religion semester 1 EXAM Flashcards
what is a denomination
A distinct religious grouping that exists within a major religion
describe an example of a denomination
catholicism - christianity
During early Christianity Jesus’s teachings were handed on by the Apostles as well as sacraments, and were presented in the language and culture of those it was preached to
This meant the sacraments and teachings of the apostles didn’t change, but the way in which they were expressed changes in different cultures/languages
These different ways of expression were called rites, and as a result the Catholic Church came into being
what makes the Church Catholic
- belief in the teachings of Jesus
- celebration of the sacraments
- apostolic succession: bishops will have the same
mission and spiritual gifts Jesus gave to the apostles
what was the east-west schism
1054
Separation between East and West churches into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic
Occurred as a result of long rising tensions between Roman Church based in Rome and Byzantine Church based in Constantinople
Occurred because of many religious and political disputes
Each church recognized their own leaders before excommunication (PopelLeo IX led Roman Catholic, Michael Cerularius led Orthodox)
what are 3 factors that led to the east-west schism
difference in theology
political disputes
difference in geography/culture
explain the factor of ‘difference in theology’ that led to the schism
filioque cause: major factor in 11th century
The dispute centered around the Trinity doctrine and whether the Holy Spirit proceeds from God the Father alone or from the Father and the Son
Wording was originally “who proceeds from the Father” and Western Christians added on “from the son”
Pope Leo IX, leader of the Western Christians wouldn’t budge with his belief to add the wording into the creed
Michael Cerularius, leader of Eastern Christians refused to admit the word ‘Filioque’ into the creed,
eastern bishops accused western Pope and bishops of heresy
Both Churches forbade to use the other’s rites and excommunicated one another
explain the factor of ‘political disputes’ that led to the schism
Struggle over ecclesiastical authority in the Church, particularly regarding whether the Pope in Rome held power over the patriarchs in the East
Rome argued for primacy of the Roman Pope since 4th century
Eastern leaders honored the Pope but refused to give him the power to determine policy for other jurisdictions or to alter decisions of the Ecumenical councils
explain the factor of ‘difference in geography/culture’ that led to the schism
There were five patriarchs of religious authority: Rome, Antioch, Constantinople, Alexandria, Jerusalem
These religious centers expanded across large distances and the East spoke Greek and the West spoke Latin, so there were difficult language boundaries and problems
Churches began to disconnect with each other, as there were 5 patriarchs that held authority across different religions
list some similarities between catholicism and orthodoxy
Share beliefs on certain core beliefs e.g. sinfulness of man, the Trinity and the physical resurrection of Christ
Both churches celebrate the 7 sacraments
Apostolic succession is extremely important and integral to both denominations
Same bible composition – 39 old testament, 27 new testament
list some differences between catholicism and orthodoxy
Orthodox believes there is no Church leader as Jesus Christ is the leader of the Church, Catholicism believes the Pope is the figure head of the Church
In Orthodoxy all bishops are equal in power and jurisdiction, Catholicism has different bishops with different jurisdiction (e.g. archbishop, diocesan bishop)
Catholicism believes marriage is an unbreakable contract and re-marriage after divorce isn’t permitted, Orthodoxy believes marriage is a union and divorce is allowed in cases of adultery
In orthodox church female deaconesses are permitted, and deacons and priests are allowed to marry before ordination, unlike Catholicism where all clergy must be male and celibate
define religious belief
a conviction about an idea central to a religion that expresses a religious truth
what is the nature of religious beliefs
Religious beliefs offer insights and understanding about life
These find expression in a variety of religious teachings and practices
list some insights and understanding that a religious belief (revelation) offers
Human beings were created to relate with their creator
By relating to him people can live a life that reflects God/participate in his plan for salvation
God created us to be in union with him/one another
God wants to restore our relationship of love/trust but often people break this through their own fault
give examples of religious beliefs
belief in revelation
belief in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
belief in the Trinity
Identify and define one religious belief
revelation
continuing and dynamic process by which God communicate personally with people
process by which every generation has come to know God personally
what is the nature of revelation
- Main purpose: enable people to share in God’s life
- We are made to know, love and serve God
- We can know God only because he reveals himself
- God reveals all truths necessary for out salvation
list 3 key features of revelation
God’s self revelation begins with creation
patriarchal covenant with Abraham and moses
Jesus Christ is the fullness of God’s self-revelation
explain the key feature of revelation “gods self revelation begins with creation”
God’s self revelation to people starts from the beginning through his creation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
God revealed his nature, his desired relationship with humankind and his plan of Salvation
Today, people can recognise the existence of the creator when they reflect on the created universe
explain the key feature of revelation “patriarchal covenant with abraham and moses”
God revealed his unconditional love to his people over time
E.g. revealing himself to Abraham and his descendants & choosing them to be God’s own people
e.g. revealing himself to Moses and the Israelites through the Mt Sinai covenant
The process by which God has led every generation to come to know him is called revelation; it is a personal revelation of God to humanity
The principle purpose for revelation is to enable people to share in God’s life
what the key feature of revelation “jesus is the fullness of gods revelation”
The climax of God’s self-revelation is the life, death and resurrection of Jesus
Before Jesus he made his people aware that he would send one, known as the Messiah, to restore God’s kingdom
Jesus restored the kingdom of God, therefore making it possible for everyone to be free to relate closely with God through relating to Jesus
Jesus revealed that God would send the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen his followers
what informs the belief of revelation/where does it come from
Comes from the basic understanding that people were created by God and therefore created to relate with God and one another
We need to relate with God to participate in his plan for salvation because of the stain of original sin on humanity
Original sin leads to the inability of people to determine what it truly right
When people choose his faith God’s gift of grace becomes apart of us
how does the belief of revelation find expression in a religion
find expression in catholicism
Find expression in religions through teachings and practices:
- Teaching of individual faith: each follower is
allowing God to work in all aspects of their lives - Practise of communal and personal prayer and
worship: - through participating in the reading of the
Scripture, Old Testament, the prophets, through
creation as well as in the New Testament
through the life of Jesus to continue growing in
an understanding of God. - Practise of the sacraments e.g. through practise
of Baptism
what is a religious practise
A way of doing something religious, referring to a broad range of experiences that relate to many aspect of religious life.
E.g. ways of praying, styles of religious worship, specific places and rituals. These will often use religious signs and symbols.
what are religious signs and symbols
represent and convey meaning about beliefs
Signs represent and point to something else
symbols are complex, tangible items that represent reality and convey a number of meaning.
They’re used to communicate what is complex and difficult to fully comprehend.
what is a religious ritual
Use symbolic actions such as movement, gesture and words to express what is important about faith
For Catholics, rituals help people enter into the mystery of their faith.
define baptism
A religious practice that contains signs, symbols and rituals
These features of Baptism express what is important about faith and allow the community to come together to participate in the divine life of God, and thus enter into the mystery of faith.
list 3 key features of Baptism
Origins of baptism
baptism is performed to initiate people into the church
rituals and symbols
describe the key features of the origins of baptism
Baptism find it’s origins in the Old Testament, based on the purification of rites that have been performed by Jews since the time of Moses.
Continues through the New testament through Jesus and John the Baptist
Baptism is a rites of passage and one of the 7 sacraments
Performed to initiate people into the Church
The word ‘Baptism’ comes from the Greek word ‘Baptizo’ or ‘Baptizein’ meaning to immerse
describe the key feature that ‘baptism is performed to initiate people into the Church’
People receive forgiveness of sins, cleansing of original sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit and become a member of the Lord’s Church
- People are cleansed of original sin because original
separates us from God, and we find it difficult to make
moral decisions that reflect the will of God. With the
cleansing of original sin, we are brought into the
Church - And share in Christ’s role as priest, prophet and king
Christians are saved and set free – necessary for salvation
Body’s become a temple for the Holy Spirit
Through Baptism one dies and rises in new life with Christ
Christians become more like Christ as they respond to the gifts of Baptism
describe the key features of ‘rituals and symbols are used in baptism”
Water (ritual and symbol): life giving and used for cleaning, being washed clean by water and cleansed of original sin
Congregation: total church community
Oil of catechumens: healing and setting aside the candidate for God
Oil of Chrism: consecration and beginning of the baptised person’s missionary responsibilities
Sign of baptism: saying the words ‘I baptise you in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit’ as water is poured over their head
After baptism a series of other rituals are performed to reinforce what it means to be a follower of Jesus
- E.g. clothing of white garment, lighting of baptismal
candle
explain what the rite of baptism for children is
During the 4th century infant baptism became a common place incase the child died before they were baptized and couldn’t be saved. This then began the Rite of Baptism for Children.
At the beginning of the rite of baptism for children they’re steps taken as reminders that baptism is a choice and the child becomes part of God’s family (the church). these are:
- Parents are asked “what do you ask of the Church” and
“what name have you given your child”
- Celebrant makes the sing of the Cross on the child’s
forehead and asks parents and godparents to do
likewise
Rite involves more steps as a reminder that faith needs, preparation, support and growth:
- Liturgy of the Word: involves proclamation of the Word
and intercessions
- A prayer of exorcism
- Anointing with the oil of catechumens
- Profession of faith is said by all followed by baptism
(pouring of water)
After baptism a series of rituals reinforce what it means to be a follower of Jesus:
Clothing of white garment
Lighting of baptismal candle
Anointing with oil of chrism
define creed
a formal statement of beliefs held by a religion
define doctrine
a belief or set or beliefs held by a religion
Give examples of some significant life events
Birth
Development into adulthood
Marriage
Death
What important questions does Birth prompt
questions about:
unborn life
parenthood
the depth of personal joy
What important questions does development into adulthood prompt
Questions about:
How to be a more responsible adult
discovering how to influence & make a difference
future vocations & work
What important questions does marriage prompt
questions about:
commitment
the path to future life
personal priorities
What important questions does death prompt
questions about:
the nature of death
personal life-style
illness & suffering
When is a person ‘being religious’?
when people seek, search and think about the meaning of life and the reality of God
what are the 3 categories of life experiences a person can encounter
the created world
others
the mystery of who they are
How is the formation of the conscience supported for Catholics
studying:
The life of Jesus
The Scriptures
teachings and beliefs of the apostles
Christian moral teachings
how can people recognise true religious experiences
Through using their consciences to evaluate their thoughts and feelings in the same way they evaluate moral actions
What are the effects that genuine religious experiences of God have on people
- Genuine experiences of God have long term effects. It
will lead people to think more about their lives and
behaviour - Religious experiences cannot be kept aside
They don’t lead people to exclude themselves from
others.
They incline people to be open to others
These experiences need to be expressed to other e.g.
in worship - true religious experiences relate to issues of daily life
and don’t lead us to en escape from reality.
How do people find the answers to their important life questions
Although philosophers, theologians, scientists, musicians, artists and writers have all contributed to the search to make meaning in life,
Many people turn to religions to answer questions about the meaning & purpose of life.
e.g. Catholicism answers the question “is there life after death” as ‘yes, there is eternal life.’
what ROLE does religion play in important life events, questioning, searching and finding meaning?
contribute to individual’s search for meaning & purpose in life
many people find positive, life affirming answers in religion that give answers to human existence and life purpose
what are some indicators that a person is religious
ethical: following guidelines e.g. religion’s golden rule
ritual: worship e.g. eucharist
social: communal, belonging to a group e.g. parish, youth
group
material: architecture, clothing, art, symbols etc.
experiential: experience where it is realised that there is
more to life than meets the eye
belief: sacred truths
doctrinal: creeds or teachings are observed.
what are the 5 largest religions in the world
christianity
hinduism
judaism
islam
buddhism
what does ‘religion’ mean
A system of beliefs, values, rituals and worship shared by a number of people that guides how people live.
every religion centres its ideas and activities on a transcendent being or beings
these lead to expression in different beliefs, practises and teachings
what does being spiritual mean
A person who is concerned with the immaterial and the transcendant.
what does it mean to ‘be religious’
Deeply personal matter, unexplainable but can be described as
- what and how frequently a person practises elements
of a religious way of life e.g. practises (prayer) - what a person says they believe in & how their
behaviours match their religion - religious participation, adherence, observance,
practise and identity
How does a religion you have studied respond to peoples search for meaning and purpose in their life
christianity give meaning and purpose to Christians by teaching that the fundamental human vocation to relate to God
We can learn to relate to God through prayer and through Jesus
To relate to God, it is essential to for Christians to properly form their conscience through:
prayer, studying the scripture and the life of Jesus, and moral practise as evident in the life of Christ
once an intimate relationship is developed & sustained a person is called to discern their vocation in which they love and serve God and others
How do religions see and respond to the process of answering significant life events questions
Religions respond through their actions and the experiences/support they provide
Religions see this as a journey that people go on
E.g. Christianity sees it as a human’s journey to find God and to have a deep, intimate relationship with him
describe the place of religion in Australia over time
Australia has always been a religious place beginning with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Forged sense of harmony and belonging in with the land
Arrival of first fleet in 1788 brough Christianity (specifically, Anglican & a large number fo Irish Catholics as well as Judaism
Although Church of England originally held privilege in politics, constitution now prevents government from interfering with freedom of religion
Other denominations of Christianity set up churches in 19th century
Australian gold rush brought Buddhist Chinese workers
describe the place of religion in Australia today
Secular: Religious institutions are separate from political institutions, religions is largely seen as a private matter
Multifaceted and diverse: Growth of new religions - Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh
Religious organisations play a significant role in public life: Protestant and Catholic churches pay integral role in welfare, education and health services
Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas are public holidays
- 2% of Australian reported as Christian in 2016 census
- 1% stated no religion
What is a significant event in the history of religion in Australia?
Second Vatican Council
what is the nature of the second Vatican council/what is it
Most significant 20th century event in the Catholic Church
Most recent ecumenical council to be held to its conclusion in over 400 years
Composed of Catholic Bishops, Patriarchs, Cardinals and Abbots nominated by the Pope
Announced January 25th 1959
pope john XXIII
**aggornomento: opening the Church to dialogue with society
What are the 3 most profound changes of Vatican II / 3 important documents
• Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy
• Decree on Ecumenism
• Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern
World
Explain what the Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy is
December 4th 1963
Past:
- The Liturgy was spoken in Latin which was
incomprehensible to the people, so people were left
feeling disconnected
- Religious connection was reduced through the
emphasis on pompous, high masses, losing sense of
personal connection
Future:
- People had a clearer sense of their involvement in
Mass:
- People of God joined in divine worship: everyone
taking an active part (common prayer, singing, common
reception of Body of Christ)
- Priest faces people rather than altar
- Private masses deemphasized
- Expanded Scripture readings with a richer, more varied
arrangement and revision of liturgy
- Mass spoken in language of the people rather than
Latin
- Purifying and tightening liturgical structure with
emphasis on essentials
Explain what the Decree on Ecumenism is
November 21st 1964
Past:
- Attitude toward other Christians was hostile and
defensive, they were seen as a danger to the Catholic
faithful
- Church tried to cover its own deficiencies
- Little concern to understand other; common heritage
was rarely mentioned
Future:
- Effort to understand other Christians and make
Churches position understandable to them
- Recognition for Church’s division and shortcomings as
well as common heritage
- Other denominations recognized as Church
communities and admitted that Catholicism can learn
things from them
- Sought ways to overcome divisions through common
prayer and avoiding conflict and competition
Explain what the Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World is
December 7th 1965
Past:
- Growing separation between church and science
- Church tried to defend and recover former position of
dominance
- Put the Church in a position of hostility toward the
world, which regarded the Church as outmoded and
like it didn’t understand the rest of the world
Future:
- Church recognizes and is grateful for advancements in
society but can’t overlook dangers
- Church is seen in solidarity with rest of world, sent for
service of humanity
- Constitution speaks of the origins of atheism
- Emphasis on strong conjugal love and personal
responsibility in marriage
- Call for vigorous effort on behalf of the weak in
society:
aid to developing nations is urgent
- Modern war is unmasked as a criminal enterprise
What are the 3 most profound changes of Vatican II / 3 important documents
• Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy
• Decree on Ecumenism
• Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern
World
define questions
A matter requiring resolution or discussion, in this instance, human heart questions.
define secular
Religious institutions are separate from political institutions, religions is largely seen as a private matter
what are the 3 viewpoints of religion’s place in australia
Australia as Christian
Australia as secular
Australia as multifaith
explain the viewpoint of Australia as Christian
historically and currently christian nation: values and culture are based of christian teachings
these values are reflected in society in public institutions, legal system and social and political structures
major christian feasts e.g. easter, christmas are marked by society
christian heritage is central to how Australia deals with immigration, legislation, social norms and practises
explain the viewpoint of Australia as multifaith
cultural and multifaithed (expressed by those of minority religions, civil society and christian organisations)
demonstrated through accommodation for religious practises and dress, and education and understanding
strong support for interfaith initiatives and believe that through education prejudice can be combatted
promotes PLURALISM and tolerance in an educational way
