2024 - Catholic Christianity: Sources of Wisdom and Authority

Explain two reasons why Catholics see the Magisterium as the teaching office of the Church (4) - 1

P - it guides us today, interpreting the Bible to apply to modern issues

E - this is important because the Bible was written a long time ago and does not directly address modern issues. 

Explain two reasons why Catholics see the Magisterium as the teaching office of the Church (4) - 2

P - Jesus gave authority to St Peter, and due to apostolic succession, the same authority has been passed down to each new Pope

E - this means that the magisterium has the authority to teach and interpret the Bible

Explain two reasons why Catholics view Mary as a model of charity (5) - 1

P - she went to help her cousin during pregnancy 

E - Mary remained for ‘about three months’ (Luke) 

E - this shows that she put Elizabeth's needs before her own, despite also being pregnant, thus demonstrating her selflessness.

Explain two reasons why Catholics view Mary as a model of charity (5) - 2

P -  she was present at the foot of the Cross

E -  In the book of John, he talks about how Mary stayed by Jesus’ side during his crucifixion

E - this shows her love and loyalty towards God, her willingness to stay by his side during all of it, demonstrating her compassion and empathy for the suffering

“The Bible is the literal Word of God.”

 Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. (12) - 1

P - Some Christians believe the Bible is the literal Word of God and should be followed exactly.
E - “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16)
E - This shows they believe every part of the Bible comes directly from God and is fully true and accurate.
L - therefore, the Bible is the literal Word of God because it is seen as God’s direct message.

“The Bible is the literal Word of God.”

 Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. (12) - 2

P - it was written by humans inspired by God.
E - The Catechism teaches the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit.
E - This shows it contains God’s message but is not word-for-word from God, so it needs interpretation.
L - therefore, the Bible is not the literal Word of God because it is inspired, not directly dictated.

“The Bible is the literal Word of God.”

 Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. (12) - 3

E - overall, the against argument is stronger because it explains the Bible can still be true without being completely literal.

“The Bible is the literal Word of God.”

 Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. (12) - 4

P - The Bible is not the literal Word of God because it is a human record of God’s actions.
E - It includes stories from creation to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
E - This shows it is written by people describing what God has done, not God speaking directly.
L - therefore, the Bible is not the literal Word of God because it is a human account.

“The Bible is the literal Word of God.”

 Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. (12) - 5

P - However, some Christians believe the Bible is the literal Word of God because they believe all its teachings are completely true.
E - This includes believing creation in Genesis is a factual account.
E - This shows they trust the Bible as fully accurate and not symbolic.
L - therefore, the Bible is the literal Word of God because it is entirely true.

“The Bible is the literal Word of God.”

 Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. (12) - 6

E - overall, the against argument is better because most Christians believe the Bible needs interpretation.

“The Bible is the literal Word of God.”

 Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against. (12) - 7

C - in conclusion, I believe the Bible is not the literal Word of God because it was written by humans inspired by God and must be interpreted, although some Christians disagree.