Triune God Flashcards

1
Q

What is ‘the Triune God’?

A

The christian belief that there are 3 ‘persons’ in one God.

Tri = 3
Une = Unity
of God

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2
Q

What does the ‘Holy Trinity’ focus on and who are the 3 persons?

A

The distinctive qualities of each of the three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

*The Triune God and The Holy Trinity are essentially the same thing.

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3
Q

What are the 5 key beliefs outlined by the Triune God?

A

1) There is only ONE God.
2) Within the God there are 3 persons.
3) The three persons are all God.
4) The three persons are equal.
5) The Trinity is a mystery (cannot be fully understood) - “the mystery of faith”

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4
Q

What do the terms ‘Triune God’ and ‘Trinity’ show about God?

A

They show that God is a ‘community of persons’.

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5
Q

What Old Testament quote from Deuteronomy supports the christian belief in one God?

A

The Shema (jewish prayer) from the book of Deuteronomy.

“Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, The Lord is One” - Deuteronomy

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6
Q

Why do Jews not accept that God is 3 persons?

A

Because they do not follow the teachings of Jesus and therefore accept that “the Lord alone” is just one God made up of one person.

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7
Q

Why is the Baptism of Jesus considered evidence of the Holy Trinity in the Bible?

A

Because all 3 persons of God are present.

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8
Q

How are all 3 persons of God present at Jesus’ Baptism in Matthew 3?

What New Testament quote from Paul to the Galatians 4 (epistle) talks about the link between the Trinity and us?

A

God the Father - John the Baptist hears the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased”

God the Son - Jesus is the Messiah sent from God as promised.

God the Holy Spirit - a white dove was present

New Testament:
“God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts” - Paul to the Galatians 4

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9
Q

Why is Jesus’ Baptism so important for christians? What does Jesus realise in this moment?

A

It proves God is Triune.

It is the moment Jesus realises that he is the Son of God - he still calls himself son of Man until his trial.

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10
Q

Why is the act of Creation considered evidence for the Trinity?

A

All 3 persons of God are present.

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11
Q

How are all 3 persons of God present in the act of creation in Gensis 1?

A

God the Father - “God created the heavens”

God the Son - God created the world using his ‘Words’ (e.g “Let there be light”). Jesus is the Word.

God the Holy Spirit - “wind” translates to breath, meaning Spirit of God in Hebrew.

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12
Q

Who are the Magisterium?

A

The Pope and Bishops

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13
Q

What do the Magisterium have the authority to do?

A

The authority to interpret scripture and tradition.

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14
Q

Where does the Magisterium’s authority come from?

A

When Jesus left Peter, the leader of his 12 apostle’s, to become the head of the church.

“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church”

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15
Q

What is the name for the authority that the Magisterium have?

A

Apostolic authority

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16
Q

Why is the current Pope and his Bishops seen as part of an unbroken direct line that goes back to Peter?

A

Because of apostolic succession.

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17
Q

How is the special authority passed on to priests?

A

Ordination of the priesthood - where the special charism (power) is passed on by the ‘laying on of hands’.

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18
Q

Why is the Catholic Church said to be conciliar?

A

Because the magisterium hold council meetings to discuss and make new teachings.

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19
Q

How are catholics advised to follow the teachings of the Magisterium?

A

‘Very seriously’

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20
Q

Why are catholics advised to take the teachings of the Magisterium ‘very seriously’?

A

1) Their authority comes from christ himself (Jesus to Peter)
2) The Magisterium are guided by God the Holy Spirit.

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21
Q

What does infallible mean and how can the Pope use it?

A

Infallible means without error.

The Pope can declare a doctrine or teaching infallible if he sees fit.

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22
Q

What are the only 2 infallible doctrines centred around?

A

Mary:

1) Mary as the Immaculate Conception.
2) Mary assumed (was taken) into heaven as body and soul. (She didn’t die because she had no original sin).

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23
Q

What is the definition of ‘eternal’?

A

Eternal - has always existed (no beginning or end)

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24
Q

What is a Creed? What is the Nicene Creed? Where was the Nicene Creed first devised?

A

A Creed is a statement of faith.

The Nicene Creed is a statement of catholic beliefs mostly relating to the Trinity.

Council of Nicea:
-325CE in Turkey - Nicence Creed first devised - still partly said at mass today (modified later).

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25
Q

What part of the Creed supports ideas about God the Father?

A

“I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth…”

“one God” = God is One
“the Father almighty” = God the Father
“maker of heaven and earth” = Creator

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26
Q

What parts of the Creed support ideas about God the Son?

A

“I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God” - begotten = ‘of the same nature’.

“consubstantial with the father” - consubstantial = ‘of one being’

“incarnate of the virgin mary” - emphasises Jesus’ human nature.

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27
Q

What part of the Creed supports ideas about God the Holy Spirit?

A

“I believe in the holy spirit, the Lord the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the son…. who has spoken through the prophets”

“giver of life” = breath of God (ru’ach means spirit)

“spoken through the prophets” - scripture is divinely inspired.

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28
Q

Why was the phrase in one section of the Nicene Creed, “who proceeds from the father of the son”, controversial?

A

Some christians argued that it made the holy spirit seem lesser than God the father and God the son. This would be a heresy.

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29
Q

What are the 2 key teachings from the Council of Nicea? THINK SON

A

1) The Son is *eternally *begotten from the father. (begotten = of the same nature)
2) The Son is *consubstantial with the father. (consubstantial = ‘of one being’)

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30
Q

What was the Coucil of Constantinople?

A

381CE - a meeting between bishops and the emperor of Constantine - to settle disputes about the nature of the Holy Spirit and Jesus.

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31
Q

What were the 2 main teachings devised from the Council of Constantinople?

A

1) The Holy Spirit as the Third Person of the Trinity was affirmed.
2) Jesus being not fully human was rejected.

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32
Q

What was eventually devised from the Council of Constantinople?

A

The Nicene-Constantinople Creed was devised.

This is the Creed used at mass today. (called the Nicene Creed for short)

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33
Q

What are the 2 examples of tradition which can be used to help understand the Trinity?

A

1) St Augustine of Hippo

2) Catherine La Cugna

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34
Q

Who was St Augustine of Hippo? What book did he produce?

A

A theologian who produced the book ‘On the Trinity’ - (*not Challoner house)

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35
Q

What passage was St Augustine’s starting point in his book?

A

“God is Love” - John

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36
Q

What does Augustine say about love? What 3 things must there be?

A

He says that love can’t exist on its own. There must be:

  • a person who loves (lover)
  • a person who is loved (beloved)
  • the love itself
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37
Q

What does Augustine say about the Trinity?

A

Three Persons of the Trinity are united in love.

  • The father and son love each other.
  • The holy spirit unites them.
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38
Q

What does Augustine say about how the love within God is poured out?

A

He says that it is poured out into the hearts of believers by the holy spirit.

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39
Q

What does Augustine conclude about God?

A

God is relational - he can be known personally.

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40
Q

What quote from St Augustine’s ‘On the Trinity’ summarises his teaching nicely?

A

“True love is: a trinity of lover, beloved and the love that binds them together into one”

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41
Q

Who was Catherine La Cugna?

A

La Cugna was an american Catholic theologian - sadly died in 1997 of cancer (aged 44).

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42
Q

What is Catherine La Cugna famous for?

A

Re-examining Augustine’s ‘On the Trinity’ and moving away from the idea of ‘immanent theology’ - focusing on the internal life of God.

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43
Q

What are the 2 key teachings of La Cugna?

*think earlier units

A

1) The Son came to earth to bring people into relationship with the Father. (Incarnation)
2) The Holy Spirit continually guides people towards the Father in heaven. (Redemption)

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44
Q

What do St Augustine and Catherine LaCugna agree and disagree on?

A

They both agree that:

  • The Trinity is united by the holy spirit.
  • The Trinity is an eternal relationship.
  • God is in some way relational.

They disagree about:
-How humans are involved. LaCugna focuses on how the Holy spirit guides us back to the father (inwards towards the father). Whereas, Augustine focuses on how the holy spirit pours love out (outward to us).

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45
Q

What does a person become through the sacrament of Baptism?

A

A child of God and a Christian

46
Q

What galatians quote talks about the nature of Baptism? What is its meaning?

A

“Because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his son into your hearts”

Meaning:

  • The Holy Spirit is shared with all believers through Baptism.
  • Christians can have a closer relationship with God, as his children.
47
Q

What was the early christian symbolism of baptism?

A

1) Totally immersed under water - symbolises joining Jesus in the tomb after his death.
2) Rising up out of the water - symbolises joining in with Jesus’ resurrection and starting a new life, free from original sin.

48
Q

What does modern Catholic Baptism symbolise?

A

A new stage of life as God’s child.

  • Use of holy water highlights the role Holy Spirit.
  • Also, still joining in with Jesus’ death and resurrection - like old symbolism.
49
Q

Why is Baptism important as a sacrament and as a sign of initiation? Why else?

A
  • It is a sacrament, a ‘moment of Grace’ where everyone involved is filled with the holy spirit, giving them the strength to resist evil.
  • Sign of initiation into belief in Christ.

Other:

  • Cleanses them of original sin.
  • It’s a pledge to join God in heaven.
50
Q

What 2 non-conformist christian organisations reject the idea of baptism as important? Why?

A

The Quakers and the Salvation Army

-Don’t believe in sacraments and that God provides ‘moments’ of Grace - as God’s whole creation is amazing - the sacramental nature of reality - God is constantly filling us with the Holy Spirit.

51
Q

What is meant by the term ‘witness’?

A

Showing faith through actions and words.

52
Q

How does the catholic church bear ‘witness’ to the Trinity?

*what is the importance of the Trinity for catholics?

A

1) Mission

2) Evangelism

53
Q

What is mission?

A

Taking action to help others.

Mission means ‘to send out’

54
Q

How is missionary work carried out? Examples:

A
  • Providing medical care.
  • Providing education.
  • Providing clean water supplies.
55
Q

What quote supports ideas about missionary work?

A

“Those who love God, must also love their brothers and sisters” - John

56
Q

What are ‘Jesuit missions’ currently doing, regarding vaccines, as missionary work?

A

‘Jesuit missions’ are working on vaccine equity - ensuring the poorest people get vaccinated from COVID and various other diseases.

57
Q

What is evangelism?

A

Preaching the gospel using words.

58
Q

What does evangelism look like?

A

Public readings of the gospel. People in the streets (e.g train stations, shopping centes etc…)

59
Q

What quote supports ideas about evangelism?

A

“Go make disciples of all nations” - Jesus after Pentecost

60
Q

What problems does being an evangelist pose?

A
  • You face ridicule.

- You face violence and persecution.

61
Q

What quote from Pope Bendict XVI (16th) summarises the importance of the trinity in missionary work today?

A

“If you see charity, you see the trinity…” - Pope Bendict XVI (16th)

62
Q

What is prayer?

A

Raising the heart and mind to God.

63
Q

Is it only religious people/believers who pray?

A

No

Praying or mindfulness is a natural human instinct - even atheists will pray for comfort and support in times of need - except not to a God.

64
Q

What is traditional prayer?

A

Prayer that has been used by generations of believers.

65
Q

What are some examples of traditional prayers?

A

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father

66
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of traditional prayer?

A

Advantages:

  • Don’t need to think of words.
  • Connects the person to previous generations of believers.
  • Encourages regular prayer and attending mass.
  • Allows the mind to go deeper and concentrate on the prayer rather than their words.

Disadvantages:

  • Person can lose touch with the power of the prayer.
  • Doesn’t develop a personal relationship with God.
67
Q

What is spontaneous prayer?

A

Prayer that doesn’t have a set structure and is made up on the spot.

68
Q

What do christians believe about how they are guided in spontaneous prayer?

A

They believe the holy spirit guides them.

69
Q

What is Glossolalia?

A

Glossolalia is the phenomenon of having your speech taken over by the holy spirit.

70
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of spontaneous prayer?

A

Advantages:

  • Comes from the heart.
  • Guided by holy spirit.
  • Develops individual and personal relationship with God. (God is relational)
  • Can be done at anytime and anywhere.

Disadvantages:

  • May be distracted by the words.
  • Relies on the person taking the time to pray independently.
71
Q

What are prayer postures?

A

Particular body positions or movements used for prayer.

72
Q

What do prayer postures do? 2 points

A

1) Assist the prayer

2) Show the intentions of the prayer

73
Q

What does the *joining of hands symbolise?

*Prayer hands / hands together

A

A sign of asking and making a request from God.

74
Q

What do open hands symbolise?

A

A sign of praise and willingness to accept all that God will send.

75
Q

What does sitting symbolise?

A

A sign of preparing to listen to God (with no discomfort or distraction).

76
Q

What does standing symbolise?

A

It shows respect for God and readiness to act on behalf of God.

77
Q

What does bowing symbolise?

A

It shows respect for God’s greatness.

78
Q

What does genuflecting symbolise?

A

It acknowledges Christ’s presence.

Genuflect means ‘bending the knee’.

79
Q

What does kneeling symbolise?

A

It shows a person is submissive to God’s will.

80
Q

What does raising the arms above the head symbolise?

A

It shows praise for the greatness of God.

81
Q

What does prostrating (lying down) symbolise?

A

It is a position of total humility and self-giving to God.

82
Q

Practice 12 marker: Prayer postures are the only acceptable way to pray.

A

Disagree.

3 Supporting my argument:

  • The prayer itself is enough.
  • The holy spirit will guide the person.
  • Not accessible for everyone.

2 ‘Admittedly’

  • Shows the intention of the prayer.
  • Allows you to pray with your whole body - not just the mind.
83
Q

Which important magisterium meeting stressed the importance of music in worship?

A

The Second Vatican Council (VII) - 1962-65, stressed the benefits of music in liturgy (worship).

84
Q

Why is Music important in liturgy (according to VII)?

A
  • Unites people and encourages a sense of community.
  • Brings us closer to God and makes us feel more involved in praise.
  • Makes worship more beautiful, joyful or solemn.
  • Creates a sense of mystery.
  • Expresses God’s greatness.
85
Q

What are the Psalms?

A

150 pieces of poetry in an Old Testament book centred around the joyful praise of God.

86
Q

When are the Psalms sung in mass?

A

Between the first and second reading.

87
Q

What do the Psalms form the backbone of? What is this?

A

They form the backbone of Divine Office - a collection of psalms and readings that every priest, monk and nun has to say 4 times a day.

88
Q

What are 2 examples of hymns based upon Psalms?

A

1) ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’

2) ‘Sing to the Mountains, Sing to the Sea’

89
Q

What are the 4 types of music that help enliven the liturgy?

A

1) Plainchant (Gregorian Chant)
2) Traditional Hymns
3) Contemporary Worship Songs
4) Mass Settings

90
Q

What is Plainchant (Gregorian Chant)?

A

Plainchant is an ancient form of song (100CE) that is usually unaccompanied and has a limited range of notes.

91
Q

Where is Plainchant used? How does it make christians feel?

A
  • Used in monestries and latin masses.

- Relaxes people and makes them feel God’s presence.

92
Q

What is an example of Plainchant?

A

Pater-Noster (Our Father in Latin)

93
Q

What are Traditional Hymns?

A

Religious songs used by generations of believers, accompanied by an organ.

94
Q

How do traditional hymns make christians feel?

A

Helps make them feel involved in the mass or gathering - connected to generations of believers.

95
Q

What are some examples of traditional hymns?

A
  • ‘Guide me O thou great redeemer’
  • ‘Non Nobis Domine’
  • ‘Soul of my Saviour’
96
Q

What is contemporary worship?

A

Modern worship songs written recently for praise, using modern instruments.

97
Q

Why is contemporary worship becoming more popular?

A
  • More upbeat.

- Attracts younger christians.

98
Q

What are some examples of contemporary worship?

A
  • ‘Bless the Lord - 10,000 reasons’

- ‘Here I am to worship’

99
Q

What are the mass settings?

A

Parts of the mass that should be sung rather than said.

100
Q

How are the mass settings layed out muscially to appeal to the congregation?

A

They use simple melodies that are easy to join in with.

101
Q

What are some examples of the mass settings?

A
  • Alleluia
  • Lord Have Mercy (Kyrie Eleison)
  • Gloria
  • Lamb of God (Agnus Dei)
  • The Sanctus
  • Mystery of Faith
102
Q

What does the word Eucharist mean?

A

Thanksgiving to God.

103
Q

What are acclamations?

A

Statements which praise God with ‘great enthusiasm’.

104
Q

What are the 4 acclamations? What is special about the last 2 acclamations?

A

1) Gloria
2) Alleluia
3) *The Sanctus
4) *Mystery of Faith

*These 2 are Eucharistic Acclamations - highlight the importance of the eucharist and the consecration.

105
Q

What is the Gloria?

A

A hymn praising God’s glory and goodness from Luke’s Gospel:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven”

106
Q

What is the Alleluia?

A

Hebrew word meaning ‘praise God’.

A hymn of joy and triumph that greets God as the Word of God.

107
Q

What is the Sanctus? What type of acclamation is it?

A

EUCHARISTIC ACCLAMATION. Latin word meaning Holy.

A hymn that praises God’s HOLINESS from Isaiah:

“Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts”

Said before consecration.

108
Q

What does the repetition of Holy 3 times in the Sanctus represent?

A

It highlights the belief in the Triune God (3).

109
Q

What is the Mystery of Faith? What type of acclamation is it?

A

EUCHARISTIC ACCLAMATION.

Recognises the mystery that is the nature of the Trinity.

“We proclaim your death O Lord…”

Said after consecration.

110
Q

How does the positioning of the 2 Eucharistic acclamations show the importance of the Consecration (bread and wine becoming body and blood of Christ)?

A

They are said either side of the consecration:

The Sanctus = Before
The Mystery of Faith = After

111
Q

During what type of period are the 4 acclamations not said or sung in the mass?

A

During a penitential (sorrwoful) period (e.g Advent, Lent) - where being joyful isn’t appropriate.