Jesus and sources of authority and jewish sources of moral authority Flashcards
what does jesus give clear teachings on?
how ppl should live their lives
where are the clearest collection of his teachings found?
in chapters 5-7 of matthew’s gospel in a section called the ‘sermon on the mount’
what does the sermon begin with?
a list of teachings which are called the beatitudes
what does the beatitudes mean?
blessing
what are the key messages of the beatitudes?
those who are closest to god are often those that the world does not recognise or value
they are what jesus expects of his followers
what is the source of authority from the beatitudes?
Jesus said:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are the merciful
Blessed are the peacemakers
sermon on the mount:
what is jesus a source of?
moral authority as he came to fulfil God’s law
sermon on the mount:
what did jesus say are the requirements of being a follower of christian unity?
go further and deeper than the Law of Moses.
what phrase did jesus repeat?
begins “You have heard that it was said…” and ends with “But I say to you”
what does the Sermon on the Mount show?
ways in which being a follower of Jesus is more demanding than the religious Law (Torah) which his listeners have been living by
what does jesus further outline that murder was wrong?
Jesus adds that even anger is unacceptable
what does he further outline of adultery was wrong?
even looking at someone lustfully is wrong
what does jesus state about an action?
just about an action, the intention of the action and the reason behind the action are just as important
what does the moral authority of jesus mean?
Jesus has the power to put forward teachings that will guide Catholics on how
they can avoid evil and suffering
what is the source of authority of jesus requiring a higher standard?
“i have come not to abolish the Law but to fulfil it”
how does the old and new teachings start?
old - “you have heard it said”
new - “but i tell you”
what is the new teaching of ‘do not murder’?
Don’t be angry. Settle arguments quickly.
what is the new teaching of ‘do not commit adultery’?
Do not look lustfully at a woman. If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.
what is the new teaching of ‘divorce is allowable’?
No divorce except for sexual immorality
what is the new teaching of ‘do not break oaths’?
do not make an oath.
Let your “yes” be “yes and your “no, “no”
what is the new teaching of An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth?
turn the other cheek
what is the new teaching of Love your neighbour, hate your enemies?
Love your enemies pray for those who persecute you
what is the teaching of giving to the needy?
Give in secret. Do not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing
what is the new teaching of Prayer & Fasting?
Don’t pray and fast for show -you’ve had your reward
what is jews main source of moral authority?
torah
what is the torah?
jewish written law
what do jews believe the torah outlines?
a variety of actions that jews should perform or avoid
these actions are known as the mitzvot and there are 613 of them
what do jews believe if they follow the torah and the mitzvot?
are fulfilling the covenant that god made with Moses on mount sinai
what is the talmud?
analysis on the jewish written law written by important rabbis throughout history
what do jews believe that the talmud gives?
guidance on how jews should best apply the torah and the mitzvot
give on example from the talmud
gives guidance on how jews can best follow sabbath laws and laws on kosher
what is a belief in natural law a key part of?
catholic moral teaching
who put forward the natural law?
famous catholic saint, Thomas Aquinas
what did st Thomas aquinas stated?
that all human beings have five primary principles which all people have in common
what are the 5 principles?
worship god
orderly society
reproduce
learn through education
defend innocent life
what does it mean if these principles are common?
there are some universal laws that all human beings have to obey
for example, laws against murder, child abuse, left and lying
what is the basic level that humans should do?
do good and avoid evil
what do catholics believe about the natural law?
it is a god given ability to understand the difference between right and wrong
what do catholics believe of conscience?
guides them to make good choices
why do catholics follow their conscience?
it is an obligation (duty)
what should catholics make sure about their conscience?
it is informed by the bible and tradition is interpreted by the church so those who make moral decisions must follow their conscience
what does the existence of conscience show?
it is another proof of the goodness of god who created human beings in his own image
what do catholics believe if humans followed their conscience?
if they follow it more often, there would be far less moral evil in the world and far less suffering as a result
what do catholics believe that is something that requires practice?
living a good life and obeying their conscience
what do catholics believe in order to become good people?
there are moral habits which human beings need to practice
what do the moral habits mean?
virtues which comes from the latin word for ‘perfection’
what does the virtues challenge?
people’s instinctive selfishness
what are examples of the virtues that catholics are encouraged to practice?
courage
patience
generosity
kindness
