Creation Flashcards
Where does the word ‘bible’ come from?
It comes from the Greek word ‘biblion’ meaning ‘book’.
How many books does the Roman Catholic Church recognise in the Bible?
73 books written approximately between 1000BCE and 100CE.
CE = common era BCE = before common era
Was the bible written for just one audience?
No
It’s written for many audiences.
What type of writing does the Bible contain?
Stories, prayers, poetry, prophecies, history and advice.
What is the Bible divided into?
Old Testament and New Testament
What is the Old Testament about?
Written before Jesus about God’s relationship with the Israelites (Jews).
What is the New Testament about?
Jesus and onwards.
What is an Apostle?
An apostle is ‘one who is sent out’.
The 12 original disciples are known as the 12 apostles. Current Bishops have succeeded them. They have their authority.
What are the names of the 4 main sections that make up the Old Testament?
1) Law
2) History
3) Wisdom
4) Prophecy
What makes up Law in the Old Testament?
The first 5 books telling how the Israelites became the people of God.
Contains ‘laws’ and ‘guidelines’ for Jews.
What makes up History in the Old Testament?
Books that show and teach how God guided the Jews, and how they often ignored him.
What makes up Wisdom in the Old Testament?
A mixture of prayers, psalms, poems and books of advice that helps people understand their faith.
What makes up Prophecy in the Old Testament?
The books of the prophets whose inspired words challenged the people to remain faithful to God.
What are the names of the 4 main sections that make up the New Testament?
1) The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)
2) The Acts of Apostles
3) The Epistles (letters)
4) The Book of Revelation
What makes up The Gospels in the New Testament?
Covers the actions and teachings of Jesus - Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
What makes up The Acts of Apostles in the New Testament?
Books that tell us some of the events of ther early church.
What makes up The Epistles in the New Testament?
Letters that were written by the Apostles that discuss how to follow Jesus’ teachings everyday.
What makes up The Book of Revelation in the New Testament?
Written by the Apostle John.
Includes his mystical visions which some christians believe describe the end of the world.
What was the criteria for the acceptance of a book into the New Testament?
1) One of the 12 Apostles had to be the authority behind the book (e.g Mark was Peter’s scribe).
2) The books had to be written before the end of the 1st century.
3) The books had to be accepted by all christian churches.
What type of writing is Genesis 1?
Genesis 1 is a poem that describes the creation of the universe.
What are the events of the 7 Days of Creation?
1) Day and Night
2) Sky
3) Earth, Sea, Plants
4) Sun, moon, stars
5) Fish and Birds
6) Animals and Humans
7) God rested
What are some key quotes from Genesis 1?
“God saw that it was good…and it was so” - “very good”
“Let there be light”
“So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them”
What does the catholic church teach about the Genesis creation stories?
The catholic church teaches that the Genesis creation stories are ‘myths’.
Whence why Gen 1 is a poem.
The catholic church believe that God created the world through the Big Bang.
What is a myth?
Simple stories which tell important, deep truths.
NOT IN THE SENSE OF BEING UNTRUE.
What does Genesis 1 tell us about God’s nature?
*3 characteristics
1) Creator - God is the only creator. Humans share qualities with God. “In his image he created them”
2) Omnipotent - all powerful, can do whatever he wants. “Very good”
3) Transcendent - beyond the created world/universe and human understanding. “Let there be light”.
How do fundamentalists/creationists interpret the Genesis creation stories?
Fundamentalists believe that the Bible is a factual record that describes events exactly as they happened.
They believe the Bible is divinely inspired and without error.
They take the creation story literally.
Genesis 1 mainly focuses on the creation of the whole universe/world?
What does Genesis 2 focus on?
The creation of humans ———> Adam + Eve
What was written first, Gen 1 or Gen 2?
Genesis 2 was written earlier than Genesis 1.
What does Adam mean in hebrew?
Adam is the hebrew word for humanity.
Many people see Adam as the first man.
How did God form man (Adam) according to Genesis 2?
“from the dust”
What did God do to give Adam life?
He “breathed into him”.
What is the Hebrew word for breath and what else does it translate to?
Ru’ach - also translates to spirit.
God gave Adam his spirit.
What are the 2 key messages about the nature of humans that Genesis 2 explores?
1) Humans share the Spirit of God.
- Genesis 2:8 explains how God made humans in his image.
- God created Adam, the first man, by breathing into him.
- Breath = Ru’ch. Ru’ach = spirit. Shows that humans share the Spirit of God, meaning we share some of his qualities. Everything we are comes from God.
2) Humans are given the gift of free will.
- God commands Adam not to eat from the tree, but doesn’t directly prevent him from doing so.
- Using free will to live in a way that pleases God, brings humans closer to God.
How do pictures/art allow artists to express ideas?
They allow artists to convey messages that may be difficult to put into words.
The creation story is no different.
Who was Michaelangelo?
Michaelangelo Buonarotti (1475-1564) was a famous italian painter and sculptor.
Where are some of Michaelangelo’s finest works on creation and genesis located?
On the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
What is the most famous of the Sistine Chapel artworks?
Creation of Adam
What does the ‘Creation of Adam’ actually show?
It shows a naked Adam lying on a hill side with his hand outstreched towards a figure representing God.
God is in a brain-shaped cloud and surrounded by angels.
What does Adam’s muscluar appearence reflect?
It reflects that Adam is the perfect man - full of God’s strength.
Also shows how God’s creation is “very good”. Humans are the HIGHPOINT of God’s creation.
What does Adam’s hand reaching out reflect?
Reflects that Adam is not fully alive. Humans depend on God for life.
Humans need a relationship with God.
What does God’s white hair and beard reflect?
Shows that God is ancient and eternal - but humanity is new.
Why is God in a brain-shaped cloud?
To symbolise thag human intelligence and the capacity to learn comes from God.
Why is God being carried through the air by angels?
To reflect that he is transcendent - Adam is firmly on the ground.
What does the green ribbon beneath God symbolise?
Symbolises the umbilical cord being cut as Adam comes to life.
Why are God and Adam lying in similar postions (almost mirror images)?
To show that humans are made in the image of God.
Humans reflect God through their ability to gain wisdom, create and love.
What are some controversial/misleading aspects of Michaelangelo’s ‘Creation of Adam’?
- God and Adam shouldn’t be the same size.
- God shouldn’t be portrayed as an old man. God is pure spirit.
- God or Adam shouldn’t be portrayed as having a race.
What one other piece of christian art depicts creation?
“Hand of God” by Hildreth Meire
What does “Hand of God” show?
It shows a hand coming out of a cloud in the sky.
What do the lines extended from the hand to the edge of the circle (universe) reflect?
It reflects the idea that God’s power touches all things and that he created the universe.
Why is God’s hand large compared to the cloud?
To show God’s greatness and power (omnipotence)
Why do some christians prefer Meire’s artwork than Michaelangelo’s “Creation of Adam”?
They feel it’s a more exceptable way of showing God’s creation and power.
Meire’s work is more abstract and focuses more on God creating the universe than his relationship with humans.
What was the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II)?
Vatican II was a series of meetings that discussed important issues and updated a number of teachings on certain topics.
When was Vatican II held?
Between 1962-1965.
What ate 2 things that Vatican II concluded from the meetings?
1) ‘Gaudium et Spes’ states clearly that when interpreting the Bible, it is important to “carefully investigate the meaning the writers intended.” [Dei Verbum 12]
2) Science and Religion - The Magisterium also concluded that there was a need for science and religion to be mutually supportive.
What do Catholics therefore believe about the two creation stories as a result of ‘Gaudium et Spes’?
They believe that the creation stories were wtitten as myths.
Contain ‘deep truths’.
What is the Big Bang Theory?
The widely accepted theory that the universe sprang into life 13.7 billion years ago.
How does the catholic church interpret the Big Bang Theory in context with ‘Gaudium et Spes’ and Vatican II?
The catholic church teach that God created the universe using the Big Bang.
What does the Catholic Church teach about the Theory of Evolution?
They teach that God created humans through evolution.
What does the catholic church say about the relationship between religion and science?
They teach that the 2 support each other. That together, they give us a fuller, rounder picture of the universe.
Science attempts to explain the how, and religion attempts to explain the why.
What is a fundamentalist/creationist/literalist?
Someone who believes the bible is a factual record that is divinely inspired and without error.
What do fundamentalists believe about creation?
They believe that the Genesis creation stories are the absolute truth.
What analogy is often used to describe the relationship between science and religion?
3D Glasses
One lens is Science, the other religion.
Together, you see a fuller, rounder picture.
What did George Lemaître, a priest who is credited with devising the big bang theory, say about science and religion?
“There are two paths to truth, and I decided to follow both of them.”
What is natural law?
The catholic teaching that all humans are born with an understanding of right and wrong.
What 2 beliefs is Natural Law based on?
- God made all creation “good”.
- Humans are made in “the image of God”.
Why is following natural law important to catholics?
- It’s God’s will.
- It will bring us fulfillment.
What are the 2 basic natural laws?
1) “Do good and avoid evil” [Youcat 333]
2) ‘Protect and Preserve life’
How are the creation stories significant for catholics in 3 ways?
1) Stewardship
2) Dignity of Humans
3) The Sanctity of Life
How are the creation stories significant in terms of Stewardship?
- In Genesis 1:28, God tells Adam to “subdue” the earth and “have dominion” over every living thing.
- This suggests that human beings have been given power and authority to rule over all other creatures.
- Genesis 2:15, God puts Adam in charge of the Garden of Eden to ‘till it and keep it’. This suggests looking after the world with care and love.
How are the creation stories significant in terms of the Dignity of Humans?
- God made humans in his image - “in his image he created them”
- All humans are equal because they have all been created by God.
- This means that for Catholics, all people have dignity - they are worthy of honour and respect.
How are the creation stories significant in terms of The Sanctity of Life?
- God blessed humans after he created them - life is holy.
- God said we are very good - life is precious.
Catholics believe that all life is holy and precious.
How is the planet/environment damaged?
- Air, Land and Water Pollution.
- Deforestation
- Biological, Chemical and Physical War
- Fossil Fuels
- Meat Production
What are some catholics beliefs and teachings on caring for the environment?
Catholics believe that the whole universe was created, and is sustained by God, out of love for humans.
Everything in creation is a gift and is holy as it comes from God.
“Till it and keep it”
What is Laudato Si?
Laudato Si = Care for our Common home
Pope Francis’ second encyclical which criticises consumerism and environmental concerns.
What are some of the key messages in Laudato Si?
- Humans are mistreating the planet, it is turning into “an immense pile of filfth”.
- Climate change affects all of us, especially the poor.
- Put ‘love your neighbour’ into action by creating a ‘common plan’ for out ‘common home’.
- Don’t treat natural resources as objects for profit.
What are the catholic teachings on natural resources and how they should be used?
1) Should be preserved.
2) Damaging one element of nature can affect others - we have INTERDEPENDENCE with the rest of creation.
3) Catholics should take action (e.g peaceful protests, good will and political intent).
What is Stewardship?
Stewardship is the belief that christians have a responsibility to look after the environment on behalf of God.
What are 2 key quotes on Stewardship?
“The Lord placed the man in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it” - [Genesis 2:15]
“Love your neighbour as yourself”
How can catholics put stewardship into practice on a local, national and global level?
Local:
- Recycle more.
- Walk, cycle or use public transport.
National:
- Put pressure on politicians to act.
- Buy and support environmentally-friendly products.
Global:
- Put pressure on national governments to come together at summits to form agreements.
- Boycott multi-national companies which harm the environment.
What is Sustainability?
Using natural resources at a rate which they can be replenished - not compromising the needs of future generations.
Who are CAFOD and what is their main aim?
Catholic Agency for Overseas Development
Main Aim:
-To work with the poorest people and achieve a more just world.
What special goals do CAFOD promote regarding sustainability?
Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs)
These goals are to be achieved by every country by 2030.
How many SDGs are there?
17
Name 4 SDGs?
1) No poverty
2) Zero Hunger
3) Quality Education
4) Climate Action
What approach has Pope Francis called for in regards to the fight for sustainability?
A ‘bottom-up’ approach.
The poorest and their needs should be at the centre of world politics and economics - this will help to create balance and help ensure sustainability.
Apart from SDGs, How else does CAFOD support sustainability? (2 points)
1) Encouraging people in England and Wales to live more simply.
2) Working with groups like *MONLAR in Sri Lanka.
*MONLAR help farmers use economic yet sustainable farming techniques.
