christianioty beliefs

• Name 3 attributes of God.

  • Omnipotent - God's all powerful and has the power to do anything.

  In the beginnings, God created the Heavens and the Earth. (Genesis)

  With God all things are possible (Jesus)

  • Omnibenevolent- God's all loving. "God is love" (John)
  • Omniscient God is all knowing (God knows everything (John)
  • Just - "He is a God of Justice" Psalm
• Name 3 parts of the trinity

  Father - Omnipotent creator of everything.

  " In the beginnings, God created the Heavens and the Earth."

  Son - Jesus Christ and crucified to redeem Humanity's sins. His resurrection gives Christians a hope of eternal life.

  " I am the way, the truth and life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Jesus)

  Holy Spirit - Invisible power of God that works within today's world to inspire us.

  "Your body is a temple of the holy spirit." (St Paul)
• Why is belief in the trinity important for Christians?

  • Central belief of Christianity
  • Influences them to worship God, see Jesus as divine and feel close to God throughout the holy spirit.
  • Christians can understand complex nature of God.
  • Fundamentally distinguishes Christians from other religions.
  • Shows Jesus is Divine.
  • Shows God is ultimately a mystery to human beings.
• Why's the Apostle Creed important for Christians?

  • Provides clear summary of Christian beliefs.
  • Unites all member of the church congregation in set clear beliefs.
  • Establishes there's one God who exists in three persons.
  • Establishes belief that God the Father is the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
  • Establishes Christians belief in everlasting life.
• What are two reasons evil and suffering pose a problem for Christians?

  • They raise questions about nature of God.
  • The logical power of Evil
  • Inconsistent triad /Evil exists/ God is omnipotent/God is omnibenevolent - at least one of these statements cannot be true.
  • Omnipotent: If God was all powerful, he'd be able to stop all evil and suffering.
  • Omnibenevolent: If God was all loving, he'd want to stop evil and suffering.
  • Omniscient: If God was all knowing, he'd know how to stop all evil and suffering.
• What does Christian scripture say about original suffering?

  "Suffering is a consequence of original sin. ( Catechism of Catholic Church)

  "God is our refuge and strength" (Psalm)

  "Carry each others burden" (St Paul)

  "Suffering produces perseverance" (St Paul)
• Free Will Defence


  Evil and Suffering are a results of human misusing free will and choosing to commit sin. God lovingly gave us free will because "a runaway horse is better than a stone" (St Augustine")
• Original Sin


  Evil and suffering are a result of Adam and Eve's original sin in the Garden of Eden. All human beings pay the price for their sinfulness. We were all born with original sin that we inherit from Adam and Eve. Therefore we're all sinful and need saving.
• What is the literalist Christian view of creation?

  • God created the world in six literal days followed by a day of rest.
  • Day 1- Light was created.
  • Day 2- Sky was created.
  • Day 3 - Dry land, seas, plants and trees were created.
  • Day 4- Sun, moon and stars were created.
  • Day 5- Creatures that live in the sea and creations that can fly are created.
  • Day 6- Animals that live on the land and humans were created.
  • Day 7- Rest day, making it a holy day.
• Liberal view on Creation


  Genesis account not to be taken literally - metaphorical story that teaches importance. Main message is that God is the creator and controller of everything. Liberal christians believe that God created the world via the big bang,
• What do Christians believe about Hell?

  • Place of eternal punishment.
  • Some believe it's a physical place of torture and torment others believe it's a spiritual state of being separated from God forever.
  • "The fiery lake of burning sulphur" (Revelation)
  • Universalism: Belief that everybody will be saved by God so nobody will actually go to Hell.
• Give 2 ways of understanding Heaven and Hell.

  • Physical place where your resurrected physical body goes.
  • (My father's house has many rooms- Jesus)
  • Spiritual place where your soul/new spiritual body goes.
  • (Flesh and body cannot inherit the kingdom- St Paul)
• How does belief in Heaven and Hell influence Christians today?

  Feels hope that there's life after death.

  Feels hope good deeds will be rewarded.

  Feel comforted that loved ones who had died are in a better place.

  Follow bible commandments

  Perform good deeds so they can enter Heaven

  Avoids sins in order to avoid hell.

  Forgive others in order to be forgiven from God

  Evangelise to save others from hell aswell.
• What does the parable sheep and goats teach Christians about judgement?

  • There'll be a day of judgement when everybody is gathered before God.
  • Based on your deeds and sins.
  • Those who have performed good works (sheeps) will be sent away to eternal life in heaven.
  • Those who have not performed good works (goats) will be sent away to eternal punishment in Hell.
• What is the meaning of Incarnation?

  To become flesh.

  "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us". (John 1:14)

  Christians believe that God took on human form and entered the world at Christmas.
• Evidence that Christians have that Jesus is the son of God.

  • Miraculous Birth
  • 37 miracles Jesus performed
  • Jesus walks on water, disciples say "You really are the son of God!"(Matthew)
  • Jesus rose from the dead.
• What role does Jesus Christ play in atonement.

  "Christ died for our sins" - St Paul

  Jesus death on the cross is the act of atonement that pays the price for human sinfulness and restores relationship between God and Humanity.

  Jesus is the "lamb of God who "takes away the sin of the world".
• Give a quote from the Bible that teaches Jesus is the source of salvation


  "Christ died for our sins" (St Paul)

  "The lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" (John)
• Different methods of Salvation

  • Salvation through grace - Cannot be earned - gift from God. All you can do is put their faith in Jesus as their saviour. Have hope that his sacrificial death on the cross was enough.
  • Salvation through law- Salvation is earned by performing good works. For example following God's commandment.

  "Faith without works is dead" (James)

  • Salvation through spirit - Secured with the help of the holy spirit who is God's active presence in the world. Helps Christian achieve salvation.
• What is Universalism?


  Belief held by some Christians that everyone will ultimately be saved.

  Nobody will end up in hell.

  Reflects God omnibenevolence.
• What was the purpose of Jesus Crucifixion in Christianity?

  • "Christ died for our sins" (St Paul)
  • "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of our world" (John)
  • Means sins can be forgiven.
  • Demonstrates omnibenevolence of God
  • Influences Christians hope that their sins are forgiven
  • Influences Christians to attend Holy communion services at Church.
  • Influences Christians to worship God.
• What was the purpose of Jesus ascension in Christianity? How does belief in ascension influence Christian today?

  • Took place 40 days after resurrection.
  • Means holy spirit was sent.
  • Confirms Jesus was divine
  • Confirms Jesus as son of God
  • Gives confidence Jesus is divine
  • Influences Christian to worship God
  • Gives hope for eternal life
• Semiotics

  Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols. It is the study of how meaning is created when one observes symbols and signs.