Christian Beliefs and Teachings Flashcards
1
Q
Define the term ‘Catholic’.
A
A branch of Christianity, based in Rome and led by the Pope.
2
Q
Define the term ‘Orthodox’.
A
a branch of Christianity, mainly, but not entirely, practiced in Eastern Europe.
3
Q
Define the term ‘Protestant’.
A
A branch of Christianity, originally named through their protest against the Catholic Church.
4
Q
Define the term ‘denomination’.
A
A distinct group within the Christian faith, with its own organisation and traditions.
5
Q
Define ‘God’.
A
The supreme being.
6
Q
What type of religion is Christianity?
A
Monotheistic.
7
Q
Name the first of the Ten Commandments (which tells Christians to be Monotheistic).
A
“You shall have no other Gods before me.”
8
Q
Define the term ‘omnipotent’.
A
Almighty/ All powerful.
9
Q
Define the term ‘omniscient’.
A
All knowing.
10
Q
Define the term ‘omnibenevolent’.
A
All loving.
11
Q
Define the term ‘justice’.
A
The bringing about of what is right and fair according to the law, or making up for wrong that has been committed.
12
Q
Give a quote showing God’s omnibenevolence.
A
“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son”.
13
Q
Define the term ‘trinity’.
A
The belief that there are three persons in the one God: the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit - they are separate but also make up one being.
14
Q
Define the term ‘Holy spirit’.
A
The third ‘person’ of the trinity whom Christians believe is inspiring presence of God in the world.
15
Q
Define the term ‘Son of God’.
A
A title given to Jesus, the second ‘person’ of the trinity. Denotes the special relationship between Jesus and God - the Father.
16
Q
What three things does the trinity describe?
A
> There is only one God
Each ‘person’ is fully God
The persons of the trinity are not the same
17
Q
If all three parts of the trinity are ‘active’ in the world, what does this mean for humans?
A
They may interact with all three persons.
18
Q
Define the term ‘creation’.
A
The act by which God brought the universe to being.
19
Q
Define the term ‘the Word’.
A
Term used at the beginning of John’s Gospel to refer to God the Son.
20
Q
Define the term ‘Genesis’.
A
One verse of the creation of life. The account of how the universe, earth and life were created by God in 7days.
21
Q
Give a quote showing that the Holy Spirit was active in what had become our world.
A
“And the spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
22
Q
Give a quote showing Jesus’ importance in the creation story.
A
“In the beginning there was the Word, and the Word was with God.”
23
Q
Define the term ‘incarnation’.
A
The becoming of flesh/ taking human form.
24
Q
Define the term ‘resurrection’.
A
> Rising from the dead
Jesus rising from the dead on Easter Day. An event recorded in all four gospels and the central belief in Christianity.
25
Define the term 'blasphemy'.
A religious offence which includes claiming to be God.
26
Why do many question the concept of Virgin Mary?
It is not natural.
27
Why do Christians believe that Mary was a virgin?
The gospels of Matthew and Luke explain quite clearly that the mother of Jesus did not conceive Him sexually.
28
What is a fundamental Christian belief about the incarnation?
God showed himself as a human being for around 30years.
29
Give a quote about the incarnation.
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
30
Give three reasons as to why Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God.
> His unnatural conception
> His knowledge - of which others did not possess
> His resurrection
31
Give a quote about Jesus revealing himself as the son of God.
"Again the high priest asked him 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?' 'I am', said Jesus."
32
Define the term 'crucifixion'.
> Roman method of execution by which criminals were fixed to a cross
> The execution method used on Jesus on Good Friday
33
Even though Jesus was the son of God, what do Christians believe that he was not spared of?
The pain and horror of his death.
34
What did Jesus say before he died?
"Father into your hands I commit my spirit."
35
Give two impacts of the crucifixion on Christians today.
> Gives them confidence that if they accept Jesus' sacrifice, sin can no longer destroy their lives
> Helps them understand that suffering is a part of life
36
Why do some Christians wear a crucifix?
A reminder of Jesus and his sacrifices. More powerful than a simple wooden cross - graphic and emotional.
37
Define the term 'ascension'.
The event 40days after the resurrection, when Jesus returned to God, the Father, in heaven.
38
Define the term 'heaven'.
A state of eternal happiness in the presence of God.
39
Give four reasons for the resurrections importance.
> Shows that good always prevails
> Christians believe that by accepting Jesus they will also be resurrected in some way - brings comfort
> Reassures Christians that God is forgiving
> Ascension shows Jesus is with God; provides comfort and guidance
40
Why is the resurrection specifically important to Christians?
Jesus made it possible for all people to have life after death. By overcoming death, Jesus restored hope to humans of eternal life that had been lost through original sin.
41
Define the term 'Original Sin'.
Something that everyone is born with that urges bad doings and the disobeying of God and his wishes.
42
Give one way in which Jesus' final disappearance can be explained.
The idea that his followers moved his body to hide it from being dishonoured/ destroyed.
43
What do many Christians believe about the resurrection?
It is a reality.
44
What are two different beliefs about resurrection?
> The soul is resurrected very soon after death
| > Some time in the future the soul is resurrected on the Day of Judgement - when Jesus will return
45
What does the resurrection symbolise?
Death is a consequence of sin in the world but may be overcome by the power of God.
46
What do Catholics believe about resurrection?
You receive your old body but will be transformed into a youthful sate.
47
Define the term 'afterlife'.
What Christians believe follows life on Earth.
48
Define the term 'Day of Judgement'.
A time when the world will end and every soul will be judged by God and either rewarded or punished.
49
What do Christians believe that human beings receive as a gift from God?
Eternal life.
50
What do Christians believe about the afterlife?
Souls enter a different dimension about which little is known.
51
Give three things Christians believe are true about the Day of Judgement.
> Jesus is the final judge
> Your physical body is resurrected
> Each person will get their just rewards
52
Who are the Sheep and Goats?
Sheep; good people - sit on Jesus' right
| Goats; people who are evil/ deserve to go to hell
53
What does the parable of the Sheep and Goats refer to?
Whenever a Christian does a good deed for another human it is as if they are doing it for Jesus.
54
What did Jesus do to the Goats?
He condemned them for not acting in a suitable manner towards other beings.
55
What does the parable of the Sheep and Goats offer Christians?
Provides 'guidelines' and 'criteria' God uses on the day of Judgement and shows what you need to do in order to be saved.
56
Why is the idea of the afterlife encouraging to Christians?
Bible creates horrible images of hell and being apart from God for the rest of eternity - nothing a Christian wishes.
57
Define the term 'hell'.
The place of eternal suffering and parting from God.
58
Define the term 'purgatory'.
The intermediate state where souls are cleansed in order to enter heaven.
59
Define the term 'Satan'.
Name given to the devil - powerful source of evil.
60
How is heaven described in the Bible/
'beyond the clouds, God is seen sitting on a huge throne' 'angels flying around him' 'joy, peace and freedom from pain' (spiritually and physically).
61
Give two contrasting Christian beliefs about heaven.
> Only those who believe in Jesus will be with God in heaven
| > heaven is reserved for Christians and others that have pleased God
62
How is hell described in the Bible?
'the opposite of heaven' 'suffering, terror, fire, torture'.
63
Give one Christian belief about hell.
Reserved for those who did not acknowledge God/ follow his teachings.
64
Define the term 'sin'.
> An action or thought that separates humans from God
| > Behaviour which goes against God's laws and wishes/ against the principles of morality
65
State one belief about original sin.
The souls of humans being 'stained' with the wrongdoings committed by the first man and woman in the garden of Eden. Having bodies, senses and desires tainted with sin.
66
Define the term 'salvation'.
Saving of the soul, deliverance from sin and admission into heaven brought about by Jesus.
67
Define the term 'grace'.
A quality of God which God shows to humans by providing love and support which they do not need to earn.
68
What does the story of Adam and Eve show Christians?
> Sin should not be committed and the law of the lan should not be broken.
> Good deeds can help you re-enter heaven
> Bad doings result in consequences
69
Where is salvation made clear in the Bible?
The Old Testament.
70
How does a human achieve salvation?
By having faith in God and obeying his laws.
71
Define the term 'atonement'.
Restoring the relationship between people and God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
72
Define the term 'mass'.
Ceremony, also known as Eucharist, in which the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus is celebrated using bread and wine.
73
Give a quote that refers to atonement.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ."
74
Who is the Prodigal Son and the father?
Son; us, sinners
| Father; God
75
What is the message behind the parable of the Prodigal Son?
Everyone can repent, but only through their own accord; they must go back themselves.
76
How is the parable of the Prodigal Son relevant today?
It states that people make wrong choices and want redemption; the only difference is the temptations.
77
Define the term 'worship'.
Acts of religious praise, honour or devotion.
78
Define the term 'liturgical worship'.
A church service that follows a set structure or ritual.
79
Define the term 'non-liturgical worship'.
A service that does not follow a set text or ritual.
80
Define the term 'informal worship'.
A type of non-liturgical worship, sometimes 'spontaneous' or 'charismatic' in nature.
81
Define the term 'private worship'.
When a believer praises or honours God on his or her own.
82
Why do Christians worship?
> To how deep devotion, love, thankfulness, reverence and respect for God
> Allows them to praise God for his blessings
> To seek God's help/ guidance
> Ask for forgiveness
83
Give two advantages and two disadvantages of liturgical worship.
```
Ad;
> Keeps routine - some peoples preference
> No confusion
Dis;
> Can become boring/ tedious
> No change
```
84
Define the term 'prayer'.
Communicating with God, either silently or through words of praise, thanksgiving or confession, or requests for God's help/ guidance.
85
Define the term 'set prayers'.
Prayers that have been written down and said more than once by more than one person - eg. Lord's Prayer.
86
Define the term 'informal prayer'.
Prayer that is made up by an individual using his or her own words.
87
Define the term 'nonconformist'.
An english protestant who does not conform to the doctrines or practices of the established Church of England.
88
What is a main factor that Christians believe about prayer?
God is always listening but does not always answer in a way that may be wished.
89
How do Orthodox Christians pray?
Usually standing.
90
How do nonconformists pray?
Often sitting.
91
How do Anglicans pray?
May kneel.
92
What do Catholics usually pray with?
They may use a rosary.
93
What do some Orthodox Christians use to pray?
They may use icons.
94
How may some Christians choose to pray?
In a humble position, kneeling down, sometime with hands pressed together.
95
What is the Catholic Grace said before consuming meals?
"Bless us O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive."
96
What is the importance of prayer?
To remind Christians of their faith and give them time to thank God for all that he has done.
97
When Jesus was asked to teach the disciples how to pray, what did he answer with?
The Lord's Prayer.
98
What are some characteristics of the Lord's Prayer?
> It has a pattern and rhyme scheme
> Praises God
> Brings sense of unity and spiritual purpose to society
99
Give a line of the Lord's Prayer.
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name, your kingdom come, you will be done."
100
Define the term 'sacraments'.
Rituals through which if completed, Christians receive God's grace.
101
Who baptised Jesus?
John the Baptist.
102
Where was Jesus baptised?
Jordan river.
103
What is significant about Jesus' baptism?
It set an example for his followers to be baptised in order to receive the Holy Spirit and begin a new life in the Christian community.
104
Define the term 'infant baptism'.
When a young child is baptised and promises are made on the adults behalf to guide the child towards Christ and the Church.
105
Define the term 'believers baptism'.
Immersion in water of people old enough to understand the ceremony.
106
Define the term 'baptism'.
Ritual in which people become members of the Church; washes away any/ all sin.
107
How do sacraments help Christians?
> Strengthen relationship with God
| > Makes God a part of their lives
108
Define the term 'Holy Communion'.
A service of thanksgiving in which the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus are celebrated using bread and wine; also called 'Eucharist'.
109
In what two ways do Christians see Holy Communion?
> An act of fellowship with other Christians
| > Communion with God
110
How is Holy Communion celebrated?
By recalling Jesus' sacrifice together, they share bread (His body) and wine (His blood), and are therefore brought closer to God.
111
Which branches of Christianity believe that the bread and wine are literally Christ's body and blood?
Anglicans, Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
112
Which branch of Christianity believes that the bread and wine are only symbols of Christs body and blood?
Protestants.
113
Give some impacts of Holy Communion on individuals, communities and society.
> Method of receiving God's Grace
> Strengthens commitment to faith
> Offers support and encouragement
114
Why do some Churches collect money?
To support developing countries, the elderly, prisoners and the homeless.
115
Define the term 'pilgrimage'.
A journey by a believer to a holy site for religious reasons; pilgrimage is itself an act of worship and devotion.
116
Give two Christian pilgrimage sites.
> Lourdes - Mary appeared
| > Iona - veil between spiritual and physical world is thin
117
Give some reasons for pilgrimage.
```
> To grow closer to God
> To express sorrow for sin
> To reflect on life
> To seek cure for illness
> Help other pilgrims
```
118
Define the term 'festivals'.
A day or period of celebration time for religious reasons.
119
Define the term 'Christmas'.
The day commemorating the incarnation, the birth of Jesus, also, the season of 12days ending with the Epiphany.
120
Define the term 'Easter'.
The religious season celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Starting on Easter day and finishing with the feast of Pentecost.
121
What are some things done on Christmas day?
> Carol services at Church
> Donations to charity
> Exchanging of cards and gifts
122
Define the term 'Church'.
> The body of Christ
| > Building of Christian worship
123
What has the Church been a major source of?
Social service - eg. healthcare and schooling.
124
What does the Church as building provide as?
A location where Christians from the local community can meet, worship, pray, obtain spiritual guidance and socialise.
125
In mode Britain, what has the Church become part of?
Projects that help the local community, eg. food banks.
126
What does the Trussell Trust do?
Based on Christian principles, TT aim to bring people together and work toward ending poverty and hunger in Britain.
127
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.
128
Give an example of non-religious aid that the Church offers.
The Oasis Project.
129
Define the term 'agape'.
A word used in the Bible that describes selfness, sacrificial and unconditional love.
130
How should the Church respond to the needs of the local community?
Practically.
131
What do Street Pastors aim to do?
Help and care for vulnerable people in practical ways, working closely with councils and the police.
132
Give a quote from the Bible to describe the importance of good deeds.
"Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead."
133
Define the term 'mission'.
The vocation or calling of a religious organisation or individual to go out into the world and spread the faith.
134
Define the term 'the Great Commission'.
Jesus' instruction to his followers that they should spread his teachings to all the nations of the world.
135
Define the term 'missionary'.
A person sent on a religious mission, especially to promote Christianity in a foreign country through preaching or charitable work.
136
Define the term 'evangelism'.
Spreading the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness.
137
What does the Church believe is their mission?
To spread good news to non-believers that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and came into the world to be its saviour.
138
Which gospel ends with the Great Commission?
Matthew.
139
What gave the early disciples the gifts necessary to carry out the Great Commission at Pentecost, 10days after Jesus ascended into heaven?
The Holy Spirit.
140
According to the Great Commission, what is a Christians responsibility?
To tell others of their faith.
141
How may Christians fulfil their 'responsibility'?
Through meetings in everyday life, organised events or preachings.
142
What fraction of the population goes to a Church?
1/3
143
How much has the Church grown since 1910?
From 291 million to 1.1 billion.
144
In 1900 there were no protestant Churches in which country?
South Korea.
145
How many Churches are there in Seoul today?
7000.
146
Define the term 'convert'.
Someone who has decided to become committed to a religion and change his or her religious faith.
147
Who was Christ for all Nations started by?
Reinhard Bonnke.
148
What does Christ for all Nations do?
Spread the Christian faith through evangelism and give hope to many vulnerable people.
149
What does a discipleship involve?
```
> Bring faith to people
> Encourage fellow believers
> Share testimonies
> Arrange social events
> Invite people to Christian meetings
```
150
Define the term 'reconciliation'.
A sacrament in the Catholic Church; also the restoring of harmony after a breakdown of a relationship.
151
Define the term 'persecution'.
Hostility and ill-treatment especially because of race, political or religious beliefs.
152
What is the primary mission of the Worldwide Church?
To proclaim that Jesus came so that the relationship between God and people could be restored.
153
What do Christians argue caused the breaking of the relationship between the human race and God?
Sin.
154
What is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church?
The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
155
Despite the work of Christians to bring reconciliation and peace, what does the International society for Human Rights claim?
That 80% of religious discrimination is directed at Christians.
156
What percentage of the world is reported to have Christians discriminated against?
75%.
157
What do some persecutions against Christians include?
Forcing them to pay extra tax and ban from owning good homes.
158
Where are the most serious persecutions against Christians reported to take place?
North Korea, Syria and Iraq.
159
What did Pastor Baber George do?
He set up projects to assist the poor and uneducated.
160
What does the Barnabas Fund do?
Offers financial support that help Christians suffering from discrimination, oppression and persecution.
161
What is the Christian Solidarity Worldwide?
A human rights organisation.
162
What does the Christian Solidarity Worldwide do?
Campaigns for religious freedom for all and attempts to influence governments whose policies or actions affect the oppression.
163
What parable do Churches follow?
The parable of the Rich man and Lazarus.
164
What is the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus?
The tale in which a rich man ends up in hell having ignored the plight of a beggar.
165
What does the parable of the Good Samaritan teach?
To care for all people.
166
Give three examples of Christian charities.
Cafod, Christian aid and Tearfund.
167
What are some characteristics of liturgical worship?
> People receive forgiveness from God through the action of the Priest
> Bible readings which follow the Christian calendar
168
What are some characteristics of non-liturgical worship?
> Style follows some early Christians
| > Christians can share personal interpretations of the Bible
169
How is God thought to exist?
Without restrictions of gender, showing both traditional ideas of male characteristics (eg. power and strength) together with traditional ideas of female characteristics (eg. care and love).
