GCSE Religious Studies - Catholic Christianity (Component 1)

Comprehensive revision flashcards for AQA GCSE Religious Studies Component 1: Catholic Christianity, covering Creation, Incarnation, the Triune God, Redemption, Church and the Kingdom of God, and Eschatology.

How does Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam' express Catholic beliefs about God and humanity?

It reflects Catholic beliefs about God as creator and the creation of humanity in the image of God (imago dei).

What key aspects of the nature of God are presented in Genesis 1 and 2?

God is revealed as creator, transcendent, and omnipotent.

What Catholic beliefs are directly influenced by the teaching that human beings are made in the image of God?

Free will, stewardship, the dignity of human beings, and the sanctity of life.

Which Second Vatican Council document discusses the harmony between science and religion?

Gaudium et Spes 36.

How do Catholics express the command to 'love our neighbour' in relation to the environment?

Through stewardship at local, national, and global levels, exemplified by the work of CAFOD on sustainability.

What are three ancient Christian symbols associated with beliefs about Jesus and the incarnation?

The Ichthus (fish), Alpha and Omega, and Chi-Rho.

Which biblical passages provide the scriptural foundation for Jesus as the incarnate Son and the divine Word?

Jesus as the incarnate Son is found in Luke 1:26–38 and Matthew 1:18–24; Jesus as the divine Word is found in John 1:1–4 and 1:14.

Which titles and Gospel passages present Jesus as both fully human and fully God?

Jesus as 'Son of Man' in Mark 8:31 and Jesus as 'Son of God' in Mark 14:61–62.

What famous phrase regarding humanity's divine purpose comes from Irenaeus's 'Adversus Haereses' (4,20,7)?

"The glory of God is a human being, fully alive."

Which two magisterial documents explore Catholic understanding of the incarnation and divine revelation?

Dei Verbum 4 and Verbum Domini 12.

Which biblical verse is referenced to support Catholic views on imago dei and the protection of the unborn?

Luke 1:44.

What four Eucharistic acclamations are used within the Catholic Mass liturgy?

The Gloria, Alleluia, Sanctus, and Mystery of Faith.

Which two ecumenical councils established conciliar magisterial authority on the doctrine of the Trinity?

The Council of Nicaea (AD 325) and the Council of Constantinople (AD 381).

Which theologians within Catholic tradition are studied and compared regarding the intimacy of God's love?

St Augustine and Catherine LaCugna.

In Benedict XVI's 'Deus Caritas Est' 19, how are mission and evangelism understood?

They are presented as a work of the Holy Spirit rooted in the love of the Trinity.

How are the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus understood in the Catholic theology of redemption?

Death is understood as restoration through sacrifice, resurrection as restoration through recreation, and ascension as restoration of the cosmic order.

Which two theologians are compared for their differing metaphors of salvation in Catholic tradition?

Irenaeus and Anselm.

How does Catholic teaching define the conscience in 'Gaudium et Spes' 16 and the Catechism?

As the Voice of God and an inner guide for the redeemed.

Why is the Mass described as the 'source and summit' of Christian life in Catholicism?

Because it makes present the sacrifice of Christ through the Words of Institution and the Real Presence in the Eucharist.

What are the four marks of the Church identified in Catholic tradition?

One, holy, catholic, and apostolic.

What are the two forms of magisterial authority recognised in Catholic tradition?

Conciliar magisterium (councils of bishops) and pontifical magisterium (papal authority).

Which documents are key sources for Catholic social teaching on justice and the common good?

Gaudium et Spes 1 and Pope Francis's Evangelii Gaudium 53–54.

Which prayer in Luke 1:46–55 presents Mary as a model of discipleship and acts as a Kingdom prayer?

The Magnificat.

What four holy pilgrimage sites are identified as destinations for Catholic 'dramatised journeys'?

Jerusalem, Rome, Walsingham, and Lourdes.

What are the 'four last things' in Catholic eschatology?

Death, judgement, heaven, and hell.

In Catholic doctrine, what is the distinction between particular judgement and final judgement?

Particular judgement occurs individually immediately after death, whereas final judgement takes place at the end of time when all are judged collectively.

What role does the Paschal candle serve as an artefact of eschatology?

It serves as an artefact of the Resurrection, symbolising the risen Christ and light overcoming darkness and death.

Which passage from Paul's letters is used to illustrate the Christian belief in the bodily resurrection?

1 Corinthians 15:42–44.

Which text by Mother Julian of Norwich is referenced for the idea of the cosmic reconciliation of all things?

Revelations of Divine Love 32.

What is the Catholic understanding of 'the last rites' in liturgies of life and death?

A sacramental expression of reconciliation, healing, and hope given to someone facing the end of life.

How does Catholic belief in the 'sanctity of life' influence views on care of the dying and euthanasia?

Because life is considered sacred and a gift from God from conception until natural death, euthanasia is rejected while compassionate palliative and end-of-life care is promoted.