Name 3 attributes of God? Flashcards
Name 4 attributes of God?
omnipotent
omnibenevolent
omniscient
just
omnipotence
has the power to do anything e.g. seen in the creation of the universe. Genesis states, “in the beginning god created the heavens and the earth” showing he created everything from nothing
also seen in raising Jesus from the dead which doesn’t just show Jesus’ divinity but that god is powerful as he went against the law of nature. Job in old testament states, “he is beyond our reach and exalted in power” shows he has absolute power
omnibenevolence
shown through incarnation and crucifixion of Jesus meaning God loved the world that he sent his son to teach and heal people then ultimately sacrifice his life . John states, “god so loved the world he gave his one and only son”
John’s gospel says, “god is love” conveying his omnibenevolence
omniscience
Good knows the past, present and the future meaning he is outside space and time. There is no limit in God’ knowledge and nothing is hidden from him. John states “God knows everything”
Proverbs state, “the eyes of the lord are everywhere” meaning God knows and sees everything
just
god judges humans in a fair and unbiased way e.g. parable of sheep and goat states “he will gather everyone and he will separate them like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goat” meaning that humans are accountable for their own actions and God will ensure the justice is done
psalm states, “righteousness and justice are the foundation of gods throne” meaning these attributes are at the core of Christian understanding
omnipotent definition?
all-powerful
omnibenevolent definition?
all-loving
omniscient definition?
all-knowing
just definition?
fairness
Name 3 parts of the trinity?
Father, son and holy spirit
god the father?
creator of everything. transcendent. St Paul states, “there is one God the Father from whom all things came”
god the son?
Jesus who came to earth in human form. he was crucified to redeem for humanity’s sins. immanent. John states, “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”
Jesus says, “I am the way, truth, life. no one comes to the father except through me” meaning that it’s through Jesus they can develop a relationship with God as he is in human form
god the holy spirit?
invisible power of God that works within the world today to inspire and guide humans. he was sent after Jesus’ ascension to be an “advocate” and it omnipresent. genesis states “the spirit of god was hovering over the waters” meaning that holy spirit always existed.
St. Paul writes, “the spirit helps you in our weakness” meaning that the spirit helps us on our journey to salvation
Why belief in trinity is important?
helps us understand different ways we can encounter and connect with God e.g. through Jesus despite the fact God the Father is transcendent
teaches that god is still present in the world through the holy spirit who is a source of comfort and strenght
Why is Apostles’ creed important?
establishes that there is one god in 3 persons
provides clear summary of Christian belief
What are 2 reasons evil and suffering pose a problem on Christians?
raises questions about the nature of god because how can god be omnipotent and omnibenevolent when evil and suffering exists
raises evidential problem of evil meaning that the amount of evil and suffering in the world makes it improbable that God exists
What does scripture say about evil and suffering?
catechism states, “suffering is a consequence of original sin” meaning Adam and eve’s disobedience led to evil and suffering in the world
St Paul says, “all who desire to live a godly life like Jesus will be persecuted” meaning that persecution is part of living a Christian life
St Paul writes, “suffering produces perseverance” meaning suffering helps develop good moral character
What are 2 Christian explanations for the existence of evil and suffering?
St Augustine’s belief in original sin explains that evil and suffering is the result of Adam and eve’s original sin in garden of Eden therefore all humans have to pay the price for sinfulness. we’re all implicated and we need saving
free will defence is the explanation that evil and suffering is caused due to people misusing their free will and choosing to commit sin. God lovingly gave free will because St Augustine says that “a runaway horse is better than a stone”
What is the literalist/fundamentalist belief view on creation?
God created the world in 6 literal days followed by a day of rest
day 1 -heaven, earth day night created
day 2 -sky and ocean created
day 3 -vegetation plants created
day 4 -sun moon stars created
day 5 -animals
day 6 -humans
day 7 -rested and made this day holy
what’s the liberalist view of creation?
genesis account isn’t to be taken seriously as it’s metaphorical
belief that main message is that god is the creator of everything however they believe that science provides the best explanation on how it happened
What is the role of the word in the creation according to John?
Jesus has always existed as he was with god in the beginning and everything in existence was made through him, without him nothing would’ve been made
“in the beginning was the word. the word was with god. the word was god. through him all things were made. without him nothing that was made would have been made”
what was the role of the spirit in creation in genesis?
spirit was present at creation
“the spirit of god was hovering over the waters”
What do Christians believe about heaven?
John states, “those who believe in him shan’t perish but have eternal life” meaning that heaven is eternal for those who believe in Jesus
Matthew states, “the righteous will have eternal life” meaning that those who lived a good life will goo to heaven
What do Christians believe about hell?
Revelation states, “it is a fiery lake of burning sulphur” meaning it’s a physical place of harm
place of “eternal punishment” for those who have not performed good works
others believe in universalism which is the idea that everyone will ultimately be saved from god meaning no one will go to hell but it may be there as a warning