Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

AS Christianity > God unit > Flashcards

God unit Flashcards

1
Q

What is monotheism?

A

Monotheism is the belief held by all Christians that there is only one God.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the background to Christian monotheism?

A

In the earliest centuries of Israel’s history, the Jews believed that other gods existed, but should not be worshipped.

The Sinai covenant makes it clear that Israel’s God, the Lord, alone should be worshipped.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Where can monotheism be seen clearly?

A

In the Old Testament writings of the prophets.

‘I am the first and the last; apart from me there is no God.’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Where was the classical statement of monotheism found?

A

In the Jewish statement of faith known as the shema, in Deuteronomy.

‘Hear, O Israel. The Lord our God, the Lord is one.’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How do the names of God link to monotheism?

A

One of the names for God in the Old Testament is ‘Elohim’, which is a plural word in Hebrew meaning Gods.

The other name for God in the OT is Yahweh.

‘God’ was seen to be the head of the other gods.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What type of monotheism was seen in Israel?

A

Israel’s monotheism was ethical monotheism.

‘Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the scriptural support for ethical monotheism?

A

The obligations in the Sinai Covenant were listed in the Ten Commandments.

When Jesus was asked which of the commandments were the greatest, he said that the love of God and of neighbour were the greatest, and summed up the whole of Jewish religion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Quote about Ten Commandments

A

‘The most important one is this: ‘Your Lord is one. Love the Lord with all your heart. The second is love your neighbour as yourself.’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What does ethical monotheism mean?

A

The belief in one God also includes following the moral codes linked to that belief, for example the Ten Commandments.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the significance of God’s omnipotence in Christianity?

A

Most Christians believe that God is omnipotent.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Why is ethical monotheism important?

A

Moral obedience is at the heart of salvation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Name two different beliefs about omnipotence.

A

1) Descartes view that omnipotence means God can do anything, even that which is logically impossible such as making a square circle. BUT, this raises issues about the problem of evil.

2) Most Christians think that God’s omnipotence is limited to that which is logically possible. SOLVES problem of evil, but there are issues related to free will.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Quote for God’s omnipotence

A

‘With God, all things are possible.’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

God as omnipotent Creator

A

1) Minority view that the universe came out of Go’d’s own being. BUT most Christians rejects this because it limits God.

2) View accepted by many Christians that the universe was created by God ex nihilo, out of nothing. This is supported by the repeated ‘Let there be… And there was..’ in Genesis. God’s word brought everything into existence, and usually ordered it. This is the standard English translation.

3) Process Theology view that the earth was already in existence and God worked at ordering this pre-existing chaos. Based on an alternative translation of Genesis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

God as the controller and sustainer

A
  • Biblical references to God as King suggests that everything is subject to God’s control.

-Most Christians believe that God not only controls the universe, but he sustains it.

-The ethical teachings of the Bible show how God sustains human life in the spiritual as well as physical sense.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

God as omniscient

A

Most Christians believe that God is omniscient. This creates issues for problem of evil and free will.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the three approaches to God’s omniscience? (1)

A

1) God knows past present and future absolutely and in a causative sense.

‘For a thousand years in your sight are like a day just gone by.’

This means that he controls everything that goes on in the universe, including human action. This view is known as theological determinism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the three approaches to God’s omniscience? (2)

A

Because God exists beyond space and time, it is not appropriate to use spatio-temporal language in relation to God. Although we have to use it because it’s all we have.

God simply knows all things, including what humans do, but not in a causative sense. (Aquinas’ view)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the three approaches to God’s omniscience? (3)

A

According to Swinburne, God exists within time and knows what it is logically possible for God to know.

This means that he cannot be the cause of human choice, because he cannot know them. Although, he may be able to predict them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

God as transcendent and unknowable (1)

A

This refers to the belief of many Christians that God is beyond and outside space and time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

God as transcendent and unknowable (2)

A

God is eternal and limitless.
Catholic teaching refers to God’s aseity. This is the belief that God is self-existent; it is in his nature to exist.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

God as transcendent and unknowable (3)

A

The clearest expression of this belief is seen in the call of Moses: ‘I am who I am.’ This means that no human can understand what it means to be God, or ‘know his name’, even when people have experienced him.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

The Doctrine of the Trinity (1)

A

Many Christians believe that God is ‘Three in One’.

The Hebrew word used often in the OT for God is ‘Elohim’ (plural). In Genesis, God as the ‘father’ of the universe created through his word and the spirits brood over the water chaos.

There are clearer hints in the NT, for example in the baptism of Jesus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

The Doctrine of the Trinity (2)

A

‘A voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.’- Voice from heaven

‘I and the Father are one.’- Jesus

‘And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you, the Spirit of truth’- Jesus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
The Doctrine of the Trinity (3)
In the early centuries of the Church's existence, Church leaders considered the implications of: biblical texts, their conviction that Jesus was uniquely the Son of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit as a guide for individual Christians and the Church as a whole.
26
The Doctrine of the Trinity (4)
The Church set out formally the Doctrine of the Trinity as is held by most Christian denominations: - There is One God in Three Persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. -Each person possesses fully the attributes of God, for example omnipotence, omniscience, asaiety. -The relationship between the Three persons is one of mutual dwelling.
27
Key quote for Church view of the Trinity
'God is not solitude but perfect communion.'
28
The importance of the Trinity (1)
The diversity within creation reflects the diversity within the unity of the Godhead. It connects with Christian beliefs about sin and atonement: Christians who believe in OS, believe that a) God sent his Son to atone for that sin, b) this happened through his crucifixion and resurrection to reconcile humans and c) the Holy Spirit works within believers hearts to give hope of eternal life.
29
The importance of the Trinity (2)
The doctrine of the Trinity explains the otherwise paradoxical claim that God is both transcendent and immanent. Moltmann describes the relationships of the Persons of the Trinity in terms of mutual self-giving and receiving love. We should reflect this in human relationships.
30
Jesus as the Son of God (1)
For Christians who believe that Jesus is the second Persons of the Trinity, Jesus' authority is God's authority. John 10:30- 'I and the Father are One.' This was Jesus' response to those who asked him if he was the messiah. There are two interpretations of the word 'one' in this text. (1) 'One' refers to common essence 'of one Being with the Father', is the phrase used in the Nicene Creed (2) 'One refers to unity of purpose; God's purpose for humanity and Jesus' mission were in harmony.
31
Jesus as the Son of God (2)
Biblical support goes both ways. 1) God and Jesus are One in essence: John states that the Word was in the beginning with God. Jesus says, 'Before Abraham was, I am.' This is the idea of pre-existence. 2) God and John have unity of purpose. Jesus says that he and his disciples might be 'one'.
32
Jesus as the Son of God (3)
Context points: 1) Jesus spoke Aramaic, so what he said may have been distorted in Greek. John's Gospel was written 40 years after Jesus' crucifixion, so that may have distorted Jesus' words as well. 2) John's gospel was written partly to combat heresy, so thus may have influenced the text.
33
1 Corinthians 8:6
'Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through which all things came.' Context: Said by Paul as a reply to a question about whether eating meat from a pagan temple was permissible. He is reminding those who read his letter, that monotheism is central to the Christian faith. It reads like a statement of belief, so Paul may have been quoting something used in worship.
34
1 Corinthians 8:6 (2)
Some Christians think that Paul had the Shema in mind and that he was equating Jesus with God. Other Christians think that the use of the proposition 'through' suggests that Jesus was an agent in creation but not in the sense of being divine. There is no definitive answer of what is meant by this.
35
God described in anthropomorphic terms
The Bible often describes God in anthropomorphic terms. In Genesis 2, God is said to walk in the garden in the cool of the day. At the call of Moses, God says 'I have indeed seen the misery of my people... I am concerned about their suffering.' This type of language depicts God as having human emotions and a human body.
36
God as Personal
This refers to the belief that humans can relate to god. - God is immanent, so he is involved in the world and accessible. - God hears and answers prayers - Moltmann's 'social' account of teh Trinity -Religious experiences -indwelling of the Holy Spirit
37
God as Father
In the biblical world, this was not just a term related to family. The oldest male in society was responsible for, respected by and in control of the rest of the group. So, the OT reference to God as Father attribute to him a number of roles: -Creating the universe -Rescuing Israel when in trouble -Setting moral standards, e.g., Ten Commandments -Exercising judgement
38
Jesus often refers to God as the Father
In the parable of the Forgiving Father, God's unconditional and ceaseless love is depicted. Jesus tells his disciples that their heavenly Father will give good things to those who asks, and teaches them a prayer that addresses God as 'our Father' Jesus' relationship with God is seen in his prayer in Gethsemane, where he uses Abba, the intimate Aramaic name for Father.
39
God as Father quotes
'Abba, Father.' Jesus said. 'Everything is possible for you.' Paul claims that when Christians pray 'Abba, Father', they become adopted children of God. The Apostles Creed refers to God as Father in two senses: as creator of the universe and as father of Jesus. 'The Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and Jesus Christ is his only Son.'
40
God as Love
Philosophically the reality of evil challenges claims that God is omni-benevolent, or all loving. Christians nevertheless trust in God's love from their own experience, and on the basis of biblical teaching. - The OT uses the Hebrew term 'hesed', often translated as 'steadfast love', to depict God's dependable commitment to the covenant with Israel. - The NT equivalent of 'hesed' is the Greek word 'agape', which denotes God's selfless, unconditional and generous love for humanity. Agape is part of the nature of the Trinity.
41
God as Love (2)
According to the writer of John, 'God is love.' Because they have been created in God's image, human relationships have agape at their heart. -Hence, Jesus' two commandments: love of God and love of neighbour. - Agape was central to Fletcher's Situation Ethics.
42
God as Love quote
'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.'- John
43
God as King
Monarchy was a familiar concept for most of the biblical period, and the ruler's authority was absolute. So, it is unsurprising that God is described as King. In his vision of the Temple, Isaiah saw God seated on a throne because the Ark of the Covenant was seen as God's throne. Isaiah feared he would die: 'for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.' The vision is one of God's power over everything, including life and death.
44
God as King (2)
Jesus was referred to as Messiah, a term used of Israel's kings and its application to Jesus suggests a a kingly figure. Jesus was associated with the inauguration of the Kingdom of God: - This is not a place but refers to God's rule as the King of the universe. - It is often understood as a present and future reality. - As a future reality: Jesus as the anointed King will return to fully establish the Kingdom of God. In the Kingdom of God, there will be no pain or hunger; there will be peace.
45
What are the problems with anthropomorphic language when describing God?
Using anthropomorphic language puts limits on a God who is believed to be transcendent.
46
How does anthropomorphic language affect the portrayal of God?
It suggests someone like us who is changeable and therefore not reliable; he is not worthy of worship.
47
What do many Christians believe about describing God?
They believe the only meaningful way to describe God is through anthropomorphic language, despite its limitations.
48
What is a significant issue with the metaphors used for God?
Many metaphors are associated with domination and are predominantly male.
49
50
What do women feel about gender-specific language in the Bible?
Women feel excluded by the use of gender-specific language that reinforces patriarchal stereotypes of male superiority.
51
What has been produced in response to gender-specific language in the Bible?
Some gender-neutral translations of the Bible have been produced, and many hymns, prayers, and forms of worship have been revised.
52
What issue do feminists highlight regarding the portrayal of God in the Bible?
Feminists highlight that the God portrayed in the Bible is a male figure with typically male attributes of power.
53
What do standard gender-neutral translations of the Bible fail to do?
Standard gender-neutral translations do not apply gender-neutral terms to God.
54
What are divinity faculties in the United States encouraging regarding pronouns for God?
They are encouraging lecturers to avoid the use of male pronouns for God and to replace them with terms like 'God' or 'Godself'.
55
How does Daphne Hampson view the concept of God?
Daphne Hampson has a different conception of 'that which is God' compared to traditional views.
56
What did Clement of Alexandria say about God?
Clement of Alexandria referred to Christians nursing at the breast of God the Father.
57
What did Meister Eckhart refer to regarding God?
Meister Eckhart referred to God lying on a maternity bed and giving birth.
58
What did Mother Julian state about God?
Mother Julian stated that 'as truly as God [the Father] is our Father, so truly is God [the Son] our Mother.'
59
What do some Christians believe about removing gender-specific references from the Bible?
Some Christians think that removing all gender-specific references would lead to losing insights, as the Bible was a product of its culture.
60
Why did biblical writers avoid referring to God as Mother?
Biblical writers avoided this to prevent the infiltration of fertility religions into Jewish and Christian faiths.
61
What do some feminists argue about attributing female qualities to a male God?
Some feminists argue that attributing female qualities to a male God compounds the problem, as it suggests the male contains all within himself.
62
What is needed according to some feminists regarding gender?
What is needed is to see women and men, female and male, as equal.
63
What is process theology?
Process theology, developed in the twentieth century, originated in the ideas of A.N. Whitehead, influenced by quantum mechanics' ideas of continual change.
64
Who further developed the ideas of process theology?
David Griffin further developed the ideas of process theology.
65
What does Griffin reject regarding the traditional Christian belief?
Griffin rejects the belief in creation out of nothing, adopting an alternative translation of Genesis.
66
What is the nature of the universe according to process theology?
The universe has always existed; it is uncreated and eternal.
67
What is the relationship between God and the universe in process theology?
The relationship is panentheistic; they exist together like the human mind and body.
68
How is God's role described in relation to the universe?
God's role is to persuade the universe into order and complexity.
69
How long has God's persuasive attempt been ongoing?
This attempt has been ongoing for 13.7 billion years.
70
What does the independence of the universe from God explain?
It explains the slow and arduous progress of the universe.
71
Does God have unlimited power in process theology?
No, God does not have unlimited power; the universe can resist God's attempts at persuasion.
72
What are some positives of process theology?
It has support from quantum mechanics, fits with Big Bang and evolution theories, and explains why God does not control evil.
73
What are some negatives of process theology?
Its claim that God is not omnipotent goes against many people's beliefs about a divine being.
74
What does the term 'panentheistic' mean in process theology?
Panentheistic describes the relationship where everything is in God and God is immanent in the universe.

AS Christianity (1 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions