Christian Beliefs and Teachings Flashcards
What is the Christian belief founded on
Christian beleif is founded on the belief that 2,000 years ago , Jesus died and rose from the dead .
How did Christinaity initially grow
Christianity initlly grew as early followers spread the teachings of the resurrected Jesus’ disciples and the apostle Paul .
When did christianity become an official religion in the Roman Empire
In the fourth century , when the Emperor Constantine became Christian .
What is a Catholic
a branch of Chrsitianity ; based in Rome and lead by the Pope
What is an Orthodox
a branch of christianity mainly , but not entirely practicsed in Eastern Europe .
Who was the first head of the Church of England
Henry VIII
What was the protestant branch of Christianity forming called
Reformation
Since the 16th century , protestant church has then split into further groups , what they known as and give exmpales
Denominations , such as Baptists and Pentecostal Churches .
What is the meaning of protestant and why are they called that
a branch of christianity , originally protestants were called by that name because they protested against some of the practices of the Catholic Church .
What is the meaning of denominations
a distinct group within the Chrisitan faith , with its own organisation and traditions .
What is the meaning of God
The Supreme being .
What are the three main branches of Christianity
Catholic , Orthodox and Protestant .
What does it men by christianity is a monotheistic religion
a religion that believes there is only one God .
what is the meaning of literal and who beleives in this
Catholics -everything in the bible that actually happened.
What is the meanng of liberal and who believes in this
Protestants - not all of it was true , but was written to put forward in a moral (Use this to explain difference between Catholics and Protestants )
How do Christians communicate to God
Through prayer .
Monotheism beleif quote
“I am the lord your God , you shall have no other Gods before me .” Exodus20:2-3 also ten commandment
What is the link between Christianity and Judaism
First commandment was actually gievn to the Jews , Christianity has strong roots within Judaism including sharing the same one God .
Meaning of holy
separate and set apart for a special purpose by God .
God exist without the restricitions of gender - explain
god has traditional male characteristics , power and strength and female characteristics like gentleness and love .
What are some of the problems with attempting to describe the nature of God ?
- God is greater than humans - so how can humans know what God is really like ?
- Does God exist in a physical way ? If so , where is God ?
- What counts as evidence for God ?
Some beliefs about God all christians share
- God is omnipotent
- God is omnibenevolent
- God is just
- God is omniscent
- God is omnipresent .
Meaning of omnipotent , quote to backup .
Almight , having unlimted power , a quality of god , “Nothing is impossible with God” Luke .
Meaning of omnibenevolent , quote to backup
All-loving , all good; a quality of god , “God so loved the wolrd that he gave his one and only son whoever belives in him shall have eternal life .”
meaning of omiscient
God is all knowing
Meanng of omnipresent
God is everywhere .
How is God just
He decidedes not only what is right or wrong , but the perfect judge of character , god never supports injustice .
meaning of justice
bringing about what is right and fair , according to the law , or making up for a wrong that has been committed .
What word did ‘creed’ come from wnad what does it mean .
It comes from the word ‘creedo’ meaning I beleive.
Why do Christians recite the creed ?
- Christians recite this as a reminder of their beliefs .
- Christians may use the creed to strengthen their beliefs about the church as it says , ‘we believe in one holy cahtolic and apostile church .’
Why may some Christians not use the creed ?
-Some Chrisitans may not believe in the creed as they believe it is too rigid ; the creed is mainly focused on teachings in the old testament rather than Jesu’s teachings in the new testament .
Explain two Chrtisian teachings about the nature of God , refer to scripiture , or sacred writings in your answer (5 marks ).
(Answer in exercise book)
- Christians believe that god is omnipotent , meanng all powerful with unlimited auhtoirty . Christians beleieve this as in the bible , when Mary questions how she can be pregnant , Angel gabriel says to her “Nothing is impossible with God.”
- Christians also beleive God is just and that he will never support injustice .Chrisitains believe God has provided them with a moral code (the bible) about what is right and wrong . Therefore , Christians should prevent injustice so that they can go to heaven .
Exam tip regarding Nicene Creed
-Use the Nicene Creed when referring to chrisitain teachings or scripture , especially about God’s nature .
What do Christains do as God is omnipotent?
Christians pray to God to show grtitude for their position . They pray to recognise he is worthy of the worship s he is powerful .
What do Christians do as God is just ?
With unlimited power and authority together , God is believed to be the perefect giver of justice , so God will never support injustice .
Chrsitans should do anything to prevent injsutice dp they can go to heaven - reward promised by God ., as God has provided with a moral code (bible) about what is right or wrong .
What is the meaning of evil ?
The opposite of good , negative action affecting person or group .
What is the meaning of suffering ?
When people have to face and live with unpleasant events or conditions .
What is the meaning of a sentient being ?
A being who can experience pain/sufferign and react to it .
What is the meaning of natural evil ?
Caused byt hings out of the control of humans such as weather .
What is the meaning of moral evil ?
Evil caused by human action , either deliberate or because a person has made a mistake .
Examples of natural evil
- natural disaster
- naturally caused death (inherited diseas)
- Killed by an animal
- Birth defects
Examples of moral evil
- discrimination
- terrorism
- murdering someone
- sexual assault
- bullying
expain why evil and suffering is a problem for Christians
Suffering and evil is a problem for theists as they believe God is , according to the inconsitent triad , omipotent , omnibenevolent and omniscient . But theoretically if God is all three things , evil shouldn’t exist and you can’t remove one thing because it is against the bible .
what is the inconsistent triad
Says that for suffering to exist , God cannot be all three - omnibenevolent , omnipotent and omniscient , he can only be two of them , but then is he really God ?
What is solution 1 of how theists respond to God allowing suffering int he world ?
FREE WILL DEFENCE - some believe that God allows evil and suffering to exist , as humans having free will is more importnt than protecting them from evil and suffering all the time .
-Is it better to be free ,with suffering or determined and robotic , with no suffering ?
What is a counter argument to solution 1 ?
Natural evil still exists regardless of whethere fwd existerd or not , so why does God allow natural evil ?
What is solution 2 of how theists respond to God allowing suffering int he world ?
This is the “the best possible world “ God could have created . God has created the atmosphere so we can survive , with that natural evil exxists , but if we remove the atmosphere to eliminate natural evil , we can’t survive .
What is a counter argument for solution 2 ?
Couldn’t God have made a wolrd where ntural causes happen , but it dosen’t effect humans as he is omnipotent . Still dosen’t explain why suffering in the form of natural death like diseases exist .
What is solution 3 of how theists respond to God allowing suffering int he world ?
Good is punishing humans for their disobedience -Adam and Eve aye from the tree of knowledge hat was forbidden ,they were disobedient which is why suffering exists , God is just ,, so if you do soemthing bad he will punish you .
What is a counter argument agaisnt solution three ?
Why do people sufffer if they haven’t done anythign wrong ? Jesus says we shuld forgive people , but God says you should punish people , so is he really omnibenevolent ?
What is solution 4 of how theists respond to God allowing suffering int he world ?
It is a test - Christians have to go through evil and suffering so God can see if they are faithful to him . If God jsut kept rearding Christian , it could be that they are becomign Christians because of the rewards .
What is a counter argument agaisnt solution 4 ?
If God is omniscient , shouldn’t he know if Christians are faithful and trust them , he wouldn’t have to test them in the firts place.
What is solution 5 of how theists respond to God allowing suffering int he world ?
How can we develop as people if the wolrd is a perfect place ? How can we become courageous , hard-working and compassionate if we always get what we want and nothing every goes wrong ?
What is a counter argument against solution 5 ?
- Why couldn’t we develop us in the first place ?
- Not evryone will take that opportunity to develop .
What is the meaning of trinity ?
Trinity is the belief that there are three persons in One God ; the Father , the Son and the Holy Spirit are separate , but are also one being .
Meaning of the Son of God :
A title used for Jesus , the second person of the Trinity ; denotes the special relationship between Jesus and God the Father .
Meanig of the Holy Spirit :
The third person of the Trinity whom Christians believe is the inspiring presence of God in the world .
What three things does the trinity describe ?
- There is only one God .
- Each person of the trinity is fully God .
- The persons of the Trinity are not the same .
Explain God the Father :
Christians believe that the first person of the Trinity is God the Father . The Lord’s prayer Jesus taught his disciples and which is commonly used in worship beings with the words ‘our father in heaven.’
Explain God the Son :
The second person of the trinity is often reflected to us the Son of God and because incarnate on Earth and in history through Jesus , Christians believe Jesus was born fully human whilst on Earth and also fully God at all times .
Explain God the Holy Spirit :
Christians believe that once Jeesus had left the Earth , Gpod sent the Holy Spirit to influence , guide and sustain the Earth and all life on it . The Holy Spirit is believed to be the unseen power of God at work in the world in the past , present and future .
What is the creation story Genesis ?
-God created world six days rested on the last day (seventh).
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth . Now the Earth was formless and empty , darkness was over the surface of the deep , and the Spirit of God was hovering the waters . God said let there be light and there was light .”Genesis1:1-3
What do all christains believe about the creation story ?
-Literal believe world was created in six days .
Liberal - not necessary six days- shorter or longer as we know a day dosent have to be ‘24 hours’.
-but all believe that God is the creator made evrytihng -central to christian faith .
What is the significance of holy spirit of the creation story ?
Although God the Father is referred to as the creator , the Holy Spirit , the third person of the Trinity , was already active in what hs become the world . Reinforcing the Oneness of God rather than the three ‘persons’ of the Trinity .
Creation story , John 1:1-3
“In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with and was God , Through him all things were made , nothing was made without him .”
–The word is Jesus God Son , showing not just Holy Spriit involved like in Genesis so whole trinity active reinforciing .Oneness of God .
Meaning of Incarnation .
becoming flesh , taking a human form .
Meaning of resurrection.
1.Rising from the dead , 2.Rising from the dead on Easter day . Event recorded in all four gospels central to Christian belief .
Meaning of Blasphemy .
A religious offence which includes claiming to be God .
Evidence Jesus is Incarnate
Gospe of John creation story , refers to the word which is Jesus as well as “the word become flesh adn dwelled among us.”
- Makes sense due to the trinity - Jesus is God in human form makes sense as he performed all the miracles and his resurrection .
- Jesus baptised by John the Baptists a voice came from heaven saying “You are my Son.”Showing his omnipotence.
Check Thursday 3rd February work .
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Why was Jesus crucified ?
-As people thought Jesus was being Blasphemous saying he was the son of God , crucifed by Pointous Pilate
Explain two ways in which Jesus’ crucifixion influences Christians today .(4 marker)
Check Wed 9th February .
Meaning of ascension
the event , 40 days after the resurrection , when Jesus returned to God in heaven .
Meaning of heaven .
A state of eternal happiness in the presence of God ; the place of eternal peace ruled pover by God .
What do all four gospels say about resurrection of Jesus ?
- Jesus buried on Friday (good Friday ) , as the Sabbath due to begin , no time to anoint body so put in a cave like tomb .
- Sunday morning ladies came to anoint body prepare fo rburial , but Jesus no where to be found ,
- A man or angel , meets the women tells them Jesus has risen from the dead and should pass the message to followers and disciples .
What is the significance of Jesus resurrecting from the dead ?
- Christians belive resurrection shows power good of evil .
- Christians belive that by accepting Jesus , they can also be resurrected in some way . Therefore have no need to fear death .
- Jesus’ resurrection assures Christians that God will forgive their sins if they follow the teachings of Christianity . By doing so , they will become closer to God in this life and beyond .
- Without the resurrection , there would be no Christian faith , angels told Ladiees to tell about Jesus resurrection from dead .
What is the significance of the ascension to Christians ?
- The ascension shows that Jesus is with God , It paves the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit to provde comfort and guidance .
- Proves that Jesus is coming back , if he has the power to rise from dead , and go to heaven , also possible to return to heaven supports that Jesus will come again . Nicene creed “come again to judge the living and the dead .”
Christian views on the Resurrection :
–Some believe that a person’s soul is resurrected very soon after death occurs while others believe that sp,e tome in the future Jesus will return to judge and the dead the will be raised (niecene creed ) .
Christian views about life after death :
-Christians believe that by trusting God and praying to God , that lifee after death will remain in the presence of God .
What is the afterlife ?
-What Christians believe follow life on Earth .
Views on resurrection (2)
- Resurrection complements the belief that there is another life when this one ends .
- Christians have options either reewards or punishment and the final stage being eternity . This decision making process has to be done perfectly , Christians are comforted by the belief this process is under God’s control .
What is the day of judgement
-A time when the world will end and every soul will be jduged by God and rewarded or punished .
(Niecene Creed considered to be a very imortant day )
-Christians belive that God will take inot account the life of the person and the textent in which they tried to get close to him .
What is the criteria about getting into heaven
-Jesus says that you should serve other people simply treating other people well and in accordance with christian a morality is not good enoguh to huarantee a good afterilfe . But believeing that Jesus is the Son of God and follow his teachings is aslso improtan “I am he way the turth and life .”
meaning of heaven
-a state of eteral happiness in the presence of God ; the place of eternal peace ruled over by God .
Christians view about heaven
-Literalist Christians think that heaven is reserved for Christains who believe in Jesus and perharps other Christians who hae lived good pricipled lives and pleased God in doing so.
Liberalist may say that haven is jus a spiritual exisence of peace and happiness in the eternal presence of God .
View about Hell
-terror fire , ruled by the debil , fiery pit . Nonchristians don’t go to to hell as this is unfair , Christians believe God is incapable o f= being unfair and belive those who believe in God will try be welcomed etenrally into God’s presence .
Liberalist - believe that would loving God would condemn people from pain ? if that not the case , maybe hell is jus an eternal state of mind being cut off from the possibility of God - this happen to someone who didnt acknowledge God or his teahchigngs .
Meaning of hell
-The place of eternal suffering or state of being without God .
Meaning of Purgatory
-The intermediate state where souls are cleansed in order to enter heaven .
Meaning of Satan
-Name for the devil - the power and source of evil .
Sin
Any action or thought that separates humans from God .
Behaviour which is against God’s laws and wishes or agisnt the principels of morality .
Just because something is illegal dosent mean it isnt sinful .
Original Sin
-An Augustinne Christian Doctrine that says everyone with the urge to do bad things and disobey God
-Further arguments for sin
-This idea is introduced in the sotry of Adama , and Eve , despite the fact they had paradise , thyey still sinned agaisnt gOd broke , instruction te from knowlledge tree . But once they sined they became ware of sin thorugh their own sinful action an awareness shared by all humans desceneded fromt hem and a rsult of their sinw as separation from God and death .
Salvation
-Saving the soul , deliverance from sin and admission to heaven brought about by Jesus .
Grace
A quality of God wich God shows to human by providing love and support .
argument for sin existing
God has gievn us free will , he allows us to make msitakes , ubt also makes sure we learn from it , as temptation is powerful and difficult to resits , some Christin beliee it s origing are with satan constanlty trying to tempt humans making them disobey .
-However , the Ten commandemnts , beatitued give Chhrisians guidance to allow them to use their free will wisely .
How ccan salvation come about ?
-Through good works - old testament saysachieving salvation by having faith inGod and obeying his alw .
Through grace - through faith in Jesus , not earnded or deserved but a gift for the faitfhul “If you utter with your muth Jesus is Lord , you will be saved .”
“wages of sin is death , but the gift of God is eternal life in jesus christ “- salvagion ofered thorugh the lie of jesus .
Meaning of forgiveness
-Showing grace and emrcy and pardoning someone for what they have done wrong .
Cruxifixion
-Jesus made up for the original sin by dieing on the cross , as his is God he could hve esily not but he knew his death was necessary restore relationship between God and his people to make salvation possible to everyone .
Meaning of atonement
restoring the relationship between people and God through the life , death and resurrecion of Jesus /
Fact that Jesus rose from the dead shows Jesus’ sacrice was aaccepted , .”If you utter chirst is lord”-god will save anyone who has faith .
More about atonement
-The bieble makes it clear thata toenmemnt removes the effects of sin and allows people to restore their relatiosnhip with God . Only possiblya s Jesu atoned for the sins of manking hn he died .
