Redemption - Paper 1 Flashcards
How were Catholic churches built before 1965?
- Facing east towards Jerusalem (city where Jesus died and rose again).
- In the shape of a cross (as a reminder of Jesus’ death).
- With the altar against the east wall; before 1965 the Mass was said by the priest in Latin with his back towards the congregation. This meant people didn’t feel involved in the service.
How were Catholic churches built after 1965? (after the Second Vatican Council)
- Built to ensure that as many people as possible can see and join in with mass.
- With the altar more towards the centre of the church and seats for the congregation were some or all the way around the altar.
Describe the lectern.
- The reading stand from where Bible readings are given.
- Readings from the Old Testament remind Christians how God guided his people from the beginning, while readings from the New Testament tell Christians about Jesus’ actions and teachings.
- The lectern should be in a prominent place in church, so people can see and clearly hear the word of God.
Describe the altar.
- The altar is a place of sacrifice, from where the bread and wine are offered to God at Mass.
- Christ is truly present on the altar, offering to the Father on behalf of humanity.
- In return, the Father strengthens the lives and faith of believers when they receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Communion.
Describe the Crucifix.
- The crucifix is a model or image of a cross with Jesus crucified on it.
- It reminds Chrisitans of the suffering that Jesus went through to save humanity.
- It inspires gratitude for all that Christ has done for humanity, including the forgiveness of their sins.
Describe the tabernacle.
- The tabernacle is a box where the consecrated Bread is kept after the Mass.
- Houses the Real Presence of Christ and can inspire a deep sense of peace as it reminds Catholics that Christ is still caring for them.
- Consecrated Bread that is saved up in the tabernacle can be taken to people who cannot attend Mass due to certain circumstances (e.g too ill).
What is the difference between an altar and table?
- Altar is a place of sacrafice and thanksgiving whereas a table is where people eat from.
- The use of an altar at Mass is a reminder that Christ’s sacrifice is being made again through the offerings whereas using a table at Mass reminds the congregation that the Mass is a re-enactment of the Last Supper.
- At Mass, the congregation joins in with giving thanks for Christ’s sacrifice whereas Jesus, by giving himself in the form of bread and wine, gave his disciples a share in the effects of his sacrifice.
Describe the cross.
- A cross without the figure of Christ on it.
- A symbol of Christ’s victory over sin and death : Christ is not on the cross as he has risen.
- Emphasises Jesus’ resurrection and the fact that Christians should be people of new life.
Describe the Risen Christ.
- Focuses on Christ as the risen, glorified Saviour.
- Reminds Catholics that in Holy Communion, they recieve the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Risen Christ.
- Like the cross, the Risen Christ emphasises Jesus’ resurrection and how important this was.
Why did Jesus have to come? Explain the relationship between free will and sin.
- God gave humans free will because God wants humans to actively choose him, rather than follow him because they can’t do anything else.
- However, humans can use their free will to sin (which is any action or thought that rejects the will of God).
- The Catholic Church teaches that all people are born with the tendency to commit sin; this inbuilt tendency is called original sin.
- Sin has broken the relationship between God, humanity and the whole of creation.
- God the Son became Jesus to help the relationship between humanity and God be restored.
How did Jesus’ death help restore the relationship between God and humanity?
Jesus lived his life in total obedience to the will of God the Father, both in life and through the sacrifice of his death.
This helped to restore the relationship between God and humans that had been broken by sin.
How did Jesus’ resurrection help restore the relationship between humanity and God?
As Jesus showed total obedience to the Father and never sinned, he was not held from God by death and sin.
This destroyed the ultimate power of sin and death and now people are able to overcome them, allowing them to be with God after they die.
Jesus’ resurrection also helped to restore the harmony of creation.
How did Jesus’ ascension help restore the relationship between humanity and God?
Jesus’ resurrection and ascension have helped restore the cosmic order, by making the whole of creation perfect as God intended it to be.
What was the significance of Jesus’ death?
- Jesus’ death redeemed humanity through his total obedience to God and sacrificing himself for the sins of humanity.
- Jesus also continued to show his love, even while he was suffering; for example, he forgave his executioners (Luke).
What was the significance of Jesus’ burial?
Christians also believe that when Jesus died and he was buried he joined everyone who had died before him. Christians believe this shows that God is with them even in death.
What was the significance of Jesus’ resurrection?
- For Christians, Jesus’ resurrection made life after death possible by destroying the ultimate power of sin and death,
- When Jesus was resurrected, all those who had died before him rose up to heaven with him.
What quote shows that Jesus’ resurrection is of central importance to the Christian faith?
“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” - Corinthians 1
What was the significance of Jesus’ ascension?
- Shows that Jesus is with the Father, sharing his glory for all eternity.
- Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised to send his Spirit to all people allowing Jesus to continue to work through his believers.
- Jesus’ ascension gives believers faith that they will also be raised up into heaven, as Jesus promsied that all his people will follow where he has gone.
How is salvation shown in the past?
- Jesus’ death and resurrection were essential to humanity’s salvation.
- These events defeated the ultimate power of sin and death; it made it possible for people to enter heaven after death.
How is salvation shown in the present?
- Salvation is an ongoing process.
- Sin has not ceased to exist, so people still have to actively choose to accept salvation, by resisting the temptation to sin and accept forgiveness when they do sin.
- The Holy Spirit guides people to work towards salvation.
How is salvation shown in the future?
- 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.
- This will be the final victory of God’s grace.