Christian Beliefs Content Flashcards
What do creationists believe about creation of the world?
The Bible is inerrant so Genesis story is exactly true, Adam was the first human
What do Catholics believe about the creation of the world?
Genesis story is not literal, science tells us how the world began and humans have developed through evolution
Genesis shows meaning behind the world
Why do Christians think there is an afterlife?
It says that there is in the Bible
Jesus resurrected from the dead making them think there’s something after death
What is the beatific vision?
The idea that the physical body doesn’t exist in heaven but our spirit becomes one with God. The conscience that we now is replaced with the conscience of God free from doubt and unease
What is Heaven like?
The state or place of eternal happiness and peace in the presence of God
What is the significance of the incarnation?
- hypostatic union (Jesus was fully God and fully human)
- immaculate conception (Mary became pregnant through extraordinary means)
- shows omnipotence of God (was able to make Mary pregnant)
- shows omnibenevolence of God (gave us his only son)
Influence of the incarnation on Christians:
- follow Jesus’ teachings because his authority has been proved
- treat everyone in society equally (Jesus was born into poverty)
- pray/worship God
- celebrate Xmas
Significance of the crucifixion
- Jesus’ sacrifice was needed to bring humanity and God back together as sins can now be forgiven
- Jesus atoned for our sins by dying (the goodness of Jesus defeated the evil of sin)
- made it possible for all who follow his teachings to gain eternal life
Influence of the crucifixion on Christian’s lives:
- teaches forgiveness (God forgave us so we should forgive others)
- suffering is a part of life just as it was a part of Jesus’
- Christians can now be saved and go to Heaven (will follow Jesus’ teachings)
- believe that God understands suffering as Jesus (who is God) went through suffering (may pray for him for help/guidance)
Quote about the crucifixion:
‘The greatest love you can have for another is to give your life for them’ (John 15:13)
Significance of the resurrection
- Mary Magdalene saw Jesus first (shows Jesus viewed men and women equally)
- it’s believed that he resurrected with a physical body as tomb was empty
- proves the hypostatic union (he must be God as he is able to resurrect)
Influence of the resurrection on Christians
- won’t fear death
- will believe in life after death
- Christians will follow Jesus’ teachings to avoid sin + reach a good afterlife
- inspires Christians to love life in the way God wants them to
What does parousia mean?
The idea that Jesus will come again
Significance of the ascension:
- end of Jesus’ time on Earth
- symbolises the triumph of good over evil in the world
- signifies success in Jesus’ earthly work (what he came to do)
Influence of the ascension on Christian’s
- Christians live everyday waiting for Jesus’ return
- Christians will avoid sin
- Christian’s will follow teachings
Quote about the resurrection and it’s meaning:
‘And if Christ had not been raised, our preaching is dead and so is your faith’ (1 Corinthians 15:14)
-> if the resurrection didn’t happen, Christianity wouldn’t exist as it provides significant evidence for Christians on the divine nature of Jesus
