Redemption Flashcards
How does the architecture, design and decoration of catholic churches reflect catholics beliefs (4)
- The care put into the design and decoration of the church shows the devotion to God and helps people feel that God is respected
- Images like the stations of the cross inspire Christians to reflect on Jesus’ sufferings
- Side chapels are smaller areas where believers can pray in a quiet space
- Statues of saints encourage and inspires Christians to follow their examples
Lectern (3)
- Is the reading stand from where the bible readings are given
- As Jesus is the word of God made flesh, Christ is truly present when he word of God is proclaimed
- The lectern should be in a prominent place in the church, so people can see and clearly hear the word of God
Crucifix (2)
- Reminds Christians of the suffering that Jesus went through to save humanity
- Inspire gratitude and love for all that Christ has done for humanity, including the forgiveness of their sins
Altar (2)
- Is the place of sacrifice, from where the bread and wine are offered to God at mass
- Christ is truly present on the altar, offering himself to the Father on behalf of humanity
Tabernacle (2)
- Is a box where the consecrated Bread is kept after the Mass
- It can inspire a deep sense of peace, as it reminds Catholics that Christ is still caring for them
What are the 4 main features of a catholic church?
- Lectern
- Altar
- Crucifix
- Tabernacle
Contrasting features and artefacts used by catholics
- Altar or table
* Crucifix, cross or Risen christ
Table (2)
- using a table at mass reminds the congregation that the Mass is a re-enactment of the Last Supper
- Using a table at Mass is a reminder of the belief of Jesus giving his disciples a share in the effects of his sacrifice in the last supper
Risen Christ (3)
- Focus on Christ as the risen, glorified saviour
- Reminds catholics that in Holy Communion, they receive the body, blood, soul and divinity of the risen christ
- Emphasises Jesus’ resurrection and how important it was
What is the death of Jesus understood as?
The restoration through sacrifice
What is the resurrection of Jesus understood as?
The restoration through recreation
What is the ascension of Jesus understood as?
The restoration of the cosmic order
What is the significance of Jesus’ death? (2)
Jesus showed total obedience to God the father - this helped to restore the relationship between God and humans that had been broken by sin
What is the significance of Jesus’ resurrection? (2)
- Jesus being raised back to life by God the father destroyed the ultimate power of sin and death allowing people to be with God after they die
- Jesus’ resurrection also helped to restore the harmony of creation
What is the significance of Jesus’ ascension
Helped to restore the cosmic order by making the whole of creation as perfect as God intended
Salvation in the past (3)
- Jesus’ death and resurrection were essential to humanity’s salvation
- These events defeated the ultimate power of sin and death making it possible for people to enter heaven after they die
- Some christians believe Jesus’s death and resurrection completed salvation
Salvation in the present (3)
- Salvation is an ongoing process
- While Jesus defeated the ultimate power of sin - doesn’t mean that sin does not exist
- Catholics believe people have to choose to accept salvation by resisting the temptation to sin and accepting forgiveness when they do sin
- The holy spirit guides people to work towards salvation
Salvation in the future (4)
- Salvation will be completed at the end of time
- When the kingdom of God is fully established the power of sin and death will be completely destroyed
- All believers will be able to share in the glory of Christ and experience the joy of heaven
- This will be the final victory for God’s grace
Catholic understanding of redemption and salvation in the liturgy (4)
- Catholics give themselves up with Christ
- Catholics receive the body and blood of christ through the holy communion
- Christ enters their lives to give them grace and the strength to resist sin - helping them to get closer to salvation
- The mass is a chance to experience what the heavenly banquet will be like - which inspires Christians to work towards salvation in their everyday lives
Redemption themes in Mark 15:21-29
Jesus seen as the example, restorer and the victor
Jesus the example (2)
- Mark 14-15 tells how Jesus knew how much suffering his crucifixion would cause him, but he still went through it
- Through showing total obedience, Jesus has set an example
Jesus as the restorer (2)
- Jesus’ death restored the relationship between God and humanity
- Mark 15 tells how after Jesus died in the holy temple in Jerusalem the veil separated the holiest part of the temple from the rest tore in two - shows how Jesus’ death broke the barrier between God and humanity
Jesus as the victor (3)
- Mark 15 shows how Jesus experienced pain, suffering and death as a human
- By bringing the presence of God into these experiences, Jesus was victorious over them
- He made it possible for all people to share in the final defeat of suffering and death
The event in John 20:1-18
When Jesus first appeared to Mary after his resurrection, she didn’t recognise him immediately
Explanation of the event in John 20:1-18 (2)
- This suggests Jesus, while physically present,was also different. He had entered a new creation
- This reflects the idea that redemption changed creation making it more perfect
The event in Acts 1:6-11 (2)
- Before he ascended to heaven, Jesus told his disciples they would be his witnesses ‘to the ends of the earth’
- After Jesus ascended yo heaven, two angels told the disciples he would return in the future
Explanation of the event in Acts 1:6-11 (3)
- The disciples were witnesses to Jesus’ redeeming work on earth
- Jesus expected his disciples to continue to spread his teachings after he was gone, so everyone could accept and share in his redemption
- Jesus will complete the redemption of the world at the end of time, when sin and death will be completely defeated
The event in Acts 2:1-4
On the day of pentecost (50 days after the resurrection) the apostles were filled with the power of the holy spirit
Explanation of the event in Acts 2:1-4
The holy spirit gave the disciples the courage and the ability to go out into the world and teach people about Jesus so they could accept his redemption
St Irenaeuse’ salvation metaphor: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil - the tree of the cross (2)
- Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from this tree - pJesus obeyed God by dying on the cross
- Adam and Eve’s rejection of God broke humanity’s relationship with God - Jesus acceptance of God restored humanity’s relationship with God
St Anselm salvation metaphor - slavery (2)
- After the fall of Adam and Eve humans became slaves to sin
- The only way to atone for this is by showing total obedience to God
- Through Jesus’ total obedience to God he ‘paid a ransom’ for all the sins of humanity allowing to be freed from the effects of sin
Strengths of St Irenaeus
Hells to show the parallels of the fall of Adam and Eve and Jesus’ death
Weaknesses of St Irenaeus
Not all Christians agree with St Irenaeus’ interpretation of the story of Adam and Eve
Strengths of St Anselm
Reflects the idea that many christians see themselves as slaves or servants to christ (now that they are no longer slaves to sin)
Weaknesses of St Anselm (2)
- It is not clear who the ransom is paid to
* Some Christians think this implies there is someone greater than God
Define conscience
Is the voice of God in their heart and soul guiding them to what is right and wrong
Quote about conscience - Gaudium et spes 16
“Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of a man. There he is alone with God, Whose voices echoes in his depths. In a wonderful manner conscience reveals that law which is fulfilled by love of God and neighbour”
What are the two different sides of conscience
- Conscience is made up of natural instincts
* Conscience has to be educated
