RMPS CHRISTIANITY UNIT REVISION

Christianity

One of the world’s major religions centered on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believed to be the Son of God and Saviour of humanity.

Bible

The sacred text of Christianity, consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Christian nature of God

The Christian understanding of God's nature, which is foundational to their faith and influences their beliefs and practices.

God is omnipotent

God is all-powerful and has control over all things; He created the universe and can do anything.

God is omniscient

God has complete knowledge of everything past, present, and future.

God is loving

God showed His love by sending Jesus Christ to die for humanity’s salvation.

God is transcendent

God exists beyond time and space and is not limited by the universe.

God is infinite

God has no limits or boundaries in His existence, knowledge, and power.

God is unchanging

God's nature and attributes remain constant over time.

God is immanent

God is present in everything and throughout the universe.

God is eternal

God has no beginning or end.

God is just

God will judge all people according to their actions and beliefs.

God is holy

God is pure and separate from sin.

God is graceful

God is merciful and forgiving, as shown through Jesus’s sacrifice.

God is accessible

God is available to all through prayer, worship, and scripture.

God is personal

God has a personal relationship with those who seek Him.

God is ultimately good

God is the source of all goodness in the world.

The Trinity

The belief in one God revealed in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

The Image of God

The belief that humans reflect aspects of God’s nature, based on Genesis 1:26.

Pinnacle of creation

Humans are considered the highest part of creation and have unique dignity and responsibility.

Genesis 1:28

God gave humans dominion over the earth and its creatures, implying stewardship.

Stewardship

The responsibility of humans to care for and protect the world on God’s behalf.

Genesis 2

Breath of God was given to humans, showing a unique connection between humans and God.

Different views of God's image

Some Christians see it in the soul or body; others, like Augustine, see it in the ability to reason and do good.

Value of all humans

Belief that all people are inherently valuable and worthy of love and respect due to being made in God's image.

Free will

Humans have the freedom to make their own choices in life.

Original Sin

The first act of disobedience by Adam and Eve, seen as the first exercise of free will.

St Augustine on evil

He believed evil comes from the misuse of human free will.

Deuteronomy 28:1-2

God promises blessings for those who obey His commands, showing guidance for free will.

Conscience

The inner sense of right and wrong, which can be influenced by personal and cultural factors.

Importance of free will

It allows humans to take responsibility for their actions and make meaningful choices.

Christian response to free will

Christians use free will to follow God's commandments and live faithfully.

Practical uses of free will

Making honest, kind, and moral decisions; avoiding harmful behaviors; supporting others.

Moral responsibility

Christians believe they are accountable for their decisions and cannot blame others or God.

Decision-making in faith

Christians seek guidance from scripture, prayer, and the example of Jesus.

Temptation

Christians may pray for strength to avoid temptation and use free will to resist it.

Original Sin

The disobedience of Adam and Eve by eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge, resulting in the separation between humans and God and a state of sinfulness inherited by all humanity.

Sin

Disobedience or rebellion against God's will and moral law; a universal condition that separates humans from God.

Effect of sin on humanity

Sin causes spiritual and moral corruption, suffering, and separation from God.

Sin and free will

Humans have free will, which means they can choose to disobey God, leading to sin.

Sin as selfishness

Sin is often seen as acting selfishly instead of with love and compassion.

Sin as a state

Some Christians view sin not as specific actions, but as a condition of being separated from God.

Jesus and sin

Jesus Christ is believed to have died and risen to offer forgiveness for humanity’s sins and to reconcile people with God.

Romans 3:23

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - highlights the universal nature of sin.

Forgiveness

Through repentance and faith in Jesus, Christians can receive forgiveness and be reconciled with God.

Redemption

Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice who redeems believers from the consequences of sin.

Repentance

Genuine sorrow for sin and a commitment to change, necessary for receiving God's forgiveness.

Unrepentant sinners

Some Christians believe those who do not repent may face eternal separation from God or hell.

Sin and compassion

Belief in sin may lead to empathy, knowing all people struggle with imperfection.

Sin and accountability

Christians may feel responsible for their actions, knowing God will judge them.

Sin and closeness to God

Understanding sin and seeking forgiveness can deepen a Christian’s relationship with God.

Sin and guilt

Belief in sin can lead to guilt, which may result in positive change or harmful self-condemnation.

Sin and fear

Some may experience anxiety from fear of punishment or eternal damnation.

Excessive Guilt

Focusing too much on sin can make people feel overly guilty, which can harm their mental health.

Unfairness

Some believe the idea of original sin is unfair and doesn’t make sense.

Overwhelming Pressure

Feeling pressured to be sinless can be too much and unrealistic.

Manipulation

Some people use the concept of sin to control or manipulate others.

Negative Focus

Focusing too much on sin can distract from positive messages about love and kindness.

Conflict with God’s Nature

It can be hard to understand how a loving God can also be a punishing God.

Healthy Growth

Some argue it's better to focus on personal growth instead of feeling guilty about sin.

Jesus Christ

The central figure in Christianity, believed to be the Son of God and the saviour of humanity, born to the Virgin Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem.

Public ministry

Jesus began his public ministry at age 30, preaching and performing miracles before being arrested and crucified.

Resurrection

Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus was resurrected, which Christians believe demonstrates God's power and love.

Incarnation

Jesus is viewed as the incarnation of God, meaning God became human in the form of Jesus to experience life and offer salvation.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - signifies Jesus' role in salvation.

Full human experience

Jesus experienced human emotions, physical pain, and temptation but remained sinless, qualifying him as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins.

Model for Christian living

Jesus' teachings and actions provide a roadmap for how Christians should love God and their neighbours.

Doctrine of the Trinity

The belief that one God exists in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.

The Word

John described Jesus as "the Word," representing the connection between God and humanity, and the means of salvation.

Messiah

Christians believe Jesus is the anointed one prophesied in the Old Testament to save God's people.

Isaiah 9:6

Prophecy describing the Messiah as Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, fulfilled in Jesus.

Living according to God's will

Believers see Jesus as the perfect example of how to live according to God's will, emphasizing love and service to others.

Feelings of awe

Belief in the Incarnation inspires gratitude towards God for becoming human and is expressed through worship and devotion.

Empathy of Jesus

Christians believe Jesus understands human struggles, providing comfort and hope in difficult times.

Value of human life

Jesus' incarnation emphasizes the dignity of every human life, motivating Christians to show love and compassion to others.

Sharing the gospel

Christians feel a duty to share the good news of salvation, as instructed in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Community among believers

Belief in Jesus’ incarnation fosters connection and support among Christians through shared faith and participation in sacraments.

Last Supper

Jesus shared this meal with his disciples before his betrayal, where he predicted Judas’ betrayal and established the Eucharist.

Betrayal by Judas

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, identifying him to the guards with a kiss.

Peter's denial

Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus' prediction of his denial.

Trial before Caiaphas

Jesus was interrogated by the Jewish high priest, Caiaphas, and faced false accusations during the trial.

Trial before Pilate

Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, who found no guilt in him but yielded to the crowd's demands for crucifixion.

Crucifixion

Jesus was crucified on the orders of Pilate, fulfilling his predictions about his suffering and death.

Jesus' final words

Before dying, Jesus cried out to God and asked for forgiveness for his executioners.

Significance of Jesus' death

Christian thought offers several explanations, including atonement theory, ransom theory, and sacrifice theory, for why Jesus had to die.

Resurrection accounts

Gospel accounts differ on the details of Jesus’ resurrection, which is a cornerstone of the Christian faith.

Resurrection of Jesus

The resurrection is seen as evidence of Jesus' divine nature, his power over death, and God's promise of salvation.

Celebration of resurrection

Christians celebrate the resurrection on Easter Sunday as a foundational event in their faith.

Importance of resurrection

Belief in the resurrection is essential for Christians as it affirms Jesus' identity as the Son of God and offers hope for eternal life.

Metaphorical view

Some Christians view the resurrection as a metaphor or myth that conveys the enduring power of Jesus’ teachings.

Moral teachings without resurrection

Some argue that Jesus’ moral teachings can stand alone without the necessity of his resurrection for salvation.

Skepticism about resurrection

Some reject the resurrection due to perceived lack of historical evidence or view it as legend or myth.

Judgment

God's assessment of people's choices and actions, determining their standing before God, resulting in rewards or consequences.

Views on Judgment

Some Christians believe in individual judgment at death, while others believe in a collective judgment on the "Day of Judgment."

Accountability

The Christian belief that individuals must answer for their actions in life, influencing their moral decisions.

Purgatory

A concept believed by some Christians as a place of purification for those not yet ready for Heaven.

Motivation for Morality

Belief in judgment encourages Christians to live morally and ethically, avoiding sinful behavior.

Seeking Forgiveness

Christians can seek forgiveness through confession and repentance, motivated by their belief in judgment.

Evangelism

Belief in judgment encourages Christians to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

Social Responsibility

Belief in judgment can motivate Christians to engage in charitable work and help those in need.