1
Q
What does the word ‘Incarnate’ mean?
A
Being made flesh.
2
Q
What is the christian belief of Incarnation?
A
The christian belief that God came to earth in the flesh, as Jesus.
3
Q
Why is Incarnation important to christians? - give 3
A
1) God loves humans so much he was willing to fully share in humanity - start of redemption.
2) Jesus experienced human physical and mental stresses, so christians feel closer to God.
3) Shows Jesus is both fully human and fully God.
4
Q
What is The Annunciation?
A
The announcement to Mary that she will be the mother of the Son of God.
5
Q
What happens when the Angel comes to Mary in Luke’s Gospel?
A
Luke’s Gospel focuses on Mary:
- The Angel Gabriel was sent to a town called Nazareth with a message for a young woman named Mary.
- The angel said “don’t worry Mary, for God has blessed you”. He explains that she will have the Son of God and shall call him Jesus.
- Mary was at first “troubled” as she was a virgin.
- Angel Gabriel explained that “the holy spirit would come down upon her”.
- Angel reminds Mary of her elderly cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant.
- Mary accepts what the angel has told her and says: “I am the Lord’s servant”. The angel left.
6
Q
What are the key aspects of Luke’s Gospel on the Annunciation?
A
- The Annunciation is the beginning of God’s promise to the Israelites of sending a Messiah coming true.
- Jesus is hebrew for ‘saviour’.
- Jesus would be concieved by “the power of God”.
- Mary was a virgin. She had to be the most pure human.
- God’s gift had to be freely accepted by Mary. She had the choice to accept or reject God’s gift. Shows that God’s wishes require human involvement.
7
Q
What happens in Joseph’s dream in Matthew’s Gospel?
A
Matthew’s Gospel focuses more on Joseph.
- Joseph, described as ‘the husband of Mary’, has a dream where he is told that Mary will have a baby, the Son of God, who shall be named Emmanuel.
- Joseph did not want to expose Mary publicly.
8
Q
What are the key aspects of the Annuciation according to Matthew’s Gospel?
A
- Emmanuel means ‘God with us’ - shows that God was supporting both Mary and Joseph.
- This gospel stresses that Jesus was born of a virgin. Joseph is ‘the husband of mary’ - not the father of Jesus.
- Jesus was conceived of the Power of God.
- Joseph is willing to obey God’s plan.
- The virgin birth stresses that while Jesus was fully human, he was also fully God.
9
Q
What are the similarities and differences between Luke and Matthew’s Gospel’s? Why is this?
A
Luke: Focuses on Mary. Angel appeared. Told to name child Jesus.
Matthew: Focuses on Joseph. Angel appeared in Joseph’s dream. Told to name child Emmanuel. Women had limited roles in Judaism - doesn’t mention Mary.
Similarities:
- Mary was a virgin.
- Both willingly obey God.
- Jesus conceived by the power of God.
10
Q
What are the Three Titles of Jesus?
A
1) The Word of God
2) *The Son of Man
3) The Son of God
*Jesus referred to himself as the the Son of Man - until his trial.
11
Q
Where does belief in Jesus as the Word of God come from?
A
John’s Gospel.
12
Q
What are the 5 main teachings from the Gospel of John about Jesus as the Word of God? Give a quote that supports each one:
A
1) The word (Jesus) has always existed (eternal) - “In the beginning was the word” - mirrors Genesis (In the beginning…) ✅
2) The word is God - “The word was God”
3) The word and God are united and live in harmony. - “The word was with God”
4) Everything in existence depends on the word. - “What has come into being in him was life”
5) Jesus is the word of God - “The word became flesh and lived among us” ✅
13
Q
What is the main thing to remember about Jesus as ‘The Word of God’?
A
God expresses himself through Jesus:
“The word became flesh and lived among us”.
14
Q
What does Jesus as ‘The Son of Man’ mean?
A
Jesus was fully human - emphasises his humanity.
- He experienced the joys and dispairs of what it means to be humans.
- He was tempted, he wept when his friend died, and he suffered and died in agony.
15
Q
What quote from Mark’s Gospel summarises Jesus as ‘The Son of Man’?
A
“the Son of Man must undergo great suffering”
16
Q
What does Jesus as ‘The Son of God’ mean?
A
Jesus was fully God, as well as fully human - emphasises his divinity.
17
Q
What story in Mark’s Gospel tells us that Jesus was ‘The Son of God’?
A
The trial of Jesus (Pontius Pilate) - Jesus was asked if he was the Son of God.
He said - “I am…you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Father…”
- Here, Jesus also acknowledges his human side, as well as the fact that he is fully God.
- Yet, Jesus’ resurrection proves that he was truly God.
18
Q
What does Jesus being fully human and fully God NOT mean?
A
It doen’t mean Jesus was a hybrid or a mixture of both. He was FULLY human and FULLY God.
19
Q
What are three of the most common christian symbols?
A
1) Ichtus
2) Alpha and Omega
3) Chi-Rho
20
Q
What does the Ichthus look like?
A
The Ichthus symbol looks like a simple drawing of a fish.
21
Q
What is the Ichthus symbol’s meaning and origin?
A
- Ichthus means fish in Greek.
- The symbol was often used in the early days of christianity where christians were persecuted for their faith. The symbol would be drawn on a dusty road to symbolise to a person that you were christian.
-It also is used as an acronym by christians:
I - Iseous - Jesus Ch - Christos - Christ Th - Theou - God U - Uious - Son S - Soter - Saviour
Acronym meaning: Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.
22
Q
What does Alpha and Omega look like?
A
It shows the first greek letter Alpha (A), on top of the last greek letter Omega (Ω)
23
Q
What is the meaning of Alpha and Omega?
A
- Alpha (A) is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Omega (Ω) is the last letter of the Greek alphabet.
- God is eternal - he is involved in everything from beginning to end.
24
Q
What does the Chi-Rho look like?
A
The Chi-Rho is formed by the first 2 letters (when written in capitals) of the Greek word for Christ.
Chi = X Rho = P
25
What is the Chi-Rho symbol's meaning?
Represents the belief that Jesus Christ saved all humans through his death on the cross.
26
Where in the world are christians persecuted for their faith?
North Korea - you must worship the country's leader. If you belong to another religion, you are an 'enemy of the state' and can be imprisoned, tortured and executed.
Other examples:
- Somalia
- Iraq
- Syria
- Afghanistan
27
What 3 statues help christians understand Jesus' qualities?
1) Christ the Redeemer
2) The Sacred Heart
3) The Crucifix
28
Where is the 'Christ the Redeemer' statue located?
On top of a mountain overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
29
What does the 'Christ the Redeemer' statue symbolise?
- Symbolises God's continual love.
- Outstretched arms remind people of the cross on which Jesus died.
- Symbolises Jesus' love and obedience to God the father.
- Jesus' love extends to all people.
30
What are the features of a typical Sacred Heart statue?
It's a statue of Jesus with:
- Holes in his hands.
- One hand pointing to his heart.
- An expression of peace and love.
- A crown of thorns.
- A piercing through the heart.
- Flames coming from the heart.
31
What does a Sacred Heart statue symbolise?
Symbolises the total, self-giving human love of Jesus.
- Flames from the heart symbolise the 'burning love' that Jesus has for us.
- Crown of thorns reminds us how the soldiers mocked Jesus.
32
What does a crucifix show?
A crucifix is a cross with Jesus in it.
Jesus is usually depicted as in agony, in kingly robes, wearing a crown or in priest's vestements.
33
What does a crucifix symbolise?
A crucifix serves as a reminder of the pain and suffering Jesus went through to save us and redeem us from sin.
34
What are some reasons in favour of religious art (statues, symbols and pictures)?
- Helps to visually represent important christian concepts.
- Emphasises Jesus' human side.
- Demonstrates God's qualities.
- The statue is NOT ITSELF being worshipped.
- Jesus can be depicted as any ethnicity in heart which reminds us that all people can be saved.
35
What are some reasons against religious art?
God is transcendent and shouldn't be portrayed by humans in art.
- Art misleads people about what Jesus looked like.
- 'Do not worship idols' - 2nd commandment
- Art is finite and God is infinite.
36
What is the Sermon on the mount?
A sermon (talk) from Jesus which gives a set of rules and values to apply in life.
37
What chapters is the Sermon on the Mount spread across?
Matthew, Chapters 5-7
38
What is the significance of Jesus' sermon being delivered on a mount?
*Think Judaism
It solidifies Jesus as the new lawgiver, replacing Moses - 613 commandments at Mount Sinai.
*This is why christians don't follow the 613 commandments like Jews do. They recognise Jesus as the new lawgiver.
39
What does Jesus say on replacing Moses as the lawgiver?
"I have not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it".
40
What are 3 examples of Jesus modifying Moses' teachings?
1) Do not commit adultery —> Looking at a person lustfully is wrong.
2) Do not commit murder —> Don't get angry with someone
3) An eye for an eye —> Don't take revenge
41
What is the name of the first part of Jesus' sermon on the mount, where he calls on people to change their attitudes?
The Beatitudes
42
What are Jesus' Beatitudes?
A list of eight attitudes which Jesus blesses holy in God's eyes.
43
What are the eight Beatitudes and what is the reward for each one?
1) Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble) - will go to heaven.
2) Blessed are those who mourn - will be comforted.
3) Blessed are the meek - will inherit the earth.
4) Blessed are those who hunger to do God's will - will be filled with God's will.
5) Blessed are the merciful - will recieve mercy.
6) Blessed are the pure in heart (unselfish) - will see God.
7) Blessed are the peacemakers - will be called the children of God.
8) Blessed are those who are persecuted for a righteous cause - will go to heaven.
44
What is the general reward for following the Beatitudes?
You will go to heaven.
45
What is the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats about?
It is a story which strongly encourages christians to take action to help those in need.
If they do this they will go to heaven.
46
What does the Parable use sheeps and goats as a metaphor for?
Sheeps at his right hand - the good
| Goats at his left hand - the bad
47
What are the 6 main takeaway points from the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats?
- Feed the hungry.
- Give drink to the thirsty.
- Welcome strangers.
- Clothe the naked.
- Visit the sick.
- Visit those in prison.
The sheeps did this and will go to heaven. The goats did not and will go to heaven.
48
How is the Incarnation conveyed in Tradition?
St Iranaeus's writings.
49
What is tradition?
That which has been handed down or passed on.
50
What is the value of tradition?
Tradition has value because they have 'stood the test of time'.
51
What does St Irenaeus' writings aim to show about the Incarnation?
They aim to show that the Incarnation brings God and humans closer to God.
52
What does St Irenaeus actually say in his writings?
*2 quotes
"Jesus is the meeting point between God and humanity"
"Jesus is the glory of God; a human who is fully alive" - by following Jesus' teachings, people become more fully alive.
53
How can you visualise St Irenaeus' writings?
Jesus is on top of a mountain close to God in heaven. Humanity is below.
Jesus is the meeting point.
54
What is the main message from St Irenaeus' writings?
Jesus is the meeting point between humanity and God - through him we are closer to God and fully alive.
55
What is Heresy?
Belief that goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church (magisterium).
56
What is an Apostolic Exhortation?
A Letter from the pope, encouraging Catholics.
Exhortation = urging
57
What do the magisterium's writings say about how the incarnation can be misinterpreted?
They say that there can be a tendency to slip into 2 heresies:
1) Focusing too much on Jesus' humanity - can forget that Jesus is fully God.
2) Focusing too much on Jesus' divinity - can start to believe that Jesus only appeared human.
*Sidenote: This completes the 3-legged stool on Incarnation. Scriptute = Annunciation (Bible), Tradition = St Irenaeus' writings, Magisterium = Apostolic Exhortation & Second Vatican Council.
58
What quote from the Second Vatican Council emphasises Jesus' humanity?
Dei Verbum 4 - "...sent as a man to men" - VII
59
What quote from Pope Benedict XVI's apostolic exhortation emphasises Jesus' divinity?
Verbum Domini 12 - "...word became small enough to fit into a manger" - Benedict XVI
60
What is a sacrament in the Catholic Church?
A sacrament is a moment of grace where God's love is poured into an individual.
"A sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace" - Catholic Church
61
What are the 7 Sacraments in the Catholic Church?
1) Baptism
2) Eucharist
3) Confirmation
4) Reconciliation
5) Marriage
6) Sacrament of the Sick
7) Ordination
62
What is the action, symbolism & words said in Baptism?
Action - the pouring of water
Symbolism - the cleansing of sins
Words - 'I baptise you in the name of....."
63
What is the action, symbolism & words said in Eucharist?
Action - receiving the consecrated bread and wine.
Symbolism - receiving the fullness of christ
Words - "This is my body. This is my blood"
64
What is the action, symbolism & words said in Confirmation?
Action - the anointing of the forehead with chrism (holy oil)
Symbolism - receiving gifts of holy spirit.
Words - 'Be sealed with the gifts of the holy spirit'
65
What is the action, symbolism & words said in Reconciliation?
Action - Laying on of hands
Symbolism - passing on of God's forgiveness
Words - 'I absolve you from your sins'
66
What is the action, symbolism & words said in Marriage?
Actions - consent and unity
Symbolism - the two becoming one and excepting each other.
Words - 'Will you [name] take [name] to be your lawful wedded...'
67
What is the action, symbolism & words said in the Sacrament of the Sick?
Action - anointing of the head and hands with the oil of the sick.
Symbolism - strenghtening and forgiveness
Words - 'Through this holy anointing.....help you'
68
What is the action, symbolism & words said in Ordination?
Action - Laying on of hands and the anointment of the hands with chrism.
Symbolism - grants them the dignity of the priesthood.
Words - 'Almighty father, grant to this servant of yours, the dignity of the priesthood'
69
Why are the sacraments so important? What quote supports this?
The sacraments are visible signs of God's love and presence.
The sacraments make God present for all time. He is not just a distant being.
"I will be with you always until the end of time" - Jesus
Incarnation brought God's love to the world.
70
What is grace?
Grace is god's love, which is available to all.
71
What are 5 christian beliefs about Grace (god's love)?
1) Pours into people's hearts.
2) It is unconditional.
3) Calls them into a deeper relationship with God.
4) Gives the strength to do God's will.
5) Helps people be aware of what God wants for them.
72
What is the sacramental nature of reality?
The catholic belief that reality (the world) is 'sacramental' as the created world is a visible sign of God's love.
73
What does the sacramental nature of reality NOT mean?
It does not mean that the created world is a sacrament.
74
What is Abortion?
The deliberate termination of pregnancy.
75
What does Imago Dei mean?
In the image of God.
76
Why are catholics against abortion?
All life comes from God and humans are made in the image of God.
Therefore all life is holy and precious as it comes from God.
77
Why do catholics believe that life starts at conception?
Luke's Gospel - Mary visits her already pregnant cousin, Elizabeth:
Elizabeth says - "As soon as I heard your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy"
Meaning - Elizabeth and her baby BOTH REACT to the presence of the unborn Jesus - the whole person is present in the womb.
78
How many weeks must the baby have lived for inside the womb for an abortion to not be allowed in the UK?
24 weeks - this is the point where a baby could survive if born early.
79
What is the pro-life organisation that is supported by many catholics called? What do they aim to do?
SPUC - Society for the Protection of Unborn Children
Aims - To campaign in schools and parts of the UK to spread awareness. There is a focus on preventing DIY abortions which are often carried out by vulnerable young people.
80
What are some contrasting views on Abortion?
- Women's rights - (rape, too young, not ready, guilty or ashamed)
- It is legal in the UK to have an abortion before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
- Issues around the quality of life of the baby,
- You could argue that there is a difference between a potential life and an actual life.
81
How would the catholic church dispute ideas about a womans right to choose?
The catholic church would advise the woman to keep the child and have it adopted.
A life is a life at the end of the day. There is no difference between potential life and actual life.
GCSE RE
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