Unit 2: Death & The Afterlife Flashcards
Define “limited election”
The idea that God has only chosen certain people to be saved
What does John Calvin teach about limited election?
Calvin supports the idea of double predestination and argues that if God had elected all people to be saved that this must happen, however this just isn’t true
What was Calvin’s 4 step justification for limited election?
1) God’s will is absolutely sovereign (God has total and complete authority) and if God chose all people to be saved then everyone would be
2) It is clear from the Bible that not all people go to heaven
3) Therefore, God did not choose all people to go to heaven
4) Therefore, limited election is true
What is meant by the doctrine of divine election?
Some people are predestined for a relationship with God and some are not. Whether a person is among God’s elect is a matter for God and is thus a mystery beyond human comprehension. God’s will is hidden and we shouldn’t presume to know what he has in store.
How would Calvin counter someone who argues that limited election is God punishing some?
Instead of God helping some and harming others, God is acting in the lives of some and remaining inactive in the lives of others that have not been chosen.
What is the view of the Catholic Church regarding election?
The Catholic Church accepts St Thomas Aquinas’ view of unlimited election.
This is the view that while everyone is called to be saved, not everyone will answer that call. People who are sent to hell are sent there based on their actions alone.
What liberal theologian proposed the idea of universalism?
John Hick
Define “universalism”
The idea that all humans will be saved through Jesus and eventually come to harmony in God’s kingdom
What did Hick teach about universalism?
A loving God would not have created anyone that would’ve ended up in Hell. God will instead work with and improve with a person after they’ve died and they will eventually enter heaven. Even the most morally detestable people (E.g. Hitler) will eventually work with God, improve and enter heaven.
What is Hick’s 2 justifications for Hell not being eternal?
- Eternal punishment for a finite crime is immoral (Supported by Dawkins - analogy of the mother)
- The tempoary nature of Hell has scriptural support (Luke 12:58-59)
Define “kingdom of God”
A realm where God’s authority reigns as king
Define “Heaven”
A place where the believer experiences bliss and joy. The joy will be in the vision of God that each person experiences.
Define “Hell”
A place of permanent, everlasting punishment
Define “purgatory”
The Catholic belief in a state of cleansing that takes place before someone enters heaven
Define “Beatific Vision”
The ultimate, direct communication of God to a person. The belief that when a person enters heaven, they will see God face to face.
Define “Parousia”
The second coming of Christ, where God will return to the world.
Explain why the Kingdom of God can be interpreted as being present in the world today.
Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom was a call for moral and spiritual reform now. In many of his teachings he presents it as already being in the world at the time.
Explain why the Kingdom of God can be interpreted as being a future reward.
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is a state where the righteous live in harmony with God.
Explain why the Kingdom of God can be interpreted as being a restoration of justice.
Jesus uses the parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus to highlight that the “wicked” (immoral people) have lived their “reward” on earth and therefore cannot meet God due to their inability to follow Jesus’ teachings.
