GCSE RS Christian Beliefs

ascension

40 days post Resurrection Jesus returned to God in heaven, (Luke 24 + Acts 1)

atonement

reconciliation between God + humanity, sealed by jesus's death. (at-one-ment)

Bible

Sacred book for Christians (contains old + new T)

Catholic

denomination led by the pope. largest one

Christian

believer + follower of christianity (jesus christ)

church

1. Holy People of God also called the Body of Christ, among whom Christ is present and active.

2. Members of a particular Christian denomination/ tradition.

3. place of worship for christians

creation

god created the world (Genesis)

crucifixion

1. The Roman method of execution by which criminals were fixed to a cross.

2. The execution and death of Jesus on Good Friday

evil

opposite of good. destructive, against god

The Father

created the universe, how Jesus addresses God, trinity member 1

grace

god's love to all people (deserving or otherwise)

heaven

after death, enjoying eternity with God

hell

state of eternal suffering w/out god

Holy Spirit

trinity member 3, came to Jesus @ baptism. christians believe it guides them

Incarnation

God taking on human form (jesus with 2 natures, human + divine)

Jesus Christ

trinity person 2, 1st century Jewish teacher, son of God + messiah expected by Jews

judgement

God's decision on whether people go to heaven/hell based on thoughts + actions

omnipotent

all powerful

The Oneness of God

The belief that God is 'One' - monotheism

original sin

adam + eve's sin passed down onto everyone. humans as imperfect w/ a tendency to go against God's will

Protestant

protested against Catholic church during reformation. services based closely on bible

reconciliation

sacrament in some churches (inc RC).

restoring peace after a relationship falls apart (person/person or person/god)

resurrection

jesus rising from the dead on Easter. central belief of Christianity

christian belief about afterlife (phys. or spiritual bodies)

salvation

jesus's death meaning we are free from our sins + can go to heaven

sin

choosing to act against God/morality consciously

Sources of wisdom and authority

Bible, religious leaders, statements of belief, eg the Apostles' creed, convey deep religious truths

Trinity

one god three persons (father son holy spirit)

The Word

St John's Gospel chapter 1 describes God creating the world through his Word and links this to Jesus in the statement: 'The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us'.