RE: LOOKING FOR MEANING

Nature of God:  architect? omniscient?  judge? father? she, not he? omnipotent?

Christian= all powerfull all knowing  creator of the world part of trinity will judge the world.

Jews= the oneness of god creator of the world eternal all powerful law giver will resurrect the dead.

THESE VIEWS ARE DEPENDENT ON THE:Family background

Symbolism: Christians wear a cross to express their belief in god and their religion.   Trinity= idea god is three separate persons and yet they are one.

Jews believe in ONE god. When we talk about Jesus Christ  they don't believe he is the son of God.

MIRACLES:These may show the intervention of God. Lourdes has become a place of pilgrimage as this is where Bernadette first saw Virgin Mary. They feel they can be blessed or cured here.

Act of benevolence= Act of kindness by individuals or God

Prayers- active way of responding to god

Worship- They feel close to God as it is a direct way of communication

Inner Feeling- God is guiding and helping them when they are in need.

Reading sacred texts- makes the believer feel inspired and a sense of belonging and involvement 

Natural beauty and wonder- sense of awareness of Gods involvement.

How do people respond to God? Prayer preaching/ teaching their beliefs- help others grow in their faith. worship- going to church every sunday vocation- responding to god in their job pilgrimage- special significance. jews= Jerusalem Christians= lourdes Changing lifestyle- rules and expectations on to live your life. i.e jews= no pork. Christians= fast for lent.  Service and commitment- working for an organisation i.e Christian aid. retreat and study- oppertunity to get away from life and focus on their faith. Act of kindness- some religions expect people to give 10% of their wages to a charity

All religions believe God gave life- believe in the sanctity of life.They also believe in free will, so we have important decisions to make which could be life or death.

Euthansia  Voluntary- asked to die, so you help them die. It is illegal in the UK, but legal in the Netherlands or Sweden where a company called Dignitas assists your suicide. passive- treatment of keeping someone alive is withithdrawn i.e turning off life support. compulsary- ending the life when someone hasnt asked for it. i.e the nazis. Sometimes known as ethnic cleansing.

Christian Views on euthanasia and suicide: Playing Gods role, only he can take away life. To be involved in someones death is known as murder. Whatever circumstances they may have, God is there to offer guidance and support.

Jewish views on euthanasia and suicide: Killing in self defense is allowable but euthanasia is rare. suicide is acceptable if it is a sacrificial  or religious act. God is the creator of life but they do have a free will. The preservation of life is important. Known as PIKUACH NEFESH.

Looking For meaning part 1

How do people respond to God