Christianity Flashcards
Importance of the afterlife for Christians
Gives comfort in times of bereavement, helps some make sense of the world and injustice as there’s a reward after death, gives life meaning structure and guidance.
Heaven
No universal understanding, knowledge is limited and based on images and biblical references. For baptists is a literal place, for catholics is state.
Heaven influences
May offer comfort to the bereaved, help make sense of world and injustice.
Heaven teachings
Dwelling place of god “lord looks down from heaven and sees all of us humans” where he performs role as judge. Reward given by god.
Hell
Opposite of heaven, eternal separation from god. Evangelicals see it as literal place others see as state. Minority have belief universalism so reject Hellas god will triumph over evil.
Hell influences
Encourage to engage in worship, encourage to engage in positive action.
Hell teachings
Place of punishment “the unfaithful, detestable and sinners were thrown into the fiery lakes of hell”.
Judgement
Justification by work, by faith. God is the ultimate judge “he is ready to judge the living and the dead”, based on actions and work.
Resurrection
Protestants Immorality of the soul believes individuals are resurrected very soon after death. Catholics Parousia believe in the future Jesus will return to judge the dead and they will be raised.
Resurrection influences and teachings
Give hope, gives Jesus authority. “Christ by his resurrection has given proof of his divine authority”. Repairs broke relationship between god and humanity from original sin.
Resurrection challenged by
Humanists believe we only live once and life after death doesn’t make sense. Atheist Richard Dawkins believes it’s “magical thinking” to bring comfort.
Incarnation definition
The doctrine that god took the human form as Jesus.
Incarnation influences and teachings
Encourages to celebrate an event in the liturgical calendar, encourages to follow Jesus. Highlights Jesus divinity, helps them understand different aspects of god.
Incarnation challenged by
Atheist Richard Dawkins says scripture is not legitimate authority and based on illfound logic, goes against knowledge of what can happen. Some C think Jesus was a human man. Does not adhere to strict monotheism.
Jesus as son of god influences and teachings
Encourages them to follow Jesus, understand gods nature. Should follow his example.
Jesus as son of god support arguments
Belief of incarnation, Jesus was baptised voice came from heaven “you are my son the beloved” , claimed it himself he was “Son of the Blessed One”.
Jesus as son of god rejection arguments
Some Unitarian’s suggest he was just “unequivocally human”, atheists think claims made in Bible are ill founded, goes against everyday experience and is very unlikely.
Crucifixion definition
Roman method of execution by which criminals were fixed to a cross. The execution and death of Jesus on Good Friday.
Crucifixion influences
Encourages forgiveness for sins, encourages people to accept suffering and know god will support and guide them.