Chapter 1 Flashcards
Christian Beliefs and Teachings
What do Christians believe about God?
- Only one God “We believe in one God”- Nicene Creed
- Omnipotent (all-powerful) as he’s the creator and sustainer of all that exists
- Benevolent (loving) God uses his power to do good, shows his love by creating and caring for humans and when he sent Jesus to earth
- Just: He’s a just judge of humankind, he will never support injustice, ill-treatment, prejudice or oppression
How does belief that God is omnipotent influence Christians today?
- influences them to pray to him and ask for a miracle
- influence them to worship and Thank God for the creation that he created with his power
How does belief that God is benevolent influence Christians today?
- encourage them to love each other and treat god’s creation w/ care and respect
- could feel comforted through hard times as they know god loves them and will reward them in heaven
How does belief that God is just influence Christians today?
- encourage them to treat others fairly too
- motivate Christians to do good deeds as they know god will judge them and they want to go heaven
What are the 3 parts of the holy spirit?
-Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Who is God the Father?
- Creator of all life
- acts as a good father towards his children
- powerful, loving, all knowing (omniscient) and present everywhere (omnipresent)
Who is God the holy spirit?
- Unseen power of God at work in the world
- Influences and Guides and sustains life on earth
Who is God the son?
- Became incarnate (flesh/human) through Jesus
- Known as the son to highlight his special relationship w/ God the Father
How does belief in Trinity influence Christians today?
- It influences Christians today as it may help them relate to god in diff ways, as a good parent (father) a friend who is more like us (son) or as a presence with them (holy spirit)
- It reminds Christians that god is holy and beyond our understanding and so worthy of our worship
What is the creation?
- God created the universe
- God the Father chose to design and create the earth and all life on it
- The holy spirit was active in the creation (Genesis 1)
- The “Word was with god” (Word=Jesus) during creation (John 1)
- Trinity therefore existed from the start and was involved in the creation
How does belief in the creation influence Christians today?
- Christians may treat earth with care - look after environment and be stewards, as they believe the earth is god’s creation and they should care for it
- may also believe all human life is precious as we are made in “gods image”. This means they may disagree with abortion or Euthanasia as they go against the sanctity of life.
What is the incarnation?
-Christians believe Jesus was god in human form
-Incarnation > becoming flesh, taking human form.
“The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”
Why is it important?
- It helps Christians understand god’s love for humanity
- It shows Christians how they should live - love each other as god loves them
How does incarnation influence Christians today?
- This influences Christians to follow Jesus teaching as he is god so has authority
- Also influences Christians to worship him and pray to him because he is god
What is the crucifixion?
- Jesus sentenced to death by crucifixion (fixed to a cross)
- Jesus forgave those who crucified him and promised one of the men crucified with him that he would join God in paradise