Creation

Question 1

What is the image of God?

Answer 1

Humans were uniquely made with qualities such as reason, personality, emotions, and free will allowing for a special relationship with God.

Question 2

What is sustainability?

Answer 2

The ability of the whole world to carry on working in the right balance. It is the acceptance that humans need a healthy environment for all life to prosper.

Question 3

What is the second Vatican council?

Answer 3

Pope and the bishops held a series of meetings to talk about important issues and update the Catholic Church’s teachings on a number of topics.

Question 4

What is natural law?

Answer 4

Natural law refers to the idea that humans are born with an understanding of what is right and wrong.

Question 5

What does it mean when God made humans stewards of the Earth?

Answer 5

The creation stories reveals the fact that God is the creator of all things. Because of this Catholics should do their best to make sure that no part of creation is undervalued or destroyed.

God made everything good - this means that all aspects of creation must be accepted as good. Humans have a duty to look after this world and support al that is contained within it

Question 6

What does Transcendent mean?

Answer 6

beyond human knowledge and understanding

Question 7

What is a Fundamentalist?

Answer 7

someone who take religious scriptures literally and strictly. They would take the creation story literally.

Question 8

What is free will?

Answer 8

the ability, given by God for humans to be responsible for the choices they make, guided by their own morale and conscience.

Question 9

What is omnipotent?

Answer 9

All-Powerful

Question 10

What is the sanctity of life?

Answer 10

Life is sacred, special, and a gift from God to be respected

Question 11

‘The best way to ‘love your neighbour’ is to care for the environment.’ (YES)

Answer 11

1. Caring for the environment is an important way of loving one’s neighbour because the environment is where one’s neighbour lives.
2. Jesus said that loving one’s neighbour was the greatest commandment besides loving God.
   Pope Francis taught that ‘creation is a gift from the Father of all that calls humanity into universal communion’ (Laudato Si 76), so taking care of that gift is showing love for the whole human community.

Question 12

‘The best way to ‘love your neighbour’ is to care for the environment. (Against)

Answer 12

1. While it is important to care for the environment, it is not the best way to ‘love one’s neighbour’ because there is a limit to what individuals can do to help. The environment is a long term project, and it should be dealt with by governments globally.
2. It is more important for a Christian to love the neighbour who is in need at a local level, eg the poor / homeless / refugees / asylum seekers in the UK.

Question 13

Catholic teachings from Genesis 1

Answer 13

God created the universe

Question 14

Catholic teachings from Genesis 2

Answer 14

1. all humans are granted free will —> all humans are responsible for their own choices with the influence of another being, given by God.
2. customs surrounding Catholic marriage —> a man and woman are meant to be companions.

Question 15

Catholic interpretation of the of the Genesis creation stories

Answer 15

Catholics take the stories of Genesis 1 and 2 as myths. This is because they are stories that try to convey a deep or comlex truth, but is not meant to be taken literally.

Was written long ago, and not everything written is applied (due to scientific advancements)

Question 16

Fundamentalist interpretation of the Genesis creation stories

Answer 16

Fundamentalists believe that every word in the Bible is accurate because the bible is dictated by God, and God would not lie.

Question 17

Stewardship (QUOTE)

Answer 17

“Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Question 18

The dignity of human beings (QUOTE)

Answer 18

“Be fruitful and increase in number”

Question 19

The dignity of human beings (God and Humans)

Answer 19

Genesis 1 states that God made humans in his image.
All humans are equal because they have all been created by God and share qualities of God
For Catholics this means all people have dignity and are worthy of honour and respect

Question 20

Michelangelo’s creation of Adam: appearance of God (FOR)

Answer 20

God is powerful yet ancient- the white hair and beard, reflects age yet the body is powerful and muscular.

-God looks older than Adam: this evokes the idea that he is wise and that humans are made in the image and likeliness of God.

Question 21

Michelangelo’s creation of Adam: appearance of God (AGAINST)

Answer 21

-God conveyed as a human: implied that God & humans are equal, which defeats the fact that God is omnipotent and transcendent.

-God being conveyed as an old man (old men are normally weak, defeats the fact that God is omnipotent).

Question 22

Michelangelo’s creation of Adam: Adam (FOR)

Answer 22

-Adam is shown as the perfect man: full of strength and potential. Reflects the idea that God made everything ‘good’.

-Adam’s hand reach out: reflects the fact he is longing for a relationship with God.

Question 23

Michelangelo’s creation of Adam: Adam (AGAINST)

Answer 23

-God made Adam out of dust and breathed life into him. This painting is not biblically accurate.

Question 24

Hildreth Miere- God’s creation (FOR)

Answer 24

-doesn’t depict God in any form: doesn’t put limitations on him.
-shows that God created everything (not just a specific thing), which is bibically accurate.
-God’s hand is large comapred to the cloud: symbolises his power and greatness.

Question 25

Hildreth Miere- God's creation (AGAINST)

Answer 25

-isn't religiously relatable: not much information, can be interpreted anything.

Question 26

What is the bible separated into and what do they talk about?

Answer 26

-Divided into 2: OT & NT The Old testament describes how God guided the Jews throughout their early history, before the arrival of Jesus The New Testament deals with the life and teachings of Jesus and his apostles who became Early leaders of the church

Question 27

What are the 4 types of writing in the Old testament?

Answer 27

The law The history books The wisdom books The prophets

Question 28

What is the law in the Old Testament?

Answer 28

The Torah shows how Jews became the people of God

Question 29

What are the history books in the Old Testament?

Answer 29

These show how God guided his people and how the people often refused to listen to Ruth

Question 30

What are the Wisdom book in the Old Testament?

Answer 30

Includes prayers, psalms, books of advice and poems which show people how to use God given talents

Question 31

What are the prophets in the Old Testament?

Answer 31

Contains the words inspired figures who were sent by God to teach people about how God is active in the world

Question 32

Old Testament (PROS)

Answer 32

-we still use the laws (Ten Commandments) in the OT: are the moral compass for the Christian faith and legal laws around the world. -OT contains prophecies of the coming messiah (Jesus), without the OT, Christians would be unable to identify the Messiah and his functions.

Question 33

Old Testament (CONS)

Answer 33

many Catholics don't consider the information given in the OT accurate- the ultimate truths (e.g. God created the universe, catholic idea of marriage, free will, etc.) are taken from the myths and applies in everyday life.

Question 34

Why does the New Testament have authority?

Answer 34

-mostly written on or before the first century -the Gospels: contain the life and teachings of Jesus. Gives the New Testament authority because for Catholics Jesus is God incarnate whose word is therefore infallible. -the New testament has authority because it contains revelations on the end of the world that influence all Christians. gives the New Testament authority because all 27 books of the New Testament have been agreed upon and followed by all Christians unlike the Old Testament.

Question 35

How is the Bible the Word of God?

Answer 35

God spoke through the Holy Spirit, the bible is an inspiration from the Holy Spirit.

Question 36

How does the prophecy books in the bible reveal the Word of God?

Answer 36

God reveals himself to the prophets to share His word.

Question 37

How are the Gospels the Word of God?

Answer 37

Gospels: Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. Through Jesus, God speaks directly to all people.

Question 38

How are the epistles the Word of God?

Answer 38

letters of spiritual guidance- Paul was inspired by God to write these letters. Written to help Christians apply the word of God to their everyday life.

Question 39

Why is Natural Law important for Catholics?

Answer 39

-it teaches them to do good not evil. For example in Genesis it says "God saw all he had made and it was good". This means natural law is important because it is the God given in built ability to understand right and wrong, good and bad in our actions.

Question 40

Explain two Catholic beliefs about natural law.

Answer 40

Natural law refers to the moral principles which Catholics believe are inherent in every human being ('to do good and avoid evil'). All people instinctively know what is right and wrong because they are all created in the image and likeness of God. God created everything 'good', so human fulfilment comes from following the natural law in order to live harmoniously with God and others.

Question 41

How does the bible inform the magisterium?

Answer 41

-The Holy Spirit guides the church and speaks through magisterium. -Makes the WOD relevant to the current world by applying the eternal truths from the bible.

Question 42

The Magisterium (PROS)

Answer 42

-It is inspired by the Holy Spirit, whom God speaks through.

Question 43

The Magisterium (CONS)

Answer 43

-the church can abuse their power by altering the Magisterium to fit in with their beliefs. -people might start to believe in the Magisterium rather than Bible.

Question 44

What does the Church say about Science and Scientific research?

Answer 44

-Catholic scientists have discovered new things about the world. For example during the Second Vatican Council in Gaudium et. Spes it says Science "Never truly conflicts with faith" which means that for Catholics Scientists such as Friar Gregor Mendel helps us learn more about God and his Creation so should be listened to. -that Science and religion should work together. scientific research should take into account the Catholic perspectives to be truly accurate.

Question 45

What did Jesus teach about loving God and your neighbour?

Answer 45

- Jesus' greatest commandment. ("You shall love God with all your heart, and with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength" ). Teaches Catholics that to show their love for God by loving all of God's creation and doing everything possible to protect it. -Jesus' teachings on our treatment of others. For example Jesus teaches ("Love thy Neighbour"). Teaches Catholics that to follow Jesus' teachings they must show respect and care for all their neighbours including people, animals and living plants by being good stewards.

Question 46

What are the characteristics of God?

Answer 46

Omnipotent, Transcendent and Creator(Creatio ex Nihilo)

Question 47

Quote for omnipotent

Answer 47

Genesis 1:31 says everything God made is very good'; God is so powerful he can make everything exactly the way he wants it.

Question 48

Quote for transcendent

Answer 48

God only needs his own word in order to create; when he says 'Let there be..., that thing immediately comes into being

Question 49

Quote for Creator or Creatio ex Nihilo

Answer 49

Genesis 1:27 shows that God created humans in his own image - imago dei .

Question 50

Characteristics of humans

Answer 50

Imago dei, dignity, sanctity of life,free will, stewardship

Question 51

Quote for dignity

Answer 51

Genesis 1 states that God made humans in his image.

Question 52

Quote for Sanctity of Life

Answer 52

Genesis 1 God blesses humans after he creates them

Question 53

Why is it important to help the environment?

Answer 53

-because it will protect it for future generations. this means helping the environment is important because it was God's gift to all of humanity not just us so we must ensure it can be passed onto our children as God intended. -it upholds the sanctity of life. helping the environment is important because helping reduce pollution will reduce illness and disease and death of people who are of value and cannot be replaced.

Question 54

How can you be a steward on a local level?

Answer 54

-by recycling their plastic bottles. Catholics can reuse plastic bottles, get a bag for life instead of using plastic bags and can stop using drinking straws. -cycling or walking. Catholics can prevent their neighbours from getting ill from the pollution by reducing the amount of C02 in the atmosphere through walking or cycling instead of using a car.

Question 55

How can you be a steward on a National level?

Answer 55

-by voting green. Catholics can show respect to God by voting for a political party committed to environmental changes and who want to protect the earth. -by supporting eco friendly businesses. Catholics can buy products that have been made with wind or solar energy rather than coal or oil that cause damage through pollution, or they can buy from companies that use recycled cups.

Question 56

How can you be a steward on a Global level?

Answer 56

-supporting Rio +20. Catholics can support Rio +20 with a global campaign to help the environment from the United nations. -boycotting multinational companies. catholics can not buy from companies that pollute the environment or dump chemicals, have child labour, use non renewable fuel to save money and boost profits and choose to use environmentally friendly ones instead.

Question 57

Why is sustainability important to many people?

Answer 57

Firstly sustainability is important to people because it reduces tension over resources. This means sustainability reduces tension over resources because by setting up sustainable projects resources that are taken are put back such as trees that are replanted after being cut down. Secondly sustainability is important to people because it reduces poverty. This means sustainability reduces poverty because by setting up sustainable companies so that people can stop just taking handouts and instead can create a business that can make money that is reinvested so people can support themselves.

Question 58

How/why is CAFOD supporting sustainability projects?

Answer 58

-by setting up Beyond 2015. This means CAFOD help set up sustainable businesses across the world so that people can support themselves and give themselves a better quality of life instead of relying on handouts. -working with MONLER in Sri Lanka. This means CAFOD help set up sustainable farms in Sri Lanka using natural fertilisers that grow crops without damaging the fields so that crops can be grown for longer, and will continue to support families and farmers for years to come.

Question 59

Explain two ways in which Genesis 1 shows God is omnipotent.

Answer 59

1. God creates the one through his transcendent ways. This is beyond human nature, which reveals his omnipotence as He is the only one in his power and ability to perform this. 2. God creates the universe out of nothing (ex hilo). There was nothing before God created everything, this shows God's omnipotence, only God could create the universe out of nothing.

Question 60

Explain two reasons why Catholics care for the environment

Answer 60

As stewards of God's creation, Catholics believe that humans have a responsibility towards the environment. Catholics have a duty to do what they can to ensure they are environmentally responsible. Each individual is responsible for their contribution to the environment and therefore must ensure they act to protect it.

Question 61

Explain two ways in which Michelangelo shows that humanity is made in the image of God (5)

Answer 61

Adam is touching God, showing that humanity was made in God's image and likeness, and that God created Adam and Adam was perfect. Adam looks like God in this picture, further showing that humanity was made in the image of God. 'Made in the image and likeness of God'

Question 62

Explain two ways in which the Catholic belief in Imago Dei influences views about the sanctity of life (5)

Answer 62

We are made in the image of God, therefore humans are made perfect and we have a duty to preserve life because human life is perfect. Because we are made in the image of God, only God has the ability to give and take and take away life. This means that euthanasia, murder and abortion are immoral and wrong in the eyes of God.

Question 63

Explain two ways in which the belief in Natural Law influences Catholic views about the sanctity of life (5)

Answer 63

Belief in natural law influences Catholic views about the sanctity of life - all life is sacred because created by God so must be respected / preservation of life, reproduction and the nurturing of offspring appear common to all creatures. God created everything 'good'- wanting to live in an orderly way in society is part of human nature.

Question 64

Explain two beliefs about the Natural Law (4)

Answer 64

Natural law refers to the moral principles which Catholics believe are inherent in every human being - all people instinctively know what is right and wrong because they are all created in the image and likeness of God. God created everything 'good' - human fulfilment comes from following the natural law in order to live harmoniously with God and others.

Question 65

Explain two contrasting views about science and religion (4)

Answer 65

For many Christians there isn't a conflict between the religious ideas about creation expressed in Genesis and the findings of science. They see the cosmologists helping them to understand how God brought the world into being. Some believe that science doesn't align with religion. For instance, the big bang theory doesn't align with religious (catholic) belief that God created the universe in 7 days.

Question 66

The creation accounts in Genesis contradict scientific views of how the world began.' (For)

Answer 66

1. Fundamentalists such as creationists accept literally the creation stories in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 - literalist interpretations of Genesis may contradict scientific explanations for creation. 2. Genesis states that 'in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.' This verse contradicts the scientific theory of the Big Bang Theory, which alludes with the expansion of the earth from a small, dense rock. Essentially, Genesis solely gives credit to God, who is named the creator of the earth and is taught within the Christian faith.

Question 67

'The creation accounts in Genesis contradict scientific views of how the world began.' (Against)

Answer 67

1. More liberal Christians see the creation accounts in Genesis as a type of parable or symbolic explanation - it is Roman Catholic teaching that Genesis creation stories should not be taken literally, and should be seen in context of when they were written. 2. Pope Francis taught that the Big Bang does not contradict the divine act of creating but rather requires it (27-10-14). For instance God could have started the Big Bang, or God could have intended evolution to be the means of developing human life as the order of creation in Genesis 1 largely follows evolution.

Question 68

Give two Catholic beliefs about the creation of humanity shown in Michelangelo's Creation of Adam.

Answer 68

-Humanity was created by God -Adam shown as physically 'perfect', showing God made everything 'good', including humans.

Question 69

Explain two ways in which the belief in God as creator influences the way Christians treat other people.

Answer 69

-Belief in God as creator is the belief that God made all humans in his image and likeness, therefore, christians should respect the dignity of every human being. -Belief in God as creator involves the belief that God made everything 'good' . Life is therefore sacred and should be respected from conception to death.