Religion

Question 1

Theocentrism

Answer 1

is a concept in Christian theology and philosophy that centers on the belief that God is the central aspect of existence. This view contrasts with anthropocentrism (centering on humans), existentialism, and sentientism. In theocentrism, the meaning and value of actions done to people or the environment are attributed to God.

Question 2

Distributive justice

Answer 2

is a concept in social philosophy that concerns the fair and equitable allocation of resources, privileges, and duties in society. This concept is central to various theories of ethics and is concerned with the apportionment of societal goods in a way that reflects the merits of the individual and the best interests of society.Utilitarianism: This view, originally proposed by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, focuses on maximizing overall welfare in society. Actions that increase overall societal welfare are considered good, while those that decrease it are viewed as bad. Utilitarianism emphasizes outcomes and the overall happiness or satisfaction of the population. Egalitarianism: Based on the principle of equal worth and moral status of all individuals, egalitarianism advocates for equal treatment and concern for everyone in relation to the state and each other. This perspective is more focused on the process of distribution and how society’s institutions shape it, rather than just the outcomes Rawls’ Theory of Justice: Philosopher John Rawls proposed a theory of justice based on two principles. The first is the liberty principle, which advocates for equal access to basic rights and liberties for all. The second is the difference principle, which suggests that social and economic inequalities should be arranged to benefit the least advantaged in society and that positions and offices should be open to all.

Question 3

The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard

Answer 3

found in Matthew 20:1-16, is a complex and multifaceted story that offers various lessons and insights into the Kingdom of Heaven and God’s grace.

Generosity and Grace of God: The landowner in the parable, who represents God, demonstrates generosity by paying all workers the same wage, regardless of when they started working. This act reflects God’s grace, which is given abundantly and equally to all, regardless of when they come to faith or how much they have done in terms of work or service. It highlights that salvation and God’s grace are not earned by efforts or duration of service but are gifts from God​​​​.

Sovereignty of God in Rewarding: The parable shows that God’s ways of rewarding are not bound by human standards of fairness or equality. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty in deciding rewards and that His judgments might differ from human expectations. The parable suggests that in the Kingdom of Heaven, rewards are not distributed based on the duration or the amount of work done but are at God’s discretion​​​​.

Equality in God’s Kingdom: The parable also highlights the theme of equality in God’s Kingdom. It suggests that all who are saved, regardless of their background or the time of their conversion, are equally precious in God’s sight and receive the same ultimate reward of eternal life​​.

Challenging Envy and Comparison: The reaction of the workers who were hired first and expected more pay reflects human tendencies toward envy and comparison. The parable challenges these attitudes by emphasizing contentment with what one has agreed upon or received, and not to begrudge others their blessings or rewards​​.

The Last Will Be First: The closing line of the parable, “the last will be first, and the first last,” suggests a reversal of worldly expectations in the Kingdom of Heaven. It implies that status and rewards in God’s kingdom are not based on earthly standards or timelines​​​​.

Question 4

Ecology

Answer 4

The study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment. It was coined by Ernst Haeckel in the 1860s, combining “oikos” (home, habitat) and “logia” (study)​

Question 5

Sin of Omission

Answer 5

A sin that occurs due to not doing something that is commanded by God or moral law. It’s the failure to perform actions required by one’s moral or religious obligations

Question 6

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Answer 6

A sacrament in the Christian faith, particularly within the Catholic Church, that involves confessing sins to a priest and receiving absolution. It’s also known as Confession or Penance, instituted by Jesus Christ to offer sinners forgiveness for offenses against God​

Question 7

Penance

Answer 7

Acts of self-mortification or devotion performed voluntarily to show sorrow for sin or wrongdoing​

Question 8

Penitent

Answer 8

A person who feels regret and sorrow for sins or offenses and seeks forgiveness

Question 9

Repentance

Answer 9

The feeling of regret or remorse for one’s wrongdoings or sins​

Question 10

Absolution

Answer 10

The act of forgiving someone for their sins or wrongdoings, typically as part of a religious confession

Question 11

Solidarity

Answer 11

Unity or agreement of feeling or action, particularly among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group​

Question 12

Hierarchist

Answer 12

An advocate or supporter of a system in which people or things are ranked one above the other according to status or authority