The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) Flashcards
What is the first beatitude (quote)?
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’
What is meant by ‘poor in spirit’?
understanding of poverty i.e. physical, mental + spiritual
e.g. oppressed, enslaved
humble + aware of insignificance + helplessness
What is the second beatitude (quote)?
‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’
What is meant by ‘those who mourn’?
mourn separation from God
mourning the world
Jehovah’s witnesses - mourning that those who are not converted will not be saved
mourning moral status and potential for damnation
What is the third beatitude (quote)?
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’
What is meant by ‘meek’?
submit to will of God
gentle disposition towards others
Psalm 37:11 quote to reinforce the third beatitude?
‘The meek will possess the land.’
What is the fourth beatitude (quote)?
‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.’
What is meant by ‘hunger and thirst for righteousness’?
desire for God’s will and law to be seen and carried + out on earth + seek justice
Links to other areas of the course regarding the fourth beatitude?
VE - continent people
John Hick - epistemic distance
Irenaeous - evil = deprivation of good
Examples of people who have demonstrated the fourth beatitude in their lives?
Oscar Romero
Ghandi
What is the fifth beatitude (quote)?
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’
What is meant by ‘merciful’?
awareness of God’s mercy
show mercy because it is a virtuous disposition, rather than because it brings the rewards of God’s mercy
What is the sixth beatitude (quote)?
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’
What is meant by ‘pure in heart’?
sincerity of character - no selfish desires - correct desicions
