forms of expression (key beliefs) Flashcards
Michangelo’s creation of Adam: Beliefs about God
God is presented as a dynamic and active figure. He is hard at work at His greatest creation. God reaches out to the more passive figure of Adam. God has a muscular physique. This show that God is a creator as revealed in the book of Genesis. It also highlights that God is omnipotent (all-powerful) as God created the universe. God’s age highlights that God is omniscient (allknowing) showing that he has wisdom. His hand stretching out symbolises giving Adam the spark of life. God is also shown on a cloud surrounded by angels. This highlights that God is transcendent.
Michangelo’s Creation of Adam: Beliefs about Humans
Adam is on the left of the painting, lying back on the earth from which he has been formed as described in Genesis. This links to the idea of stewardship as humans have been created to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. Adam is a perfect human being; young,
handsome, strong and resembles God. Adam mirrors the pose of God. This is linked to the belief of the imago dei which comes from the book of Genesis and the teachings of Catherine of Siena.
Symbols on the Tree of life Mosaic
The twelve lambs represent the twelve disciples who were given the task of passing on Jesus’ message. The lamb in the centre with a halo represents Jesus who is known as the lamb of God who sacrificed his life. The tree and vines are symbolic of how the message of Christianity will
grow and spread throughout the world. The tree is the tree of life and vines/branches will grow as Jesus’ message is passed on. The hand represents God reaching out to his son Jesus and taking him to heaven. Following Jesus’ death on the cross it is believed that Jesus rose again. The hand shows
God’s power to overcome death. The Alpha and Omega are the first and last Greek letters of the alphabet. They symbolise the Christian belief that God
is eternal. This means that God has always existed and will always exist. He has no beginning or end. This Chi-Rho is a Greek term for Christ. It is one of the earliest Christian symbols and links to the belief that Jesus is a saviour
