Visions Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is a vision in a religious context?
A vision is a type of religious experience where a person ‘sees’ God or a religious figure. It can occur in the form of a dream, trance, or imagination.
How do Catholics view visions?
Catholics believe God can communicate through visions, often passing messages that must not contradict Church teachings.
What does Genesis 15 say about visions?
In Genesis 15, ‘the Word of The Lord came to Abraham in a vision’, prompting him to leave his home for the Promised Land.
What do the Apostles experience in the Gospel of Matthew?
The Gospel of Matthew recounts that the Apostles had a vision.
Who is Joan of Arc and what is her significance in Catholicism?
Joan of Arc is recognized by the Catholic Church as a saint who received visions from Saint Catherine of Siena and St. Michael, guiding her to lead an army against the British.
What were the initial messages Joan of Arc received in her visions?
Initially, the visions told her to go to Church and protect her virginity.
What did Joan of Arc’s visions instruct her to do during France’s crisis?
Her visions instructed her to lead an army against the British, as God wanted Duke Charles of France to be the ruler.
What are some non-religious arguments against the validity of visions?
Non-religious arguments, including those from atheists and Humanists, claim that visions are hallucinations and do not prove God’s existence.
How might visions prove the existence of God to Catholics?
Catholics may believe visions prove the existence of God because the person experiencing the vision may be so trustworthy that they may believe that the vision can only be from God.
For example, those prosecuting St Joan of Arc were amazed at how sincere she was and how she refused to change her story even when she was confronting death.
What is another reason Catholics might believe visions prove God’s existence?
Catholics may believe visions prove the existence of God because the person may change completely following their vision, leading people to believe that such a dramatic change can only come from God.
For example, the book of Genesis teaches that Abraham left his home and began to travel following a vision.
How do specific details in visions support the belief in God?
Catholics may believe visions prove the existence of God because the details of the vision are so specific that it can only come from God.
For example, the magi had a vision telling them all about King Herod’s plan according to the Gospel of Matthew.
What role does Church teaching play in validating visions?
Catholics may believe visions prove the existence of God because the message of the vision fits with the teaching of the Church, indicating it must come from God.
For example, the transfiguration confirmed the nature of Jesus as the Messiah to the Apostles.
What do atheists argue about visions?
Atheists argue that we should look for alternative explanations for visions, such as hallucinations, drug use, stress, or mental illness.
What do atheists suggest we examine regarding visions?
Atheists suggest examining the background of the person experiencing the visions, as prior religious beliefs may influence their interpretation.
How do Catholics respond to atheists’ views on visions?
Catholics argue that many saints have been visionaries and that the Catholic Church investigates these claims, ruling out mental illness or drug use.
What do Catholics claim about the content of visions?
Catholics claim that visionaries often receive truths or facts that cannot be explained by hallucinations.
What example do Catholics provide to support their view on visions?
An example is the details given to the Magi about Herod’s plan, which they argue cannot be a hallucination as it provided unknown information.
Why do Catholics argue against ‘wish fulfilment’ in visions?
Catholics argue that ‘wish fulfilment’ does not explain visions, as they often lead visionaries to take dangerous actions, contrary to making themselves feel better.
