Triune God Flashcards
Trinity
The idea that God is one, but can be experienced in three different Persons,the father,the son and the holy spirit in the world / universe
Mission
The idea of missionary work, where Christians travel to an area to provide aid or education. Missionary work often includes an element of evangelism
Baptism
A Christian sacrament, where people are welcomed into the family of God
Triune God
The idea that God is one, but can be experienced in three different Persons,the father,the son and the holy spirit and how they relate to each other in Godhead
Evangelism
Preaching the gospel (the good news about God) to convert people to the Christian faith
Consubstantial
That Jesus is of the same nature as God the Father, the scripture records that Jesus is divine
What is the Magisterium?
The Magisterium is the Pope and all the bishops in the Church
What is the Magisteriums responsibility?
- To interpret the Word of God
- Ensure that the Church remains faithful to the teachings of Christ and the Apostles
- Helps the church grow in its understanding of the faith
What happens when bishops are annointed with the laying on of hands, what do they also pass on and what is it called?
When bishops are appointed the laying on of hands it also passes on the apostolic authority. This means that the bishops are appointed as successors to the apostles - hence ‘apostolic succession .’
What are official declarations of faith by the Pope accepted as?
Official declarations of faith by the Pope are accepted as infallible (without error) as catholics believe that it is the Holy Spirit guiding the Church
What are Magisterial teachings?
The decisions of the Magisterium that should be accepted by catholics
What is heresy?
A belief that goes against the accepted teaching of the Church
What does the Sacrament of Baptism symbolise
Being totally submerged under water - Symbolised joining Jesus in the tomb after he died
Rising up out of the water - Joining in with Jesus resurrection, to begin a new life as a Christian
Use of water - Symbolises the Holy Spirit. During baptism a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, who sustains the believer’s faith and commitment to God. This is the same Spirit that filled Jesus during his baptism
What is the importance of the sacrament of baptism?
- It shares the life of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit with the person
- It fills the person with the Holy Spirit, to give them the strength to resist evil
- For most Christians it is the sacrament or sign of initiation through which a person becomes a member of the Church, a child of God
- It is a pledge that the person will join God in heaven after they die
- It cleanses a person of all their sins
How does the Nicene Creed show the Father?
God the Father is the creator of all things - “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth”
How does the Nicene Creed show the Son?
Like God the Father, God the Son is eternal - “The Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages”
There is no distinction in nature between the Father and the Son - “Consubstantial with the Father”
The Son took on the limitations of human nature to become Jesus
Jesus had a human mother but was conceived by the Holy Spirit - “By the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man”
The Son became human out of love for all people, to save them from being separated from God by sin
He suffered and died as a human being - “For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day”
After he died, Jesus rose into heaven to take his place as the Son of God
Jesus did not become God at the resurrection; he had always been God, but had just limited himself to a human nature while on earth - “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father”
How does the Nicene Creed show the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit gives life to all things - “I believe in the Holy Spirit,the Lord,the giver of life”
The Holy Spirit comes from both the Father and the Son, uniting - “Who proceeds from the Father and the Son”
The Holy Spirit is equal in majesty and power to the Father and the Son - “Who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified”
The Holy Spirit inspires people to let them know the will of God - “Who has spoken through the prophets”
Where in the New Testament does it talk about the Trinity?
Genesis 1:1-3 and Deuteronomy 6:4-5
What happens in Genesis 1:1-3?
It tells how God created the universe. All three Persons shared in the act of creation
What is said in Genesis 1:1-3?
“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3
What Genesis 1:1-3 show?
- The word ‘God’ here is referring to the Father; the Father created the universe.
- The phrase ‘wind from God’ can also be translated as ‘breath’ or ‘spirit. This shows that the Holy Spirit was involved in the creation of the universe.
- God created the universe with the power of his Word. Christians interpret this as a reference to the Son (or Word) of God
- So God the Father, through God the Son (the Word of God), created the universe with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Where in the New Testament does it mention the Trinity?
Mathew 3:16-17 and Galatians 4:6-7
What does Mathew 3:16-17 describe?
The baptism of Jesus
Mathew 3:16-17
“And when Jesus had been baptised, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’”
What happens in Jesus’ Baptism? (Mathew 3:16-17)
When God reveals himself as the Trinity
What do Christians believe about Jesus Baptism in Mathew 3:16-17?
For Christians, it shows there really are three Persons who all coexist at the same time - not just one Person who sometimes appears as the Father and at other times as the Son or Holy Spirit
Galatians 4:6-7
“And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’”
How does Galatians 4:6-7 help Christians?
- This verse helps to explain the relationship between the Trinity and a Christian
- Christians are God’s children and brothers or sisters to Jesus
- God the Father pours out the Holy Spirit into a Christian’s heart
- This is the love that unites the Father and the Son,and it fills the person with grace
What are the two councils of the Magisterium?
- Council of Nicea
- Council of Constantinople
When was the Council of Nicea founded?
325 CE
How did the Council of Nicea originate?
- At the start of the fourth century, a priest called Arius was teaching that only God the Father was eternal, not God the Son
- The bishops called a Council to discuss this idea
What did the Council of Nicea (325 CE) confirm?
• The Son is eternally begotten from the Father
• The Father and Son have always co-existed together
• They are both equal and of the same nature
When was the Council of Constantinople founded?
381 CE
What did the Council of Constantinople discuss?
Further disputes about the nature of the Trinity, including the nature of Jesus, led the bishops to call a second Council to reaffirm Catholic beliefs
What did the Council of Constantinople (381 CE) discuss?
• The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity and fully God
• Jesus is both fully God and fully human
What two influencial Christians talk about the Trinity?
St Augustine and Catherine La Cugna
What does St Augustine Quote on the Trinity?
“True love is: a trinity of lover, beloved and the one that binds them together into one.”
How does St Augustine discuss the Trinity?
• Love can’t exist on its own - there must be someone to give it and recieve it
• Therefore to have love there must be three things: the person who loves, the person who is loved and the love that unites them
• The Father loves the Son and the Son loves the Father; the love that unites them is the Holy Spirit
• The Holy Spirit pours out into the hearts and lives of believers, sharing God’s love with all people
How does Catherine La Cugna discuss the Trinity?
• The Son is continually eternally coming from the father
• The Holy Spirit is the love that eterally unites the Father and the Son
• The Father and the Son constantly flows outwards into the whole of creation
• In order to bring redemption, the son comes from the Father to save humanity
• The Holy Spirit (God’s love) is continually guiding us believers towards the Father
• Once redemption is complete , all things will be brought back to God through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
What are the similarities and differences when St Augustine and Catherine La Cugna discuss the Trinity?
Augustine mainly focused on the relationship within the Trinity. He said that understanding this is essential for understanding God.
In contrast to St Augustine, LaCugna placed more importance on the outward effects of the Trinity. She thought the best way to know God is through understanding God’s actions in people’s lives.
What quote demonstrates that music is useful in worship?
Sacrosanctum Concillium 112
State one quote that proves music is useful in worship in Sacrosanctum Concillium 112 (1)
“Sacred music is to be considered the more holy in proportion as it is more closely connected with the liturgical action, whether it adds delight to prayer, fosters unity of minds, or confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites.”
State one quote that proves music is useful in worship in Sacrosanctum Concillium 112 (2)
“Sacred song united to the words… forms a necessary or integral part of the solemn liturgy.”
What are the Psalms and where are they from?
The Psalms is from the Old Testament with 150 pieces of poetry that were originally written down to be sung during Jewish prayer and Christian prayer
What are the Psalms centred around?
The psalms are centred around the praise of God, though they touch on all aspects of life: sickness, seeking forgiveness, praying for the harvest and so on. The psalms acknowledge that everything people have comes from God, and without God they are nothing
What is one of the recurring themes in the Psalms?
Singing for joy.Joy comes from knowing that God is with his people, guiding them and protecting them
What do Psalms form and state some examples
Psalms form the basis and inspiration of many hymns used in church for example:
• ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’ is based on Psalm 23
• ‘On Eagle’s wings’ Psalm 80
• ‘Sing to the Mountains, Sing to the Sea’ is based on Psalm 118
What is Plainchant?
An ancient form of song, usually unaccompanied, which uses a limited range of notes
What are the characteristics of plainchant?
• Voice only - acapella
• Simple rythym not a complex melody
• In latin
• Only male
What are examples of Plainchant?
• Our father
• Lord have mercy
Why is the music Plainchant used?
To show specific parts of the mass beautiful and important
What are Traditional Hymns?
Religious songs that have been used by believers over generations
What are the characteristics of Traditional Hymns?
• Voice and instruments - organ
• Sung by the congregation
• Simple and easy to learn (similar to a poem)
• Sung in english
• Adds understanding to life
What are examples of Traditional Hymns?
• Soul of my saviour
• Here I am Lord
• Guide me O thou great redeemer
Why are Traditional Hymns used in music?
• Teaches the meaning of mass
• Encouraged singing
What are Contemporary Worship Songs?
Religious songs that have been written recently for the praise of God, often using modern instruments
What are the characteristics of Contemporary Worship Songs?
• Voice and using a variety of instruments that sound like pop music
• Made by Christian worship bands
• Lyrically and musically are complex
What are examples of Contemporary Worship Songs?
• Oceans (where feet may fall)
• 10,000 reasons (bless the Lord my soul)
Why is Contemporary Worship Songs used in worship?
Appeals to a younger age group
Mission
Sending out people to help others
What is an example of mission in Christianity?
For example, missionaries might be sent out by the Church to work with people in poverty, by providing education or medical care
What do missionaries want to share?
Missionaries want to share the love of God through their actions. They believe they should love others as God loves them.
What do missionaries follow?
They follow the commandment that ‘those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also’ (1 John 4:21 (NRSV))
Evangelism
Preaching the good news about Jesus to other people
What do Evangelists share?
Evangelists share their knowledge and experience of Christianity to influence the lives and attitudes of others
What are Evangelists inspired by?
Evangelists are inspired by the Holy Spirit to share their knowledge of God’s love with others
What do Evangelists want others to experience?
They want to help others experience the joy, peace and love that they experience as a Christian
What do Evangelists follow?
Jesus’ last instructions to his followers included, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that Ihave commanded you. (Matthew 28:18-20 (NRSV))
What are in Mass Settings?
- Gloria
- Alleluia
- Eucharistic Acclamation
- Mystery of Faith
What is the Gloria?
• A hymn to praise God’s glory and goodness
• Begins with the words ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven’ (Luke 2:14 (NRSV))
When is the Gloria used?
• Used near the beginning of the Mass
• Not used during the more sorrowful seasons of Advent and Lent
What is the Alleluia?
• A Hebrew word meaning ‘praise God’
• A hymn of joy and triumph that praises God
• Announces the presence of Christ
When is the Alleluia used?
• Used to introduce the reading of the Gospel at Mass, to greet the presence of Christ
• Also sung three times during the Easter Vigil to announce the resurrection
• Not used during Lent
What is the Eucharistic Acclamation?
• A Latin word meaning ‘holy’
• A hymn to praise God’s holiness
• Based on Isaiah’s vision in the Temple, when the angels cried out, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts’ (Isaiah 6:1-3)
When is the Eucharistic Acclamation used?
• Used before the Eucharistic Prayer in Mass
• Not used during the more sorrowful seasons of Advent and Lent
What is the Mystery of Faith?
An acknowledgement that the whole saving event of Christ’s life, death and resurrection has been made present through the consecration
When is the Mystery of Faith used?
Used after the consecration, when the Bread and Wine have become the Body and Blood of Christ
What are the two types of prayer?
Traditional Prayer and Spontaneous Prayer
What is Traditional Prayer?
These are the prayers all Catholics are encouraged to know and use; they form the basis of individual and institutional prayer
What is Spontaneous Prayer?
Spontaneous prayer means prayer from the heart where in the moment you are feeling the presence and connected with God
What are the pros of Traditional Prayer?
• Do not need to come up with the right words to use
• Not having to focus too much on the words allowing you to open up more to the presence of God, allowing your mind to go deeper than the words
• When you are upset, using familiar words comforts me
What are the cons of Traditional Prayer?
• Is not personal to you
• There can be distractions
• There are time constraints
What are the pros of Spontaneous Prayer?
• It feels more sincere than traditional prayer because you open up to God about your own personal concerns and worries
• It helps to develop an individual relationship with God
• Comes from the heart and reflects how you feel at the moment
What are the cons of Spontaneous Prayer?
• Prayer can be rushed without focusing on prayer with God
• May not be able to think of the words to say to God when praying
What are examples of postures in prayer?
- Kneeling
- Genuflecting
- Prostrating
- Bowing
- Open hands
- Joined hands
- Standing with arms raised
What does Kneeling in prayer mean?
• A sign of humility
• Shows the person acknowledges God’s. authority and submits to his will
• A position asking for forgiveness
What does Genuflecting in prayer mean?
• A sign of respect
• Catholics may genuflect when they enter church or pass the tabernacle, to acknowledge Christ’s presence
What does Prostrating in prayer mean?
• A sign of total humility and submission to God
• A position pleading for help and mercy
• Shows the person has given themselves up to God
What does Bowing in prayer mean?
• A sign of respect
• A sign of praise to God
• Acknowledges that God is great
What does praying with Open Hands mean?
• A sign of praise shows
• Acceptance of whatever God sends
What does praying with Joined Hands mean?
• A sign of asking
• A request for help from God
What does prayer Standing With Arms Raised mean?
• A sign of praise for God’s greatness and glory
• Focuses on God ‘above’ in heaven
• The person is totally open to God
