Catholic Christianity

• Outline three features of the trinity

  There is one God in three persons. Each person is fully God. Each person is different from the other persons.
• Outline three features of the creation described in genesis 1

  One feature is that God created the whole universe in six days. Another feature is that God created male and female together. A third feature is that each part of the creation came about because of God's words.
• Explain two different interpretations of the accounts of creation in genesis +sow

  Christians who believe the Bible is the literal word of God believe that both genesis 1 and 2 are scientific truth. Chapter 1 gives the overall picture and chapter 2-3 give details of day six. They believe that the scientific idea of Big Bang and evolution is wrong.

  Another interpretation is that the bible is write name by people inspired by God but expressed in their own words. This means that they see the stories of genesis reveal the truth that creation came from God but they accept the scientific view of creation.
• Explain two meanings of stewardship for Catholics +sow

  Catholics believe that stewardship means that they have a duty to look after God's creation and pass it on to future generations in a better state than they received it.

  Another meaning is that Christians have a responsibility to make sure that the creation is not exploited by humans, as Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have said in encyclicals that Catholics have a duty to protect the environment and to reduce the effects of climate change. Catholics have to stop pollution.
• Outline three Catholic beliefs about the virgin birth

  One Catholic belief about the virgin birth is that, as the only son of God, Jesus did not have a normal conception but he did have a normal birth. Another belief is that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was born and remained a virgin throughout her life. A third Catholic belief is that being born of a virgin was the way God became man.
• Explain two reasons why salvation is important for Catholics +sow

  The Catholic Church believes that Jesus came to Earth in order to restore the relationship through the salvation brought by his death on the cross . 'Salvation' comes from the Latin 'slave,' to heal. Jesus healed a broken relationship between humanity and God.

  Catholics believe that salvation is important because sin makes it difficult to have a relationship with God- sin separates a person from God and so without salvation there can be no real relationship with God.

  Catholics also believe that without salvation à person's sins will prevent them from entering heaven, as John's Gospel says, 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish and have eternal life.
• Outline three features of Catholic teaching about life after death

  The Catholic Church teaches that after death the perfectly purified go to heaven. After death, evil people go to hell. Catholics with unforgiven sins go will go to purgatory to be purified
• Explain two reasons why the resurrection is important to Christians. +SOW

  Christians believe that Jesus' resurrection allows their sins to be forgiven. Therefore, they can have a true relationship with God again. This is made clear when Jesus explains that is Christians repent, they will be forgiven (Luke 24:47). Jesus' resurrection means that death is not the end; this means that he showed that death could be overcome and he paved the way for Christians to be with God.
• Explain two ways the Trinity reveals the oneness of God. +SOW

  John's Gospel makes it clear that 'the word was made flesh,' which means that Jesus is the Son of God. This shows a clear oneness in two aspects of the Trinity.

  When Jesus was baptised, there are clear references to God the Father, the voice from heaven, God the Son, Jesus himself, and the Holy Spirit, descending like a dove. This again makes the oneness of God clear, due to all three being present and one at the same time.
• Explain two sources for the Catholic Church's teaching on the trinity

  One source was the decisions made at the Council of Nicaea, which was clarified the church's belief in the oneness of God and Jesus after there had been a disagreement about Jesus' nature.Another source was the Apostolic Tradition, which reflected the lived experiences of early Christians who has experienced revelation of God through Jesus and were given the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Outline three features of the creation account in genesis 1-2

  On the first day God said 'Let there be light.' On the second day, God created the sky. On the third day, God created dry land apart from the sea including plant life.
• Explain two ways catholics believe human beings bear the image of God

  Humans have free will which means that they have the ability to choose right and wrong. Humans can give and receive love, which allows them to experience true happiness in community with others.
• Explain two reasons why Christians believe that Jesus is fully human and fully divine

  One reason is that Mary was Jesus' mother. He was born to a human being, which means he is also fully human. The second reason is that John's Gospel says 'the word became flesh,' which means that Jesus became flesh, God in human form.
• Explain two reasons why the Paschal Mystery is significant for Catholics today. +SOW

  The passion of Jesus is significant for Catholics today as it teaches them to act with restraint when experiencing suffering. Jesus responded with forgiveness. The resurrection of Jesus is the centre of Christian belief; it is a significant reminder to Catholics that death is not the end. Matthew's Gospel explains it is a present event, 'I am with you always,' highlighting the significance for Catholic's today.
• Outline three ways the Holy Spirit works in the church.

  One way is sacraments.

  Another is charity.

  Lastly, one is counsellor.
• Outline three Catholic Christian beliefs about marriage

  Catholic Christians believe that God created marriage when he created humans.

  They believer that marriage is for life.

  They also believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman.
• Explain two reasons why the Trinity is important to Christians


  Catholic Christians feel that the trinity helps them understand how God works in the world: The father who creates, the son who saves from sin, the spirit who empowers. They also believe it helps them understand God's unity. There might be three persons but there is only one substance- God.
• Explain two Catholic beliefs about life after death

  One Catholic belief is Purgatory. This means that there is a place where a person's soul is prepared or purified for heaven. A second Catholic belief is that Catholics will be resurrected like Jesus was. This means that their soul will be reunited with their glorified body.
• Describe two differences in beliefs about life after death between Catholic Christianity and other forms of the main religious tradition of Great Britain

  The first difference is that Catholic Christians believe in the idea of hell, a place of punishment for those who reject God, whereas some other more liberal Christians believe that because God is omnibenevolent everyone will go to heaven forever. Secondly, in Catholic Christianity, there is both a physical and spiritual resurrection after death. Yet for some other Christians, the resurrection after death is purely a spiritual one.
• State three of the religious traditions, other than Christianity, in Great Britain.

  One is Judaism. Another is Islam. And lastly one is Buddhism
• Outline three ways that human beings reflect God's image, according to Catholic belief

  Human beings can give and receive love. Human beings can relate to God and have a relationship with him. Human beings are answerable to God.
• Outline three features of the Paschal Mystery

  Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus' two trials. Jesus' death on the cross.
• Explain two reasons why Catholics believe that Jesus is the Son of God

  One reason is that it is a key part of the beginning of John's Gospel, where it says the Word 'became flesh and dwelt among us.' Another reason is that it is shown in the baptism of Jesus, when the voice from heaven says that Jesus is the Son of God.
• Explain two reasons why the incarnation is important for Catholics

  Firstly, it meant that God lived on Earth, and was then able to sacrifice his life for the benefit of humanity. Secondly Jesus was human and was able to fully understand the difficulties and temptations that humans face.
• Explain two ways the Trinity is reflected in Catholic Worship

  In baptism, which is performed in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. In the Eucharist, which begins with the sign of the cross and is referred to in the Eucharistic Prayer.
• Explain two Catholic teachings about the Trinity. +SOW

  Firstly, the trinity allows people to experience the oneness and unity of God. This can help affect and deepen their relationship with God, as shown in the Nicene Creed 'I believe in one God.' Secondly, the Trinity helps Catholics to experience each person of God. These three persons help Catholics to understand God's presence on Earth.
• Explain two ways the Creation account understand the nature of God +SOW

  The first way is that the creation accounts in Genesis 1-2 teach that God brought the universe into existence. Catholics believe the world can help them understand the nature of God, and so get closer to him.

  The second way is that only an all powerful God could create the universe. This means that Catholics understand the omnipotent nature of God. God as the almighty creator is referred to in the Nicene Creed.
• Explain two ways the Paschal Mystery demonstrates God's grace + SOW

  Firstly, the death of Jesus on the cross took away the sins of the world. God showed his Grace in the act of love and through Jesus' mercy:'Forgive them, for they know not what they do.'

  Secondly, the Holy Spirit sent at Pentecost was an expression of God's Grace as it helped the apostles to better understand the full Paschal Mystery.
• Outline three ways belief in the trinity is shown in Catholic worship.

  Catholics show their belief in the Trinity when they repeat the Nicene Creed at the mass. Another way is beginning mass with a welcome in the name of the trinity. Another way is through sacraments, for example baptism is carried out in 'the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit."
• Outline three features of the development of the doctrine of the trinity

  One feature is that there were debates in the church about the nature of the trinity. Another feature is that these debates led to trinitarian heresies like Arianism. A third feature is that the councils of Nicaea and Constantinople settle the problem with the Nicene Creed.
• Outline three key features of reconciliation

  A person speaks to a priest to show genuine repentance for their sins. The priest takes away the sins on God's behalf. The pertinent is given an act of penance to perform and doing these acts of penance shows willingness to change.
• Outline three key features of Baptism

  The parents and God parents say vows. The priest then pours water over the infants head in the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. The infant receives a white garment and a candle lit from the Paschal candle.
• Outline three key features of confirmation

  The candidates renew their baptismal promises. They are anointed with Oil of Chrism : 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.' They candidates then take a new name.
• Outline three key features of the Eucharist

  The bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ by the priest. It is usually received weekly, or even daily. Preparation is undertaken before receiving the Eucharist for the first time.
• Outline three key features of the Anointing of the sick

  The priest lays their hands on a person who is ill or close to death. The persons sins are absolved and the anointing with oil takes place. The Viaticum, 'food for the journey', is given.
• Outline three key features of the Holy Orders

  Their is a prayer of consecration. The candidates are given a paten and chalice to celebrate the Eucharist. A Bishop is given mitre, ring, and pastoral staff.
• Outline three key features of a Matrimony

  Solemn promises are made. There is an exchange of rings. Then there is the legal part of the ceremony, signing of the register.
• Explain two reasons why Catholics consider the Eucharist to be the most important sacrament +sow

  Firstly, the CCC, which is a source of guidance for Catholics, makes it very clear that Eucharist is the most important when it says that it is 'the source and summit.'

  Secondly, the Paschal Mystery is a key to salvation for Catholics and the last supper is part of this. Jesus said 'Do this in memory of me.' This highlights the importance of the sacrament today.
• Describe two differences in forms of worship between Catholic Christianity and other forms of the main religious tradition of Great Britain.

  The first difference is that in Catholic worship, the Eucharist is central, with communion offered at mass, whereas some other Christians do not celebrate the Eucharist at all.

  Secondly, in Catholic Christianity worship follows a strict pattern and includes structured liturgy yet for other evangelical Christian traditions worship is more charismatic, focusing on the Bible and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
• Explain two reasons why the funeral rite is important to Catholics

  Firstly it is important as it shows the communion of the whole community. This means the people at the funeral are connected as the Body of Christ.

  Secondly, it is a reminder to people that they share in eternal life and that death is not the end, but simply a passage from this world to life with God.