Flashcards in Chapter 1 Deck (97):
What’s the main religion in Great Britain
What are the three main traditions in Christianity
How many gods do Christians believe in and what is it called ?
They believe in one supreme being, God
Therefore Christianity is monotheistic
Even though Christianity have different denominations why do they all believe
They all share the same belief in god
Info on catholics
Where’s it based?
Who is it led by?
Based in Rome
Led by the pope
Info on orthodox
Split from catholic Christianity in 1054 CE and practised in Eastern Europe
Info on Protestants
Split from catholic Christianity in 16th century and branched out into different denominations(distinct groups)
E.g. Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, United reformed churches. Protestants agree that the bible is the only authority for Christians
Why do Christians believe about god?
There is only one god
“WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD”
- nicene creed
• god is creator and sustainor of all that exists
• god works throughout history and inspires people to do gods will
• peiple can have a relationship with god through prayer
• god is spirit(John 4:24) neither male or female but has qualities of both.
• god is holy
• Jesus is gods son - the true representation of god on earth (Hebrews 1:3)
What are the three qualities of god that Christians believe
• omnipotent, almighty. Having unlimited power
• benevolent. All loving and all good
•just. The perfect judge of human behaviour who will bring about what is right and fair or who will make up for a wrong that has been committed
God is the supreme being who is all powerful
God has unlimited authority
God uses his power to do good
God shows his love by creating humans and caring for them
God showed his love by sending gods son, Jesus. To earth
God is a just judge of humankind
God will never support injustice. I’ll treatment. Prejudice. Or oppression
The problems of evil and suffering challenge belief in these qualities of god :
- if god is benevolent why does god allow people to suffer and to hurt others?????
- if god is omnipotent why does god not prevent evil and suffering such as suffering caused by natural disasters ????
- if god is just, why does god allow injustice to take place?
Christians believe a just god treats people fairly so they trust god even when things seem to be going wrong
Belief about persons in God
Three persons in god
Father Son Holy Spirit
Who is fully god within the trinity?
Each person in the trinity is fully god
Persons of the trinity are not the same?
T or f
How is god understood by Christians ?
As a relationship of love between Father, Son and Holy Spirit
In describing God as Trinity what’s ‘person’ ??
‘Person’ does not mean a physical being although Jesus did have a physical presence in history
Explain god the father
The creator of all life
Acts as a good father towards his chikdren
Omnipotent (all powerful)
Omnibenevolent (all loving)
Omnipresent (present everywhere)
Explain god the son
Became incarnate through Jesus who was both fully human while on earth and fully god at all times Jesus is called the son of god to show his special relationship to god the father
Explain god the Holy Spirit
The unseen power of god at work in the world
Who influences guides and sustains life on earth
“The trinity is the Christian belief that there are three persons in the one God”
These persons are god the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit
These three persons are named in the apostles creed and the nicene creed
Arguments for the statement “the trinity is a helpful way of describing god”
- described god as a loving relationship of persons
- the love of god the son is shown in Jesus’ mission and sacrifice
- the love of god the father is shown in his sending his son to earth to save humankind
- the Holy Spirit is the outpouring of love between father and son that encourages Christians to love their neighbour
Arguments against “the trinity is a helpful way of describing god”
-trinity seems contradictory
- if god is one. How can god have three persons?
- Jesus was a Jew and believed in oneness of god
- not helpful to people of other faiths as they make think Christians believe in three different gods
What did god the father do
Chose to design and create the earth and all life on it
What was active in the creation
The Holy Spirit (genesis 1:1-3)
What’s the word and when was it active
The word, god the son or Jesus,was active in the creation (John 1:1-3)
Did the trinity exists since from the beginning
Yes and was involved in the creation
Quote for the creation from genesis 1:3-3
“In the beginning, god created the heavens and the earth”
What do Christians believe about creation from genesis 1:1-3
Story of creation in Genesis, while not scientifically accurate, contains religious truth.
Some Believe god made world in literally six days
God created everything out of choice and created everything ‘good’
God continues to create new life today
Although god the father is referred to as the creator, the Holy Spirit was active in the creation according to genesis
Quote about creation from John 1:1-3
“In the beginning was the word, and the word was with god. And the word was god”
Info about creation from John 1:1-3
In johns gospel everything was created through the word, who was both with god and was god
Word refers to the son of god who enerered history as Jesus
Believe that the son of god, the word of God, was involved in the creation
Belief that Jesus was god in human form (becoming flesh, taking a human form)
Quote about incarnation
“She was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit”
Mathew 1:14 [NIV]
Describing the incarnation
On Seperate occasions an angel appeared to Mary and Jesus explaining that it was not an ordinary conception and it was not to be an ordinary child.
Gospels of Matthew and Luke explain that Mary conceived Jesus without having sex
Virgin conception is evidence for Christian belief that Jesus was son of god, part of trinity
Through incarnation, god showed himself as a human being (Jesus) for around 30 years
“THE WORD BECAME FLESH” John 1:13 [NIV]
Son of God, Messiah, Christ ...
•Jesus was fully god + fully human which explains his miracles and resurrection
•his words, deeds and promises have great authority because they are the word of god
• most Jews expected a messiah who would come to save Israel and establish an age of peace but do not believe that Jesus was the person
• Christians believe that Jesus is the messiah, but a spiritual rather than a political one
• gospel writers refer to Jesus as the Christ (‘anointed one’ or messiah) but Jesus warned his disciples not to use the term possibly because his opponents would have him arrested for blasphemy
Did Jesus forgive those who crucified him and what did he promise?
Yes he forgave them and he promised one of the men crucified with him that he would join god in paradise
Where was Jesus’ body buried
In a cave-like tomb
What happened in jesus’ crucifixion?
Although Jesus was fully god he was also fully human so suffered pain and Horror
A Roman centurion acknowledged Jesus was innocent and he said he was the son of god (mark 15:38)
Roman guess made sure Jesus was dead
Joseph of arimathea was permitted to bury Jesus in a cave like tomb, rolling a large stone to block the entrance
Jesus’ burial was rushed because the sabbath was about to begin
What we’re jesus’ last words
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”
Luke 23:46 [NIV]
Why is jesus’ crucificion so important?
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross gives hope to Christians that their sins will be forgiven if they sincerely repent
Believe that god understands human suffering because jesus who is god experienced it
Accept that suffering is part of life just as it was a pet of jesus’ life
The gospels say that after jesus died and was buried, he rose from the dead. This even is known as the resurrection
When did the ascension of Jesus take place
40 days after his resurrection when he returned to god the father in heaven
There would be no Christian faith without the resurrection
True or false
What happened in the resurrection of jesus?
Early on Sunday morning, some of jesus’ female followers including Mary Magdalene visited the tomb to anoint jesus’ body
Either man or two men maybe angels told women to spread news jesus had risen from dead
Next few days jesus appeared to several people including Mary Magdalene and his drisciples. He told them he had risen from the dead as he predicted he would before th crucifixion
Quote about resurrection which shows that Christianity wouldn’t exist without it
“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead... for us in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
What happened in the Ascension of jesus
After meeting with his disciples and asking them to carry on his work jesus left them for the last time returning to the father in heaven
“WHILE HE WAS BLESSING THEM, HE LEFT THEM AND WAS TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN” Luke 24:51 [NIV]
Significance of resurrection for Christians today
Shows the power of good over evil and life over death
Means Christians sins will be forgiven if they follow gods law
Means Christians will be resurrected if they except Jesus, so there is no need to fear death
Significance of ascension for Christians today
Shows jesus is with god in heaven
Paved the way for god to send the Holy Spirit to provide comfort and guidance
How do Christians feel comfort from jesus’ resurrection
Assured them that they too will rise and live on after death
Do all Christians have the same view about what happens when a person who has died is resurrected?
No they have different views
Resurrection doesn’t affect the way Christians live there lives today
T or f
False, it does affect them
What are different Christian views about resurrection
Some- believe a persons soul is resurrected soon after death.
Catholic + orthodox - believe in bodily resurrection. This means resurrection is both spiritual and physical. The physical body is lost at death is restored and transformed into a new, spiritual body.
Other- believe the dead will be resurrected at some time in the figures when Jesus will return to judge everyone who’s ever lived
Some other Christians believe resurrection will just be spiritual not physical as well
Quote for resurrection
“ so will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.”
Impacts of belief in resurrection
Means life after death is real
Gives hope of a future life with jesus
Gives confidence in the face of death
Shows Christians how much god loves them
Inspires Christians to live life in the way god wants them to do they can remain in his presence in this life and the next
Belief for bodily resurrection
Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples
Gospels insist he was not a ghost as he ate with them and showed the wounds to them
He could appear and disappear suddenly so it seems body was transformed
Paul says “the body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable” suggesting the natural body is raised as a spiritual body but a body nevertheless.
Catholic and orthodox believe people’s bodies are transformed into a glorified state in which suffering will not exist
Reasons against bodily resurrection
Science has shown the body decays after death so there cannot be a physical resurrection
Some people are cremated so there bodies no longer exist
Stories of the resurrection appearances may have been exaggerated
The disciples may have felt jesus presence spiritually rather than seeing him physically
Christians believe in the soul and it is the soul that rises again, not the body.
What’s afterlife that Christians believe in
Life after death
When does afterlife begin
At death or the day of judgement when jesus will come to judge the living and the dead
What do many Christians believe about afterlife
They will be resurrected and receive eternal life after they die
This is a gift from god, and deoendant on faith in god
They will be judged by god at some point after they die and either rewarded by being sent to heaven or punished by being sent to hell
This judgement will happen either very soon after death or on the day of judgement this is a time in the future when the world will end and christ will come again to judge the living and the dead
Where can some beliefs about the afterlife be found and what do they say/quote
In the Apostles’ Creed.
“He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the father and he will come to judge the living and the dead: I believe in...
The resurrection of the body;
And the life everlasting
What do Christians believe god will judge them on after they die
Their behaviour and actions during their lifetime. As well as their faith in jesus as Gods son.
In the bible jesus’ parable of the sheep and the gist describes how god will judge people
This parable teaches Christians that I’m serving others they are serving jesus so this is the way they should live there lives.
Before he died jesus told his disciples he would prepare a place for them in heaven with god he also made it clear that having faith in him and following his teachings was essential for being able to enter heaven
Quote about serving others and serving jesus
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I need clothes and you clothes me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me”
Quote about eneyering heaven with Jesus
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me”
What do Christians believe jesus’ judgement will result in
Eternal reward or eternal punishment
The state or place of eternal happiness and peace in the presence of god
The place of eternal suffereing or the state of being without god
What happens after gods judgement
Christians believe they will either experience eternal happiness in the presence of God(heaven( or be unable to experience Gods presence (he’ll)
Catholicos - some people might enter a intermediate state, called purgatory before they enter heaven
Knowledges of these states is limited and linked to imagery from the past
What is heaven through to be
Either a physical place or spiritual state of peace, joy, freedom from pain and a chance to be with loved ones
What are traditional images of heaven
Often show god on a throne with jesus next to him and angels all around him or a garden paradise
Christians may differ in their views about who is allowed into heaven :
Only Christians (believers in jesus)
Christians and other religious people who have pleased god by living good life’s
Baptised Christians regardless of how their lives were lived
Many Christians believe heaven is a reward for both faith and actions and not just one of these. What shows this?
The parable of the sheep and goats
Is an intermediate state where souls are cleansed in order to enter heaven - CATHOLIC BELIEF
What is he’ll seen as
The opposite of heaven- a state of existence without God.
What’s hell pictured as
Place of eternal torment
In a fiery pit ruled by Satan who is the power and source of evil
What do people question about god and sending people to hell?
Wether a loving god would condemn people to eternal torment and pain in hell
What do Christians believe if they don’t think god would send peiple to hell
They see hell as an eternal state of mind of being cut off from the possibility of god
Hell would then be what awaits someone who did not acknowledge god or follow his teachings during their life
What’s a sin
Any thought or action that seperated humans from god
What’s original sin
The in-built tendency to do wrong and disobey God, which catholics believe all people are born with.
How can Christians be saved from sin and gain salvation?
By following gods law, receiving gods grace and being guided by theholy Spirit
Examples of illegal and legal sins
Murder and assaults or illegal sins
Adultery not an illegal sin but is against the laws of god
Christians believe that all humans commit sins. Some Christians (particularly catholics) also believe humans are born with an in-built tendency to sin. What’s this called?
Where does the idea of original sin come from?
Adam and eves disobedience of god, when they ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of food and evil which was forbidden by god. This was the first (original) sin.
What was the result of original sin?
They separation from god, and the introduction of death into the world
God gave peiple free will but what should they do?
Use their freedom to make choices god would approve of otherwise they will Seperate themselves from god.
God provides people with the quidanxe to make good choices for example in the Ten Commandments
To be saved from sin and it’s consequences and to be granted eternal life with god. Salvation repealed the damages caused by sin which has seperated people from god
What are the two main ideas about how salvation can come about?
Through doing good works- the Old Testament makes it clear that salvation comes through faith in god and obeying gods laws
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, Is dead”
Through grace- salvation is given freely by god through faith in jesus. It is not deserved or earned but it is a free gift of gods love
“For it is by grace you have been saved...”
Who gives grace to Christians?
Holy Spirit gives grace to Christians and continues to guide them in their daily lives to help them achieve salvation
Christians believe that salvation is offered though....
The life and teaching of jesus
Jesus’ resurrection shows that God accepted jesus’ sacrifice as atonement. What does this mean?
That through the sacrifice of his death, jesus restored the relationship between god and humanity that was broken when Adam and Eve sinned.
Christians believe Jesus’ life death and resurrection had a crucual role to play in Gods plan for salvation because :
•jesus crucificion made up for the original sin of Adam and Eve
• death of jesus(innocent) was necessary to restore relationship between god and believers to bring them salvation
• jesus resurrection shows the goodness of jesus defeated the evil of sin. It was proof that God had accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on behalf of humankind
• Jesus’ resurrection means humans can now receive forgiveness for their sins.
• jesus’ death and resurrection made it possible for all who follow his teachings to gain eternal life
Eternal life quote
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of god is eternal life in Christ jesus our Lord”
What does atonement do
Removed the effects of sin and allows people to restore their relationship with god
Many Christians believe that through the sacrifice of his death jesus took the sins of all humanity in himself and paid the debt for them all. He atoned for the sins of humanity
This sacrifice makes it possible for all who follow jesus’ teachings to receive eternal life with god
Quote for atonement
“[...] if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father- Jesus Christ, the Righteous one. He is the atoning sacrfifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world”
Salavations is gods greatest gift
Atheists don’t consider salvation important as they don’t think there’s a god who saves people
People may doubt the truth of jesus’ resurrection so they don’t see the need for a belief in salvation
Some people may question wether god is loving if god demands death of his son in payment for human sin
Even religious people may think there are greater gifts such as nature or life itself