Creation Flashcards
Nature of God (in Genesis)
God is transcendant - beyond and outside life in the universe, beyond our understanding
God is omnipotent - all powerful, is able to do anything he wants
God is creator - the only ome, he created everything
“God said, ‘let there be light’ and the was light” Genesis
Nature of humans (Genesis)
As we were made in God’s image, we share his spirit.
God also gave us free will. Using it well brings us closer to God and using it for sin turns us away from him.
E.g: The Forbidden Fruit
Significance of the creation storyq
Stewardship - God’s creation is holy and put us here look after the world and gave us power and authority to rule other livng creatures
Dignity - As we are made in his image, we are all worthy of dignity and respect
Sanctity of life - All creation is holy, especially human life.
Structure of the Old Testament
Law - First 5 books, telling how the Jews became the people of God. Contains the laws God wanted them to follow.
History - How God guided the Jews and often they did not listen. Is to help later generations not make the same mistake.
Wisdom - Prayers, psalms, poems and advice
Prophecy - Prophets who challenged people to remain faithful to God and that he is active in the world.
Structure of the New Testament
The Gospels - Actions and teachings of Jesus
The Acts of the Apostles - Tell of some of the events in the early church (60AD)
The Epistles - Letters written by the apostles discussing Jesus’ teachings.
Revelation - Written by John. Includes his mystical visions, beleived to describe the end of the world.
The interperatation/writing of the bible
The bible is the word of god.
The writers/prophets were inspired and guided by the Holy spirit.
The bible should be interperated through the teachings of the Magesterium (who are also continually inspired by the HS)
Interperating Genesis
Catholics beleive Genesis should not be taken literally, allowing for acceptance of science.
Some fundamental Christians beleive otherwise.
It is beleived Genesis is myth, meaning they are stories made to convey deep or complex spiritual truth
Natural Law
It is moral principles inherent to all humans. It is our human nature to good over evil and respect life. We should follow this as part of God’s will.
This is because God made all creation good and we are in his image.
Catholics and science
Between 1962 and 1965, the Pope and bishops met to update the Church on various topics, known as the Second Vatican Council.
Religion and science don’t contradict each other.
Science is supported to help us understand God.
Differing answers are asking different questions
The environment
Catholics care for the environment as we are stewards of the Earth and it is God’s creation. We must also “love your neigbour” including future generations and must preserve the world.
CAFOD’s environmental work
Encourages people in England and Wales to live more simply.
Support UN Sustainable Developement Goals
Work with farmers to adopt sustainable and effective methods
