Unit 1 - Exam Questions

Cards (40)

  • Explain the ways in which Michelangelo's Creation of Adam reflects Catholic beliefs about God
    1) God is powerful yet ancient as the white hair and beard reflect age but the body of God is still muscular.
    ⇒ This evokes the idea that man is made in the image of God, though God is ancient while humanity is new.

    2) God is shown being carried through the air by a group of angels which reflects his transcendence, while Adam is shown firmly on the ground.
    ⇒ This is an attempt to convey the greatness and majesty of God.
  • Explain the ways in which Michelangelo's Creation of Adam reflects Catholic beliefs about the relationship between God and humanity.
    1) The hands of Adam and God reaching out to each other reflect the longing for a close relationship between God and man.
    ⇒ This is important because it shows that it is not just simply a passing on of life; it is the building up of a harmonious love, knowledge and appreciation of each other.

    2) God is in a higher position up in the sky, while Adam is on the ground sitting.
    ⇒ This reflects the idea of humanity being subservient to and dependent on God.
  • Explain the controversial aspects of Michelangelo's Creation of Adam.
    1) Genesis 2 states that God made Adam out of dust, and brought him to life by breathing into his nostrils. However, in this painting, it seems to be that God brought him to life by touching him which goes against the belief.

    2) God and Adam are depicted as nearly the same size
    ⇒ This suggests that man is equal with God, which does not reflect Catholic beliefs.

    3) God being shown as an old man.
    ⇒ Goes against one of his important qualities, eternal.
  • Explain the ways in which Michelangelo's Creation of Adam reflects the belief that God made everything to be good
    1) Adam is shown as a perfect man, full of strength and potential.
    ⇒ This reflects what is taught in Genesis: that God made everything 'very good'.

    2) Adam looks quite similar to God who, they believe, is the perfection.
    ⇒ Evidence: "So God created man in his own image"
  • A nineteenth century stained-glass window depicting Adam and Eve:
    Explain the ways in which the painting reflects Catholics beliefs about the relationship between God and humanity.
    1) The presence of the animals behind God, while Adam and Eve stand in front of God
    This is to reflect the relative importance of humanity compared with the rest of creation.

    2) There is a physical similarity between God and the humans, however God seems to be a little bigger.
    This reflects the idea that humans are subservient to and dependent on God.
  • God the creator by Hildreth Meiere:
    Explain the ways in which this painting reflects Catholics beliefs about God
    1) The lines going out from the hand to touch the edges of the universe are depicted by the circle round the edge of the mosaic.
    ⇒ This is to reflect the idea of God's influence and power to touch all things.

    2) God's hand is relatively large compared to size of the cloud
    ⇒ This is to illustrate God's greatness and power.

    3) The hand in the mosaic suggests the idea of God without actually showing the whole of him
    ⇒ This is important because some christians believe that God cannot and should not be depicted.
    ⇒ However some Christians are still uneasy about the depiction of the hand of God, as they think this suggests that God is like humans only in a much bigger form.
  • Explain how the different Christian works of art show contrasting Christian beliefs about creation.
    1) God's role in the Michelangelos and Meniere's differs from each other.
    ⇒ While Michelangelo focuses on the act of God creating humanity and more about the relationship of humanity, Meiere focuses more on God's power of always creating and tells less about the relationship between God and humanity.

    2) In Michelangelo's, God is depicted as more of an old man whereas in the Meiere's, only God's hand is shown.
    ⇒ Michelangelo depicted God as an old man to show that he is ancient and eternal.
    Meiere shows God's omnipotence and power and how he is infinite.
  • Explain the ways in which Genesis 1 shows that God is creator
    1) God created everything out of nothing using his word. God created everything by speaking the phrase "Let there be...".
    ⇒ Evidence : "Let there be light, and there was light"

    2) All of creation is special because all of it has been created by God.
    Humans have a special dignity because God created them in his own image, there by sharing in the qualities of God.
    This means that they have a close relationship with God.
    Evidence : "So God created humankind in his image, male, and female he created them".
  • Explain the ways in which Genesis 1 shows that God is omnipotent
    1) In Genesis 1, God created everything out of nothing and everything that he made was "very good".
    ⇒ This evokes the idea of God being omnipotent, as his power allows him to make everything exactly the way he wants it and there is no imperfection in it.

    2) Genesis 1 also shows God creating everything with just his word, "Let there be...".
    ⇒ This instantly reminds the idea that he is powerful enough to create everything without any hardships in the way he wants.
    ⇒ Evidence : "Let there be light, and there was light"
  • Explain the ways in which Genesis 1 shows that God is transcendent
    1) God created the universe and brought it into being.
    ⇒ Because God created the universe, then God is beyond the universe and is not part of it; transcendent.

    2) God is outside the life on Earth, because he creates all time and seasons on the first day of creation.
    "Time" came into existence because God created light and darkness which God called day and night.
    ⇒ Evidence : "And there was evening and there was morning the first day"
  • Explain the ways in which Genesis 1 shows that humans have a special status in creation
    1) Human beings were created in the image of God (Imago Dei).
    ⇒ this means that humans share qualities with God like love, knowledge, and so on. Therefore Humans have a special dignity as a consequence of sharing attitudes with God.
    Evidence: "so God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them".

    2) After completing his last creation, human, God said that his creation was "very good".
    ⇒ This suggests that God is proud of his creation and values humanity more than any other creation.
  • Explain the ways that Genesis 1 and 2 shows that humans are responsible for God's creation
    1) One of the first responsibilities that God gave to humankind in Genesis 1 was to care for his creation
    ⇒ He asked humankind to "have dominion over fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every other living creature that moves upon the earth".
    ⇒ Dominion does not mean to subdue or exploit his creation but to have stewardship over it.

    2) In Genesis, the animals are made by God debut presented Adam to name
    ⇒ This suggests that humanity has authority and responsibility for animals.
  • Explain the ways that Genesis 2 shows that humans are given the gift of free will
    1) Free will is seen in Genesis 2 when God tells Adam that he may eat from any tree in the garden except for the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This command actively stop Adam from eating the forbidden fruit; God gives Adam a free choice indicating free will.
    ⇒ Evidence : "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat".

    2) Free will is also seen from the fact that Adam disobeyed God's command by eating the forbidden fruit. This has severe consequences for Adam and Eve, including loss of innocence and being thrown out of the garden.
    ⇒ This shows that using free will to sin has negative consequences.
  • Explain the ways that Genesis 2 shows that humans have a special dignity
    1) The fact that God personally created human beings (in his own image) shows how precious they are.
    This is seen when God creates Adam from the dust.
    ⇒ Evidence : "then the Lord formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils and the breath of life".

    2) Special dignity is also seen from the reality that God breathes into man and he becomes a living being.
    ⇒ The Hebrew word for 'breath' is ruach which is translated as 'spirit'.
    ⇒ This shows humans share in the breath or Spirit of God, giving them a special dignity.
  • Explain the beliefs about human relationships in Genesis 2
    1) Eve is a suitable helpmate for Adam
    ⇒ this shows that humanity is subdivided into two complementary parts - man represented by Adam and women represented by Eve.

    2) When husband and wife join together, they become one whole perfect being.
    ⇒ This means that through marriage, both partners complete each other and find human fulfilment in each other.
    ⇒ Evidence : "Therefore a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh".
  • Explain the beliefs about the importance of stewardship in the Genesis creation stories.
    Quotes
    1) Believers have a duty to look after the environment on behalf of God.
    ⇒ This is important because humans are specifically given the responsibility to subdue and dominion over God's creation by him.
    ⇒ The evidence is "This responsibility for God's earth means that human beings... must respect the laws of nature".

    2) God made everything "very good".
    ⇒ This is to suggest that all aspects of creation should be accepted as good and it can never be undervalued.

    3) God is omnipotent and all that he makes is an expression of himself and his care for his world.
    ⇒ This reminds humans that they have a duty to look after his world and support all that is contained within it, making sure no part of creation is destroyed.
  • Explain the beliefs about the dignity of human beings in the Genesis stories.
    Quotes
    1) Humans are made in the image and likeness of God.
    ⇒ This suggests that humans are equal as they all share in the qualities of God and are loved by him thus evoking the idea that no one should be mistreated in any way. The evidence is "God created humankind in his image".

    2) Sex is a way to unite a man and woman and this relationship is important to God.
    ⇒ This suggests that this act should not be undervalued.

    3) Each person's belief should be free and respected as free will is what God gave humanity himself, enabling them to make decisions for themselves.
    This is important because it reminds Catholics that freedom comes with the responsibility to respect your own dignity and the dignity of other people who are the children of God.
  • Explain the beliefs about the sanctity of life in the Genesis creation stories
    Quotes
    1) All creation is holy because it is blessed by God.
    This is important because it reminds Catholics of respect for the sanctity of life as a gift from God.

    2) God made everything "very good".
    This is important because it suggests that every stage of life from conception to death must be treated with care and respect.
  • Explain different types of writing contained in the Old Testaments.
    1) The first type of writing in the Old Testament is the Law (Torah)
    It shows how the Jews became the people of God.
    It also includes God's guidance for how he wanted the Jews to live which includes the Ten Commandments.

    2) The second type of writing in the Old Testament is the history books
    ⇒ It shows how God guided his people and how the people often refused to listen.
    ⇒ These stories are important as they were to help later generations avoid the same mistakes.

    3) The third type of writing in the Old Testament is the wisdom books
    It includes prayers, psalms, books of advice and poems.
    It shows people how to use God-given talents to do what is right, in order to be able to stay close to God.

    4) The fourth type of writing in the Old Testament is the prophets.
    It contains the words of inspired figures who were sent by God
    It is to teach people about how God is active in the world, and to challenge people to stay faithful to God
  • Explain different types of writing contained in the New Testaments
    1) The first type of writing in the New Testament is the Gospels.
    ⇒ It includes Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
    ⇒ It records the actions and teachings of Jesus.

    2) The second type of writing in the New Testament is the Acts of the Apostles.
    ⇒ It includes a continuation of the Gospel of Luke
    ⇒ It tells some of the events in the early Church up to about 60 CE.

    3) The third type of writing in the New Testament is the Epistles.
    ⇒ This includes letters
    ⇒ It shows Christians how to live by Jesus' teachings and what it means to be a Christian.

    4) The fourth type of writing in the New Testament is the Book of Revelation.
    ⇒ It is an apocalyptic book written by John, featuring his own mystical visions.
    ⇒ Some Christians believe the visions describe the end of the world.
  • Give the criterias needed in order for early Christian writings to be accepted into the New Testaments.
    (These criterias were the why Christians trust what is contained in the New Testament)
    1) The authority behind the material had to be one of the apostles
    ⇒ E.g. Mark was accepted as the scribe of Peter
    Luke was a companion of Paul.

    2) They had to be written early on (mostly before the end of the first century).

    3) They have to be matched with other presentations of Christian beliefs.

    4) They have to be accepted by all Christian Churches.
  • Give examples of early Christian writings that were rejected
    1) The Gospel of Thomas
    2) The Gospel of Barnabas
    3) The Gospel of Jude

    They were rejected because the early Christians considered these documents to be a distortion of the teachings of Jesus.
  • Explain the ways in which the Bible is the word of God. Refer to Chritian teaching in your answer /
    Explain the ways the Bible is a source of authority for Christians. Refer to Christian teaching in your answer
    1) The Old Testament contains the writings of the prophets.
    The prophets were inspired to see God's work in a special way. As they warned and guided people to stay faithful to God, they passed on God's word and message.

    2) The New Testament in the Bible contains the writing of the Gospels.
    ⇒ The Gospels present the teachings and actions of Jesus who, Christians believe, is the Word of God made flesh.

    3) The New Testament in the Bible contains the writings of the Epistles.
    ⇒ The Epistles are the writings of the apostles, who are known to be the early witnesses to Jesus' life.
    ⇒ The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, and therefore inspired to preach and teach God's word.
    ⇒ The Holy Spirit is what makes them even more close to the word of God as the Bible states "sacred writers must be held to be asserted by the Holy Spirit, it folllwos that the books of Scripture must be acknowledged as teaching solidly, faithfully,"
  • Explain the reasons why Magisterium is an important guide for Catholics.
    1) The Magisterium makes the word of God relevant to the modern world, applying the eternal truths that come from God, including the Bible, to the needs of the present day.
    ⇒ This is important because this is what makes the successor of the apostles - the Poppe and the bishops able to teach Catholics the true message of the Bible.

    2) The Magisterium is inspired by the Holy Spirit, so it shows that the Bible is the word of God.
    ⇒ this is important because believers can trust the teachings of the magisterium because of the inspiration of the same Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible.
  • Explain the ways in which the Catholics interpret the Genesis stories
    1) Many Catholics interpret the Creation stories as myth.
    ⇒ This means that they are not meant to be taken literally as they are stories that intend to convey deep or complex spiritual truths.
    Evidence: "The interpreter of Sacred Scripture should carefully investigate what meaning the sacred writer really intended"

    2) Other Catholics believe the creation stories are not meant to be scientific explanations of how creation happened.
    ⇒ The Catholic church does not believe that God actually created the world in six days, because 'day' in this context means a much longer period of time.
    ⇒ This means that Catholics can accept the Big Bang/ Evolution alongside the creation stories.
  • Explain the messages / teachings that the Genesis creation stories communicate to Christians
    1) God made everything out of nothing all by himself.
    ⇒ This is important because it reminds Catholics to respect God's creation and to never abuse or misuse it.

    2) Humans are the highpoint of God's creation.
    ⇒ This highlights the idea that God only gave the responsibility to take care of his creation to humans.
    Evidence: In Genesis where God puts "the man who he had formed" in the garden of Eden.
  • Explain the ways in which fundamentalists interpret the Genesis Creation story
    1) Fundamentalists take the Creation stories in Genesis literally.
    ⇒ This means that the creation stories are a factual record describing events exactly as they happened.
    ⇒ For them, the Bible is the Word of God and must be accurate in all respects.

    2) Many fundamentalists think that what's written in the Bible is a factual record and they actually happened.
    ⇒ For example, they believe that the universe and all life were created in six days as described in Genesis 1.
    Evidence: "God saw everything he had made ... And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day".
    ⇒ This means that they would disagree with scientific theories such as evolution and the Big Bang.

    3) Not all fundamentalists hold the same view.
    Some accept that the universe is as old as science suggests.
    But they disagree with the theory of evolution, believing that God made humans separately (rather than them evolving from other species) as indicated in the creation stories.
  • Give the reasons why fundamentalists interpret the Bible in a literal and scientific way
    1) Fundamentalists interpret the Bible in a literal and scientific way because they believe that the Bible is the word of God and so must be accurate in all respects.

    2) They believe that everything in the Bible is what God has informed humanity of his truth.
  • Explain the contrasting ways of interpreting the Genesis creation stories
    1) Catholics are taught by the church to not take the creation stories literally. On the other hand, some fundamentalists, called literalists, believe that every word in the Bible is accurate.

    2) Catholics accept the fact that the stories come from different times, and believe that the Bible reflects the thoughts and attitudes of the societies in which they originated. This is an obvious contrast to fundamentalism where they believe that humans have no right to prefer their own interpretations to the actual word of God.
  • Explain the Catholic beliefs about the importance of natural law
    1) Natural law is inherent to all humans and they all have an instinctive knowledge of what it is to be good and fully human.
    This is because all humans are created in the image and likeness of God.
    ⇒ Evidence : "God created humankind in his image".

    2) Natural law are moral principles and values which remind Catholics that they have a duty to respect the sanctity of all life, from the moment that life brings to its natural end.
    This is important because all life comes from God, every life is an expression of God's love, so every life is holy.
  • Give the reasons why Catholics believe people are born with an understanding of natural law
    1) Catholics believe people are born with an understanding of natural law because all humans are created in the image and likeness of God.
    ⇒ This suggests that humans have an instinctive knowledge of what is right and wrong to do.
    ⇒ Evidence : "If people are to do good and avoid evil, certainty about what is good and evil must be inscribed within them."
  • Explain the ways 'natural law' might work in modern life. Refer to Christian teaching.
    1) One of the primary precepts of natural law is orderly living in society.
    ⇒ For example, you can donate to the charity to help the poor.

    2) Another way would be reproduction.
    ⇒ For example, by not aborting or not using contraception which preserve the innocent.
  • Explain the ways in which the Catholic Church values the role of science / scientific research
    1) The Magisterium , during the Second Vatican Council, stressed the need for science and religion to be mutually supportive.
    ⇒ This is because they believe that scientists should use their God-given talents to help people understand the nature and purpose of God's creation.
    Catholics study both science and religion in order to understand the nature and purpose of God's creation
    ⇒ This is because they believe that science is crucial in order to explain how things and religion explains why.
  • Give the ways Catholics put their belief about care for the environment into action
    1) Valuing what God has created.
    ⇒ This means to take care of the world and not abuse the environment in any way.
    ⇒ This is important because there is a delicate balance within creation.

    2) Loving your neighbour and caring for the environment in which their neighbour lives.
    ⇒ This is important because if one person is not caring about issues like pollution, littering, etc. it would affect the lives of everyone else including future generations.
    Evidence: "Love your neighbour as yourself"
  • Explain the reasons why caring for the environment is a way of loving God and loving neighbour
    1) Caring for the environment is being respectful to God's creation and thus God himself.
    ⇒ This reflects the idea of loving God and respecting him.
    ⇒ Evidence: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart"

    2) Caring for the environment also means protecting other's lives.
    ⇒ By caring for the issues like pollution, littering, etc. you can help the lives of everyone else to be a good life, including future generations.
  • Explain the reasons why protecting the environment is important for Catholics
    1) It helps Catholics to understand how their actions might affect the world in centuries to come.
    ⇒ This is important because it means that they can be aware of how pollution or the exploitation of limited natural resources will damage the lifestyles of future generations thus contributing in the activities to make the world a better place.

    2) It shows respect towards God's creation and God himself.
    ⇒ This is important because appreciating God's work helps them to love God and respect him.
    ⇒ The evidence is "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart"
  • Explain the ways in which Christians might carry out their duty to be stewards of creation. Refer to scripture or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer
    1) One way would be to accept their interdependence with the rest of creation if they are to make meaningful efforts not only to change their own attitudes and actions, but to inspire other people to contribute to protecting the world as well.
    ⇒ Evidence: "no creature is self-sufficient. Creatures exist only in dependence on each other, to complete each other"

    2) Another way would be to change their own lifestyles and challenge the attitudes of other people.
    ⇒ For example, at a local level, you could try to reduce the amount of unnecessary rubbish they produce in their homes.
    ⇒ It is important as the Pope said "A fragile world, entrusted by God to human care, challenges us to devise intelligent ways to directing, developing and limiting our power" as it motivates people to save God's creation, our Earth.
  • Explain the Christian beliefs about stewardship according to the creation stories. Refer to scripture or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer
    1) Stewardship is about the idea that believers have a duty to look after the environment on behalf of God.
    ⇒ This evokes one of the creation stories where God gives Adam the responsibility to take care of the environment by putting him in the Garden of Eden.

    2) God trusted humanity to take care of his own creation.
    ⇒ This is important because it means that humanity has to take care of other people and not just themselves.
    ⇒ Evidence: "Rule over every living creature"
  • What are the three key aims for sustainability projects?
    1) Reverse damage: reversing damages that have already been done to the environment.

    2) Reduce poverty : Allowing people to live in a more balanced way that enables everyone to share in what nature provides.

    3) Reduce tension : Fight less over resources and lead to a greater sense of security.
  • Explain the beliefs about the importance of sustainability.
    1) Sustainability is about only using natural resources at a rate at which they can be replaced.
    ⇒ This includes activities such as using solar panels instead of using fossil fuels or nuclear gases.

    2) Sustainability is the ability of the whole world to carry on working in the right balance.
    ⇒ This is important because it reminds people of the imbalance in the world's ecology now and thus can encourage them to improve issues like pollution, deforestation, and overpopulation.
    ⇒ Evidence for the world's imbalance: " A fragile world that has been entrusted to human care... devise intelligent ways of directing, developing, and limiting our power" by Pope Francis who contributed in the activities to improve the poorest in the world, to create a better balance between everyone.