Year 11 ATAR Religion and Life Short Answer Test

Religious belief

A belief about the nature of reality, God, humanity or existence held by followers of a religion. Example- The Catholic belief that each person is created in the image and likeness of God.

Religious teaching

A teaching that explains how followers should understand and live according to their religious beliefs. Example- Catholic Social Teaching teaches that the God-given dignity of every person should be respected and upheld.

Importance of religious beliefs and teachings

They aim to show people what a meaningful and purposeful life looks like and how to live such a life.

Common concerns about justice

Human rights, discrimination, refugees, poverty, political persecution, the treatment of vulnerable people, and environmental issues.

Catholic justification for acting justly

Because God is just, and people are created in the image and likeness of God, giving every person dignity and deserving respect.

Three fundamental Catholic beliefs connected to justice

God is Creator of all; each person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves dignity and respect; each person is called to be a steward of God’s creation.

Catholic Social Teaching

A body of teachings dealing with justice in society and respecting the God-given dignity of every person. Example: The Church teaches the dignity of the human person should be respected and upheld.

Nature of Catholic Social Teaching

It develops in response to important issues and changing social circumstances, rather than being a fixed set of teachings.

Six principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Dignity of the human person; preferential option for the poor; the common good; stewardship of creation; subsidiarity and participation; solidarity.

Application of Catholic Social Teaching

Example: Rerum Novarum addressed workers’ rights, including the rights to necessities of life, just wages and trade unions.

Rerum Novarum

An encyclical written by Pope Leo XIII in 1891 addressing workers’ rights after the Industrial Revolution.

Rights supported by Rerum Novarum

The necessities of life, just wages, and the right to form trade unions.

Four harmonious relationships in the State of Original Justice

Harmony with God, harmony within themselves, harmony with each other, and harmony with the rest of creation.

Harmony with God

Involves recognizing that God created and sustains life, and is the source of human identity and love. Example: People strengthen their relationship with God by trying to know God and God’s plan for their lives.

Harmony within themselves

People are called to develop inner harmony through God’s guidance and strength. Example: Drawing on God’s strength to resist temptation.

Harmony with each other

Every person has a right to basic love, care, and respect because humanity is understood as one human family. Example: Treating others with love, care, and respect.

Harmony with creation

Being a good steward of creation rather than selfishly exploiting or destroying the earth. Example: Caring for the earth rather than exploiting its resources for greed.

Damage to original harmony between humanity and creation

It was damaged by sin, affecting relationships with God, themselves, each other, and the environment.

Incarnation of Jesus

The second person of the Trinity became part of the human race. Example: Jesus is both fully human and divine.

Jesus' teaching on justice

He modeled service, simple living, concern for humanity, respect for life, and love for all people.

Religious ritual

Uses symbolic actions such as movement, gestures, and words to express faith. Example: A sacramental liturgy.

Religious practice

A recognized way of doing something religious, such as praying or worship. Example: Scripture reading and prayer.

Role of rituals in Catholic worship

They express communal celebration, belonging, and participation.

Difference between religious ritual and practice

A ritual is a structured religious celebration using symbolic actions, while a practice includes a broader way of carrying out religious life.

Relationship between rituals and practices

Practices may involve signs and symbols, and rituals can be crucial components of these practices.

Word of God

Presented as powerful and binding, it creates, reveals, and gathers. Example: When God says, 'Let there be light,' light is created.

Three things the Word of God does

Creates, reveals, and gathers.

Creativity of the Word of God

Genesis shows God speaking creation into existence and sustaining it. Example: 'God said, 'Let there be light'' and light was created.

Word of God revealing God

Through creation and Scripture, people understand attributes of God. Example: Reflecting on creation to recognize God’s care and power.

Word of God gathering people

Gathers people in worship and fosters a sense of belonging. Example: Believers worship together or celebrate the Eucharist.

Effects of Liturgies of the Word

They can stir faith, guide and strengthen believers, and provoke reflection on personal questions and issues.

Sacrament

Ways Christians experience the power of the Word and are empowered to live Jesus’ teachings.

Seven Sacraments

Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Marriage.

Baptism's effect

God dwells within believers, as shown when they receive God's presence through Baptism.

Confirmation's provision

Gives the strength and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Example: The believer receives the Holy Spirit's strength.

Eucharist's provision

The Body and Blood of Jesus nourish those who receive it. Example: Catholics receive the Eucharist during worship.

Penance

Restores a person's relationship with God. Example: A relationship with God is restored through Penance.

Anointing of the Sick's purpose

Provides peace, healing, and courage amid serious illness. Example: It can give a seriously ill person peace.

Alternative name for the Sacrament of Penance

Reconciliation or Confession.

Purpose of Reconciliation

To restore the individual’s relationship with God and the Church while providing freedom from sin.

Process of Reconciliation (Rite I)

Examining conscience, welcoming by the priest, reading from Scripture, confessing sins, giving counsel and penance, declaring sorrow through Act of Contrition, providing absolution, dismissal in peace.

Act of Contrition

An expression of sorrow for sins and a resolution to avoid sin in the future. Example: The penitent expresses sorrow and resolves not to sin again.

Sin

Any deliberate thought, word, or action against God's law. Example: A deliberate action contrary to God’s law.

Types of sin

Venial sin, which is pardonable, and mortal sin, which is deadly.

Meaning of absolution in Reconciliation

When the priest declares forgiveness of sins through the Church's ministry.

Reconciliation's purpose beyond saying sorry

It focuses on restoring relationships, not just receiving forgiveness.

Penance's restoration of relationship with God

It restores the person to God’s grace and a close friendship with Him.

Penance's restoration of relationship with the Church

It helps restore a sense of belonging to the Church community as the person's relationship with God is mended.

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

Restores relationships that God originally intended and provides inner peace in suffering and dying. Example: It can grant peace and courage to a seriously ill person.

Holy Spirit's gifts through Anointing of the Sick

Provides strengthening, peace and courage for difficulties associated with serious illness or frailty.

Effects of Anointing of the Sick

Greater inner peace, spiritual and psychological healing, renewed faith and trust in God, strength against discouragement, and strength in the face of death.

Recipients of Anointing of the Sick

Offered to individuals with serious illness or frailty, including those who are dying.

Celebration of Anointing of the Sick

Involves laying on of hands, anointing with consecrated oil, and a special prayer.