Christianity Flashcards
Define salvation
The belief that through Jesus death and resurrection that Christian’s are saved from the consequences of sin and can live eternal life in heaven
Define atonement
To make amends for wrongdoing e.g. Ancient Jews would sacrifice animals to atone for their sins
Explain 2 Christian teachings about incarnation
Christians believe that God took on flesh as Jesus ‘incarnate of Virgin Mary’ (Nicene Creed) shows that Jesus is 100% human and 100% divine at the same time.
Secondly through Jesus’ death and resurrection it is believed that his sacrifice atoned for all the sin of humanity so that we are all capable of having eternal life with God in heaven
Explain 2 Christian teachings about the trinity
Firstly Christian’s are monotheists but believe that God exists as three persons- the father, son and Holy Spirit. They’re equally God yet are unique each with their own roles .
Secondly, each member has their own roles eg the fathers job is to create the sons job was to be incarnated and die for humanities sins the Holy Spirit is the ‘giver of life’ (nicene creed)
Define incarnation
To take on flesh. The Christian belief that God became a person in Jesus
Explain 2 Christian teachings about the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third member of the trinity and considered equally God. He often appears in the Bible as fire eg Pentecost or as a dove eg Jesus baptism.
Secondly Christian’s believe that the Holy Spirit empowers them to love their neighbour and gives them gifts such as speaking in tongues, wisdom and the ability to interpret dreams these examples are listed in Corinthians 12:4-11.
Explain 2 reasons why belief in the trinity is important for Christians
Firstly the trinity is important since it paves the way for Christian salvation. It is through Gods incarnation as Jesus- who died to atone for human sin which is known as the ultimate sacrifice that Christian’s believe they can go to heaven. The nicene creed states ‘ for our sake the was crucified.’
Secondly the belief in the trinity means Christian’s can receive the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives today to inspire and guide them eg the gifts of the spirit such as wisdom and performing miracles.
How is god usually presented in art
God is often presented in art as an old man in the sky- possible to show the belief that he is omniscient because of his age and transcendent as he is in the clouds. However these portrayals may be problematic because god is not human to portray him as human locks him in to human limitations eg age race gender etc. this can feel excluding to many as god isn’t male though is presented as such
Why do you think god is portrayed as male
Probably because religion has often grown out of patriarchal societies where men are considered superior. Also because in the bible god is referred to as ‘father ‘ by Jesus
Pantocrator meaning
All powerful/ ruler of all
What is penal substitution
When Jesus died he took the penalty by paying the price for everybody’s sin. He substituted for humanity by taking our punishment
Ruach meaning
The Hebrew word for spirit, also meaning breath
What is Pentecost
The day followers of Jesus first received the power of the Holy Spirit inn their lives 50 days after Jesus last supper
What are examples of imagery used for god
Shepherd
King
Father
