UNIT 3 AOS 2 CONTENT Flashcards
What is the purpose of symbols? Provide some examples of symbols in the Roman Catholic Tradition.
- symbols are used to express deeper realities about Jesus
- through symbols, adherents are invited to interpret and reflect on the divine realities revealed in the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus
Examples: - symbols of confirmation; laying on of hands, anointing with oil, the cross, words of God, the sign of peace
MEANING OF THESE SYMBOLS… oil represents continued unity with the spiritual body of Christ (baptism uses oil too)
The sign of peace is used as a sign of unity and that we are one people of God
Provide an example of a ritual and discuss the meaning behind it
the ritual of mass; PURPOSE: to help us celebrate, appreciate and more fully understand the aspects of our faith
- representation of the last supper of Jesus
- ‘bread’ a potent sign or symbol of our dependence on what is beyond ourselves
- the eucharist is understood as a sacrifice because it represents throughout the ages Jesus’ self offering on the Cross
What is the purpose of sacred places, spaces, times and artefacts?
To create a physical representation of spiritual presence so that the adherent can more easily connect to and establish a deeper relationship with their ultimate reality
What is the purpose of sacred stories?
Sacred stories are told and retold because they explain important aspects of the religions identity.
They pass on communal knowledge and values in an accessible way.
Stories often have layers of meaning which helps adherents develop a deeper understanding of how to act out their faith in their daily lives.
Example; the parables Jesus told in the Bible, the mythologies in Genesis 1-11
What is the purpose of sacred texts?
Sacred texts contain the revelation of the tradition- they show how God is revealed in the world.
They are significant as these texts convey spiritual truth, establish a connection with the divine, foster communal identity, and provide the promotion of mystical experiences and spiritual practices
This helps adherents better understand the origins and core beliefs of their faith.
Example: bible, encyclicals, apostolic exhortations
What is the purpose of social structure?
The way the religion has organised itself; the way in which the social membership of the religion is organised. This includes principles, norms, standards and social hierarchy.
This adds to adherents’ search for meaning as it provides structure to the religion therefore clearly defining expectations and roles. This makes them feel as though they know their place in the community helps them understand their contribution to the religious tradition.
What is the purpose of spiritual experiences?
Spiritual experiences can shape an adherent’s perspective on life as well as their religious beliefs. They help contribute to their search for meaning as they have the ability to strengthen and solidify their beliefs in an ultimate reality which brings them closer to the divine.
An example of this would be the joy of birth or an experience of nature
Explain the relationship between God and humans
God made a covenant with humanity; a covenant is an oath which when taken invokes a higher authority
- in a covenant you exchange your very being
- God makes a covenant with humanity to transform them from creatures into divine brother hood and sisterhood
“a spirit of adoption, through which we can cry, Abba, Father!” - Romans 8:15
Explain the relationship between humans in terms of the dignity of the human person
Humans are made in the image of god and so have an essential dignity
Jesus broke social constraints of his day to minister to those many regarded as inferior
- every person is sacred from conception to death
- every human is equal in dignity and rights
