Christianity Flashcards
Birth narratives - Matthew
- Joseph and Mary appear to be living in Bethlehem (No mention of a census, the inn or a manger)
- Visited by the Magi (wise men) at their home some time after Jesus’ birth
- Leave Bethlehem for Egypt to avoid the slaughter of children ordered by King Herod. They stay until the time of Herod’s death.
- Upon return they settle or “make their home” in Nazareth (in the north) after they discover it is too dangerous to live Judea (in the south because Herod’s son is king.
Birth narratives - Luke
- Joseph and Mary live in Nazareth and must go to Bethlehem because of a census.
- Visited by shepherds the night of Jesus birth (no mention of the wise men or the star).
- Leave Bethlehem for Jerusalem (40 days after Jesus’ birth) to make the appropriate sacrifices at the temple.
- Returned home to “their own town” of Nazareth after they fulfilled their temple obligations.
Birth narratives - both
Jesus birth is related to the reign of Herod the great.
Mary is a virgin
Joseph is from the house of David
An angel from heaven pronounces the coming birth of Jesus
Jesus is said to be the son of David.
Jesus conception takes place through the Holy Spirit
Joseph is not involved in Jesus’ conception
The name ‘Jesus’ is given by heaven before birth.
Jesus ‘will save’ or is a ‘saviour’
Jesus is born in Bethlehem
The unforgiving servant
God is prepared to forgive all sins, so you should forgive other people when they do wrong to you, if you don’t, God wont forgive you for the wrong you do
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
God would rather someone recognise that they do things wrong, and ask for his forgiveness, than someone who lives a very religious life but is filled with a sense of their own goodness.
The Rich Fool
There are more important things in life than money, and it is foolish to focus your efforts on gaining wealth and possessions—they will not help you in the afterlife.
The Sheep and the Goats
When Judgement Day comes, some people will be rewarded, and others punished for the way they lived. The most important consideration will be whether you helped the poor and needy.
The Prodigal Son
God’s forgiveness and blessing are open even to those who have rejected him in the past. When a sinner repents, religious people should be happy, not resentful for all the years spent pleasing God.
The Lost Sheep
God cares about people who are lost in their selfishness and sin. He will go out of his way to draw them back into a life where they are close to him
Miracles
Walking on water:
Jesus walks across the Sea of Galilee during a storm to aid his disciples. Jesus makes Peter walk on water too. When Jesus and Peter both climb back on the ship the storm ceases. Convinces disciples that he is son of god.
Ransom theory
Because everyone has sinned everyone is help ‘captive’ by the devil: the devil has kidnapped the human race, but humans have willingly surrendered by sinning. A “ransom” must be paid = Jesus
Moral example theory
Jesus died to show humans the proper response to sin is allow it to do its worst rather than to fight back. A truly good person who trusts in god in such circumstances will suffer/die but earn eternal life in heaven.
Love theory
Jesus died to show humans how much god loved them. He came to earth to connect with humanity and give people a chance to respond to his love. He showed love by healing people and teaching them helpful waves to live. His complete submission to evil was the ultimate loving act.
Sacrifice Theory
In the Jewish scriptures, sin was viewed as rebellion against god. God is absolutely fair, and just as a criminal in court must be punished, justice must be done and sin paid for, Since rebellion against God is such an awful ack, no payment except for m death would satisfy the demands of justice. In olden times, god, as an act of mercy allowed people to sacrifice animals rather than die themselves. Ultimately though, the only sacrifice that would satisfy the demands of justice was the death of an infinite perfect life: Jesus—and he was infinite as he was G0d’s son.
The Resurrection theories
- followers stole Jesus’ body
- Jesus’ enemies stole the body to prevent him having an honourable burial
- Jesus’ followers were hallucinating when they thought they saw him because they were so upset.
- The women went the wrong tomb
- Jesus never died (only on cross for 6 hours) and recovered after been taken down from the cross
- A plot—a stooge died in Jesus’ place
- Jesus actually rose from the dead.
