religion unit 2 revision

what is freedom?

the ability to overcome internal and external pressures in order to make responsible moral choices

what are moral principles?

• help people work out right and wrong

• includes natural law & 10 commandments

e.g. behaving in loving ways, being merciful, relating to God

what is natural law?

laws that apply to all people because they are part of human nature and accessed by reason

instincts (basic goods) + reason (thinking abilities) = natural law (derived from moral principles)

how can people make responsible moral choices?

• having sufficient relevant knowledge & sufficient personal freedom

• avoiding internal/external pressures (emotions / peer pressure)

• freely choosing actions that → long term happiness

how can people know if their choices are morally good? 

• using moral principles to judge right/wrong

• follow natural law, using reason

• following God’s commandments → behaving in God-like ways

how did God begin to restore human freedom? 

• through covenants, creating a deep relationship with humanity

• guiding Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom with Him

• rebuilding humanity’s relationship through grace/guidance

how is the human desire for freedom experienced?

• wanting independence and the ability to make personal choices

• feeling frustrated when internal or external pressures limit freedom → asking questions to escape these pressures

what does it mean to take responsibility for one’s actions?

• being accountable for the consequences of choices and actions

• thinking carefully about how decisions affect yourself and others

what is required for a teenager to make responsible decisions?  

by asking:

• do i have sufficient relevant knowledge?

(weighing the pros and cons)

• do i have sufficient personal freedom?

(unaffected by pressures)

why are responsible choices also moral choices?   

• responsible choices aim for what is morally good and lead to long-term happiness

• immoral choices often focus on short-term pleasure and can cause harm later

why do people find it difficult to make responsible decisions?  

• they may lack understanding, rush decisions, or be pressured

• bad habits can weaken responsible thinking

why do people enter into situations that weaken their ability to make responsible decisions?  

• using drugs or alcohol can impair judgement and self-control

• negative people, strong emotions, or risky situations

why do people need to learn moral principles?  

• moral principles teach people how to judge right and wrong

• they help people apply what is morally good to everyday decisions

how does natural law express the moral principles God gave to people?   

• natural law is discovered through human reason

• reflects the moral principles God placed in human nature

why did God reveal the Ten Commandments and the two great commandments?  

• to make moral principles clearer because people can become confused about right/ wrong

• they guide people to live in ways that lead to true happiness

how did the parents of the human race abuse their God given freedom? 

• they deliberately disobeyed God and destroyed their original relationship with Him

• their rebellion damaged human freedom and harmony

what were the consequences of Adam and Eve disobeying God?  

• humanity experienced temptation, selfishness, suffering

• conflict between right and wrong

how do people experience God’s call through creation?  

• the beauty and power of creation help people become aware of God’s presence

• people respond by acknowledging God and communicating with Him

how did God initiate the Sinai Covenant?  

• God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom at Mt Sinai

• God made a covenant with the Israelites so they could relate more closely with Him

how did the Sinai Covenant encourage people to relate more closely with God?  

• the covenant taught the Israelites to obey God, trust Him, and worship Him personally

• they learned that God guides, frees, and provides for His people

how did God call humanity through the Israelites?  

• God formed the Israelites into His people and revealed Himself through the covenant

• people learned that God communicates personally, keeps promises