Christian Beliefs and Practices Flashcards
1
Q
What is ‘Denomination’?
A
A distinct group within the Christian faith (with its own organisation and traditions).
2
Q
What kind of religion is Christianity?
A
Monotheistic.
3
Q
Give a quote from the Bible that shows Christianity is a monotheistic faith.
A
“You shall have no other Gods before me.” - Exodus
4
Q
Which religion does Christianity have ‘strong roots’ with?
A
Judaism.
5
Q
State three qualities of God.
A
> Omnipotent - almighty, having unlimited power
Omniscient - all knowing
Omnibenevolent - all loving
6
Q
Define justice.
A
The bringing about of what is right and fair, according to the law, or making up for wrong that has been committed.
7
Q
Give a quote that shows God is all loving.
A
“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” - John
8
Q
What are the three components that make up the Holy Trinity?
A
> The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
9
Q
What is the “Word”?
A
The term used at the beginning of John’s gospel to refer to God the Son.
10
Q
Where can the creation story be found in the Bible?
A
Genesis.
11
Q
Give a quote that shows the Holy Spirit was present at the creation of the universe.
A
“and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” - Genesis
12
Q
Give a quote that shows the Son was present at the creation of the universe.
A
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” - John
13
Q
Define incarnation.
A
Becoming flesh, taking a human form.
14
Q
What is resurrection?
A
> Rising from the dead
> When Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Day
15
Q
Define blasphemy.
A
A religious offence which includes claiming to be God.
16
Q
Why do many people question the virgin concept?
A
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.
17
Q
State three reasons why Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
A
> His unnatural conception
His knowledge of which others did not have
His resurrection
18
Q
What is crucifixion?
A
> Roman method of execution; by which criminals were fixed to a cross
The execution and death of Jesus on Good Friday
19
Q
When did Jesus die?
A
Good Friday.
20
Q
What is the method of crucifixion?
A
> 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)
21
Q
What is the reason that Christians believed that Jesus died for us?
A
To repent for our sins and reconcile or relationship with God.
22
Q
State some impacts of the crucifixion for Christians today.
A
> 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’)
23
Q
Why may some Christians wear a cross/ crucifix necklace?
A
As a symbol to remind them of Jesus and his sacrifice for their sins.
24
Q
Why do some Christians believe that a plain wooden cross is enough to symbolise there faith, where as others prefer a crucifix?
A
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.
25
What is ascension?
The event, 40days after the resurrection. Jesus returned to God in heaven.
26
Define heaven.
A state of eternal happiness in the presence of God.
27
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
28
Define afterlife.
What Christians believe follows life on Earth.
29
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.
30
What do Christians believe that human beings receive as a gift from God?
Eternal Life.
31
What do Christians believe enters a different dimension when they die which little is known?
Their soul.
32
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.
33
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'.
34
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'.
35
Define hell.
The place of eternal suffering or the state of being without God.
36
What is purgatory?
The intermediate state where souls are cleansed in order to enter heaven.
37
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
38
What was the Original Sin?
"Something that everyone is born with" - that urges us to do bad things and disobey God.
39
Define salvation.
Saving the soul, deliverance from sin and admission into heaven brought about by Jesus.
40
Define Grace.
A quality of God which God shows to humans by providing love and support which they do not need to earn.
41
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.
42
How does the Old Testament state that a person can achieve salvation?
By having faith in God and obeying his laws.
43
What is atonement?
The restoration of the relationship between God and the people through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
44
Define Mass.
A ceremony, also called Eucharist, in which a sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus is celebrated using bread and wine.
45
What does the Bible make clear removes the effects of Sin and allows people to restore their relationship with God?
Atonement.
46
What is the parable of The Prodigal Son?
> A younger brother asks his father for his inheritance
> His father grants his wish
> The son spends it all and ends up with nothing
> He begs his father to take him back in as a servant
> The father welcomes his son back with open arms and celebrations
> The older brother does not want to take part in the celebrations out of envy
> He is reminded by his father that one day, he will receive his inheritance
47
Why is the parable of The Prodigal Son relevant today?
It says that people make mistakes and soon ask for redemption, the only difference, the temptations.
48
Define worship.
Acts of religious praise, honour or devotion.
49
What is liturgical worship?
A Church service that follows a set structure or ritual.
50
What is non-liturgical worship?
A service that does not follow a set text or ritual.
51
Define informal worship.
A type of non-liturgical worship, sometime "spontaneous" or "charismatic" in nature.
52
What is private worship?
When a believer praises or honours God on his or her own.
53
Why do Christians worship?
```
> Seek forgiveness of sins
> Thank God for his blessings
> Seek help/ guidance
> Relieve suffering
> Give comfort
> Build relationship with God
> Show devotion, honour, deep love etc
> God is worthy of worship
```
54
Name the advantages of liturgical worship.
> People like routine/ tradition
| > No confusion
55
Name the disadvantages of liturgical worship.
> No change
> Not spontaneous
> Boring
56
What are the characteristics of liturgical worship?
> People receive forgiveness from God through actions of priest
> People receive the living presence of Jesus in Holy Communion
> Christian history and faith are taught
> Worldwide set service - familiar to all
> Ritual passed down through generations - gives sense of tradition
57
What are the characteristics of non-liturgical worship?
> Faith is expressed in a variety of different ways (eg. Holy Communion)
> Christians can share personal interpretations of the Bible
> Often readings follow the Christian Calendar
> People can take an active part in church (praying aloud or speaking without formal training)
> Services may have emotional impacts (feelings of personal revelation with God)
58
Define prayer.
Communication with God, either silently or through words of praise, thanksgiving or confession.
59
What are set prayers?
Prayers that have been written down and said more than once by more than one person (eg. the Lords Prayer).
60
What are informal prayers?
A prayer that is made up by an individual using his or her own words.
61
What is a Nonconformist?
An English Protestant who does not conform to the doctrines or practices of the established Church of England.
62
How do people pray?
In a humble position, kneeling down, sometimes with hands pressed together. In Orthodox services people stand to pray, Nonconformists often sit and Anglicans may kneel. Some Catholics use a rosary and some Orthodox Christians use icons to aid prayers.
63
Why do some Christians raise their hands whilst praying?
To invite the Holy Spirit into their lives.
64
What is the Catholic grace said before meals?
"Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive."
65
When Jesus was asked to teach his disciples how to pray, what did he answer?
"The Lord's Prayer."
66
State a part of The Lord's Prayer.
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name, your kingdom come, your will be done".
67
What are sacraments?
Rituals through which if completed, Christians receive God's grace.
68
Briefly describe the baptism of Jesus.
John the Baptist, baptised Jesus in the Jordan River. Jesus' baptism set an example for his followers to be baptised.
69
Define infant baptism.
Promises made to guide a child towards Christ and the Church.
70
How do sacraments help Christians?
> Strengthen their relationship with God
| > Makes God a part of their lives
71
What is Holy Communion?
A service of thanksgiving in which the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus are celebrated using bread and wine; also called Eucharist.
72
What do many Christians see Holy Communion as?
An act of fellowship/ communion with God.
73
Which type of Christians believe that the bread and wine are literally Christ's body and blood?
Catholics, Anglican and Orthodox.
74
Which type of Christian believes that the bread and wine are symbols of Christ's body and blood - reminder of his words at the Last Supper?
Protestants.
75
What are the impacts of Holy Communion on individuals, communities and society?
> Centre of lives and worship
> Receive God's grace
> Not just remembering past, becoming reality
> Strengthens commitment to faith
> Support and encouragement
> Puts experienced love of God into practice by loving others
> As bread is broken together - reminder that some are starving
> Encourages to work for justice and equality for all
76
What is pilgrimage?
A journey by a believer to a holy site for religious reasons.
77
What is the role and importance of pilgrimage?
| GSEFRWCHM
```
> To grow closer to God
> Strengthen faith
> Express sorrow for sins
> To be forgiven
> Reflect on life
> Act of worship
> Seek cure for illness
> Help other pilgrims who are disabled or ill
> Meet others of the same faith
```
78
Name two pilgrimage sites.
Lourdes in south-west France (where Mary appeared and has healing spring water) and Iona - an island off the west coast of Scotland (veil between the spiritual world and physical world).
79
What are festivals?
A day or period of celebration for religious reasons.
80
Define Christmas.
The day of commemorating the incarnation of Jesus and also the season of 12days ending with Epiphany.
81
Define Easter.
The religious season celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead; it starts on Easter Day and finishes with the feast of Pentecost.
82
Define Church.
> Body of Christ
| > Building of Christian worship
83
What has the Church been a major source of?
Social services - like schooling and medical care.
84
What does the Church provide?
A location where Christians from the local community can meet, worship, pray, obtain spiritual guidance and socialise.
85
In modern Britain, what has the Church become involved with?
Projects that help the local community, such as food banks.
86
What is the Trussell Trust?
A Christian charity based on the principles of the parable of the Sheep and Goat, with the aim to bring people together (religious and non-religious) to work towards ending poverty and hunger in Britain.
87
What is the Biblical interpretation of the Church?
The followers of Jesus who have a Christian duty to show love to the community and support the needy (eg. through food banks).
88
When the word 'agape' is used in the Bible, what does it means?
Describes selfness, sacrificial, unconditional love.
89
What do Street Pastors aim to do?
Help and care for vulnerable people in practical ways.
90
What quote describes the uselessness of faith without actions?
"Faith by itself, it is not accompanied by actioned, is dead." - James
91
What is the Great Commission?
Jesus' instruction to his followers to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world.
92
What is Evangelism?
Spreading the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness.
93
Define a missionary.
A person sent on a religious mission, especially to promote Christianity in a foreign country through preaching or charitable work.
94
What do 'Christ for all Nations' (CfaN) do?
> Spread by evangelism
> Give hope
> Started by Reinhard Bokke
> Held evangelist missions throughout the world - Africa in particular.
95
Define discipleship.
```
> Someone who brings faith to people
> Encouraging follow believers
> Sharing testimonies
> Social events
> Inviting people to Christian meetings
```
96
What is reconciliation?
A sacrement in the Catholic Church; also, the resting of harmony after relationships have broken down.
97
Define persecution.
Hostility and ill treatment, especially because of race, political beliefs or religion.
98
What is the primary mission of the Worldwide Church (WWC)?
To proclaim that Jesus came so that the relationship between God and people can be restored.
99
What do Christians argue that sin caused to be broken?
The relationship between God and the people.
100
What is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church called?
The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
101
Despite the work of Christians to bring reconciliation and peace, the International Society for Human Rights, claims that what percentage of acts of religious discrimination in the world today are directed at Christians?
80%
102
How many countries were reported that Christians are discriminated against?
139 (that's almost 75% of the world's nations).
103
What does the persecution of Christians range from.
Paying extra tax, to not being allowed good occupations/ homes and even being attacked/ murdered.
104
What countries were reported to have the most serious persecution taken place?
North Korea, Somalia, Iraq and Syria.
105
If two people fall out, there is usually a third party (that is neutral in order to assist them to come to a logical conclusion). Can you give a religious example of this?
The Church reconciling us and God.
106
Who was Pastor Baber George and what happened to him?
> Pastor who set up projects to assist the poor and uneducated
> Was accused of blasphemy by extremist Muslims
> His home was attacked, and his family threatened
>The police refused to get involved
> A fattwa (death sentence) was issued by radical Muslims against him and his family
> They escaped Sri-Lanka for 40months until they were finally given asylum in the USA
107
What quote expresses the return of ill treatment that you may place on others?
"Do to others as you would have them do to you." - Luke
108
What quote asks you to never seek revenge against those who persecute you or your loved ones?
"...Forgive those who trespass against you." - Matthew
109
Which quote refers to your evil actions being the cause of your death?
"Those who live by the sword, die by the sword." - Matthew
110
Which quote relating to persecution asks you to be forgiving as this life is only temporary?
"Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you." - Mark
