Creation Flashcards
Positive viewpoints of Michelangelo’s creation of Adam
Adam is depicted as the perfect man – full of strength and potential reflects when God looks at his creation and says everything is ‘good’.
God is powerful yet ancient. The hair and beard reflect age but his body is muscular. God also looks similar to Adam which reflects the belief that humans are made in the image of God
God is being carried by angels – reflecting his transcendent nature, whileAdam is on the ground.
God is the creator of everything – nothing comes into creation without God.
Controversial aspects of Michelango’s creation of adam
Genesis 2 states that God made Adam out of dust- and brought him to life by breathing into his nostrils- not touching him like in this picture.
God and Adam are depicted as nearly the same size- suggesting perhaps that they are equal. Which is not Catholic belief.
Some people do not like the idea of the eternal God being shown as an old man
CCC 2132- “whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it.”
What does Miere depict by his artwork
Mosaic depicts Gods powe and creation in a special way. Depicts God as creator fully unlike Michelangelo
some Christians prefer this image because God is infinite some would argue he should not be depicted in the way Michelangelo does
Hand of God shows the idea of him creating the universe without showing him – it suggests God is much larger
Light out of God’s hand reaches the edge of the circle - God’s power and influence over all things
Gods hand is relativel large compared to the size of the cloud- illustrating Gods greatness and power.
How is the nature of God expressed in Genesis 1
Catholics do not interpret cretaion stories literally - main message isGod created the world - symbolic point e.g human created last (important)
“God created humankind in his image and likeness Genesis 1:27. This means that we share the same qualities as God like love and knowledge. It also shows life is special and sacred.
How is the nature of God expressed in Genesis 2
Genesis 2 God creates Adam from dust – this emphasises how precious humanity is. God breathes into Adam and gives him life – highlighting the idea that humans are made in God’s image and likeness.
God gives the gift of free will – this means he allows humans to decide how they live their life - tells Adam and Eve but doesn’t stop them
The animals are created by God – but given to Adam to name. This highlights the Catholic idea that humans have authority and responsibility for them (stewardship over the Earth)
Expressed to be omnibolevelant gave Adam and Eve all they ever needed however they ruined by following their free will ‘the fall’
What is the significance of creation stories for catholics
Stewardship- creation stories show that God is creator. We have a duty to respect the Earth we live in. God commands humans to have dominion
over creation – so this means we have a duty of care for the earth. We should look after the environment and everything in it because it was a special gift from God.
Dignity of human beings- we are made in the image of God and have special dignity. We should be treated equally. This highlights how sex should not be undervalued. Free will comes with responsibility to respect yours snd others dignity
Sanctity of life: All creation is Holy. All life treated with respect only God can choose to take a life.
What is the bible
Old testament
The law
Hisyory bolks
Wisdom books
Bible- Christian holy book
Old testamentt - Deals with the ways that God related to the Jewish people throughout their history, before coming of Jesus.
The law -first 5 books of the bible show how the Jews became the people of God
History books-these show how God guided his people and how people often refused to listen.
Wisdom books- prayers, psalms, books of advice and poems which show people how to use God given talents to do what is right.
What are the prophets
The new testament
Gospels
The act of apostles
Epistles
Revelation
Prophets-inspired figures who were sent by God to teach people about how
God is active in this world
New testament- based on the life and teaching of Jesus and the apostles
Gospels- Mark , Luke and John account of records of the life of Jesus
Act of apostles-tell of the events of the early church after Jesus ascends back to heaven.
Epistles -teach Christians how to live by Jesus’ teachings and what it means to be Christians
Revelation-an apocalyptic book by john that many christens believe describes the end of the world
How does inspiration or the bible help influence
The prophets
The gospels
The epistles
Magisterium
Prophets - Prophets inspired to see Gods work in special ways- passed the word of God snd encouraged others
Gospels- Jesus is word of God since God speaks through Jesus. The gospels are the life of Jesus / the word of God
Epistles- writings of apostles written to help christians apply Jesus’ principles in their lives. Apostles were filled with the holy spirit and can spread the word of God
Magisterium- Official teachings of the CC the Holy Spirit with them to creat teachings and apply it to modern life
Catholic interpretations to the creation stories
Gensis 1 and 2 viewed as myths. Hold a spiritual and deeper truth. The catholic messgages taken :God made everything , Everything God made is good , Humans are the highest point of creation
Accepts scientific and evolution theories of creation .Pope Francis supports this view and explains that science and religion work together in these truths about creation.
What is natural law
moral principles and values that are considered to be within all humans
Fundamentalist interpretations of creation stories
Some christians take the creation stories literally as the bible contains the word of God and God would not want us to be misleaded or misinterpret what he made for us
They believe that the world is only a few thousand years old and reject scientific theories for
creation of the world whilst others may accept the theories they still believe the Genesis stories happened.
Catholc attitudes to natural law
God made everything good. The basic natural law is to do good and avoid evil. This applies to humans as we are made in the image of God. Humans have a conscience.
Catholic attitudes towards science
The catholic church and science have always been involved with each other: Georges Lemaitre - devised the big bang model and was a catholic priest ,Friar Gregor Mendel - pioneered genetics
During the 2nd Vatican council the magisterium stressed the need for science and religion (mutually supportve). Religion deals with why and science deals with how (mutually supportive)
Primary and sedondary precepts of natural law
Primary precepts -Worship God, ordered society , reproduction , learning , defend innocent
Secondary precepts -pray , follow the law , have children , go to school , prserve life
