Flashcards
Christianity
Cards in this deck (76)
- 1What was the Last Supper, Betrayal and Arrest?The Last Supper was Jesus’ final meal before his crucifixion, he shared bread and wine with his disciples and this forms the basis of the Eucharist. After the Last Supper, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas, a disciple, arrived, leading the chief priests and their guards to Jesus, betraying him as Jesus had predicted. Peter, Jesus’ closest disciple, cut off the ear of the High Priest’s servant but Jesus healed it and was led away to the High Priest.
- 2What was the Trial?Jesus was put on trial by the Sanhedrin, they considered Jesus’ claims to be the son of God blasphemy and found him guilty. Jesus was taken to the Roman Governor, but Pontius Pilate did not think that Jesus was guilty so he asked the crowd whether he should release Jesus or a Jewish freedom fighter, Barabbas, the crowd chose Barabbas. The soldiers mocked Jesus placing a crown of thorns on his head, representing Jesus’ suffering.
- 3What was the Crucifixition?Jesus was crucified on a Friday alongside two robbers, one of whom confessed to Jesus that he had sinned and deserved to die, but that Jesus was innocent, Jesus told him that they would meet again in Paradise. Christians believe that Jesus’ sacrifice brought humans salvation from sin, and meant that a new relationship would form between God and humanity.
- 4What was the Ressurection?Jesus’ body was buried in a guarded tomb, and on the Sunday morning, Jesus’ female followers went to anoint his body but the tomb was empty. Two men in white appeared and told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead. For most Christians, the resurrection is the ultimate miracle which proves the divinity of Jesus as well as indicating that death is not the end.
- 5What was the Ascension?The Gospel of Luke states that 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples that they must stay in Jerusalem and receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was taken up into a cloud, and two men in white appeared and told the disciples that Jesus had gone to Heaven. Jesus went to Heaven to prepare a place for Christians, so they do not need to fear death. Jesus didn't die again before ascending to heaven, so the Ascension shows Jesus’ divinity and Jesus is always with them.
- 6What is Salvation?Salvation is the idea that humans can be saved from sin through faith in Jesus. Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross to make salvation possible for humans. Before Jesus, salvation had come from following the laws given to Moses in the Torah. Christians believe that people who die with unforgiven sins may go to Hell or Purgatory. Salvation is a crucial part of having a relationship with God on Earth and in Heaven.
- 7What are the two types of Sin?A sin is an act that is against God's will and morally wrong. Original sin is inherited from Adam and Eve, the first humans created by God, they broke the perfect relationship between God and humans by disobeying God’s command. Personal sins are the consequences of a person’s actions that go against a direct commandment from God.
- 8What was the role of Jesus in Salvation?Jesus came to Earth so that humans could receive permanent salvation. When Jesus died on the cross, his death acted as a payment for the human sins that were a result of people disregarding God’s laws. By having faith in Jesus, Christians believe they receive God’s grace, and the strength to live a good Christian life. Christians must follow the teachings of Jesus to achieve salvation, such as Catholics receiving the sacraments or a Protestants personal acceptance of Jesus as the Lord and Saviour.
- 9What is Atonement?Atonement is the idea of the relationship between humans and God being healed, with God and humanity becoming united. Christians believe that Jesus’ death and therefore his salvation allowed humans to begin the process of atonement.
- 10What is Eschatology?Eschatology is used to describe religious ideas or beliefs about death, judgement and the afterlife. Corinthians teaches that each person is judged on their actions and this decide the nature of their afterlife so they must please God, and that heaven is a perfect place of eternal life, a non-physical home to be united with God. In the Gospel of John, Jesus comforts Lazarus' sisters by reassuring them that Lazarus will live again, so faith in Jesus means believing in the resurrection.
- 11What are Catholic beliefs about Life after Death?Catholics that have been perfectly purified will go to Heaven, but Catholics with unforgiven sins will go to Purgatory. Those whose sins remain unforgiven and who are not remorseful for their sinful acts will go to Hell, such as people who committed hideous crimes against humanity that had a wide-reaching impact. Most Catholics believe that all Christians will eventually go to Heaven and that the good followers of any religion are able to go to Heaven.
- 12What are Protestant beliefs about Life after Death?Article 22 of the 39 Articles of the Church of England states that purgatory does not exist because it is not mentioned in the Bible. Some Protestants also believe there is no such place as Hell, only levels of Heaven, and that everyone will reach Heaven. Some Evangelical Protestants believe in the resurrection of the body and the idea that everyone will be raised on the Last Day to be judged by God. Liberal Protestants believe that the soul lives on eternally after death in a spirit world.
- 13What are the two types of Evil and Suffering?Moral evil and suffering is caused by the actions of humans. Natural evil and suffering is caused by nature. The existence of evil and suffering can cause problems for Christians’ belief in God because it suggests that God does not exist or he cannot be omnibenevolent, omnipotent and omniscient, and so they may reject religion.
- 14How does Evil and Suffering cause problems for Religious Belief?Some Christians cannot believe God would design a world full of natural evils, that he would allow humans to cause so much evil and suffering if he had the power to stop them from doing so, and why did he create the universe the way he did when he would have known how much evil and suffering would come from it.
- 15What is the Biblical response to Evil and Suffering?Gods will is beyond human understanding. Suffering is a part of human existence and enables Christians to demonstrate their commitment to God. The Psalms show that suffering is intended to be a part of life and that joy and suffering cannot exist without each other, and suffering can bring Christians closer to God.
- 16What is the story of Job used in the Biblical resoponse?In the Old Testament, Job was a devout and sinless man who led a good life, but Satan convinced God that it was easy for Job to be faithful to God because he had a pleasant life. As a result, Satan tested Job by killing Job’s sons and daughters, and making Job sick. Although Job began to question God’s goodness, he defended God, and so God blessed Job.
- 17What is the Theoretical response to Evil and Suffering?Evil and suffering are not God’s fault but are caused by humans’ misuse of the free will that God gave to them. Evil and suffering in this life are part of God’s long-term plan, and people who suffer will be rewarded with eternal paradise. This is known as the vale of soul-making response because the world exists as a place for humans to develop their soul by being tested.
- 18What is the Practical response to Evil and Suffering?To show compassion and offer help to people who are suffering that God will deliver an answer to the problem. An example is intercessionary prayers, which ask for God’s help for people in need. Jesus taught that evil is something that can be fought by feeding the hungry and healing the sick. Christians can tackle evil and suffering by setting up food banks, donating money to charity and becoming doctors and nurses.
- 19What is the Bible?A central source of authority for all Christians to seek guidance and understand the history of their faith. The Bible records the teachings of Jesus during his life to give Christians guidance and instructions, the Sermon on the Mount is an example.
- 20What is the Old Testament?Compiled of 37 books and written before Jesus, begins with God’s Creation of the universe and humanity, and describes the history/culture/beliefs of Jews. It begins with the five Books of God’s Law, that form the Torah for Jews, they are the rules on how to live a good religious life that God sent to the Jewish people via Moses. It contains the Ten Commandments, which are believed to be instructions sent directly from God.
- 21What is the New Testament?Compiled of 27 books, opens with the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) which describe the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Following on from the gospels is the book called the Acts of the Apostles, it also contains the letters of the early Church leaders, such as St Paul’s letters. It ends with the Book of Revelation, which tells Christians about the end of the world.
- 22What is the significance of the Bible?The Bible shows Christians what God is like, so Christians can build a relationship with God. In private worship, people can use the Bible to seek guidance on how to manage personal problems, and in public worship, the Bible brings people together and creates a sense of community and shared practice.
- 23What is the nature of the Trinity?Most Christians believe there is only one God, who is experienced as three persons, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, also known as the Trinity. A key source of authority for affirming this belief is the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian belief.
- 24What is Gods Oneness and how is the Trinity reflected in worship?Christianity is a monotheistic religion, the oneness of God is a central Christian belief as it reflects the oneness of the universe God created, and Christians believe the universe follows one set of laws. In worship, the Nicene Creed is recited during every service of Holy Communion, significant events such as baptisms and marriages are performed in the name of the Trinity, Catholics make the sign of the cross and speak the name of the Trinity when they enter a church.
- 25What is God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?God the Father shows Christians that God is the Creator of all life, God cares about his Creation and wants to protect it. God the Son (Jesus) helps Christians to understand how God makes his love known in the world, Jesus spread teachings of compassion and the Gospels demonstrate that sacrifice and suffering are important parts of the human experience. The ascension and resurrection of Jesus prove he is the Son of God. God the Holy Spirit (dove) helps Christians to understand the idea that God is always present in the world as a source of strength, courage, and wisdom.
- 26What is Genesis 1?The very first chapter of the Old Testament, it shows how God created everything in Heaven and on Earth in six different days, starting with light/sky, land/plants, sun/moon/stars, birds/fish, animals/humans, then he rested. God is the only creator, he existed before he created the world, the world was well planned and is sustained by God, God blessed creation; all creation is holy. Creation highlights God’s transcendence, he is beyond human understanding.
- 27What do Genesis 2 and 3 describe?God forms man (Adam) out of the dust of the Earth and breathes life into him, God then creates the Garden of Eden and places Adam there, God creates birds and animals for Adam, God creates another human, a woman (Eve), out of Adam’s rib while Adam is asleep. God created humans in his image, they have certain characteristics that they share with God. All humans are important to God and have a special relationship with him. Humans should try to behave like God, showing love and being forgiving.
- 28What happened to Adam and Eve?Adam and Eve live an innocent and sinless life in the Garden of Eden until the serpent, which some Christians believe represents Satan, tempts them to eat the fruit God has forbidden them from eating. Eve eats the fruit first and then gives some to Adam, meaning they are both banished from the Garden of Eden. Eve is punished with the pain of childbirth and Adam is condemned to work hard for his living.
- 29Why are Genesis 2 and 3 significant?It shows that God has given humans self-knowledge and free will, which means they are capable of choosing between good and evil. The world is a gift from God and that he placed humans in a position of stewardship and dominion over his creation, so humans have been given the power to rule over all other creatures but they should look after the world.
- 30What are the different interpretations of the Creation story?Literalists believe the Bible is the actual word of God, Genesis 1 and 2 are accurate and should be taken literally, and they reject scientific theories such as the Big Bang and evolution. Conservatives believe that the writers of the Bible were inspired by God’s actions, and they interpret Genesis 1 as fact but believe each day was an era that lasted millions or billions of years. Liberals interpret the Bible metaphorically and acknowledge it’s contradictions because it was written by humans, they accept scientific theories but God created the world, and gave humans a special role, status and purpose in it.
- 31What is the role of the Word and Spirit?Genesis 1 states that the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters, the Spirit of God created the universe out of nothing, showing that God is omnipotent and the source of all life, and the Holy Spirit has been part of the universe since the beginning of time.
- 32What was the Birth of Jesus?The birth of Jesus is a special because it was the moment when God was incarnated in human form, and reminds Christians of the miraculous power of God, as Mary was able to conceive and give birth even though she was a virgin (immaculate conception).
- 33What was the Incarnation of Jesus?The Christian belief that God took human form by becoming Jesus, it shows that Jesus was fully God and fully human, an essential part of belief in the Trinity. Through Jesus’ incarnation, God began the process of salvation from sin, making it possible for humans to repair their damaged relationship with him and go to Heaven. God sent his only son Jesus to Earth as a sacrifice, Jesus' death made up for the sins of humans, and gave humans the chance for salvation and eternal life in Heaven.
- 34What are Biblical accounts of the Incarnation?The Gospel of Matthew tells Christians about the miraculous conception of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke tells Christians of the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, and describes the journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem. After identifying the Word as the second person of the Trinity, John highlights that Jesus was God in human form. By becoming incarnate, God came closer to human understanding, Jesus acted as a messenger who was able to reconnect humanity to God’s teachings.
- 35What are branches of Christianity?Christianity is the largest of the world religions, with approximately 2.4 billion followers (one third of the world’s population) across the globe. Christianity began as a branch of Judaism, and Jesus himself was a Jew. The various groups or branches within Christianity are referred to as denominations. Historically, there have been several key events when divisions were created within Christianity, such as the Great Schism of AD 1054 and the Reformation in the 16th century.
- 36What is the Roman Catholic Denomination of Christianity?Roman Catholicism is the largest group with 1.2 billion members. Catholics accept the authority of the pope, who rules and guides the Church, he is seen as the successor of Saint Peter. Catholics believe that there are seven sacraments, which aid humans in achieving salvation.
- 37What is the Protestant Denomination of Christianity?Protestants do not accept the authority of the pope, they believe the Bible is the only source of authority, and the sacraments do not hold the same significance because salvation is achieved through faith instead. Subgroups include Baptists and Methodists, and fringe groups include Unitarians and Jehovah’s Witnesses.
- 38What is the Orthodox Denomination of Christianity?Orthodox Christians reject the authority of the pope, but believe that the sacraments are essential for salvation. The Orthodox Church can trace its origins back to the first Church started by Jesus’ disciples in Jerusalem, and they believe that this gives them greater authority. Many Orthodox churches are organised on a national level, such as the Greek Orthodox Church.
- 39What is Liturgical Worship?Worshipping in a public setting, like a church service, using a service book and set prayers, so everyone worships together. Bible readings are often used, sometimes they are scheduled a year in advance, in a list format known as a lectionary, they follow the liturgical year and are completed in a three-year cycle.
- 40What is Non-liturgical Worship?It's performed publicly, the leader of the worship is often a priest and they choose the prayers and readings. The sermon focuses on a theme chosen by the leader often reflecting important issues in the community, and hymns or Gospel songs are performed.
- 41What is Informal Worship?It can be performed at home as families may say grace together before eating. Informal worship may also take place at church, a ‘messy church’ allows young children to play alongside prayer. Individual worship is worship done in private, such as praying to God.
- 42What is the Book of Common Prayer?It was introduced by the Anglican Church in 1549 and is widely used in Protestant church services. It helps the leaders to use prayers that are appropriate to each service. It is written in a distinctive and poetic style that draws on the language of Shakespeare.
- 43What are the different attitudes towards worship?Catholic and Anglican churches prefer liturgical worship because following a set format helps worship to become a repeated ritual with a clear place in people’s lives, and it creates a sense of belonging. The Eucharist serves as a re-enactment of the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples. Pentecostal churches prefer non-liturgical worship because it is more flexible and informal, the Holy Spirit is present so worship is spontaneous. Evangelical may clap or shout as they worship God with their whole body.
- 44What are Sacraments?Outward signs of inward blessings, or as blessings that are received during an important ceremony, and they are sometimes referred to as ‘rites of passage’. Catholic Christians acknowledge seven sacraments: baptism, reconciliation, the Eucharist, confirmation, the anointing of the sick, holy orders and marriage.
- 45What are the different views on the role of sacraments?To Catholics and Orthodox Christians, all seven sacraments are vital, and each sacrament is seen as contributing to their life journey, and creates several opportunities to receive blessings from God. Most Protestant Christians have two sacraments; baptism and the Eucharist (the Holy Communion) because the 39 Articles state that these are the only two authorised by God.
- 46What is Baptism?The process of leaving behind sin and entering a new life. Many Christians perform baptism on babies to welcome them into the faith and to ensure they are beginning their life journey without sin. It is also a public sign that the child is a member of the Christian faith.
- 47What do Baptists believe?People should be old enough to choose to be baptised and should be able to make the baptismal vows themselves. This sacrament involves standing in a pool half filled with water, it indicates they are about to start their new life as a member of the Church.
- 48Why is the Eucharist important for Catholics?The first Eucharist was performed when Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples at the Last Supper. It is part of the Mass service, in which Catholics confess their sins, listen to Bible readings and sermons, and re-enact the Last Supper. They believe that the bread and wine change into the body and blood of Christ, known as transubstantiation.
- 49Why is the Eucharist important for Protestants?It is a commemoration of the Last Supper. Methodists, refer to the Eucharist as Holy Communion and believe it is a time of spiritual reflection and development. They see the bread and wine as symbols of Christ’s body and blood but do not believe the bread and wine change.
- 50What is the Lord's Prayer?It is the prayer that Jesus told his followers to use to feel connected to God, as described in the Gospel of Matthew. It expresses adoration (praising and adoring God), confession (a time to confess sins and ask forgiveness) and supplication (asking for God’s assistance).
- 51What is the difference between Set Prayer and Informal Prayer?Set prayers are prayers that follow a certain format and are repeated, so they are often learnt by heart. Catholics and some Orthodox Christians use the General Confession as part of set prayer to confess their sins. Informal prayers do not follow a set script and are expressed in a way that feels personal to the individual, using their own words.
- 52Why do Christians prayer?Prayer can create a sense of inner peace and help a person feel spiritually refreshed, and it can be a way of someone processing their actions and learning from their mistakes as they speak aloud the sins they have committed.
- 53What is a Pilgramige?A journey religious people take to a holy place or a place of religious significance, it can be a physical journey or represent an individual’s journey of faith. Christian pilgrimage locations include; Iona, Scotland, a place of spiritual learning, and Taizé, a monastic community in France that promotes Christian unity.
- 54Why is Jerusalem an important pilgrimage location?It is where the events of Jesus’ last days occurred. The Cenacle is the room where the Last Supper took place. The Via Dolorosa, also known as the ‘way of suffering’, is the route Jesus took as he carried his cross to the place where he was crucified.
- 55Why have Protestants been traditionally hostile to pilgrimage?Calvin criticised the practices of celebrating relics and creating shrines as not being true forms of worship. The worship of figures is a form of idolatry and goes against the commandment that only God can be worshipped.
- 56How do Christians view pilgrimage today?Protestants visit sites such as Jerusalem in order to feel connected to Jesus and reflect on their faith, but they would not worship saints. Catholics make pilgrimages to sites that connect them to saints or sites in which the Virgin Mary has been sighted, such as Lourdes in France.
- 57Why do Christians go on pilgrimages?To meet other Christians, often from around the world, with whom they can discuss their faith and deepen their understanding of God, and it gives them time away from their normal routine to connect with their religion.
- 58What is Christmas?Advent is the period leading up to Christmas, beginning four Sundays before Christmas. In church Christians are reminded of Old Testament prophecies about the coming of Jesus. The 12 days of Christmas involve special church services, such as Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day morning service. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January.
- 59Why do Christians celebrate Christmas?It is a time to remember when God became human and saved humanity from sin, otherwise Christianity could not exist. It is a time to remember that they are part of a global community. It is a time when families can bond and show love to one another like Jesus was shown.
- 60What happens during the Holy Week of Easter?Palm Sunday commemorates the welcome Jesus received when he entered Jerusalem, although this crowd later condemned him to death. Maundy Thursday remembers the Last Supper, Good Friday remembers the crucifixion of Jesus, some Christians walk with a cross. Holy Saturday is a time for private prayer, Easter Sunday celebrates Jesus's resurrection.
- 61Why do Christians celebrate Holy Week?It shows Christians that Jesus was admired, persecuted, mocked and crucified all in one week. Christians are reminded of the suffering and sacrifice Jesus made for them. To show Christians that if they follow Jesus' teachings, after death they will be united with God in Heaven. Corinthians emphasises that having faith in Jesus' resurrection is a central belief.
- 62What is the history of Christianity's evangelical and missionary work?It involves promoting Christianity or providing education and resources locally and globally. It began with Jesus’ disciples, and Saint Peter followed Jesus' instruction (The Great Commission) and spread Jesus' teachings to Palestine. Saint Paul spread Christianity around the Mediterranean. European colonisers took missionaries with them, to convert many people to Christianity.
- 63How do conservative and evangelical Christians view missionary work?Christians have a duty to follow the instructions given by Jesus and convert as many people as possible to Christianity so they can experience God’s grace.
- 64How do Liberal Christians view missionary work?It is no longer as relevant as it was in the past. It can have a negative impact because in a multicultural society, trying to convert others might be seen as a form of discrimination and intolerance. It is better to demonstrate love by accepting people’s religious choices and respecting that people have different beliefs.
- 65What are local churches and parishes?Local churches are the centre of worship, a place to meet people of the same religion, and provide support in times of need. A parish is an area that has its own church and clergy. Parish churches support the local community by offering space and facilities for activities, supporting local Christian schools, and creating a space for Bible discussion..
- 66What kinds of outreach work do parishes provide?Advice for families that are struggling, temporary financial support, running food banks and homeless shelters, and giving relationship advice to couples.
- 67What is the Ecumenism?A movement towards unity between churches. Local churches often try to connect with other churches in the area or further afield. This creates opportunities for churches to work together to tackle social issues on a local or national level.
- 68How is Christianity a worldwide church?There are approximately 2.4 billion Christians living around the world, and this is increasing in countries like China. The Catholic Church is a member of the UN as it is based in Vatican City, an independent state. The World Council of Churches is a worldwide inter-Church organisation founded in 1948. They enable Christianity to be represented on an internationally and bring people together.
- 69What is Reconcilliation?The process of bringing together people who are opposed to one another, such as Jesus reconciling humanity with God through his death. God shows forgiveness to those who have sinned, if they are willing to demonstrate forgiveness to others to resolve a disagreement. Church leaders help countries sort out their difficulties and live together peacefully.
- 70Why is charity important in Christianity?God gave humans stewardship so we are responsible for looking after and protecting those in need. As all humans are equal in the eyes of God, anyone in need is deserving of help. Saint Paul taught that love is the greatest spiritual gift of all, so Christians should strive to show love towards others.
- 71What is the parable of the sheep and the goats sermon in the Gospel of Matthew?Jesus uses the idea of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats to represent God separating people on the Day of Judgement. The sheep are the people who have shown love to others and faith in God without expecting a reward. The goats are the people who have not shown love, acted selfishly and fulfilled religious obligations to appear good.
- 72What is a Christian charity and how are Christians persecuted?Christian Aid is a global charity that helps people in need across the world as a result of wars or natural disasters. In some parts of the world, Christians are not able to practice their religion freely and safely. The World Council of Churches try to work towards peace and support people who are being persecuted.
- 73What is the development of the trinity doctrine?The term ‘Trinity’ was first used in the 2nd century by Theophilus of Antioch, a convert to Christianity. The First Council of Nicaea, formed in AD 325, was a group of bishops who were based in Turkey. They confirmed the use of the term ‘Trinity’, particularly regarding the ideas of God as Father and Son. The First Council of Constantinople confirmed the nature and role of the Holy Spirit in AD 381.
- 74Why is the creation story significant for understanding God's nature?Omnipotent, God is all powerful and is responsible for creating the entire universe and everything in it. Omnibenevolent, creating an entire universe demonstrates God’s loving nature, humans are seen as the most important part of this creation. Eternal, God has always existed as the Trinity and has no end.
- 75How was Jesus the incarnate son?Jesus was human and was born to a human mother Mary. Jesus prayed to God, as humans would pray to God, so Jesus sought guidance. Jesus was crucified and died on the cross so he was mortal.
- 76How was Jesus the divine word?Jesus was omnipotent and instructed his disciples to spread his teachings. Jesus was omniscient, he knew that Judas would betray him and Peter would deny him. Jesus performed miracles by healing sick people and resurrecting the dead. Jesus exists outside human ideas of time. At the start of Gospel of John, Jesus is identified as the Word of God, showing that Jesus is eternal and always existed.
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- Religious Studies Flashcards on Christianity, created by Miss Rogers on 18/05/2020.
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