Christianity Flashcards
How is the bible viewed?
Authority, bible is seen as the word of God therefore it is christians main source, it is true and final
Sacred scripture, Religious writing of significants. the collection of books agreed upon to be the word of God is called biblical canon. It is complete.
Inspiration, it can inspire people to follow teachings
Revelation, God is recognised through the bible, also learn about creation and afterlife
How and when is the bible used?
Part of absolute law (whole basis of christian faith), Guidance, Worship (at services, songs, hymns), Funerals, Marriage, Baptisms.
What are some different interpretations to the bible?
Literal: actual words of God
Conservative: True and without error but as its written by human, science may be accepted alongside
Biblical myth: Authors are prescientific and therefore may need to be explore with modern knowledge
Symbolic, stories and passages may only represent a message and not a true event.
What are christian beliefs about the afterlife?
A time will be marked when judgement come as Jesus will appear for the second time “parousia”, this shows the end of human existence and all will transferred into a glorified state. However, people will still be judged for their actions as free will allows them to make decisions which they will have to take responsibility for
Heaven/Hell:
Heaves in a place where God can be knows and all earthly cares forgotten, no sorrow, sin or death. Most believers think that you go straight to heaven but catholics believe in purgatory. Heaven is paradise in the presence of God, it is a reward. God is omnibenevolent so sins will be forgotten. Hell is a place of suffering and torture, you will be separated from God. It is believed that if you dont believe in jesus you go to hell, decided after judgement. Hell is absence from God and punishment for a life without atonement, however the goal for all is to be with God.
What are christian beliefs about resurrection?
The soul is what represents you in the afterlife. But some believe there will be a physical resurrection and people will have new bodies, just as Jesus. Because christians believe Jesus was not just a human but God at the same time, they believe all humans can overcome death through belief in Jesus
What is a rite?
Ritual practice which usually has symbolic meaning
What is a sacrament?
An outward sign of an invisible and inward blessing by God. Like Baptism or Eucharist.
What are the beliefs behind sacrament?
It is thought that throughout someones life they carry out seven specific rites that are central to a christians life. These are: Baptism, confirmation (commitment to christian faith), Eucharist (remembers key events about Jesus), Penance (confession of sins), Anointing of the sick, Marriage. Most protestants only believe in Baptism and Eucharist as it was the two documented and practiced by Jesus. Quakers don’t recognise any sacraments, as there is no need for external signs for god to give his grace.
Why is Baptism important?
It removes sin (babies- original sin),
Shows entry into the christian faith,
Spiritually connects people with God,
Jesus was also baptised therefore following in his footsteps,
Public show of personal faith,
Explain the symbols found in a marriage:
Rings, represents the life long commitment and that someone is taken
Veil, symbolises purity coming into the marriage
Vows, deep commitment to someone that is life long
Crowns, the presence of God and that a new family has been created
Candles, lit candles show that the bride and broom are willing to receive the light in christ.
What is the Eucharist and why is it important?
It is a service to remember the death of jesus, bread represents body of christ and wine represents his blood (it remembers what god gave his disciples at the Last Supper). Some see it as a sacrament whereas some see it as an important memorial service. Anglicans and Catholics it usually takes place every Sunday and important holiday, protestants show it less often. It is important as it shows people can receive salvation from Jesus, shown to remember his death, Eucharist= thanks giving, and is thanks for giving life after death.
What are reasons for pilgrimage?
Grow closer to God and strengthen faith, Sorrow for sin and forgiveness, reflect on their lives, seek a cure for illness, experience a holy place, look for an answer to a problem or difficulty, say sorry to God for something they have done wrong.
What are some places of pilgrimage?
Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem
St Davids (cathedral of patron saint of wales) St Non’s Well (well that sprung up when St david was born to his mother), Bardesy Island, Pilgrims way (the path of pilgramage along wales)