Christian Beliefs Flashcards
What are the three main branches of Christianity?
Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant
What is Catholicism?
A branch of Christianity, based in Rome and led by the Pope
What is Orthodox?
A branch of Christianity mainly, but not entirely, practised in Eastern Europe
What is Protestant?
A branch of Christianity, originally Protestants were called by that name because they protested against some of the practices of the Catholic Church; there are many Protestant denominations, but they agree on the central belief that the Bible is the only authority for Christians
What is a Denomination?
A distinct group within the Christian faith, with its own organisation and traditions
What does Monotheistic mean?
A religion that believes there is only one God
What do Christians believe about God?
God is the creator and sustainer of all that exists, God works throughout history and inspires people to do God’s will, People can have a relationship with God through prayer, God is spirit (John 4:25) - neither male nor female - but has qualities of both, God is holy (set apart for special purpose and worthy of worship), Jesus is God’s son - the true representation of God on earth (Hebrews 1:3)
What does the Nicene Creed say about the belief in one God?
In The Nicene Creed it states that ‘We believe in only one God’
What are the three things that God is?
Omnipotent, Benevolent, Just
What does omnipotence mean?
Almighty, having unlimited power; a quality of God
What does benevolence mean?
All-loving, All-good; a quality of God
How did and does God show his benevolence?
God uses his power to do good, God shows his love by creating humans and caring for them, God showed his love by sending God’s Son, Jesus, to earth
What does justice mean?
Bringing about what is right and fair, according to the law, or making up for a wrong that has been committed
How does justice relate to God?
God is a just judge of humankind, God will never support injustice, ill-treatment, prejudice or oppression
Why is the problem of evil and suffering an argument against the existence of God?
If God is benevolent then why does he allow people to suffer and hurt others, If God is omnipotent then why does he not prevent evil and suffering for example natural disasters, if God is just then why does he allow injustice to take place
Give two ways in which Christians believe God shows his benevolence.
God gave his own son, Jesus, to save humanity, God always forgives
What are two arguments why evil and suffering doesn’t disprove the existence of God?
Without evil there is no good and without suffering there is no happiness, God gave humans free will and it is our right to exercise that
What is the Trinity?
The belief that there are three Persons in the One God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
What is God the Father?
The creator of all life, acts as a good father towards his children, omnipotent, benevolent, omniscient, omnipresent
What is God the Son?
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
What is God the Holy Spirit?
The unseen power of God at work in the world, influences, guides and sustains life on earth
What does the Nicene Creed say about the Trinity?
We believe in one God and includes references to the Father Almighty, the Son, the Holy Spirit
Explain two Christian beliefs about the Trinity.
The Christian belief that there are three persons in the one God as stated in the Nicene Creed which mentions ‘the Father Almighty, the Son and the Holy Spirit’, Another Christian belief is that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all separate things but are all God
12 mark essay plan for ‘The Trinity is a helpful way of describing God.’
For: explains the different components of God, shows the oneness of God; Against: contradictory - how can there be three things that are God and not each other, can make non-Christians believe that Christians believe in multiple Gods
Why do Christians believe that the Holy Spirit was active in the creation?
Genesis 1:1-3, Spirit of God was hovering over the water
What is the creation story first line?
Genesis 1: 1-3, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth
Explain two contrasting Christian beliefs about the creation.
Many Christians believe that the creation story in Genesis, while not scientifically accurate, contains religious truth explaining that the process of creation was God’s choice and that God designed it to happen, Some Christians believe that God literally made the world in 6 days
Which element of the Trinity is the creator?
God the Father, Holy Spirit was also present
What is the story of creation in John’s Gospel?
John 1:1-3, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
What was everything created through in John’s Gospel?
Everything was created through the Word, who was both with God and was God
What does the Word refer to?
The Son of God who entered history as Jesus
What do Christians believe was involved in the creation?
The Son of God and the Word of God
Explain two ways in which belief in creation by God influences Christians today.
God planned and made everything good so they believe that everything in the world is part of God’s plan, He created humans as a steward for the creation so we have a duty to protect it
‘The Bible is the best source of information about the creation.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
For: if God is omnipotent then he can create the heavens and the earth, the design argument which backs up the bible as God created everything perfectly to work; Against: Big Bang theory, evolution
How is the birth of Jesus said to come about?
‘His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit’ Matthew 1:18
What did an angel say to Mary and Joseph about the nature of the conception?
On separate occasions an angel appeared to Mary and Joseph explaining that it was not an ordinary conception and it was not to be an ordinary child
Which Gospels explain that Jesus conceived without sex?
Matthew and Luke
What is the virgin conception evidence for?
Evidence for the Christian belief that Jesus was the Son of God, part of the Trinity
Was Jesus God or human?
Both fully God and fully human, which helps explain his miracles and resurrection
Why does this make his words have authority?
Because they are the words of God
What did most Jews expect about Jesus?
They expected a Messiah who would come to save Israel and establish an age of peace, but do not believe Jesus was that person
What do Christians believe about Jesus in relation to the Messiah?
They believe that Jesus is the Messiah but a spiritual one rather than a political one
Explain two Christian beliefs about Jesus’ incarnation.
Jesus was God in human form, Jesus was a virgin conception
Why did Jesus suffer pain in the crucifixion if he was fully God?
He was fully human as well so suffered pain and horror
What were Jesus’ last words before dying?
‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’ Luke 23:46
In what Gospel does the Roman Centurion exclaim ‘Surely this is the Son of God’?
Mark
What is the definition of Resurrection?
1) Rising from the dead; 2) Jesus rising from the dead on Easter Day. An event recorded in all four gospels and the central belief of Christianity
What are three reasons the crucifixion was so important?
It gives them confidence that if they accept Jesus’ sacrifice, sin can no longer destroy their lives because God forgives those who faithfully ask for forgiveness.
They believe that suffering is a part of life just as it was a part of Jesus’ life
God understands suffering through experiences of Jesus.
What are two ways in which the crucifixion influences Christians today?
Their sins are forgiven as Jesus atoned for original sin and therefore if they repent they can be forgiven, they have hope when suffering as Jesus suffered on the cross and then joined God in heaven
‘The crucifixion is the most important belief for Christians.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
For: belief in atonement for original sin, belief as in Gospels Roman Centurion says that surely this is the Son of God; Against: resurrection - strengthens Christian belief, creation - explains how the world came about
When did the ascension take place?
40 days after the resurrection
What was the ascension?
When he returned to God the Father in heaven
What was the story of the resurrection?
Early on Sunday morning some of Jesus’ female followers visited the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, Jesus’ body was not there, either a man or two men who may have been angels told the women to spread the news that Jesus had risen from the dead, over the next few days Jesus appeared to several people including Mary Magdalene and his disciples, he told them that he had risen from the dead
What quote shows that Christianity would not exist without the resurrection?
‘And if Christ had not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead… For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive’ 1 Corinthians 15:14
What is a quote for the ascension?
‘While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven’ Luke 24:51
What is the significance of the resurrection for Christians today?
Shows the power of good over evil and life over death.
Christians believe that by accepting Jesus they can also be resurrected in some way and shouldn’t fear death.
The resurrection assures Christian’s that God will forgive their sins if they follow the teachings of Christianity.
What is the significance of the ascension for Christians today?
Shows Jesus is with God in heaven, Paves the way for God to send the Holy Spirit to provide comfort and guidance
Give two reasons why the disciples believed that Jesus was alive after his resurrection.
They saw him, the tomb was empty
‘The resurrection is the most important belief for Christians.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
For: without resurrection no Christianity - Corinthians, means that Christians’ sins will be forgiven if they follow God’s laws; Against: belief in crucifixion - atonement, belief in creation
What do Catholic and Orthodox Christians view on resurrection?
They believe in bodily resurrection, this means resurrection is both spiritual and physical - the physical body lost at death is restored and transformed into a new, spiritual body
What are three other Christian views on resurrection?
Some Christians believe a person’s soul is resurrected soon after death, some Christians believe the dead will be resurrected at some time in the future, when Jesus will return to judge anyone who has ever lived, some Christians believe resurrection will just be spiritual, not physical as well
What is a quote for belief of resurrection and life after death?
‘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.’
Explain two ways in which a belief in resurrection influences Christians today.
Inspires Christians to live life in the way God wants them to, so they can remain in his presence in this life and the next, makes Christians believe that life after death is real and lessens the pain at the loss of a loved one
‘The resurrection of the dead is the most important Christian belief.’ Evaluate this statement.
For: helps Christians to not fear death and suffering as they know that they will rise, strengthens belief in Christianity - Jesus’ resurrection; Against: Creation, Christian teachings such as love thy neighbour as thyself - greatest commandment
What are three Christian beliefs about life after death?
They will be resurrected and receive eternal life after they die, this is a gift from God, and dependent 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
What are two Christian beliefs about when judgement occurs?
Judgement happens very soon after death, judgement happens on the Day of Judgement
What does the Apostles’ Creed say about the afterlife?
‘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.’
What do Christians believe that God will judge them on?
behaviour and actions, belief in Jesus as God’s son
What parable of Jesus speaks about judgement?
parable of the sheep and the goats
What does the parable of the sheep and the goats teach Christians?
that in serving others, they are serving Jesus, so this is the way they should live their lives
Quote from the parable of the sheep and the goats
‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat’
Matthew 25:35-36
What did Jesus tell the disciples was essential for entering heaven before he died?
having faith in him and following his teachings
What is the quote that Jesus told the disciples?
‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’
John 14:6
Explain two Christian teachings about judgement.
• belief in Jesus is essential for entering heaven as Jesus told his disciples in John’s Gospel ‘No one comes to the Father except through me’
• they believe that God will decide whether they go to heaven or hell as it says in the parable of the sheep and goats where Jesus says that ‘God will separate people like a shepherd will separate the sheep from the goats’
‘The afterlife is a good way to get people to behave themselves and help others.’ Evaluate this statement.
For:
• Christian - parable of sheep and goats - God will decide who goes to heaven or hell based on actions
• Buddhism - belief in how ones kamma influences what world they will be reborn into
Against:
• belief in an afterlife makes people care less about their lives
• shouldn’t have to focus on afterlife should instead focus on life at present
Heaven definition
the state or place of eternal happiness and peace in the presence of God
Hell definition
the place of eternal suffering or the state of being without God
What do Catholics believe will happen often before entry to heaven?
purgatory - intermediate state where souls are cleansed in order to enter heaven
What do traditional images suggest heaven is like?
a garden paradise with God on a throne and Jesus next to him with angels all around
What are two contrasting Christian beliefs about who is allowed to enter heaven?
• only Christians
• Christians or other religious people who have pleased God by living good lives but also Baptised Christians, regardless of how they lived their lives.
What two things do Christians believe is essential for entry into heaven?
• heaven as a reward for both faith and actions
How is hell often depicted?
place of eternal torment in a fiery pit ruled by Satan
Why do some Christians not believe hell is real?
because a loving God would not condemn people to eternal torment and pain in hell
What do Christians who believe in a benevolent God believe hell is like?
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
Give two reasons why some people do not believe in hell.
• some Christians might not believe in hell because why would a benevolent God make people suffer eternal torment
• some people believe that there is no afterlife and we simply cease to exist
What is sin?
Any thought or action that separates humans from God
Behaviour which is against God’s laws and wishes or against principles of morality
What is original sin?
the in-built tendency to do wrong and disobey God which Catholics believe all people are born with
Are sins illegal?
some like killing is but others such as adultery are not illegal but against the laws of God
Where does original sin come from?
Adam and Eve’s disobedience of God when they ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil
the result of their sin was separation from God and the introduction of death into the world
What do Christians believe about free will?
God gave people free will, but they should use their freedom to make choices that God would approve of, otherwise they will separate themselves from God
God provides people with their guidance to make good choices in his law such as the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-19), the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) and other Christian teachings
Salvation meaning
to be saved from sin and its consequences and to be granted eternal life with God
Salvation repairs the damage caused by sin which has separated people from God
What are the two ways in which Christians believe that Salvation can come about?
• through doing good works - the Old Testament makes it clear that salvation comes through faith in God and obeying God’s law - ‘In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied with action, is dead’ - James 2:17
• through grace - salvation is given freely by God through faith in Jesus. It is not deserved or earned but is a free gift of God’s love - ‘For it is by grace you have been saved…’ Ephesians 2:8
What element of the Trinity gives grace to Christians and continues to guide them in their daily lives, to help them achieve salvation?
The Holy Spirit
Explain two Christian teachings about the means of salvation.
• salvation through good works - ‘In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied with action, is dead’ - James 2:17
• salvation through grace - ‘For it is by grace you have been saved…’ Ephesians 2:8
‘As nobody is perfect it is impossible not to sin.’ Evaluate this argument.
For:
• Original sin
• daily often accidental actions and human nature
Against:
• Jesus lived a sinless life
• many saints live a sinless life
• might be unlikely but not impossible
What did Jesus’ crucifixion do?
made up for the original sin of Adam and Eve
Why was the death of Jesus necessary?
the death of Jesus, an innocent man, was necessary to restore the relationship between God and believers, to bring them salvation
Why was Jesus’ resurrection necessary?
Jesus’ resurrection shows the goodness of Jesus defeated the evil of sin. It was proof that God had accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on behalf of mankind
Jesus’ resurrection means that 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
What is atonement?
Restoring the relationship between people and God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus
What do Christians believe that the sacrifice of Jesus’ death do for atonement?
they believe that he took all the sins of humanity on himself and paid the debt for all of them
he atoned for the sins of humanity
this sacrifice makes it possible for all who follow Jesus’ teachings to receive eternal life with God
Atonement quotation
‘…If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous one. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.’
1 John 2:1-2
Give two reasons why the death and resurrection is important to Christians.
• helps strengthen belief
• made up for original sin
‘Salvation is God’s greatest gift to humans.’ Evaluate this statement.
For:
• atoned for original sin
• restored relationship between God and believers
• allowed Christians to achieve eternal life with God
Against:
• life itself
• atheists do not think salvation is important because they do not think that there is a God who saves people
