Theme C: Key Terms & Refs

Question 1

Design argument

Answer 1

An argument suggesting that proof of God’s existence can be seen through the evidence of ‘design’ in the world; also known as the teleological argument.

Question 2

Enlightenment

Answer 2

A state of spiritual awakening and the gaining of a deeper understanding of reality.

Question 3

Evil

Answer 3

A cause of suffering; the moral opposite of good. Believed by some to be contrary to the will of God.

Question 4

First cause argument

Answer 4

An argument suggesting that God’s existence can be proved by logical argument and the evidence of a universal chain of causes and effects. Therefore, the universe requires an uncaused cause at the start, which must be God.

Question 5

General revelation

Answer 5

Indirect revelation; the idea of being able to see something of God through nature and scriptures which are readily available in everyday experience.

Question 6

Immanent

Answer 6

A characteristic of God; the belief that God is present and involved in the world, (eg through special revelations/miracles).

Question 7

Impersonal

Answer 7

A characteristic of God; the belief that God is beyond human understanding.

Question 8

Miracle

Answer 8

An event that contradicts the laws of nature, and is usually thought to be impossible, (eg being raised from the dead).

Question 9

Omniscient

Answer 9

All-knowing; believed by theists to be an attribute of God.

Question 10

Omnipotent

Answer 10

All-powerful; believed by theists to be an attribute of God.

Question 11

Personal

Answer 11

A characteristic of God; belief that humans can build relationships with God.

Question 12

Revelation

Answer 12

When God is revealed to humans; can be special or general.

Question 13

Science

Answer 13

The collection of knowledge from observation and testing.

Question 14

Special revelation

Answer 14

Direct revelation; God being revealed directly to an individual or group through experiences such as visions.

Question 15

Suffering

Answer 15

An effect of evil; undergoing pain and hardship.

Question 16

Transcendent

Answer 16

A characteristic of God; belief that God is outside space and time.

Question 17

Ultimate reality

Answer 17

Belief in a supreme and fundamental power in the universe.

Question 18

Vision

Answer 18

An experience of seeing/experiencing something in the imagination or through a dream.

Question 19

Ref for Visions

Answer 19

suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. (Saul in the bible)

Question 20

Ref for Miracles

Answer 20

Jesus’, e.g. walking on water

Question 21

Ref for Nature as general revelation

Answer 21

‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…’

Question 22

Ref for Evil and Suffering

Answer 22

The Fall

Question 23

3 refs for Nature of god

Answer 23

· The creator (‘In the beginning, God created…’)
· Omnipotent (‘Nothing is impossible for God.’)
· Omniscient (‘God knows all things’)