Nature Of Human Beings Flashcards
What does Christianity teach us about the Nature of Human Beings?
-Humans are made in Gods image and likeness
-Humans are stewards of creation
-Humans have free will
-Humans are stained with original sin
What is free will?
Free will is the ability humans have to make a real choice between genuine alternatives
When human beings go against Gods will they are misusing free will so it can be seen as a cause of suffering and alienation from God, the world and each other
We see this when Adam and Eve disobey God by eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6)
What is sin?
Sin is an inherent part of being human, it is the urge to do bad things and disobey God
People cannot cure themselves of sin the only way to be redeemed is through Jesus
What is original sin?
Original sin has been handed down through generations due to the sins of Adam and Eve. Original sin is part of the human condition. All human beings are affected by sin and it’s consequences, even before they are born
How may being made in the image and likeness of God affect Christians today?
-Christianity teaches us that being made in Gods image helps Christian’s to feel they are important and have a meaning and purpose
-May seek ways to develop their own moral character
-Avoid sin and follow Jesus’ teachings
-Establish Kingdom of God on earth
-Worship and seek communion to better understand Gods will
-See all human beings as equal
How May being a steward of creation affect Christian’s today?
Christian’s may feel their lives have a meaning because they are called by God to look after creation and make a positive difference in the world
How may having free will affect Christians today?
-They will have a better understanding of the way in which actions have consequences that can affects them and others. This will make them act more responsibly
-May find it demoralising that they will not use it in the right way
-Feel they need to take personal responsibility for their choices and behaviour
-Have the ability to change for the better
-Might approach decisions more thoughtfully by asking ‘What would Jesus do?’
-Ask for Gods help to stay out of temptations way
-May feel they can’t be held accountable for the choices as they’ve already decided (predestination)
EXPLAIN why beliefs about the nature of human beings are important for Christians today
Beliefs in the nature of human beings are important for Christian’s today as
-Believing that we are made in Gods image and likeness it may give Christian’s a feeling of meaning and purpose in life as they feel they are special
-Believing in free will is important for Christians today as it will allow them to have a better understanding of the way in which their actions have consequences that can affect them and others
-Believing in being stewards of creation is important for Christian’s today as they have been called by God to look after creation which may lead them to have a positive difference in the world
-Believing in original sin is important for Christian’s today as is they are able to overcome the consequences of original sin and be better people it will lead to them making responsible, moral decisions
EXPLAIN what Christianity teach us about being made in Gods image and likeness?
-It gives humans something that sets them apart from the animals, this is dignity and with that responsibility we are given stewardship to look after the animals
-Imago Dei originates from Genesis, God is not human but we are made in his image it is in his moral, spiritual nature
-The way that we can truly bring justice to imago dei is to do Gods work on earth by following Jesus’ example
-It allows us to communicate with God fully
What does Christianity teach us about free will?
-It is the ability to have to make a real choice between genuine alternatives
-It is a gift from God given at creation
-Having free will means humans aren’t programmed like robots which means their worship to God is meaningful
-All humans misuse their free will, no one is perfect as we all give into temptation (Genesis 3:6)
What does Christianity teach us about sin?
-It is the urge to do bad things and disobey God
-Original sin has been passed down through generations due to the sins on Adam and Eve
-The only way to be redeemed of sin is through Jesus
-Some believe those who do not repent their sins during their lifetime will be condemned to Hell
How May beliefs about sin might affect Christian’s today?
-By understanding sin they are able to overcome the consequences of original sin and be better people
-May make them seek repentance and forgiveness for their sins from God
-May feel there is little they can do about sin, it’s a part of them they cannot change
-May make them feel closer to God as they know through his grace they can be forgiven
-May look for ways to help others find Gods forgiveness e.g. spreading the Christian message
Why may people argue that Christian beliefs about human being are too negative?
-Free will means people can make bad choices but it also enables us to make real, meaningful choices
-Free will means people choose to worship or follow God mean sing their worship is real and meaningful
-Paul said “Their is no one the is righteous - not one” but this could be seen as pessimistic as there have been many good people in history who could be seen as righteous
-Eternity in hell as a punishment for sin seems out of proportion with peoples lives which last for a short time and include plenty of good things
Why may people argue that Christian beliefs about human being are not too negative?
-Everyone is made in Gods image, this gives humans a special importance and dignity therefore not negative
-Christian story is about the lengths God goes to in order to restore his relationship with humans by sending Jesus to die for them, this shows how valuable they are to him
-Jesus’ teachings about the KOG shows people have potential to live good, compassionate lives
-Jesus treated people who were seen as outcasts with the same love and dignity and criticised the hypocrites who felt they were better, this shows Christianity has a balanced view of recognising humans as both positive and negative
