Christianity - Belief

The Nature of God - Omnipotent

God is all-powerful and able to do anything.

The Nature of God - Loving (Omnibenevolent)

God is perfectly good and loving, shown through the gift of Jesus.

The Nature of God - Just

God is perfectly fair and will judge all people.

The Nature of God - Problem of Evil

Free will theodicy: God allows evil to preserve human freedom. Irenaeus: suffering helps humans grow spiritually (soul-making).

The Nature of God - The Trinity

One God existing as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — stated in the Nicene Creed.

The Nature of God - Oneness of God

Christianity is monotheistic. The Trinity is three persons sharing one divine nature, not three separate gods.

Creation - God as Creator

God created the universe out of nothing (ex nihilo), as described in Genesis 1.

Creation - Role of the Word (Logos)

Jesus (the Word) was present at and active in creation, as described in John 1:1-3.

Creation - Role of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit was involved in creation from the very beginning, hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2).

Creation - Literal vs. Non-literal

Creationists take Genesis literally (6 days). Others see it as symbolic and accept the Big Bang and evolution.

Afterlife & Judgement - Resurrection

Christians believe in bodily resurrection after death, modelled on Jesus' own resurrection.

Afterlife & Judgement - Life After Death

Death is not the end — believers will live eternally with God.

Afterlife & Judgement - Judgement

All people will be judged by God for how they lived, separating the righteous from the wicked.

Afterlife & Judgement - Heaven

Eternal life in God's presence — a state of perfect peace and joy for those who are saved.

Afterlife & Judgement - Hell

Eternal separation from God for those who reject him. Some take this literally; others interpret it symbolically.

Afterlife & Judgement - Divergent Views

Catholics believe in Purgatory — purification before heaven. Most Protestants reject this.

The Incarnation - Son of God

The incarnation means God became human in the person of Jesus — fully divine and fully human.

The Incarnation - Virgin Birth

Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Incarnation - Fully Human & Fully Divine

The Chalcedonian Definition (451 AD) confirms Jesus is one person with two natures: truly God and truly man.

Crucifixion, Resurrection & Ascension - The Crucifixion

Jesus was crucified by the Romans — a necessary sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

Crucifixion, Resurrection & Ascension - The Resurrection

Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, proving his divine power over death.

Crucifixion, Resurrection & Ascension - The Ascension

40 days after his resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, returning to God the Father.

Crucifixion, Resurrection & Ascension - Significance

The resurrection is the foundation of Christian faith — without it, Christian belief is futile.

Sin & Original Sin - What is Sin?

Any thought, word, or action that goes against God's will, separating humans from God.

Sin & Original Sin - Original Sin

Rooted in Adam and Eve's disobedience (Genesis 3). Augustine taught all humans inherit a sinful nature from birth.

Sin & Original Sin - Divergent Views

Pelagius (declared heresy) argued humans are born morally neutral. Eastern Orthodox Christians focus less on inherited guilt.

Salvation & Atonement - Salvation

Being saved from sin and death, restored to a right relationship with God — only possible through Jesus.

Salvation & Atonement - Atonement

Jesus' death makes amends for human sin and reconciles humanity with God.

Salvation & Atonement - Grace

Salvation is a free gift from God, not earned by human effort or good deeds.

Salvation & Atonement - Law

Salvation can be achieve through following God's commandment and doing good work.

Salvation & Atonement - The Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to follow Jesus and guides them toward salvation and holy living.

Salvation & Atonement - Role of Christ

Jesus is understood as a ransom, a sacrifice, and a substitute — bearing the punishment humans deserved.