Christian Beliefs

• What is the nature of God according to Christian beliefs?

  God is omnipotent, loving, and just
• How do Christians reconcile the existence of evil with the belief in an all-loving God?

  They believe suffering can bring them closer to God
• What does the term 'agape' refer to in Christian teachings?

  Self-giving, self-sacrificial love
• What is the significance of Jesus' death on the cross in Christianity?

  It is seen as the supreme example of God's love
• How does the parable of the Prodigal Son illustrate God's love?

  It shows forgiveness and acceptance of sinners
• What are the characteristics of the Christian God?

  • All-loving: Loves each person uniquely
  • All-knowing: Omniscient, knows everything
  • All-powerful: Unimaginable power, nothing beyond Him
  • Just: Fair judgment without discrimination
• What is moral evil?

  Suffering inflicted by people on each other
• What do Christians believe about the source of evil?

  It can be caused by free will and the Devil
• How do Christians view the relationship between free will and evil?

  Humans misuse free will, leading to evil
• What is the final attempt to explain why God allows suffering?

  Humans must accept suffering as part of life
• What is the Trinity in Christianity?

  One God in three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit
• How do Christians explain the concept of the Trinity?

  God is known in three distinct ways
• What symbols represent the Trinity in Christianity?

  Shamrock, Borromean rings, equilateral triangle
• How does belief in the Trinity influence Christians' behavior?

  Encourages love and respect for others
• What do some critics claim about the Christian belief in the Trinity?

  It suggests belief in three separate gods
• What is the significance of Jesus' crucifixion in Christian salvation?

  It is central to God's plan for salvation
• How do New Testament authors view Jesus' death?

  As self-sacrificing for humanity's sins
• What are the main approaches to understanding Jesus' death in the New Testament?

  1. Jesus bore the consequences of sin
  2. God reconciled humanity through Jesus
  3. Jesus' death inspires human beings
• What does John 3:16 state about God's love?

  God loves the world and offers eternal life
• Why do Christians believe Jesus' death was central to salvation?

  It was part of God's plan for humanity
• How did Jesus respond to God's will in the Garden of Gethsemane?

  He submitted to God's will despite his fears
• What do Christians see in Jesus' death?

  As a self-sacrificing act for humanity
• What are the main approaches to understanding Jesus' death in the New Testament?

  • Jesus bore the consequences of sin
  • God reconciled humanity to Himself
  • Inspires moral reconciliation in the world
• What does Mark 14:36 illustrate about Jesus' attitude towards his death?

  He sought God's will over his own
• What does the belief in Jesus paying the debt of sin imply?

  Human actions injure God and require judgment
• How do some Christians struggle with the concept of Jesus' death?

  They question the need for retribution and judgment
• What is the significance of discussing God's nature in relation to Jesus' death?

  It questions if God is all-loving and just
• What are the key events following Jesus' crucifixion according to the New Testament?

  1. Jesus' body taken down for burial
  2. Women discover the empty tomb
  3. Resurrection appearances to disciples
  4. The ascension of Jesus
• Who took Jesus' body down from the cross?

  Joseph of Arimathea
• Why couldn't the women care for Jesus' body immediately after his death?

  Because the Sabbath was about to start
• What do the Gospel accounts agree on regarding Jesus' resurrection?

  The body was no longer in the tomb
• How did the women react upon discovering the empty tomb?

  They were terrified and fled
• What did the young man in white tell the women at the tomb?

  Jesus had risen and they would meet him
• How did Jesus appear to his disciples after the resurrection?

  He was not immediately recognized by them
• What does the ascension signify for Christians?

  Completion of Jesus' earthly work and kingship
• What event does St Luke's Gospel describe at the end?

  The ascension of Jesus
• How do most Christians interpret the ascension story?

  As imagery stressing Jesus' divine kingship
• Why is Jesus' resurrection important to Christians?

  • Confirms Jesus as the Son of God
  • Offers hope of eternal life
  • Validates Christian faith and teachings
• What is the story of original sin found in?

  Genesis 3
• What was the consequence of Adam and Eve's disobedience?

  They were punished and expelled from Eden