christian denominations

Denominations such as Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Christianity share core beliefs but differ in practices and authority — for example, the role of the Pope in Catholicism.

Common mistakes

• Describing the Trinity as three gods rather than three persons in one God.
• Explaining beliefs without linking them to how they influence Christian life and practice.
• Treating all Christian denominations as believing and practising identically.