Existence of God Flashcards
(28 cards)
What denominations do not believe in the idea of the trinity? Why?
Unitarianists believe God is one being, Jesus is the Son of God, but not actually God.
Jehovah’s witnesses believe that Jesus was created by Jehovah, and has a beginning, therefore is not eternal. They also reject the idea of the Holy Spirit seeing it as a force through which Jehovah acts.
What do Christians say about God’s relationship with the world?
The World is dependant on God’s command since Genesis. His relationship continues after creation, providing enough to sustain it. Some Christians argue the natural world is evidence for God’s existence.
What do Christians say about God’s relationship with humanity?
In Genesis 1:26, human’s were created in the image of God, this sets humans apart from the rest of creation . God breathes life into Adam’s nostrils, demonstrating a unique relationship with humanity.
What are the 4 ways in which God has revealed himself? Explain.
a) creation. God created everything and describes it as good. He then provides enough to sustain it.
b) provision of law. God has given humanity laws about how Christians should live their life in a way that is morally good (God is good so his rules are good). God gave humans free will - he does not force goodness upon anyone.
c) judgement. The Bible teaches that God will judge all people when they die. God sees everything which makes him a fair judge.
d) salvation. God sent Jesus to Earth to die for human sin - he offers forgiveness. If people repent for their sins, they may spend eternity in heaven with God
What did St Augustine believe about evil?
Evil is the responsibility of humans for sin. Based on the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
What did Iranaeus believe about evil?
Evil is necessary. Humans are born immature and evil is needed to grow and develop into perfection as planned by God (soul making). Through evil we can understand goodness and be taught lessons.
What is significant about the book of Job?
It causes Christians to believe that suffering is a test for believers. God allows the devil to bring evil and suffering onto Job but he remains faithful and God rewards him.
What is the design argument? What analogy can be used?
Observation of the natural world reveals an order and complexity that could have only been achieved through intelligent design by an intelligent being - God
William Paley used the watch analogy to show that the parts of a watch are complex for a purpose and so must have a designer. Like this, the world must have a designer.
What is the anthropic principle?
The universe has been structured so life would develop. Tennant saw evolution as existence for a designer God. The increasingly complex nature of humans was a process started by God.
What is the first cause argument? (cosmological argument)
Aquinas argued that everything has a cause that is external to itself so therefore the universe must have a cause.
God is the first cause and is the only being powerful enough to not have a creator. He is the cause of all things (time and space) and remains eternal and unchanged.
What is the moral argument?
The moral argument states that our ability to differentiate between right and wrong is existence for God.
John Cardinal Newman said when we feel guilt, it is God speaking through our conscience. God has enabled people to know right from wrong.
However, people can choose to ignore their conscience as God has given people free will. Christians believe people should listen to their conscience and be guided by the Holy Spirit.
What do … believe about the word of God?
a) fundamentalists
b) liberals
c) conservatives
a) fundamentalists believe the Bible is God’s word recorded on the page and there are no errors. They believe that God is infallible. This view is usually held by protestant or Charismatic Christians.
b) Liberals see the Bible as mythical and symbolic. The Bible provides a source of guidance to Christians that they can apply to their own lives, there is no claim to the bible being inerrant.
c) conservatives believe that Bible writers were inspired by God but they were human and so the bible must contain errors. Therefore it needs to be reinterpreted so that it is applicable today. Stories in the Bible are to teach us something.
What is a Bible quote applicable to the word of God?
‘The word of God is alive and active’ Hebrews
How has God revealed himself through Jesus Christ?
God himself took on human form in coming to Earth as Jesus. He took on the limitations of a human body and provided an example of Godly living. He demonstrated his great love for humans and remained perfect.
How did God reveal himself through miracles?
- Three days after his death, Jesus was resurrected. This demonstrates the Christian belief that Jesus was God incarnate, and has power over death.
- Jesus performed other miracles, like healing the leper (Matthew) or calming the storm (Mark)
- Some Christians believe God does miraculous works today to demonstrate his power and love for humanity
What are the issues surrounding modern day miracles?
God revealed himself in the Bible, so further revelation is unnecessary. Modern day miracles could be seen as random or immoral.
How has God revealed himself through other people?
As people hear how God has worked in the lives of inspirational people, they may feel a sense of God’s presence.
The transforming power of the Holy Spirit can be a source of encouragement for one’s own faith e.g moving away from drugs/ alcohol.
Outline the work of one Christian figure.
Elizabeth Fry worked in prison reform in the 1800s. She was driven by a sense of value in all people and God’s command to show love.
What is a revival?
A time of increased numbers of people converting to Christianity.
What is a religious experience?
When people claim to have had a direct experience with God.
What is a conversion?
An event that causes someone to adopt a belief in God. They may have a new sense of direction in their life with God in the centre.
What is a mystical experience?
An overwhelming awareness of the presence of God, leading to feelings of awe and wonder. They are left with a sense of peace and no doubt that God is real, leading to a strengthening of faith.
What are visions?
When people claim to have seen something supernatural.
What are Charismatic and ecstatic experiences?
People in religious ecstasy become less aware of the world around them and experience intense emotional and spiritual feelings about God.
In Charismatic worship, ‘slain in the spirit’ occurs when a minister lays his hands on a worshippers head and they fall over.
However, some Christians don’t believe this as nowhere in the Bible do the prophets or Jesus describe this.
