creation story, annunciation, incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension Flashcards
why do most catholics not believe in the creation story - who are the only denomination that fully believe in it?
most catholics believe that the creation story (and most of the old testament) is too illogical. instead, they take it metaphorically
- creationists believe fully in the creation story
what are the four truths that Catholics take from the creation story?
- God created the world from nothing
- As God created everything in the universe and He is good, then the universe is good
- God created humans in his image, making them special
- God made humans the pinnacle of his creation, making them stewards of the Earth
how does the creation story impact Christians today?
- shows that God is omnipotent, and that he’s the source of all life. Christians put their trust in him because of this.
- as human beings are the pinnacle of God’s creation, they do their best to listen to God and to look after their world.
what does John say about the ‘word’ (Jesus) in his gospel?
John’s gospel confirms that the ‘word’ was with God at the very beginning, and together, they created everything.
- however, the Old Testament never mentions Jesus
- confirms that the trinity has existed since the beginning of time.
‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’
what are issues with the creation story?
- an omnipotent God wouldn’t need 7 days or rest
- how was light created on Day 1, if the sun was only created on Day 4
- the Bible says the world began 5000 years ago; that’s impossible because there are fossils that date back millions of years ago
what is the story of the annunciation?
- God sends Angel Gabriel to Mary
- Mary is a virgin
- She’s scared of the angel, and he tells her that she’s pregnant, and to call him Jesus
- She says it’s not possible, angel says the Holy Spirit will do it
- Joseph finds out and considers divorce
- He’s told not to divorce her in a dream
- He wakes up and takes Mary home as his wife
what is the importance of the incarnation for Christians today?
- proves that God is fully God and fully human - he’s powerful enough to be all things
- Christians believe the incarnation to be a miracle, proving them to exist
- proof that God loves humanity and is willing to come to Earth and suffer as humans do to save us - ultimate act of a loving sacrifice
describe the trial and crucifixion of Jesus:
- the chief priest, the elders and the scribes originally trialled Jesus, but couldn’t find a fault
- pontius pilate (a roman governor) then King Herod also trialled Jesus but, again, couldn’t find a fault
- pontius pilate came up with a plan to give the financially poor public a choice between a criminal or Jesus dying. they were offered a gold coin to vote for Jesus
- when Jesus is carrying the cross, Simon of Cyrene helps him, and Jesus kindly and caringly speaks to women, reassuring them
- he was crucified between two other men. one had realised his mistakes, and felt genuine remorse for his crimes. just before he dies, he says ‘father, into your hands I entrust my spirit’. it then goes dark, the curtain in the temple tears, revealing the 10 commandments. they shout ‘this man truly is the righteous one!’
why was the crucifixion of Jesus necessary?
a simple animal crucifixion is not enough to hold the entire worlds’ sins. therefore they had to make a human sacrifice.
what is the importance of the story of Jesus’s crucifixion for Christians today?
- serves as a role model for Christians today, so they can make sacrifices in their own lives. motivates them to live lives of service and love
- provides comfort and hope for Christians as they strive to live lives of faith and repentance. allows them to start again, to build a new, sin-free relationship with God.
what is the story of the resurrection?
- on Sunday morning, some women who knew Jesus visited the tomb and found it empty
- an angel came to them, telling them that Jesus has risen, and to tell the others that he is alive
- the women shared the good news with the disciples, but they didn’t believe them, so they ran to the tomb to see for themselves
- two of Jesus’s disciples later saw Jesus, but they didn’t recognise him
- however, in a gathering with all of the disciples, Jesus showed up, and showed them the holes in his hands and feet where the sin had been retrieved from him
what is the importance of the resurrection?
- shows that Jesus defeated death (good always wins over evil)
- shows evidence of God’s omnipotence and omnibenevolence
- means Jesus is still with us, and is guiding us through every day
describe the ascension:
- 40 days after Jesus’s resurrection
- many people saw him
- he proved he physically came back
- he gave important messages to disciples
- his full body ascended to heaven
what is the importance of the ascension to Christians today?
- assures Christians that they will rise again after death and live on in the afterlife - inspires them to live a good life
- demonstrates God’s omnipotence
- shows that Jesus is alive and is living with God in Heaven, and is no longer limited to living on Earth
what was said in the great commission?
‘go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptising them’. at this point, the 12 disciples became the 11 apostles.
