Religious Studies Paper 1 Flashcards
Creation
Jews believe God created the universe out of nothing in six days and rested on the seventh (Genesis 1).
Deliberate Creation
The act of creation is deliberate and ordered - everything God created was ‘very good’ (Genesis 1:31).
Image of God
Humans are created ‘in the image of God’ (B’tzelem Elohim - Genesis 1:27) - gives life dignity and purpose.
Crown of Creation
Humanity is seen as the crown of creation, with the responsibility to steward and care for the world.
Tikkun Olam
Tikkun Olam - ‘repairing the world’: a key Jewish concept rooted in the duty to care for creation and others.
Bal Tashchit
Bal Tashchit - ‘do not destroy’ (Deuteronomy 20:19): prohibits wastefulness and promotes environmental care.
Dual Nature of Humanity
Humans are seen as a unity of body and soul - both created by God.
Soul (Neshama)
The soul (neshama) is considered a spark of divine presence: ‘The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.’ (Job 33:4)
Body
Physical place for soul.
Yetzer Hatov
Good inclination: conscience, kindness, justice.
Yetzer Hara
Selfish impulse: necessary but must be controlled.
Wrongdoing
Wrongdoing results from misuse of free will, especially when Yetzer Hara dominates.
Sin (Chet)
Sin (chet) literally means ‘to miss the mark’ - implies people can learn and improve.
Personal Choices
Sin is not inherited but results from personal choices.
Teshuvah
Judaism teaches a process of repentance: Teshuvah (returning to God).
10 Days of Teshuvah
On Yom Kippur, Jews seek forgiveness from God and others.
Free Will
Humans have the freedom to choose between good and evil.
God’s Knowledge
God is omniscient and knows future outcomes, but doesn’t interfere with free will.
Moral Responsibility
Humans are held accountable for their actions.
Obligation in Commandments
Pirkei Avot 5:21 - ‘At 13, you are obligated in commandments and gain responsibility so you are responsible.’
Attributes of God
God is One - central Jewish belief (Shema: Deuteronomy 6:4).
Omnipotent
Jeremiah 32:17: ‘Nothing is too hard for You.’
Omniscient
God knows all human thoughts and actions.
Omnibenevolent
God is good and just: Psalm 145:17: ‘The Lord is righteous in all His ways.’