rs paper 2

• trinity: the three persons or God: the father, the son, the holy spirit.
• incarnation: God becoming human in the form of Jesus.
• atonement: the belief that Jesus restored the relationship between God and humans.
• Sacraments: an outward visible sign of an invisible blessing, obtained through certain rituals.
• evangelism: preaching the gospel to others with the intention of converting them to the Christian faith.
• God's qualities: omnipotent, omnibenevolent, omnipresent, omniscient, transcendent and eternal.
• God's omnipotence is shown through the 10 plagues and the parting of the red sea. His omnibenevolence is shown through the quote 'for God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life'.
• Christians believe suffering exists because of free will, as a result of the original sin, it allows for soul making, it is a test, and it is caused by the devil.
• natural evil is evil caused by nature and moral evil is evil caused by humans.
• the trinity: beliefs about the trinity are summarised in the Nicene Creed, and through the quote 'I and the father are one'. The role of the father is the creator. The role of the son is to atone. The role of the holy spirt is a paraclete/ guide humans throughout their lives.
• The inconsistent triad: God is omnibenevolent, God is omnipotent, evil exists. This is supported by the quote of Epicarus.
• creation: day one = light, day and night. Day 2 = sky and water. Day 3 = land, sea and vegetation. Day 4 = sun, moon and stars. Day 5 = birds and fish. Day 6 = animals and humans. Day 7 = God rested.
• creation: literalists believe the world was created in 7 days. Non-literalists believe that the world was created in 7 days but these were longer periods than 24 hours.
• incarnation: Christians believe that Jesus was incarnated to fulfil the prophecies stated, to atone for the original sin, and to teach Christians how to live. Jesus' incarnation is shown through the quote 'the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us'.
• crucifixion: Before Jesus was crucified, he was placed in a scarlet robe, a crown of thorns, and was given a staff. He was also beaten and then forced to carry the cross. He was crucified because he was blamed for blasphemy. A quote that refers to Jesus' crucifixion is 'he was pierced for our transgressions(...) and by his wounds we are healed'.
• Jesus' birth according to Matthew: Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod. He was born in Bethlehem. A star appeared in the sky and some astrologers followed it to Bethlehem. They brought gold, frankincense and myrrh. Later, they were warned in a dream not to visit Herod.
• Jesus' birth according to Luke: Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room inside the inn. Shepherds were keeping watch over their flock at night and an angel appeared. The angel told them the news of Jesus' birth. The shepherds then left, whilst praising God.
• resurrection: it shows people are free from the original sin as Jesus didn't go straight to hell. It proves he is God incarnate. It proves there is an afterlife. It shows light (good) overcomes dark (bad). It shows Jesus has power over death. Jesus' resurrection is shown through the quote 'I am the resurrection and the life'.
• ascension: Literalists believe Jesus ascended up to heaven and non-literalists believe it symbolises good rising up over evil. Jesus ascended to prepare a place for believers after death, and because his role on earth was fulfilled.
• word of God: The Bible is made up of 66 books and is seen as a book of divine law as it contains rules of how Christians are supposed to act. It is the main source of authority for Christians. Literalists believe that the Bible is the direct word of God. Non-literalists believe that the Bible requires interpretation. Liberalists believe that not all the events in the Bible actually happened and that they are symbolic stories on how to live.
• To get to heaven, Anglicans believe you just need to believe in God. Roman Catholics you need to believe in God and complete all 7 sacraments.
• God's grace means his unmerited favour (God loves us no matter what). This is shown through the quote 'for it is by grace that you have been saved'.
• Christians believe people are resurrected on the day of judgement. They believe Jesus will come back to earth (parousia) and and bring all good Christians to heaven. This is shown through the parable of the sheep and the goats and the quote 'I am the resurrection and the life'.
• prayer: The three types of prayer are liturgical, non-liturgical/informal, and individual.
• Liturgical worship is a set form of worship that follows a liturgy. Informal worship has no set form and can include Bible readings, sermons, music and prayers. Individual worship is spending time alone with God.
• Christians pray for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication and grace.
• Anglican and Roman Catholics follow liturgical worship. Quakers often sit in silence reflecting and connecting with God. Evangelical worship is informal worship.
• the lord's prayer: 'Our father in Heaven' - shows God is immanent and transcendent.

  'Give us today our daily bread' - God provides spiritual and physical nourishment.

  'But keep us safe from the evil one' - shows Christians need help and guidance to resist evil.
• The seven sacraments are baptism, eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation, marriage, holy orders and anointing the sick.
• Christening: The child is dressed in white (represents purity). Water is poured on their forehead 3 times (represent the trinity). Parents then agree to raise the child as a Christian. They are presented with a candle (represent Jesus as the light of the world). This is usually followed by a confirmation.
• eucharist: this symbolises the sacrifice that Jesus made for mankind. The service is a form of liturgical worship. During the service, the eucharist prayer is recited. The bread and the wine are also consecrated. Roman Catholics believe in transubstantiation and Protestants believe in consubstantiation.
• Walsingham: This pilgrimage is also known as England's Nazareth. It is a pilgrimage for Catholics and protestants. It takes place annually on the last may bank holiday. Services are held in a shrine church. There are daily services such as prayers, workshops and celebrations. There is also a holy mile which is walked barefoot as an act of penance.
• Taize: This is a pilgrimage in France and is the site of an ecumenical Christian commune. It houses over 100 monastic residents. These brothers give all their money to the poor. They spend their lives in prayer. They pray 3 times a day and participate in chants and Bible study groups.
• Christmas: it is known as the season of advent. At Christmas, many Christians go to a service called midnight mass. People give each other gifts (represent the gift God gave to the world - Jesus). Holy wreaths are put on doors (represent crown of thorns). Put up lights and candles (represent Jesus is the light of the world).
• easter: Palm Sunday - Jesus entered Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday - remember the last supper. Good Friday - remember Jesus' death. Easter Sunday - rejoice in Jesus' resurrection.
• easter: people make palm leaves (as people waved palm leaves at Jesus). Priests wash the feet of 12 people (as Jesus did with his disciples). Gifts are exchanged (to represent Jesus is the gift of the world). People eat chocolate eggs (eggs symbolise rebirth).
• census data: Christianity was at 59.3% in 2011 and has decreased to 46.2% in 2021. Islam has increased to 6.5% in 2021. Atheism has increased to 37.2% in 2021.
• UK Christianity: the king is the head of the Church of England. The academic calendar centres around Christian holidays. Language such as OMG. The national anthem is religious. Music references God/religion.
• Church in the community: Churches help their community by organising local charity events, have a Sunday school or have tea/coffee rooms. This is because of the quotes 'love thy neighbour' and 'TOHYWTBT'.
• Missionary work is spreading the message of Christianity by helping those in need. Christians might do this because of the quotes 'love thy neighbour' and 'you are all one in Christ Jesus'.