The meaning of life Flashcards
Christians may explain the meaning of life as being…
Glorify God.
Is to prepare for judgement.
Improve the world
How does Genesis 1 explain the meaning of life?
In G1 God makes man in his image, told them to multiply and subdue the world.
One sense of purpose is to represent God’s glory to all that God has made, reproduce and spread his word.
5 steps in representing God
1) Tell others, encourage them to become Christians
2) Show God’s glory in your own life and actions
3) Make your own life more like God
4) Draw people’s attention to the qualities of God
5) Engage in worship
How does Genesis 2 explain the meaning of life?
God in G2 is caring and affectionate for Adam giving him animal companions and a Woman as a partner
Therefore like Adam we must nurture are own relationship with God.
The intimacy between Jesus the Son and God the Father is the relationship intimacy we aspire for.
As such we are influenced to build a relationship.
How to build a relationship with God? (4 Steps)
How to get close to God?
Pray
Bible study
Follow Jesus’ teachings
Model your life around Jesus
How is preparing for judgement a form of purpose?`
In G2 Adam & Eve are tempted into original sin which has created this fallen world
Originally man was made to spend eternity in God’s presence, this is still the purpose of life
Jesus’ sacrifice was an atonement (make up) between God and the world
To complete God’s plan for reconciliation humans face judgement at the end of their lives in Judgement day where they will spend eternity with or without God
What are the issues with purpose one and two?
They focus on the individual, they are not holistic in comparison to the purpose of creating God’s Kingdom
Where does the idea of Kingdom of God come from?
Old Jewish scriptures took for granted God’s kingship as he created all. As Jesus came about the Jews were waiting for a messiah to free them from the break of Rome. Jesus references Kingdom of God as he is linking this cross all of creation to a time when there is complete order over Earth and heaven.
What are the Christian interpretations of bringing this Kingdom of God?
Some think that one day Christ shall return in Glory and sin shall be eliminated in the second coming of Christ
Others feel their purpose is to work towards perfection in bringing round the perfect conditions of society by taking action to perfect the world like the actions of the Salvation army or Quakers
How may we may achieve a purified world?
We may achieve a purified world by repenting all that is not God like and bring about these qualities with action
What are Quakers view in participating in the creating of Kingdom of God?
They believe that it is the responsibility of all people to look out for each other, and that we shouldn’t look for God to step in.
Quakers believe treating all with respect whatever the circumstances moving towards making the world a better place.
They work with the many of those who are vulnerable
They work for peace in all aspects of life.
Peacefully advocate for social, economical and sustainable change.
