Unit 1: Catholic Beliefs Flashcards
How do Catholics show their belief in the Trinity during worship?
- At baptism, Catholics use the Trinity to bring members into the Church.
- During the Mass, the sign of the cross is said at the beginning which again reminds us of the Trinity.
- During the Eucharist the Trinity is called upon to bless the gifts of bread and wine.
What are the three persons of the Trinity? Describe them.
- The Father: Creates just like our own fathers; continues to show this love; Jesus teaches us to call God ‘our father’- he provides.
- The Son: Jesus is God made man, the incarnation; the Son has lived among us and made God the Father known; He brings salvation; He shows complete love.
- The Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit communicates with humanity today; it inspired the Bible and the Church today; the Holy Spirit helps Catholics live holy lives today; it is present in the world now
Examples of the Trinity in the Bible.
- At the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17) the three persons of the Trinity are mentioned.
- In the Gospel of Matthew 28 Jesus instructs the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Trinity).
What happened at the Council of Nicea?
It was decided that Jesus was equal to God the Father.
What happened at the Council of Constantinople?
It was decided that the Holy Spirit was also part of the Trinity.
What do we learn from the biblical account of creation? (Genesis 1-3)
- Genesis 1 shows the power of God the Father; how He creates out of nothing.
- It shows His benevolence, how what God creates is good.
- The eternity of God is also shown; He is there before the heavens and the earth.
- Genesis 2 & 3 shows how humanity disobeys God, leading to sin.
What do Catholics view the creation story as?
A metaphor.
What do Creationists believe about the creation story?
Believe that the Creation account should be taken literally. Therefore the world was made in 6 days. The Big Bang and Evolution is not accepted.
How do some Liberal Christians may see the creation as?
Some Liberal Christians may see the Creation account as just a story which has messages in which can be understood.
What do we learn about humans from God’s creation?
Humanity are made in the imago dei. This means:
1. Human beings are rational.
2. Human beings have free will and conscience.
3. Human beings can relate to God.
4. Human beings can give and receive love.
5. Human beings are answerable to God.
What is stewardship?
Humanity has a duty of caring for the world / the creation of the world.
What is dominion?
God orders that humanity is to rule over the world.
Christian beliefs about Stewardship
Humanity has a duty of caring for the world / the creation of the world (stewardship).
God orders that humanity is to rule over the world (dominion).
Whilst at the same time is to cultivate and treat the planet with love as its stewards. ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion.’
What is another word for humanist?
Atheist
What is an atheist?
A person who doesn’t believe in God.
Humanist beliefs about stewardship
- Many humanists and those who are non-religious believe that humanity has a duty to care for the environment but this has nothing to do with God.
- Humanity may care abut the environment for future generations.
Who is the Incarnation?
Jesus
Why is the Incarnation important?
- The incarnation is important because it shows the love of God the Father to send his Son to earth.
- It shows us what God is like as He reveals himself through Jesus.
- It means that we can achieve salvation- belief in Jesus can lead to eternal life.
Biblical evidence for the Incarnation
- Jesus rose from the dead.
- Jesus performed miracles such as healing the sick.
- Jesus taught that he was the Incarnation. (“I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through me”.Jn14)
What is the Paschal Mystery?
The belief that human beings are saved from sin by the work of Jesus.
In the Paschal Mystery, what happened during the suffering?
- Jesus is scourged (whipped).
- Jesus is condemned to death but does not speak out against it.
In the Paschal Mystery, why was the suffering important to Christians?
- Benevolence – Jesus offers up his suffering again and again for love of humanity.
- He gives us a model for how to face suffering – trusting the Father throughout.
In the Paschal Mystery, what happened during the crucifixion?
- Jesus is nailed to the cross.
- Jesus hangs on the cross for 3 hours before giving up his spirit to the Father and dying.
In the Paschal Mystery, why was the crucifixion important to Christians?
- The death of Jesus shows how he good defeats evil/ life defeats death.
- On the cross the ultimate sign of love and forgiveness is shown - we are given complete salvation.
In the Paschal Mystery, what happened during the resurrection?
- Jesus rises on the third day.
- The stone is rolled away (of Jesus’ tomb) and those who visit find an empty tomb.
In the Paschal Mystery, why was the resurrection important to Christians?
- It is the basis of Christianity; the belief that Jesus rose from the dead. It also gives hope that there is life after death.
- It shows that Jesus truly is the Son of God, and that he is with us now.
In the Paschal Mystery, what happened during the ascension?
- Jesus ascends (rises up) into heaven.
- Jesus commissions the disciples to go and spread the Gospel and “be not afraid”.
In the Paschal Mystery, why was the ascension important to Christians?
- It shows that Jesus did not die like us, but rather is God, and ascended to heaven.
- It allows the beginning of the Church’s mission to teach the Gospel.
What are the four events in the Paschal Mystery?
- The suffering
- Crucifixion
- Resurrection
- Ascension
What is redemption?
The belief that humans are forgiven of their sins by the sacrifice of Jesus.
What is salvation?
The process of being saved from sin, and returning back to God.
What is justification?
The belief that humanity can be brought back to God because of the death of Jesus, but only if we live good and holy lives.
The Holy Spirit was sent after the Paschal Mystery. Why is this important?
- Helps the Church with its mission, from Pentecost to now.
- It is the way that we experience the love of God today.
- Inspires the Church, especially the Pope and Bishops, and is present during the Mass.
How does the Church help us receive salvation and grace?
- Baptism we are forgiven from sin and enter into the Church.
- The sacraments we receive God’s grace (love) and the help to live a good Christian life.
- At the Mass we receive the Eucharist, as well as hear from the Bible the Word of God and teachings that help lead to salvation.
What is particular judgement?
The judgement that happens immediately at the death of an individual.
What is last judgement?
The last day when all will be judged, both living and dead. Their soul will be judged where it will end; parable of the sheep and the goats.
What do Christians believe about Heaven?
- Christians believe heaven is a place of perfection with God.
- It is eternal.
- Some Christians think everyone goes to heaven/others think only those who have lived well.
What do Christians believe about Hell?
- A place of eternal pain and suffering.
- It is the complete absence from God.
- Some Christians believe hell does not exist/others think people are sent there for living a bad life.
What is Purgatory?
- A place believed only by Catholics.
- It is a place of waiting where our sins are forgiven.
- Non-Catholic Christians do not believe in it.
Why are teachings about life after death (eschatology) important?
- Catholics believe that the fact we are judged means we should try to live good lives.
- They will not live sinful lives.
- It also means that Catholics will feel that their lives have a purpose.
SWA for 1.1 : The Trinity
“I believe in One God” - The Creed
SWA for 1.2 : Development in the Trinity
“A voice from heaven appeared saying this is my son whom I am well pleased.” - The Gospel of Matthew
SWA for 1.3 : Creation
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” - Genesis
SWA for 1.4 : Creation and nature of humanity
“Let us make man in our image… and let them have dominion” - Genesis
SWA for 1.5 : The Incarnation
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” - The Gospel of John
SWA for 1.6 : The Paschal Mystery
“I am the resurrection and the life” - The Gospel of John
SWA for 1.7 : Significance of the Paschal Mystery
“I am the way the truth and the life whoever believes in me shall not die but live” - The Gospel of John
SWA for 1.8 : Eschatology
“I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life of the world to come” - The Creed
