Origins and Meaning Key Concepts

Question 1

Inspiration

Answer 1

• “God breathed”
• The belief that the Spirit of God guides an individual to act or write what is good and true.

Question 2

Revelation

Answer 2

• The word used to describe all of the ways in which God makes himself known to human beings.
• Christians believe that God does this finally and fully in the person of Jesus Christ.

Question 3

Omnipotent

Answer 3

• The belief that God is all powerful.
• For example - He could create the world

Question 4

Transcendence

Answer 4

• Existing outside of space and time.
• God exists in a way that makes him nothing like anything else that exists, above and beyond creation.

Question 5

Creation ex Nihilo

Answer 5

• Creation out of nothing.
• Before God created the universe, nothing existed. Only God can create out of nothing.

Question 6

Evolution

Answer 6

• The process of mutation and natural selection which leads to changes in species over time to suit particular environments.
• For example - Birds have different beaks based on what they eat.

Question 7

Imago Dei

Answer 7

• In the image of God. The belief that human beings are uniquely a reflection of God’s personhood.
• Unlike the other animals, human beings are rational, free and moral.

Question 8

Stewardship

Answer 8

• The duty to care for creation responsibly, as stewards rather than consumers.
• To protect the world for future generations.