RS Quotes: Christian Perspective of the Modern World Flashcards
1
Q
“Honour your father and your mother.” (Exodus 20:12)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Family is the foundation of Christian life where children learn moral values and respect.
- Application: Christians believe that showing respect to parents is a way of following God’s commandments and building a loving home.
2
Q
“What God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Mark 10:9)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Marriage is a sacred and lifelong union, established by God.
- Application: Most Christians believe marriage is permanent and divorce should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
3
Q
“Flee from sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Sex is seen as a gift from God to be expressed only within marriage.
- Application: Christians are encouraged to avoid sex outside of marriage and uphold chastity and faithfulness.
4
Q
“Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman.” (Leviticus 18:22)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Traditionally, Christianity teaches that homosexual acts are sinful.
- Application: Some Christians maintain this view, while others focus on love and acceptance, promoting inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.
5
Q
“Be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: This is seen by some Christians as a command to have children and continue God’s creation.
- Application: Catholics often oppose contraception based on this, but other Christians may see it as guidance rather than a strict rule — so they may accept contraception to support responsible parenting.
6
Q
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery.” (Luke 16:18)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Jesus taught that divorce goes against God’s original intention for marriage.
- Application: Many Christians see divorce as wrong, but some denominations accept it in cases like abuse or unfaithfulness.
7
Q
“There is neither… male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Christians believe that all people are spiritually equal in the eyes of God.
- Application: Some churches support full equality, including women priests, while others believe in different roles for men and women.
8
Q
“The heavens declare the glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: The natural world shows order and beauty, which Christians see as evidence of a designer — God.
- Application: Believers use this to argue that the complexity of life and the universe points to God’s existence, not random chance.
9
Q
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Everything has a cause, and Christians believe the universe must have a first cause — which is God.
- Application: This supports belief in God as the origin of everything — especially for those who see science and religion working together.
10
Q
“With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Miracles are events that break natural laws, showing God’s power and presence.
- Application: Christians may use miracles (like healings or answered prayers) as proof of a personal, active God.
11
Q
“I heard the voice of the Lord.” (Isaiah 6:8)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Some Christians believe they have direct experiences of God — through visions, feelings, or prayer.
- Application: These personal encounters strengthen faith and are used as evidence that God exists and is involved in people’s lives.
12
Q
“Through him all things were made.” (John 1:3)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Some believe science and faith go together — God created the laws science explains.
- Application: Christians may see scientific discoveries as deepening their understanding of God’s creation rather than replacing belief in Him.
13
Q
“The law is written on their hearts.” (Romans 2:15)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Christians believe that our sense of right and wrong comes from God’s moral law within us.
- Application: The existence of universal morals is used to argue that there must be a divine source — a God who gives humans a conscience.
14
Q
“All Scripture is God-breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Christians believe the Bible is inspired by God and reveals His character, actions, and existence.
- Application: Reading the Bible helps believers understand and connect with God — it’s used as both personal proof and shared testimony.
15
Q
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Faith is central to Christianity — belief without needing physical proof.
- Application: Christians see faith as a gift and a choice, trusting in God’s existence even when not everything can be explained.
16
Q
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Peace is a central Christian value — those who work to bring peace are honoured by God.
- Application: Christians support peacebuilding through reconciliation, diplomacy, and forgiveness, often joining charities or campaigns for nonviolence.
17
Q
“Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” (Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:12)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Forgiveness is a key Christian teaching — believers should forgive just as God forgives them.
- Application: Christians are encouraged to forgive enemies and seek reconciliation, even in the face of conflict or harm.
18
Q
“Put your sword back in its place.” (Matthew 26:52)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Jesus taught against violence, even in self-defence — showing that God’s kingdom is not built by force.
- Application: Many Christians follow pacifism, rejecting violence as a way to resolve conflict.
19
Q
“Nation will not take up sword against nation.” (Isaiah 2:4)
A
- Explanation: While Christians aim for peace, some accept war if it is just — for example, if it protects the innocent and is a last resort.
- Application: Christians who support Just War believe it should follow strict conditions like proportionality and legitimate authority.
20
Q
“Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war!” (Joel 3:9)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: In the Old Testament, war was sometimes seen as commanded by God — but this is not used to justify violence today.
- Application: Most modern Christians reject holy war, seeing Jesus’ message as one of peace and love.
21
Q
“Turn the other cheek.” (Matthew 5:39)
Explanation? Application?
A
- Explanation: Jesus taught to respond to violence with love, not revenge — a foundation for Christian pacifism.
- Application: Many Christians (e.g. Quakers) fully reject war and violence and work for peace through nonviolent protest and aid work.
22
Q
“Defend the weak and the fatherless.” (Psalm 82:3)
A
- Explanation: While Jesus taught peace, some Christians believe it’s right to defend others from harm.
- Application: Some accept using force if it protects vulnerable people — especially if no peaceful option exists.
23
Q
“Be reconciled to your brother.” (Matthew 5:24)
A
- Explanation: Restoring broken relationships is key in Christianity — both between individuals and nations.
- Application: Christians may support peace talks, forgiveness, and truth commissions after war or conflict.
24
Q
“Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)
A
- Explanation: Christians are taught to show compassion and practical help to all — especially those suffering.
- Application: Many give to charities like Christian Aid or help refugees, following Jesus’ call to care for those in need.
25
“War must always be a last resort.” — (Archbishop of Canterbury)
| Explanation? Application?
- Explanation: The Archbishop of Canterbury has affirmed that war should only be used after all peaceful alternatives have been exhausted.
- Application: This aligns with Christian teachings on peace and reconciliation, where war is only justified if it is the only way to stop greater harm or injustice.
26
“War can only be justified as the lesser of two evils.” — (World Council of Churches)
| Explanation? Application?
- Explanation: The WCC teaches that war may be the lesser evil when it is the only way to prevent a greater harm or injustice, such as genocide.
- Application: This idea is used in Just War Theory, where war is considered justified only if it stops a greater evil, even though war itself is tragic.
27
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
- Explanation: This verse highlights the importance of unity among people, which can extend to those of different faiths.
- Application: Christians are encouraged to seek peaceful cooperation and unity with other religions, working together for the common good and peaceful coexistence.
28
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” (John 3:16)
| Explanation? Application?
- Explanation: This is a key verse in understanding God’s love for all people, regardless of their faith. Christians who hold an inclusivist view believe that salvation is available to everyone, not just those who explicitly follow Christianity.
- Application: This leads to a more inclusive dialogue, where Christians see value in working with people of different beliefs to promote shared values.
29
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
| Explanation? Application?
- Explanation: This verse is often used by exclusivists who believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and that faith in Him is required to be saved.
- Application: Christians who hold this view believe it is their responsibility to share the message of Jesus with non-believers, as they view it as the only path to eternal life.
30
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 14:1)
| Explanation? Application?
- Explanation: While this verse has historically been used to criticise atheism, it reflects a challenging attitude toward those who reject belief in God.
- Application: Some Christians may find this verse a barrier to dialogue with atheists, while others may respond with respectful engagement, focusing on offering rational arguments for the existence of God.
31
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1)
| Explanation? Application?
- Explanation: This verse supports the idea that Christians should respect secular authority, as it is seen as established by God.
- Application: Christians may engage with secular societies, respecting their role, while also working to influence laws and policies based on Christian moral teachings.
32
“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one.” (Ephesians 2:14)
| Explanation? Application?
- Explanation: This verse refers to the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, and is often used to promote unity in interfaith dialogue.
- Application: Christians may use this verse to advocate for peace and mutual understanding in interfaith dialogue, encouraging shared values such as love, justice, and peace.
33
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” (James 1:17)
| Explanation? Application?
- Explanation: Christians believe that all morality and goodness ultimately come from God, but also acknowledge that non-religious people can show goodness.
- Application: Christians can engage in dialogue with non-religious individuals by appreciating their moral actions and understanding that God's influence can work through anyone, regardless of their faith.
34
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1)
| Explanation? Application?
— Explanation: Christianity emphasizes freedom of choice, including the freedom to choose one’s beliefs.
— Application: Christians advocate for religious freedom for everyone, including non-religious individuals, believing that true faith can only exist when freely chosen.
35
“Let us live up to what we have already attained.” (Philippians 3:16)
| Explanation? Application?
- Explanation: This verse encourages personal growth and respect for others’ journeys in life, acknowledging that each person is on their own path.
- Application: Christians may use this verse to support an attitude of tolerance and respect for the beliefs and experiences of others, fostering peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding.
36
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
- Explanation: This verse reflects the idea that God is the creator of everything, including the natural world, and is often used to show that science and religion can coexist.
- Application: Christians may engage in dialogue with scientists, using this verse to support the idea that studying creation is a way to understand God’s work, rather than opposing scientific discovery.
