The Incarnation Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the significance of the incarnation?
The incarnation is significant because it shows how Jesus became flesh (literal translation) in order to guide people towards heaven. If the incarnation didn’t occur then people would not have understood religious texts in the ways they do today, and teachings would still follow the Old Testament.
What does the annunciation show us about Jesus?
The annunciation shows us that Jesus is fully God because, in the words of the angel Gabriel, “the Holy Spirit with come on you”, showing that Jesus was made by divinity and is divine. The annunciation also shows us that Jesus is fully human as Mary was told she would become pregnant with Jesus, exactly like any other human birth would occur.
What do works of art/statues of the Sacred Heart show Christians?
The artworks about the Sacred Heart show people Jesus’ divine love for all humanity because in several depictions of Jesus’ physical heart in artworks he hold it out, as if he were offering it for free, as love should also be offered unconditionally. In other artworks it radiates light, which could be seen as symbolically representing purity in the soul.
What does a crucifix show Christians?
The crucifix shows Christians that Jesus suffered on the cross and , the fact that it has become such a significant symbol of Christianity could also show how important it was and still is to Christians that Jesus died on the cross, conveying to people that Jesus’ purpose which was achieved through his death has effected so many.
What are the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount?
The Sermon on the Mount shows us a lot of way in which we should live life and worship God. We are taught that we should not show pride in our actions whether it be in charity or prayer, as the important thing is the action rather than the recognition. We should keep faith in God no matter what, and abide by all his commandments, no matter the importance. We should seek inner peace rather than revenge, we should not judge others as no one is flawless and you too shall be judged. We should not divorce as marriage is a life long commitment and inappropriate thought is just as bad as the action (eg adultery).
What is the importance of humans being made Imago Dei?
The belief that humans are made Imago Dei (in the image of God - Genesis 2) is important because it shows us that we are close to God because we are similar. Furthermore, the fact that we are in the image of God reinforces the idea that all life has value and everyone can receive grace because it is a free gift from God.
Explain what grace is and how we receive it…
Grace is God’s free blessing of his favour and people believe that it gives them the strength they need to follow God’s commandments to the best of their ability. We receive grace through the seven sacraments (Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Marriage, Ordination and Sacrament of the Sick).
How can we use the belief that humans are made Imago Dei to understand the Christian perspective on abortion?
If we are made in the image of God, then we can see that all life has a relevance/worth, and therefore no matter what the size it should be valued and protected. Furthermore, Jesus was still seen as divine whilst he was in the womb and we see in Luke 1:43-44 that when in the womb John and Jesus both show emotions. This shows us how even though not fully developed, life in the womb is still life and has the potential to feel, understand and live.
Why is Jesus referred to a “The Word” and what is the significance/meaning of this?
Jesus is referred to as “The Word” because many see Jesus as a physical representation of God’s spoken words, as supported by the fact Jesus throughout his life aids people in their understanding of scripture and interpretation of the Old Testament. This is significant because if we didn’t interpret religious writings in the way we do today then we would practise religion much differently as we have an unclear understanding of the true meaning.
What can we learn from the Parable of the Sheep and Goat and how can we understand this to better our own lives?
From this parable we can see that even though we do not harm those around us, being sloth when it comes to helping them is still considered to be a punishable action, as to be a good Christian you should be working hard to help those around you and emit kindness. Though we cannot help all we see, we can understand from this that we should try to help people who are sick and poor, with a relevant modern example of how you could do this can be working in hostels or donating money to charities which can help the homeless further.
Using Dei Verbum 4 and Verbum Domini 12, explain what the Church teaches about Jesus…
In these writings, we see that the Church believes that God became flesh to send a message to humanity about how to firstly better understand the Old Testament, secondly implement its meanings into their live, and thirdly how they can escape sin and enter heaven. Verbum Domini also expresses Jesus’ infinity, just as God’s for they are one the same, and how it has been put into human form but is still present (Fully human and fully god).
Why is Jesus called the Son of Man as well as the Son of God?
Jesus is referred to in both respects because he is fully divine as he is God incarnated into a human form yet he is still fully human, as he was born as any other human and is capable of emotion and death - both of which reinforce the idea that, even though he is an incarnation of God, he is fully human.
