RE - Origins and Meanings

What is creation ex nihilo?

Creation out of nothing. Before God created the universe, nothing existed. Only God can create out of nothing.

What is evolution?

The process of mutation and natural selection which leads to changes in species over time to suit particular environments

What is Imago Dei?

In the image of God. The belief that human beings are uniquely a reflection of God’s personhood. Unlike the other animals, human beings are rational, free and moral.

What is Inspiration?

‘God breathed'.’ The belief that the Spirit of God guides an individual to act or write what is good and true

What is omnipotence?

The belief that God is all powerful. An example of God’s omnipotence can be found in Genesis chapter 1 where it states that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh

What is Revelation?

The word used to describe all the ways in which God makes himself known to human beings. Christians believe that God does this finally and fully in the person of Jesus Christ

What is stewardship?

The duty to care for creation responsibly, as stewards rather than consumers, and to protect it for future generations

What is transcendence?

Existing outside of space and time; God exists in a way that makes him nothing like anything else that exists, above and beyond creation

What do Catholics believe about God?

There is one omnipotent, omnibenevolent and omniscient God who is responsible for creating the universe and everything in it. God is eternal and transcendent.

How do Catholics take the Genesis stories?

They read them as symbolic stories so they do not take them literally. Instead they believe they give insights into the nature of God and why creation came into existence. This means Catholics accept scientific theories of evolution, which they believe give the specifics of how the universe originated without undermining God as creator of the universe

Where does the Bible teach about creation ex nihilism?

God is able to create due to his omnipotence. In Genesis 1 God creates everything in the universe without the need for other materials. Other passages in the Old and New Testament share the belief that God is the architect of the universe and there was nothing before God’s creation. God is the only eternal thing.

What was St Aquinas’ belief about creation ex nihilism?

He was a Catholic priest who supported the concept. He developed his causation argument to show God as the ‘uncaused first cause’. He observed the process of cause and effect in the world and concluded that every effect has a cause, so logically the universe must have had a cause too. God is the first cause of the universe as he exists before anything else.

What were St Augustine’s belief about creation ex nihilism?

St Augustine was a Christian theologian who wrote Confessions. In his 12th book he wrote about God creating the universe ex nihilo. He said nothing else existed before the universe was created except God, and the universe was created good. God is superior and different from the universe he created.

‘you must have created them from nothing’

‘you are good and all you make must be good’

What are Catholic views on the creation of the universe?

They believe the Genesis stories are symbolic. For Catholics, these stories have underlying truths which help to show the nature of God and creation but they are not the literal truth. Liberal Christians also share this belief

What do Fundamentalist Christians believe about the creation stories?

They take the Genesis stories literally. They view the Bible as the word of God and believe everything in it is true. Most believe the universe was created in six days as described in Genesis. Most reject scientific attempts to explain creation, which they believe are flawed and undermine the creative power of God

What beliefs about the creation stories do Fundamentalists and Catholics share?

God is omnipotent and the ultimate creator

God created the universe and everything in it

God’s creation was good

What do Jews believe about the creation of the universe?

The Hebrew Bible talks about one God who created the universe from nothing, who is the source and sustainer of all life. Genesis is the first book of the Hebrew Bible so Jews and Christians share similar beliefs about the creation of the universe and God as the creator

What do Orthodox Jews believe about creation?

God created the universe in six days with order and purpose and rested on the seventh day. Like Fundamentalists, Orthodox Jews see Genesis as a factual account of creation. In a Jewish prayer it says ‘Blessed be He who spoke and the world came into being’

What do Reform Jews believe about creation?

Like Catholics, Reform Jews see Genesis as a metaphorical explanation for creation.

What is the Big Bang Theory?

Hawking proposed that all matter in the universe was originally focused in a small, single point. Around 13.7 billion years ago, there was a ‘big bang’ and this matter rapidly expanded then cooled, forming stars and galaxies over time. This occurred billions of years ago, meaning the Earth is a lot older than some religious explanations would suggest

What are Catholic views on the Big Bang Theory?

Pope Francis says the Big Bang Theory ‘does not contradict. the intervention of a divine creator but depends on it’. The Pope is saying the Big Bang required God. For Catholics, the Big Bang is how God chose to create the universe and he created the matter and caused the conditions to enable the explosion. Therefore, the universe was still created ex nihilo by God.

What is Darwins theory of evolution?

In his book ‘On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection’ Darwin proposed his theory of evolution. He based his theory on variations he saw between finches in the Galápagos Islands. He noticed their beaks were different depending on the food source available. He determined that a process of natural selection occurred within species. Fossils and DNA technology supports his idea

How does Dawkins support Darwins’ theory?

Dawkins, an atheist and humanist, agreed with Darwin and said that he believed the theory of evolution was more logical than a God creating all life on earth. He stated that natural selection ‘has no purpose in mind’ - there is no creator God guiding the process

What did St John Paul II say about evolution?

‘There is no conflict between evolution and the doctrine of faith regarding man and his vocation’

Are Christianity and evolution compatible?

The Catholic Church accept the theory of evolution but argues that it doesn’t mean that humans aren’t sacred. Evolution is how God chose to create humans and he did so out of love and according to his plan. It is the idea of God having a loving plan for humans that is important rather than the process of evolution itself. The Church believes that scientific research helps us understand scripture so it should be encouraged

What do Fundamentalists say about evolution?

They reject evolution and see it as undermining God’s role as creator of the universe. They believe God created the universe and placed all life on earth with the characteristics it has now so evolution is fundamentally contradictory to their beliefs

What do Catholics believe about sanctity of life?

Human life is sacred without exception. Catholics believe in sanctity of life because they believe God created humans differently from other animals, giving them a soul and the ability to make rational decisions. Humans are unique and human life should be treated with respect and dignity.

What does the CCC say about sanctity of life?

‘Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God’

What do Catholics believe about imago dei and killing?

Life is a gift from God that should be cherished from conception to natural death. Any deliberate killing of innocent people is always wrong no matter how small, old or sick they are. Catholics believe the Holy Spirit is present within each human body and that each person is created imago dei.

What does St Catherine of Siena say about imago dei?

She believed all people are created imago dei and deserve to be treated with dignity as they are all loved by God. In her work of ‘Discretion’ she says we are because we are ‘in that same mirror of goodness of God, the soul knows her own indignity.’ So, we are able to see our own dignity and worth because we are made imago dei. She says that God created us with ‘love’.

What are Catholic views on abortion?

The Catholic Church opposes abortion in all circumstances as it believes life starts from the moment of conception so ending a pregnancy violates sanctity of life and is always wrong. God gives life and creates humans imago dei so to abort is to destroy a life that already has value, dignity and a relationship with God

What should people do instead of abortion?

Each foetus is unique in God’s eyes so the parents should consider adoption rather than abortion as this does not violate the foetus’ right to life. In situations where an abortion is required, emotional and spiritual guidance as well as practical support should be offered from the wider community.

What does the CCC say about a foetus?

‘From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognised as having the rights of a person’

What does the Church of England say about abortion?

They disagree with abortion due to sanctity of life. Instead, they recommend better sex education and for parents to consider adoption. However in rare situations the Church sees abortion as the ‘lesser of two evils’, such as ending a pregnancy to save the life of the mother

What do Fundamentalists say about abortion?

They completely disagree with abortion as they believe a foetus is a human being with the same rights as the mother. They take a pro-life stance to abortion, believing the foetus has the right to grow and be born

What are non-religious views about abortion?

There’s a large variety of non-religious views. Some argue a mothers life is more important than a foetus’ life, so it’s up to the individual to choose what they want to do with their body. Others believe abortion is wrong as life begins at conception

What are Humanists view on the value of life?

Life is special but not because it has been gifted by God. Most agree that everyone should have the right to choose how to live based on their quality of life

What are Humanists pro-choice beliefs?

A foetus is not a person at conception so does not have a right to life. Humanists advocate for better sex education and maintaining legislation for abortion to reduce unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

What are Peeta Singer’s views on the value of life and abortion?

He believes it’s important to increase pleasure and decrease suffering in life, and this is how the quality of life should be measured. He argues that it is acceptable to abort a foetus which will have a poor quality of life when born as this will cause less suffering.

What is speciesism?

The idea that human life is more important than any other life

Why does Singer disagree with speciesism?

He doesn’t believe that human life has a special, intrinsic value. He argues that anthropocentrism is wrong and sees this as a form of discrimination. He argues that animals, like humans have the ability to feel and think so should be of equal value. He believes human life does begin at conception but these humans are not persons. Embryos do not think, feel, have reason or communicate. In fact, any human who lacks these qualities is a non-person. It is acceptable to end the life of a non-person to reduce their suffering

What do Catholics think of Singer?

They completely disagree due to the Christian belief that all humans have dignity and value because humans are sacred. The idea that a disabled human has lesser value is completely wrong. The Catholic Church teaches that person hood is absolute and so it doesn’t matter what condition a human is in, as they were created imago dei

What do Catholics believe about suffering?

It is a part of God’s plan. It allows people to share in the suffering of Jesus and can make them stronger and more resilient. Suffering doesn't reduce a persons value as each person is sacred no matter their quality of life

What do Catholics believe about how we should treat animals?

Humans have more value than animals because were made imago dei but Catholics should we good stewards of the earth and this includes looking after animals as they are part of Gods creation.

What do Jews believe about God as creator of life?

God created life and made humans in his image. They believe in pikuach nefesh (the obligation to save a life) which demonstrates that human life has special value and should be preserved. Pikuach nefesh is so important that it os permissible to break all but three mitzvoth to save a life

What do Orthodox Jews believe about pikuach nefesh and abortion?

Pikuach nefesh applies to unborn babies too and so abortion is unnacceptable. The mitzvah ‘do not kill’ is a general universal command to not take life and for some Jews this included the unborn

What do reform Jews believe about abortion?

Abortion is allowed in extreme cases such as where the mother wouldn’t survive the pregnancy or the baby would be severely disabled

What does Genesis entail?

It is the first book of the Old Testament that deals with the creation of the universe.

What does Genesis 1 say about the nature of God?

God as creator - It tells us God created the world in six days, calling forth creation with just his word, showing his omnipotence and purposeful plan. God said, ‘let there be light, and there was light’.

God is transcendent as he is outside of creation and eternal as he was here before the universe - ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth’

God is omnibenevolent as he created everything good for the benefit of humans - ‘And God saw that it was good’

God is immanent - he creates humans in his image and blesses them showing the closeness between God and humans - ‘God blessed them and God said to them,”Be fruitful and multiply”’

What does Genesis 2 say about the nature of God?

Creator - ‘God made the earth and the heavens’

Omnipotent - ‘the heavens and earth were completed in their vast array’

Transcendent - God was not created, he created everything

Omnibenevolent - God created the universe and provided everything for humans out of love - ‘God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food’

Omnipresent - God is involved with all aspects of creation and the lives of those he creations - God formed a man and ‘breathed into his nostrils the breath of life’

What does Genesis 1 show about humans?

Humans are special with a unique place in God’s creation - God loves humans so much he created the earth in a way that humans have everything they need to eat and thrive

What does Genesis 2 show about humans?

Humans are special with a unique place in God’s creation - God’s love is shown when he makes Eve for Adam so that he has a companion

How does Genesis 2 show humans to have free will?

God gives Adam and Eve the ability to make their own free choices. This means all humans have the ability to make rational, free choices and to obey or disobey God.

How do both Genesis accounts show that humans should be stewards?

In Genesis 1 humans are given dominion to rule over the earth, but not in a way that damages or abuses it

In Genesis 2 Adam is given the responsibility to ‘till and keep the garden’ as a caretaker would. He has authority over nature and is entrusted with naming all the animals

Why do Catholics believe we have a special relationship with creation?

In both Genesis accounts, God gives humans responsibility over his creation. In Genesis 1 man is given dominion over creation while in Genesis 2 an is given the job of tending to creation. Both stories show that humans have stewardship over Gods creation

Why do Catholics believe its humanity duty to care for Gods creation?

We are not the owners of creation, God has simply gifted creation to humans for us to be the caretakers of the earth who have been trusted to ensure its wealth is shared with current and future generations

Why does the Church teach that we should protect the environment?

Environmental issues damage the environment and endanger human life. God made us imago dei and with dignity so every care should be taken to preserve life. Protecting the environment will ensure social justice for future generations by making sure they have access to the resources we have now

How do Catholics teach others to care for the environment?

Promoting sustainable living such as recycling, reducing consumption and using clean, renewable resources. Every human has a responsibility to work for the common good and share the worlds resources to ensure good lives for future generations . This is a practical way to ‘love thy neighbour’

Why do Catholics focus on helping those in poverty?

Those in poverty are often the most dependant on the environment for survival. The CC works to put the poor first; this is known as the ‘preferential option for the poor’. It believes that reducing the impact of climate change on the poor is a way to recognise that every human has the sanctity of life

What are Humanists views on caring for the environment that are similar to Catholics?

Humans need to be stewards of the earth to protect the environment which is humanity’s common home

Sustainable living protects the environment

Working for social justice will help the world resources be shared more equally

Upholding human rights and equality is the responsibility of all people

What are Humanist views on caring for the environment that are different to Catholics?

God is not a reason why humans should care for the environment

Humans only get one life, if we damage the environment we are damaging lives now and in the future

It is important to control the population to stop overcrowding and ensure everyone has enough

Humans are equal to animals and should equally share earths goods

What do Jews believe about caring for the environment?

‘Blessed be He who spoke and the world came into being’

It’s very important to care for the environment as it is a gift from God. The Torah demands that nature be respected and most Jews believe we have a responsibility to ‘heal the world' - known as Tikkun Olam. This is to make the world a better place to live

What does the Catholic Church teach about the Bible?

A text inspired by Gods Holy Spirit

The authors of the bible wrote down the things God wanted to be recorded

The Bible’s authors were human and limited in their understanding due to the time and place they were living in

The truths revelled in the Bible need to be interpreted by the Church so stories in Genesis should be read metaphorically

Accept scientific theories about evolution and the Big Bang Theory

What do Fundamentalists believe about the Bible?

God gave humans the ability to write down exactly what he wanted so they take a literal view of the Bible. They believe every word in the Bible is true and does not need interpreting. They reject scientific theories of creation, believing the world was made exactly as it says in Genesis

What do Orthodox Jews believe about the Torah?

The Torah is the most authoritative scripture as Moses received this directly from God on Mount Sinai. The Torah must not be altered and should be understood literally

‘nothing will be added to it or subtracted fro it; God will never give another Law’

What do Reform Jews believe about the Torah?

Taking it literally is impossible as to was written in a very different time and place and cannot apply to modern life without some modifications. Therefore the text needs to be understood in a modern context and interpreted to fit in a modern life

Why was art first used in Christianity?

To help people understand its messages and teachings. Art became a way of sharing the Bible and its messaged especially in times where mos people couldn’t read and christianity had to spread to a wider audience.

What is Michelangelo's ‘Creation of Adam’?

A painting in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican in Rome. It shows God giving life to Adam. It portrays various ideas about the nature of God and the nature of humans. It shows humans are dependant on God and have a special relationship with God

1) God in the clouds

God is sat within a cloud surrounded by floating angels, showing his transcendence. This suggests God is not confined to the limits of this world. Some believe the cloud is in fact a brain, showing that God is omniscient

2)Gods appearance

God appears very different to Adam. He is elderly, with grey hair, but he is also muscular and healthy. This indicates that God is the father of Adam and also suggests wisdom - his omniscience

3)God almost touching Adam

God is almost touching Adam. In doing so, he is about to give life to Adam God is therefore an omnipotent creator. He makes Adam healthy and strong, demonstrating his love for him as his father, showing God is omnibenevolent

4)God next to a woman

God is next to a woman who some believe is Eve, suggesting he has planned for Adam to have a companion. This shows Gods omnibenevolence and omniscience. Others believe the woman is the Virgin Mary, with the Christ child to her left. This indicates that God knows Adam will sin and fall from grace, so he has planned a ‘last’ Adam - Jesus - to come save humans and bring them back to grace

5)Adams position

Adam is in a relaxed position opposite God, lazily reaching his hand towards God. He appears to be not fully animated and requires Gods touch to bring him to life. By giving humans the spark of life, God gave humanity the sanctity of life - ‘breathed into his nostrils the breath of life’ in Genesis

6)Adam as children from God

Adam represents the belief that humans are the children of God as life comes from God. This is seen in the age of Adam compared to God. He is much younger than God and God looks down on him like a father. This suggests humans have a special dignity as they come from god

7)Adam mirrors God

Adam has similar features and build to God, and echoes Gods position. St Catherina of Siena taught that the soul is the mirror of God and this can be seen in Adam. Humans are made imago dei and so have a special likeness and resemblance to God. This means God loves humans as he makes them like him.

8)Gods creation is shown as beautiful

Adam is a healthy and handsome man, this illustrates that Gods creation is good. God is good and so he shows this in humans and the rest of creation. Adams outward beauty reflects the inner beauty of the soul that God gifted to him. Humans are the pinnacle of Gods creation and God is the Father of all creation. - ‘there’s is one God the Father from whom are all things and for whom we exist’ Corinthians

What is the Tree of Life?

A mosaic located in San Clemente which is filled with symbolism

What do the Alpha and Omega represent?

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Together they suggest eternity and are used to refer to Jesus. In Revelation both God and Jesus are referred to as the ‘alpha and omega’ which shows their connection and shows Jesus is eternal. He is god incarnate and thus was here at the beginning of creation and will be at the end

What does the Chi-Ro represent?

Another symbol to represent Jesus. Used frequently in the early Church and is still used today, for example on the baptismal candle. It is shown with the alpha and omega to reinforce the central importance of Jesus

What does the lamb represent?

In the story of Passover in the Old Testament, lambs were sacrificed and their blood was placed on doorposts to save the Israelites from their firstborns being killed.

Jesus has become known as the sacrificial ‘Lamb of God’ as he saved humanity with his death and resurrection

There are 1 lambs at the bottom of the mosaic, representing Jesus and the 12 apostles. The central lamb pictured with a halo is Jesus. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid the debt of humanity and saved them from sin and death, in the same way the lambs saved humanity

The apostles are also portrayed as lambs as they lived lives of sacrifice. Jesus is portrayed as the good shepherd and the apostles as his flock

What does the dove represent?

The twelve doves represent the 12 apostles and the Holy Spirit, as doves are a traditional symbol for the Holy Spirit. Portraying the apostle and doves shows they are guided by the Holy Spirit .

During Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down upon the apostles, giving them the courage to evangelise, leading to the expansion of the Church

What do the four evangelists represent?

Mark is shown as a lion

Luke is shown as an ox

Matthew is shown as a human

John is shown as an eagle

The symbolism originates from Revelations as it describes creatures surrounding a ‘throne’

What is the central image of the mosaic?

Jesus on the cross, surrounded by 12 doves, with the hand of God above. The Trinity is therefore at the centre of the apse, with a transcendent God becoming immanent in the person of Jesus

What is Jesus crucifixion portrayed as?

A symbol of hope, as he radiates light. Mary and St John stand either side of the cross, with God the Father above handing Jesus a victory wreath, showing his sacrifice has been a victory of sin over death

The cross is growing from the Tree of Life, showing the cross is the Tree of Life. This shows that through Jesus’ death on the cross, salvation is given to everyone and all people are given eternal life

What does the mosaic reflect Christ as?

Christ is the New Adam, who removes the stain of sin from humanity, restoring the relationship between humankind and God that was damaged in the Fall. The serpent coiled at the base of the tree echoes Genesis 2, when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit

What do the vines represent?

The vines that sprout from the Tree of Life cover the whole mosaic and reach all of humanity. The vines unite humanity and are fed by Christ on the cross, showing that life comes from Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus said in John’s Gospel that ‘I am the vine, you are the branches’. The mosaic shows that just as branches rely on the vine for life, so does humankind on Jesus for life

What is Catholic social teaching?

The group of principles the Catholic Church has formed which deal with issues of social justice, poverty, distribution of wealth and the dignity of people.

Why is social justice so important to Catholics?

Jesus taught Catholics to ‘love thy neighbour as yourself’ and help those in need regardless of who they are. Catholics therefore believe all people are your neighbour and they have a duty to help those in need.

What 7 key themes in Catholic social teaching aim to promote equality for all?

Sanctity of life and dignity of the person - imago dei

The common good - needs of the wider community

Social justice - fair distribution of wealth, opportunities etc

Preferential option for the poor

Dignity of work - all types of jobs should be respected

Solidarity - showing support for each other

Stewardship - duty to care for creation responsibly and protect it for future generations

Why does the Catholic Church promote peace?

Reflects one of the main themes of the gospels; Jesus taught ‘blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God’

Peace allows people to live without fear pain and suffering

What does the CC teach about reconciliation?

It is the only way to achieve genuine peace for those have gone through conflict

Removes lasting issues on both sides to leave harmony

What is interfaith dialogue?

Communication, discussion and collaboration between people of different faiths and no faiths. including Humanists and Atheists

Allows all the groups to find shared aims and common ground so they can move forward in cooperation

How is the UK a multi-faith society?

Lots of different religions - mainly Christianity alongside Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism etc.

What are the positives of living in a multi-faith society?

People experience different religions so they become more understanding and tolerant

Misconceptions about religions can be corrected

Interfaith events can unite people into one community

What are the negatives of living in a multi-faith society?

Minority religions and ethnicities can experience racism and discrimination

Fear of a religious group based on misunderstanding can lead to violence and terrorism

Religious groups can be blamed for problems in society

How does Pope Francis encourage interfaith dialogue?

He believes its a way to recognise each persons special value and dignity so the visits many countries and speaks about the need for tolerance and respect for all people

What is CAFOD?

A Catholic charity that performs charity work mainly in areas of extreme poverty in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East

How does CAFOD recognise human dignity?

Does not discriminate about who the help, any race gender religion etc

How does CAFOD encourage loving ones neighbour?

They provide short term aid and disaster relief for those who have experienced a natural disaster, disease or war.

How does CAFOD show respect for creation?

Campaigns for people to tackle the climate crisis as the poorest will be the most badly affected by it

The charity sees sustainable development as a means of protecting the environment and looks for new ways of carrying this out