Christian Beliefs and Practices Flashcards
What is ‘Denomination’?
A distinct group within the Christian faith (with its own organisation and traditions).
What kind of religion is Christianity?
Monotheistic.
Give a quote from the Bible that shows Christianity is a monotheistic faith.
“You shall have no other Gods before me.” - Exodus
Which religion does Christianity have ‘strong roots’ with?
Judaism.
State three qualities of God.
> Omnipotent - almighty, having unlimited power
Omniscient - all knowing
Omnibenevolent - all loving
Define justice.
The bringing about of what is right and fair, according to the law, or making up for wrong that has been committed.
Give a quote that shows God is all loving.
“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” - John
What are the three components that make up the Holy Trinity?
> The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
What is the “Word”?
The term used at the beginning of John’s gospel to refer to God the Son.
Where can the creation story be found in the Bible?
Genesis.
Give a quote that shows the Holy Spirit was present at the creation of the universe.
“and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” - Genesis
Give a quote that shows the Son was present at the creation of the universe.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” - John
Define incarnation.
Becoming flesh, taking a human form.
What is resurrection?
> Rising from the dead
> When Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Day
Define blasphemy.
A religious offence which includes claiming to be God.
Why do many people question the virgin concept?
It is not a natural thing to happen, however, the gospels of Matthew and Luke clearly state that Mary, Jesus’ mother, did not conceive Jesus sexually.
State three reasons why Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
> His unnatural conception
His knowledge of which others did not have
His resurrection
What is crucifixion?
> Roman method of execution; by which criminals were fixed to a cross
The execution and death of Jesus on Good Friday
When did Jesus die?
Good Friday.
What is the method of crucifixion?
> The victim is laid onto a large wooden cross
The victim is either tied or nailed to the cross
The cross is lifted upright
Victims await death - usually by dehydration or asphyxiation (not being able to breathe)
What is the reason that Christians believed that Jesus died for us?
To repent for our sins and reconcile or relationship with God.
State some impacts of the crucifixion for Christians today.
> Gives them confidence (if they accept Jesus’ sacrifice, sin can no longer destroy their lives as God has forgiven them)
Belief that suffering is a part of life (just as it was part of Jesus’)
Why may some Christians wear a cross/ crucifix necklace?
As a symbol to remind them of Jesus and his sacrifice for their sins.
Why do some Christians believe that a plain wooden cross is enough to symbolise there faith, where as others prefer a crucifix?
The believe that the cross alone is symbolic enough, where as others prefer the powerfulness of an actual crucifix - brings emotions due to his suffering through the visible show of his death.
What is ascension?
The event, 40days after the resurrection. Jesus returned to God in heaven.
Define heaven.
A state of eternal happiness in the presence of God.
What is the importance of the resurrection?
> Shows the power of good over evil
Christians believe that by excepting the resurrection, they to will be resurrected in some kind of way - no need to fear death
Offers reassurement that Christians will be forgiven for their sins if they follow the teachings
Ascension shows that Jesus is with God; provides comfort and guidance
Define afterlife.
What Christians believe follows life on Earth.
What is the Day of Judgement?
A time when the world will end and every soul will be judged by God and rewarded or punished.
What do Christians believe that human beings receive as a gift from God?
Eternal Life.
What do Christians believe enters a different dimension when they die which little is known?
Their soul.
What is the parable of The Sheep and Goats?
The ‘sheep’ on Jesus’ right had asked when they had done these good deeds which ad got them to where they were, Jesus replied that whenever they had helped others, they had done the same for him [Jesus]. Jesus has condemned the ‘goats’ for not acting this way for others.
What did the parable of The Sheep and Goats give to Christians?
A good criteria which God uses in judgement and shows what needs to be done in order to be ‘saved’.
Why is the afterlife a good way to get people to ‘behave themselves’?
The Bible creates a horrible image of Hell and being apart from God. This is not true for atheists however, as they do not believe in either heaven or hell, but rather focusing on ‘living in the now’.
Define hell.
The place of eternal suffering or the state of being without God.
What is purgatory?
The intermediate state where souls are cleansed in order to enter heaven.
Define Sin.
> An action or thought that separates humans from God
> Behaviour which is against God’s law and wishes or is against the principles of morality
What was the Original Sin?
“Something that everyone is born with” - that urges us to do bad things and disobey God.
Define salvation.
Saving the soul, deliverance from sin and admission into heaven brought about by Jesus.
Define Grace.
A quality of God which God shows to humans by providing love and support which they do not need to earn.
What did Adam and Eve do to cause the Original Sin?
They gave in to temptation and ate the fruit from the forbidden tree that they were ordered not to.
How does the Old Testament state that a person can achieve salvation?
By having faith in God and obeying his laws.
What is atonement?
The restoration of the relationship between God and the people through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Define Mass.
A ceremony, also called Eucharist, in which a sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus is celebrated using bread and wine.