Theme 1 - Origins and Meanings Flashcards
Creation ex nihilo
creation out of nothing. Before God created the universe, nothing existed. Only God can create out of nothing
Omnipotence
The belief that God is all powerful
Evolution
The process of mutation and natural selection which leads to changes over time to suit particular environments
Imago Dei
“In the image of God”
The belief that human beings are a reflection if God’s personhood. Unlike the other animals, human beings are rational, free and moral
Omnipotence
The belief that God is all powerful
Stewardship
The duty to care for creation responsibly, as stewards rather than consumers, and to protect it for future generations.
Inspiration
“God breathed”
The belief that the Spirit of God guides an individual to act or write what is good and true.
Revelation
the word used to describe all of the ways in which God makes himself known to human beings. Christians believe that God does this finally and fully in the person of Jesus Christ
Transcendence
Existing outside of space and time; God exists in a way that makes him nothing like anything else that exists, above and beyond creation
What do Catholics believe about creation?
Nothing existed before God created it.
Only God can create.
Where can Catholic beliefs about creation be found?
The Bible and St Augustine’s writing
What do Jews believe about creation?
God is the creator.
God is the sustainer and provider.
What do Orthodox Jews believe about creation?
The creation story is factual.
Reject the big bang and evolution.
What do reform Jews believe about creation?
The creation story is metaphorical.
God started creation through the big bang and had guided the creation through evolution.
What is the Big Bang theory?
The cosmological concept that claims matter concentrated into a tiny point causing an explosion, 13.7 billion years ago, expanded into the universe. This explosion caused particles/atoms to be formed - leading to the formation of stars / planet.
What do Catholics think of the big bang?
Catholics agree with the theory alongside the creation story as science explains how the universe came about and Genesis explains why.
Why are Creationist critical of the big bang theory?
As it contradicts the ‘truth’ that God had formed all life in omnipotence.
What is evolution?
The theory that organisms gradually developed into new species by natural selection.
How is evolution evident?
Fossil record - reveals that a large number of species have died out.
Who is Richard Dawkins?
An atheist.
What does Richard Dawkins argue about evolution?
He agrees with evolution.
He argues that each living organism is just a survival machine for its genes and does not serve any other purpose.
Describe Catholics attitudes to evolution.
It is more important to understand why not how it happened.
What did Pope John Paul II say about evolution?
He restated Pope Piuse XII s view that there is no conflict between Catholic faith and evolution.
How do Richard Dawkins view challenge Catholic beliefs?
Catholics believe humans were made Imago Dei, and the idea that Humans are just a genetic mutation/ just advanced animals contrast the idea of humans in God’s creation
What do Catholics believe about the sanctity of life?
Each person is unique because God made them.
Human life is scared and everyone has a right to life which should be valued and protected at every stage
What do Jews believe about the sanctity of life?
God is the only one who can give / take life.
What does the Bible teach about sanctity of life?
“Thou shalt not kill”
God is the only one who should give or take life.
What does the Torah teach about Sanctity of life?
Humans are created in Gods likeness and are precious.
What are Saint Catherine of Siena’s two main messages in her writing?
love and humans come from god
What does SCoS say about love?
In the same way that children came from their parents ir your reflection in the mirror shows you: ‘Her dignity is that of her creation, seeing that she is in the image of god’
What does SCoS say about humans coming from God?
God creates out of love. The fact that humans are made with dignity in God’s image shows how much he loves them. ‘You are taken with love for her, far by love indeed you created her.’
What are Catholic views on abortion?
Against abortion in all circumstances.
What is the Principle of Double Effect?
If the mother’s life is in danger then action to save the mother, even if it harms the child, will be taken.
When do Christians see abortion as the lesser of two evilsv
If the pregnancy is the result of rape.
If the child is likely to be severely disabled.
If continuing the pregnancy may bring harm to the mother’s physical/mental health.