What is incarnation?
The Christian belief that God came to Earth in human form as Jesus.
Key ideas about the incarnation
- The empathy that Jesus has with humans helps Christians feel closer to God
- Jesus experienced the stresses of being human-good,bad,hunger,fear,suffering
- Jesus was fully human and fully God
- God loves humans, so he was ready to share in humanity fully
Why did God need to send his son?
Throught the Old Testament, God promised to send the Jews a ‘Messiah’.
What was the annunciation?
The announcement to Mary that she will be the mother of Jesus - the Son of God.
What parts of the Bible tell the stories of the incarnation being announced?
Luke 1:26-38
Matthew 1:18-24
What happens in Luke’s account?
This account focuses on Mary’s role in the incarnation and tells of when Gabriel visited Mary and tells her that she will conceive and give birth to a son named Jesus, who will be the Son of God. She is told that he will be conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. God gives Mary the choice of being Jesus’ mother, because free will of humans is important to God. Mary is confused and hesistates but gives her consent. Gabriel’s message is for all Jews, as his birth fulfills God’s promises to them, and Jesus is fully human and fully God.
Quote for Mary consenting to be Jesus’ mother in Luke’s account?
‘let it be with me according to your word’
Quote about Jesus’ future from Luke’s account?
“He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High” Luke 1:32
What happens in Matthew’s account?
Focuses on Joesph’s part in the incarnation. It tells of how Joseph planned to break up with Mary because she was pregnant before they were married. An angel visited Joseph in a dream and told him that it was right to marry Mary, because her child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel confirms that Jesus is being sent to Earth by God to save humanity from its sins. The angel also calls Jesus by the name ‘Emmanuel’. This is a Jewish name meaning ‘God is with us’ which confirms that Jesus is the Son of God.
What does the name Jesus mean?
God saves
Quote about Jesus from Matthew?
‘….for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit..he will save his people from their sins’
Matthew 1:20b-21
Similarities between Luke’s and Matthew’s accounts?
- Both feature an angel
- Both show full consent being given
- In both Jesus is talked of as the Son of God
- Mary is a virgin in both
- Angel announces his birth in both
- Jesus was conceived by the power of God
- God worked through humans to bring about his plan for humanity
Differences between Luke’s and Matthew’s accounts?
Angel in real life in Luke’s but in dream in Matthew’s
Mary told in Luke’s but Joseph told in Matthew’s
Jesus also reffered to as Emmanuel in Matthew’s
Mary intially questioned role but Joseph didn’t
What is the Trinity?
The unified form of the three persons that make up God.
Who is the Son of God?
The 2nd person of the Trinity, also reffered to as the Word of God. The Word became human in the form of Jesus, and is sometimes called ‘the Word of God made flesh’.
What does John 1:1-4 teach us about the nature of the Word of God?
The Word of God is eternal.
The Word of God is God and is God’s self-expression and ‘voice’ through humans.
The Word of God is also distinct from God, although they are united and co-exist. The Word of God is how God expresses his power, live and guidance to the people.
Quote for the Word of God is eternal?
‘In the beginning was the Word’
Quote for the Word of God is God?
‘the Word was God’
Quote for the Word of God is distinct from God?
‘the Word was with God’
Quote for the Word of God is how God expresses his power and love?
‘What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people’
What is ‘grace’ and how does it link to Jesus?
It means ‘free gift’ and Jesus is God’ free gift to humans and is an expression of God’s love for humanity.
What does the quote, ‘And the Word became flesh and lived among us’ confirm?
The Word has always existed but took on human form and nature to live on Earth as Jesus.
Why do Christians’ belive that Jesus was fully human?
Because he lived a complete human life filled with human experiences and emotions.
Info about the title ‘the Son of Man’
Emphasises Jesus’ human nature
Jesus used this phrase when he talked about the suffering he would have to endure during his crucifixion.
Why do Christians believe that Jesus was the Son of God?
Because he was fully God.
Quote of when Jewis confirms to the Jewish High Priest that he is the Son of God?
‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One’
‘I am’
When does Jesus refer to both his humanity, and his divinity?
‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ Mark 14:62
Two meanings of ‘Son of Man’?
- General title for a normal human being
- A title for someone who has been given power and authority by God
What is a symbol for Christians?
A simple design that represents something more complex. Christians value them as a simole way of expressing deep religious beliefs.
What does Ichthus literally mean?
The Greek word ichthus means ‘fish’. Christians also use this as an acronym, where the letters represent Greek words that make up the phrase, ‘Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour’.
When was the Ichthus symbol used?
In the early days of Christianity, it was used as a delcaration of their faith as it showed that they belived Jesus was the Son of God and the Saviour. This was a time when Christians could be persecuted for their faith. It could be quickly drawn and erased to show they were Christians or to indicate where Christian meetings were being held.
What does the ‘Alpha and Omega’ symbol mean?
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This shows that God and Jesus are involved in everything from beginning to end.
When is or has the Alpha and Omega symbol been used?
Have been used in Christianity since at least the first century and are reffered to in the Book of Revelation.
The symbols are used in churches, vestments, and Christian art. They have a special place on the Paschal candle (the candle lit at the Easter Vigil to represent the Risen Christ).
What does the Chi-Rho symbol mean?
It is a monogram formed from the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ, when written in capitals. The symbol is a reminder of the death of Jesus. It has great power to inspire Christians because it reminds Christians that Jesus was sent by God to save humanity through his death.
When is the Chi-Rho symbol used?
Many Christians may wear this symbol as an alternative to the cross or crucifix,as an expression of their faith.
Two religions where it is an offence to show God in any form?
Islam and Judaism
Some religions are forbid portraying God in art. What some of the main reasons for this?
- It isn’t possible to portray God accuratley (how can an infinite God be accurately represented using limited human resources).
- Art can mislead people about what God is like
- Praying in front of an image or statue may mislead people (others may think that it is being worshipped as a God’
- It is against the 2nd commandment (some Christians, like Baptists and Methodists, and Jews belive the comandemnt forbids people to make statues or paintings of God.
Quote against religious art
Second commandment
Also, ‘You shall not make for yourself an idol’ Exodus 20:4
What is the Catholic Church’s attitude to religious art?
It approves of it, including art that depicts God, as the CC belives it can:
- Inspire people
- Give something to people to focus on as they pray
- Help people learn about the apsects of God’s work
- Have a positive role in religious life
Main reasons why the Church approves of religious art?
Jesus was fully God, so we can show Jesus and God in human form, to capture his human qualities. This is because God revealed himself on Earth in the form of a human. Finally, because Jesus died to save all of humanity, so Jesus can be shown as a member of an any ethnicity, because all are affected by his death and resurection.
Examples of three different statues of Jesus?
Christ the Redeemer
A Sacred Heart statue
The crucifix
Info about Christ the Redeemer statue?
- In Rio de Janeiro
- Very tall statue of Jesus with outstretched arms, which represents his obedience to God the Father and love for all people
What is the crucifix a reminder of?
The crucifixion of Jesus and God’s act of love in freeing people from the power of sin and death.
What does a Sacred Heart statue represent overall?
Jesus’ total self-giving love for all people. This love was demostrated in particular when Jesus accepted his death in order to save humanity, which is why the statue includes symbol of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Specific features of sacred heart statues:
- An loving and peaceful expression on his face
- Flames coming from his heart, showing his buring love for all
- A hole or piercing through the heart to represent where one soldier perced Jesus’ side with a spear after he died
- Holes in the hands, from where Jesus was nailed to the cross
- A crown of thorns, to represent the corwn placed on him as he was mocked by the soldiers
- One of his hands pointing to his heart, to draw attention to it
Reasons that some Christians are against depicting Jesus in art?
- Second commandment, and some may belive that Christians are worshipping the statues
- Depicting Jesus as a human could be misleading, because itignkres that fact that he was also fully God
- No one knows what Jesus looked like, so it is wrong to depict him through art
What do we believe about Jesus fulfilling the law?
He generally followed the law, but also developed the law to make it more perfect. He gave his followers a new and deeper understanding of the law.
What is the law?
The commandments and rules that God gave to the Jews, which can be found in the Old Testament.
Example of Jesus’ teaching that it is more important to focus on people’s attitudes, whereas the Old Tetstament focuses on actions?
Means: Focus on the root, cause, if people have the right attitude, then they will do the right thing.
E.g. Jesus taught that instead of just avoiding murder, people should have a loving attitude and should avoid getting angry with others.
Where is Jesus’ approach to the law shown?
In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), which form the first part of the Sermon on the Mount, which was a sermon (talk) that Jesus gave to his followers to tecah them how to live a life ddedicated to pleasing God.
What are the Beatitudes?
A series of statemnets in which Jesus blessed certain attitudes or approaches to living, and said how people with those attitudes would be rewarded.
Three quotes from the Beatitudes?
‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth’
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God’
‘Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy’
What is the parable of the Sheep and the Goats?
A story in the Bible in which Jesus tells his followers that in serving and caring for other people, they are serving God.
What does Jesus teach through the parable of the Sheep and the Goats?
That caring for people in need is extremely important. By showing love and kindness to others, Christians will be judged favourably by God and rewarded with eternal life in Heaven.
Quotes for how Jesus expects us to be kind to others?
‘I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Matthew 25:35-36
What did St Irenaeus show through his writings?
How the incarnation was important for bringing God and humans closer to each other.
What did St Irenaeus show in his writings called Adversus haerese (Against heresies)?
How Jesus - as someone who is fully God and fully human - is the meeting point between God and humanity. He wrote that Jesus ‘revealed God to men’.
What did St Irenaeus mean when he wrote that Jesus ‘revealed God to men’?
God is invisible and beyond human sight and understanding, but Christians can get to know what God is like through Jesus, as he is the Son of God, and displays quialities of God, meaning that we can develop a better understanding of God’s nature through examining the life and actions of Jesus.
What did St Irenaeus mean when he wrote that ‘Life in man is the glory of God’ (‘the glory of God is a human being, fully alive’)?
Primarily talking about Jesus, who was the perfect human being, as he always followed God’s wishes and perfectly displayed all the qualities that God wants people to have. Beacuse of this, Jesus is ‘fully alive’ and the ‘glory of God’. Jesus sets the example for other Christians to follow. By following in his footsteps, we can become more ‘fully alive’, to share in God’s glory.
In summary, why is the incarnation important?
Because Jesus helped humans to come to know God. This has allowed humans to become more ‘fully alive’ and reveal God’s glory.
What is a herecy?
Belief that goes against the teachings of the CC.
Apostolic exhortation?
A magisterial document/letter written by the Pope.
What happens when the focus is too much on Jesus as a human?
Possible to end up believing that Jesus wasn’t really God, but just a very good person.
What happens when the focus is too much on Jesus as God?
Possible to end up believing that Jesus appeared to be human:basically God in disguise.
What are two documents from the Catholic Church that aim to create the right balance of understanding between Jesus as fully human and fully God?
Dei Verbum 4
Verbum Domini 12
Fully God and human quote:
‘Jesus Christ, therefore, the Word made flesh was sent as ‘a man to men’.
Dei Verbum 4
‘In his perfect humanity (Jesus) does the will of the Father at all times… Jesus thus shows that he is the divine Logos (Word)… but at the same the new Adam, the true man”
Verbum Domini 12
What is Grace?
The free gift of God’s love to all people.
As God is present in the whole of his creation…?
Catholics view the whole of reality as a sacrament - a sign of God’s grace.
What is a sacrament?
A moment of grace, where God’s love is pured into an individual.
Grace is the love that….?
- Unites the persons of the Trinity
- Pours out from the Trinity and gives life to all things
- Pours into people’s hearts and calls them into a deeper relationship woth God
- A free and unconditional gift of love from God
- Gives believers the strength to do what God wants
- Helps people to become aware of what God wants for them
What do the CC define as a sacrament?
‘an outward sign of inward grace’ so a sacrament is a sign of God’s love.
What is the ‘sacramental’ nature of reality?
- The whole of reality can be seen as a sacrament
- The world and everything in it is a sign of God’s love
- God’s presence and love cam be seen throughout the world
Explain how the incarnation played an important role in helping Catholics to view reality as sacramental.
Before the incarnation, God was seen as distant being. Jesus was the ultimate gift from God to show his love for humanity. Since Jesus has lived on earth, people can see God as a living and active presence. Even though Jesus no longer present on Earth, his spirit is still active, sharing God’s love with all people. Jesus helped to bring God’s love and presence into the world. This makes the world sacramental in nature.
What are the seven sacraments? (Meaning and examples)
Seven rites in the CC that give grace to a person, help welcome Christ into their lives, amd make a person’s life more holy. Sacraments also sanctify a person’s life: they make it more holy.
Refer to favourites album in photos for examples
Luke 1:44 Elizabeth visting Mary (showing that human life begins at the moment of conception)
“For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.”
The CC teaching about a person throughout their life?
The whole person is present from the moment of conception. Always same person, throughout growth and development.
What does Imago dei (Latin) mean?
‘image of God’
Why is the CC against abortion?
Teaches that humans made in the image of God, meaning all huamn life is holy and should be protected. Because life begins at conception, this protection should extend to unborn foetuses. Also Sanctity of Life, only God has the power to give and take life, all life is sacred.
To help protect unborn children, Catholics might:
- Support a pro-life organisation that campaigns to reduce the abortion week limit or ban abortion completely.
- Support an organisation that cares for women who have decided not to abort their child, but who are facing emotional or financial problems as a result.
Quote about man created in God’s image?
‘So God created humankind in his image’
Genesis 1:27
Personal reasons FOR and AGAISNT religious art?
For:
Helps people undertsand comolex ideas with symbols
Inspires awe
Devoted to God, sign of devotion, love for God
‘Tourism’
Against:
For other motives
God often misrepresented
Money could be better spent elsewhere (charity, serving others)
By positioning himself on a mount, Jesus is showing that….?
He is a lawgiver, and takes the old law (613 mitzvoh) and builds upon it, making it ‘more perfect’.
Don’t commit adultery - – - - - > Even looking at a person lustfully, is wrong.
An eye for an eye ——– > Do not take revenge
According to St Irenaeus, Jesus is the connection or bridge between…?
Eternal world and physical world
God and humans
Quote by Jesus about making the old law ‘more perfect’?
‘I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.’ Matthew 5:17
Reasons for pro-choice?
Rape Diseases Incest Financial, not good environment Underage Mother's life in danger Not a true life, 'clump of cells' Can be adopted
