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Transcript
Belief about Deity... • Beliefs about the nature of God What is God like? • Reasons Christians believe in God Arguments for the existence of God (teleological, cosmological. Ontological, moral argument) • Miracles – Miracles in the Bible Miracles today Key texts Genesis 1:26-27 God made humans in His own image. Isaiah 66-13a God as a mother Matthew 11:27 Jesus is the Son of God Acts 1:1-11 Jesus’ ascension into heaven Acts 2:1-11 The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost Key People: St Anselm of Canterbury – put forward the ontological argument. St Thomas Aquinas – Devised several versions of the cosmological argument Isaac Newton – One of the first to put forward the intelligent design argument William Paley – Explained the design argument by using the example of a watch Exodus 14:21-22 Moses parted the Red Sea and led the Israelites out of Egypt. Bernadette Soubirous – Saw eighteen apparitions of the Virgin John 2:1-3, 6-9a Mary at Lourdes, France. Jesus turns water into wine ATHEIST This is someone who does not believe in God AUTHORITY This is the power or right to give orders or make decisions MIRACLES These are unique events which defy the laws the nature (how the world works) e.g. someone coming alive again after being dead OMNIBENEVOLENT This means God is all loving – he shows this love through his miracles and the fact he came down as Jesus to open the door to heaven OMNISCIENT This means God is all knowing – he knows what people have done, are doing and will do OMNIPOTENT This means God is all powerful REVELATION This refers to the way in which God has revealed himself/made himself and his wishes known to everyone SACRED TEXTS/SCRIPTURES A special writing/book which contains eternal (everlasting) truths about a religion SECULAR This refers to a non-religious view THEIST This is someone who believes in a personal God TRANSCENDENT This means that God is beyond this world; he is beyond human understanding TRINITY This refers to the different roles of God: God the Father (Creator); God the Son (Saviour) and God the Holy Spirit (the power of God). Descriptions of God (the nature of God) • All powerful (omnipotent) because he created the world (Genesis) • All loving – God sent Jesus to die on the cross so man’s sins could be forgiven • Judge – God (Jesus) will judge everyone on Judgement Day (teachings in parable of Sheep and Goats) • Eternal – God has no beginning and no end • All-knowing (omniscient) God knows everything, which has happened, is happening and will happen. • Trinity – God the Father (Creator of and sustainer of [looks after] the earth); God the Son: Jesus/Redeemer and God the Holy Spirit (power and courage – shown as a dove). The Holy Spirit lives in Christians who have faith in Jesus. • Christians are monotheists – they have a belief in only One God Symbolic Language No-one has ever seen God and because he is beyond human knowledge it is difficult to describe him – so Christians use “religious language” to try and put into words what God is: • Symbols – example the Cross: this shows the suffering of Jesus (crucifixion) and the empty Cross shows that Jesus rose from the dead. • Metaphors – God is described as a “rock” meaning people can trust him. • Analogy – God is like something. God is called “father” because he is someone who looks after people. Problems: by using everyday language we are giving God human qualitiesanthropomorphism Jesus Christians believe that Jesus was Fully human and fully God. They use the word incarnation to describe this. Jesus is seen as the perfect example of God-like behaviour and attitudes – he is a teacher and guide. Many of his teachings are found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and in parables. Jesus’ death is particularly important to Christians as through it God reconciles the world to himself so that God and humans can be made one – this teaching is called the Atonement. Jesus has taken away peoples’ sins and so he is seen as a Saviour and Redeemer. Christians believe that Jesus did not stay dead but rose and returned to his Father for eternity. This is called the Resurrection and is celebrated at Easter Trinity The term Trinity refers to the Christian belief that the one God is made up of three persons: Father Son Holy Spirit The three persons of the Trinity have separate roles and should not be confused: Father – Creator Son – Saviour Holy Spirit – Sustainer/Sanctifier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijtLAiPAxFA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtCvsSTEF50 Belief in God – opposing views https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EONcjSCXD2k • • • • • Reasons for believing in God: Theist There are several reasons for believing in God. The universe seems to have been designed by someone – the designer must be God Science says that everything has a cause including the universe therefore God must exist Humans cannot be here by chance – life must have a meaning and purpose. So many people in the world belong to a religion – they can’t all be wrong. Cosmological, ontological, teleological, moral argument and miracles • • • • Reasons against believing in God: Atheist There are several reasons against believing in God. These are: Science explains the world better than religion and often leads people to be agnostic or atheist. Miracles are seen as a problem because why would God help some people and not others. Some people argue that if God cares for everyone why doesn’t he answer prayers. If God is all powerful (omnipotent) why does he let people suffer from earthquakes and other natural disasters that he could stop? Reasons for Non-Belief in God • Unanswered prayers – but God may not answer because there is not enough faith or what is being asked for is not in God’s plan, or He expects us to help ourselves and others. • Scientists believe the world began with the Big Bang • Feuerbach said God is only in man’s imagination because man needs a purpose in life so makes up an idea of God to make his life better. Yet just because you can imagine something this does not mean it does not exist. • Not everyone understands right and wrong in the same way so how can our knowledge of it come from the same source – God? • The problem of evil – why would a loving god create a world with so much evil and suffering in it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u NmrIM4Dl3U Reasons for belief in God • • • • • • • • • Ontological Argument Argument put forward by St Anselm of Canterbury (1033 – 1109) in his Prosologian: God is that which nothing greater can exists Something which exists in reality is . greater than that which exists only in the imagination If God is that which nothing can exist then God must exist in reality and not just in the imagination Therefore God must exist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j sNdL_ANjAA • • • • • • • • Cosmological Argument Argument put forward by St Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 1274): Something cannot come from nothing The universe cannot have come about by itself Something else must have brought about the universe – a ‘first cause’ That something is God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= yyiNbJlqcJo Reasons for belief in God • • • • • • • • • • Teleological Argument Argument put forward by the Christian philosopher William Paley (1734 – 1805). Sometimes known as the argument from design: If you walked along a path and found a stone you would assume that it had always been there If you walked along a path and found a watch you could only assume that it hadn’t come about by chance but someone had put it together and designed it If you look at the world about you, you will see how intricate it is e.g. the human eye There must be a designer Therefore there must be a God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= foeM6vXZCys • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Argument from experience Some people argue that they have personally experienced God. God can be experienced: When prayers are answered When miracles happen Moral Argument Put forward by Immanuel Kant Some people argue that the fact everyone has a conscience is evidence of God’s existence: Everyone has a basic understanding of right and wrong This conscience comes from God God must exist The R.E.A.S.O.N. people believe in God Relatives’ influence, e.g. Upbringing Evidence from the world for a designer Creation Right and Wrong (teleological argument) Upbringing Answered prayer Design Experience Seen Miracles Own and others experience of God e.g. Visions Need for a designer (cosmological argument) The Miracles of Jesus There are a number of accounts of miracles performed by Jesus in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Miracles in the New Testament can be divided into four main groups, as follows: Natural miracles, Casting out demons (exorcism), Healing the sick Raising the dead. Christians would also say that the final miracle was the resurrection of Jesus Possible explanations for the Miracle Stories Jesus really was the Son of God. The miracles show that he was who he said he was. They are literary devices, like metaphors, which the gospel writers used to make some religious point. The gospel writers were just lying and were out to deceive people. Miracles Today - Lourdes In 1858 Bernadette Soubirous the Virgin Mary. The lady told her to dig into the earth and drink the water there.Today Lourdes has become a major centre for pilgrimage – 5 million pilgrims every year. There have been a total of 66 miracles which have been authenticated by the Catholic Church Miracles Today – Prayer Meetings Many Evangelical and Pentecostal Churches believe that God is still performing miracles today.There will be prayer meetings where people are invited to come up to the front to be prayed over. Many people claim to have been curried of life time illnesses. Some Televangelists have been criticised for preying on people’s gullibility and making money. ( Derren Brown says it is cold reading and illusions ) Key quotes MONOTHEISM "The Lord is one."Deuteronomy TRINITY The three parts appear at Jesus' baptism GOD THE FATHER "Our father who art in heaven."Lord's Prayer GOD THE SON "this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleasedGod at Jesus' baptism "the word became flesh and dwelt amongst us"John GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT "the counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I [Jesus Christ] have said to you"John In the Pentecost it shows the Holy Spirit acts as God in the world, performing miracles, inspiring worship and giving the disciples strength to carry on against adversity CREATOR "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."Genesis JUDGE "Jesus, who will judge the living and dead"Peter OMNISCIENT "God you know all things"John OMNIPOTENT "With God all things are possible."Matthew OMNI-BENEVOLENT "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were sinners, Christ died for us."Romans PERFECT "Every word of God is flawless."Proverbs PRAYERS "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.“ Jeremiah MIRACLES "In the power of signs and wonders, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.“ Romans MORALITY & CONSCIENCE "Behold, the man has become like one of us knowing good and evil.“ Genesis Good and Evil... • Beliefs about Good and Evil Concepts of God and the Devil/Satan • The problem of EvilNatural and moral evil The conscience and reasons for moral behaviour • Why is there evil and suffering in the world? The Fall, Original Sin and Redemption Augustinian and Iranaen Theodicies • Coping with suffering Atheist Someone who is not being sure whether God exists or not. Someone who does not believe in God. Conscience A sense of right and wrong. Golden rule The teaching that says ‘love your neighbour as yourself’. The state of never dying. Key terms Agnostic Immorality Job A good man from the Old Testament that was tested through suffering and remained faithful to God. Moral evil Suffering caused by actions done by humans. Natural evil Suffering caused by natural causes such as disease or natural disasters such as tsunamis. Omnibenevolent God is all-loving. Omnipotent God is all-powerful. Omniscient Omnipresent Original sin Redemption Sacrifice The Devil/Satan The Fall Theist God is all-knowing. God is everywhere. The idea that after the Fall, all humans were born in a state of sinfulness, which need God’s help to overcome. To be forgiven for your sins if you are sorry. Something that is offered up or given up; It often means something that is offered to God. The force of evil, seen as a figure tempting people to do wrong. Adam & Eve’s breaking of God’s commandments and being expelled from the Garden of Eden. Someone who believes in God. Key texts Key People: Genesis 1:31a everything that God made was good. Adam and Eve – the first man and woman who introduced original sin into the world Luke 10:18 and Revelation 12:7-9, 17 references to the Devil Iranaeus – (Iranaen Theodicy) Christian saint who said that people needed to suffer otherwise they would be like obedient robots Matthew 5-7 The Sermon on the Mount 1 Corinthians 15:22 how Jesus saved humanity from the consequences of sin Job the story of a man whose faith is tested Genesis 2-3 the introduction of original sin into the world Exodus 20:1-17 the Ten Commandments St Augustine – (Augustinian Theodicy) Christian saint who believed that evil was a lack of good Jesus Christ – saved humanity from the consequences of sin Paul – one of the letter writers of the early church Adversary – the person who makes Job suffer, sometimes translated as Satan God is the creator of all things. He is loving, compassionate, forgiving and faithful The traditional image of the Devil is a red creature with horns, a tail and a pitchfork Different beliefs about God and the Devil The Bible describes the Devil as an angel thrown out of God’s presence for trying to be equal to God. Revision Task: write a paragraph based on this diagram • include each point and explain it clearly • support it with biblical references some blame the Devil for using his power and influence to create suffering in the world some believe the Devil to be a symbolic way of showing the inner temptation to do wrong Adam and Eve, Jesus and Job are examples of people tempted by the Devil in the Bible THE DEVIL The story of the Devil as a fallen angel is not found in the Bible, but in the Jewish and Christian writings of the Apocrypha. There are few references to the Devil in the Bible. The Devil appears as a serpent in Genesis 3 where he convinces Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil – thereby disobeying God. In the story of Job where he suggests to God that Job is only obedient to him because he is protected so well by God. God therefore allows the Devil to bring all kinds of suffering upon Job to demonstrate that Job will remain faithful to God, which he does. The Devil appears to tempt Jesus in the wilderness offering food and wealth + power, but Jesus remains faithful. Quotations “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:31 “Your enemy the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 THE FALL, ORIGINAL SIN AND REDEMPTION By rising from the dead, Jesus saved humanity from the consequences of ‘original sin’. Eve fell to temptation according to the Bible and picked from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil which had been forbidden by God therefore introducing ‘original sin’ into the world. This event is known as the Fall and was when Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden. The death of Jesus on the cross is seen as a substitute for the punishment that original sin deserved and reopens the way to God. Quotations “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12 “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF03ZxP8iwA The problem of evil https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qilO5AJjkvw THE PROBLEM OF EVIL Key Idea: If God is omnipotent, omniscient and omni-benevolent, how can God allow evil to exist? Christians say that there are two types of evil: Moral Evil – Suffering caused by the cruel or uncaring actions of humans. Eg. Hitler and the Holocaust. Natural Evil – Things that cause suffering but have nothing to do with humans. Eg. The Japanese Tsunami. Philosophers who put forwards the probem of evil include John Stewart Mill and David Hume. Hume said the problem of evil was such a strong argument against the existence of God it is ‘the rock of atheism’ (dialogues concerning natural religion) LM Mackie explained the problem in the inconsistent triad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AzNEG1GB-k Theodicies Irenaean theodicy The Christian Monk Iranaeus (130 – 202 CE) said that people needed to suffer to develop qualities like generosity and kindness. He suggested that humans were created immature (‘in the image of God’-gen 1:27) rather than perfect and to grow and develop into perfection. 9the likeness of God- gen 1:28) To understand and appreciate what good was, they needed to experience what good was not (evil). https://www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=zWcgHmXV09g Augustinian theodicy St. Augustine taught that evil was a lack of good. Evil, according to Augustine, is not a thing in itself, but what is left over when there is no good present. Augustine said that evil entered the world as a punishment from God because of the sins of Adam and eve. Natural evil is also a result of the world changing because of Adam and eve disobeying God. • https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=E1ysPBjXXk4 Suffering is a test/beyond understanding In the Old Testament, Job is a good man who worships God and lives a good life. An ‘Adversary’ (Satan in some translations) tests Job to see how devoted he is and if he will turn away from God. God allows Job to be tested as he is confident of Job’s devotion. Job loses his wife, his children, his animals, his wealth and health, but does not lose his faith and is finally rewarded by God. • • Quotation • “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10 • • Freewill defence • We suffer because humans have freewill and misuse their control and power • https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=NEB72UE7P2A COPING WITH SUFFERING God shared in human suffering- Jesus dying on the cross Prayer Church – community helps you get through it Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians often pray for a saint to intercede with God on behalf of someone who is suffering through prayers of intercession. In other denominations such as Church of England and Methodists, prayers of intercession for others are addressed directly to God. Christians accept that God does not always answer prayers in the way that they would like him to, but that God chooses the best for them. An example of faith taking away the suffering of sin is found in Matthews’s gospel when Jesus heals a paralysed man. He says ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ (Matthew 9: 1-8) Quotations “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:5 SOURCES AND REASONS FOR MORAL BEHAVIOUR For Christians there are three main sources and reasons for moral behaviour: the Bible, faith in Christ and conscience. Roman Catholics would consider the teachings of the Church and the Pope in addition to these. Jesus set an example which they themselves should be prepared to follow. As well as following the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (The Beatitudes), Christians also follow the two Great Commandments (Mark 12:29 -31 Eg. Christians may read in the gospels how Jesus tried to help those who were suffering. In order to follow his example, a Christian may take up an occupation as a doctor or nurse to help others. People often say that they know what to and what not to do because they are following their conscience, which some say may have developed based on their upbringing. Many Christians say that our ‘conscience’ is the voice of God telling us what to do. Humanists also believe in a conscience but they do not believe that it comes from God. Quotations “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength… love your neighbour as yourself.” Mark 12:29 -31 Good and Evil “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:31 “Your enemy the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10 The story of Job Ireaneus theodicy Augustianian theodicy “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:5 Religion and Science The origins of the world – Christian beliefs about the origins of the world and humanity Scientific theories about the origins of the world and humanity The relationship between science and religion Christian belief vs Scientific theories Are they in conflict or harmony? The place of humanity in relation to animals Attitudes to animals and their treatment Christians and their responses to environmental issues Christian ideas about stewardship Key texts On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life Charles Darwin’s 1859 book in which he developed the theory of evolution Genesis 1-2 the two Genesis creation stories Genesis 6:9-8:22 The story of Noah and the Ark Psalm 24 The glory of God’s creation Key People: Charles Darwin – (1809-82) developed the theory of natural selection Philip Gosse – (1809-82) argued that God had places fossils in rocks to test the faith of Christians St Augustine – (354-430) said that in the beginning God only created germs or causes of the forms of life – and that creation took place outside of time as we understand it Noah – rescued the animals in the ark Sollicitudo Rei Socialis Papal encyclical which considers the environment Adam and Even – the first humans according to the Bible Nicene Creed ‘God is the maker of heaven and earth...’ James Ussher – (1581-1656) calculated the actual time of creation as being at 9am on 26th October 4004BCE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= BbRjwRpwQT8 • Big bang- a scientific theory that a cosmic explosion caused the world to exist. • Creation – the act of creating something, In the Bible the creation of the world by God. • Creationists/ literalists- A name given to Christians who interpret the Bible literally and accept every word of the creation story as factually true. • Dominion – the idea that humans have control over and responsibility for the world • Evolution- the way in which animals and plants adapt to their surroundings, survival of the fittest. • ex nihilo – a Latin term meaning to be created out of nothing. • Genesis- the first book of the bible • Humanity- a word that means all humans, also means showing caring and kindness to each other. • Non literalist- a Christian who interprets the bible as symbolic stories rather than a factual account. • Stewardship- God has given us the world to look after for him and protest for future generations. • Big bang theory • Alexander Friedman, a Russian mathematician in 1922 and expanded upon in 1927 by GeorgesHenri Lemaitre. He was a Belgian physicist, who was also a Roman Catholic priest. • Scientists believe the Universe began in a hot ‘big bang’ about 13,600 million years ago. The Universe continues to expand today. The evidence for the Big Bang theory includes the existence of a microwave background radiation, and red-shift. Stars do not remain the same, but change as they age. Evolution • Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species of living things have changed over time. • supported by evidence from fossils, and by the rapid changes in microorganisms such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria. • Darwin’s book- On the Origin of Species 1859. The theory of evolution states that evolution happens by natural selection and survival of the fittest • https://youtu.be/tb_dTJ-nEcM Christian views on the origin of the world God created the universe. stories -the book of Genesis in the Bible. Some Christians regard Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 as two totally separate myths that have a similar meaning. Others see the two chapters as part of one continuous story. Summary of Genesis 1: in the beginning - God started creation the first day - light was created the second day - the sky was created the third day - dry land, seas, plants and trees were created the fourth day - the Sun, Moon and stars were created the fifth day - creatures that live in the sea and creatures that fly were created the sixth day - animals that live on the land and finally humans, made in the image of God were created by day seven, God finished his work of creation and rested, making the seventh day a special holy day. In Genesis 2, some people think that the story goes on to give more detail about the creation of humans, seen as two individuals, Adam and Eve. Adam was made from 'the dust of the ground' when God breathed life into him. Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs to provide company and help for Adam. They lived in a special place called the Garden of Eden. Both of them were given the task and responsibility to look after the place that God had created for them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =lM_Kpg_Xr60 Literalist Christian view on origin • Literalist or Fundamentalist Christians believe that as the Bible comes directly from God, everything in it must be the exact truth. the Big Bang theory is not correct and the world is only 7000 years old. Dinosaur bones and fossils are put there to test out faith in God. (Gosse) • Case study example : The fundamentalist Christians who lived there believed in the literal truth of the Bible, and didn’t agree with the ideas of Charles Darwin being taught in schools.. John Scopes challenged them by teaching his pupils about Darwin and evolution. The court case that followed received lots of publicity. William Jennings Bryan acted as solicitor for the fundamentalists. John Scopes was found guilty of teaching the theory of evolution to his pupils and was fined $100. Non literalist view of creation Many Christians think the creation story is more symbolic . Theistic evolutionists point out the creation story fits in with the big • bang . theory and evolution if each ‘day’ is actually an age or period of time. Period of time is actually more correct with the original Hebrew translation. Many Christians point to intelligent design and the teleological argument as evidence that God created the world. The world looks like it has been designed by an intelligent designer therefore someone must have designed and created it – God. William Paley Watch analogy and St Thomas Aquinas. A few Christians believe in process theology ( put forward by A.N Whitehead and David Griffin) which states God started the big bang and evolution when he created the world but did not interfere once he had started the process. Intelligent design • put forward by many fundamentalists in America as an alternative to evolution. • It argues that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection. • Michael Behe argues the flagella of certain bacteria is a prime example of an irreducibly complex structure defined as "a single system composed of several well-matched, interacting parts ‘- it could not have evolved gradually through natural selection. • People and animals The book of Genesis sets humans as being quite separate from the rest of the animal kingdom. Adam is told to: “Rule over the fish of the sea and birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28 Many Christians are beginning to think again about their responsibility towards the rest of creation. • Some Christians choose to be vegetarians pointing to God’s original instructions to the first humans: “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” Genesis 1:29 • It is only after the flood that God commands Noah: “Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.” Genesis 9:3 The environment • Christians believe they have a responsibility towards the environment as ‘stewards’ of creation. • St Francis of Assisi saw himself as part of God’s creation and talked about ‘brother sun and sister moon’. • In 1979 Pope John Paul II made Francis the patron saint of ecology. • Some Christians have chosen to join organisations such as Greenpeace or WWF. • Traditionally Christians have thanked God for creation in Harvest Thanksgiving festivals. Key quotes • "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."(Genesis 1:1) • "God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good."(Genesis 1:25) • Religious and scientific conflict "In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of God’s existence."Sir Isaac newton • Christians and animals "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him."(Genesis 1:27) • "The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." (Genesis 2:7) • "Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." (Genesis 1:28) • "He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name." (Genesis 2:19) • Environmental issues "... take care of it ..."(Genesis 2:15) • "fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."(Genesis 1:28) • "Then God said, 'I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground everything that has the breath of life in it - I give every green plant for food.' And it was so."(Genesis 1:30) • "You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet."(Psalm 8:6) • "do not worry about what you will eat; or about what you will wear… your Father knows that you need them. Seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you."(Luke 12:22&31) End of Life Body and soul – Christian beliefs Heaven, Hell and Purgatory Christian beliefs about what happens when we die Salvation, redemption and the suffering of Christ God as Judge – relationship between life on earth and the afterlife Funeral rites – how what happens at a Christian funeral reflects beliefs about the afterlife and supports the bereaved ANNIHILATION - complete destruction ASCENSION - rising to a higher level or position CONFESSION - an admission of one’s sins with repentance and desire to absolve it, done privately to a priest as a religious duty or directly to God through prayer DELIVERANCE - to be rescued or set free DIVINE EXCHANGE - Christian concept of redemption, that Jesus gave up his life in order to take away the sin of humanity ETERNAL LIFE - spiritual existence after the death of the body EULOGY - a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, especially a tribute to someone who has just died FREE WILL - acting according to one's own free choice FUNERAL - a ceremony or service held shortly after a person’s death, usually including the person’s burial or cremation HEAVEN - a place regarded as the abode of God, the good afterlife, often traditionally depicted as being above the sky HELL - a place regarded as a spiritual realm of evil and suffering, often traditionally depicted as a place of perpetual fire beneath the earth where the wicked are punished after death IMMORTAL - living forever, never dying or decaying JUDGE - someone qualified to decide whether someone is guilty or innocent MORTAL - a living being who will eventually die PETITIONARY PRAYERS - special prayers that ask God to take away the sin of a soul that has moved into the afterlife PURGATORY - a Catholic concept, a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are ridding themselves of their sins before going to heaven REDEMPTION - the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil RESURRECTION - Jesus rising from the dead RITES - a religious ceremony or act SALVATION - deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE - a principle of implied protection for human life which is said to be holy, sacred, or otherwise of such value that it is not to be violated SOUL - the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being, regarded as immortal SUFFERING - undergoing pain, distress or hardship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7C5iY G4GxI Key texts John 11:25b-26a ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.’ Genesis 3:19 ‘Ashes to ashes, dust to dust’ Matthew 25:31-46 The parable of the sheep and the goats 1 Corinthians 15:51-51 Teaching about the day of Judgement Revelation 4:1-8 Description of God’s throne in Heaven Apostles’ Creed ‘I believe in the resurrection of the body...’ Key People: Jesus– Christians believe that one day he will return to earth. Christian teaching about the importance of the crucifixion of Jesus is that Jesus, as part of the Trinity, was the Son of God – God in human form. When he was resurrected three days after his death he atoned for the ‘original sin’ of Adam and Eve and overcame the power of death. Adam and Eve – The first man and woman who introduced original sin into the world. St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) – A Christian saint who gained a reputation of being the friend of animals. Most Christians do not believe that animals have a soul as it was only Adam that God gave ‘the breath of life’ to. St Francis of Assisi however, disagreed with this view. Purgatory is a belief of Roman Catholic Christians but many other Christians do not believe in it as there is nothing in the Bible about it. Although black is a traditional colour for mourning. Christians do not see funerals as sad events as they celebrate the new life with God which the dead person is now entering. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is central to all Christian beliefs about salvation, redemption and judgement Most non-believers are not afraid of death in the way in which some believers are. For people with a religious belief there can be a fear that, however hard they may try, they will not be judged good enough to go to heaven after death. If someone does not believe in any afterlife then this fear is removed. Christians do not believe in reincarnation. Christianity teaches that people have ‘one soul and one life to save it in’. • Christians believe that there is life after death: If they are good they will go to heaven when they die but if they are bad they will go to hell (parable of sheep and goats/parable of rich man and Lazarus) They have these beliefs because: • the death and resurrection of Jesus was a sign from God saying that man’s sins were forgiven – Jesus’ death conquered evil • the resurrection of Jesus (the empty tomb) showed that if men repent and follow God they can go to heaven • The Bibles tells them that death and sin entered the world because Adam & Eve disobeyed God – yet the death of Jesus re-opened the door to heaven Judgement Day – Jesus will return (Parousia) and will judge people on how they have lived their lives to determine whether they go to heaven or hell The soul • Is the “breath of life” which God gave • What goes to heaven? Adam when he created Adam from • Some Christians believe the dust to make him a “living being”. whole body & soul goes up to • The soul is what makes human beings heaven (so cremation is not special/separate from all the rest of allowed) creation. Some believe the soul makes people moral beings (it is their • Some Christians believe it is only conscience) the soul which goes up to heaven (so cremation is allowed) • It returns to heaven/God after death. • Some Christians believe in the • The soul is eternal (it never dies) teachings of St. Paul that they will get a new spiritual body when they get to heaven • Some Christians believe a new soul is created for each new life which God creates • While other Christians believe that the soul is a part of the original soul which God gave Adam. • Body & Soul • "The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."(Genesis 2:7) • "So it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable……it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body."(1 Corinthians 15:42 and 44) • "Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s spirit lives in you?... for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple."(1 Corinthians 3: 16-17) • "When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law ..."(Romans 7:21 – 22) • "Behold I will create new heavens and a new earth…….the wolf and the lamb will feed together ..."(Isaiah 65: 17 and 25) The Suffering of Christ • Christians believe that God came down in human form (the incarnation) as his only son Jesus Christ in order to redeem (save people) from sin and evil. The only way Jesus could do that was to suffer and die on the cross: • Once Adam and Eve had let sin into the world mankind needed someone to redeem them – someone to save them – to take on their sins to free them from evil and death – this could only be Jesus • The events of Jesus’ suffering were prophesised by the prophet Isaiah (in the Old Testament) • Jesus’ suffering shows people just how much God loves them – “for God so loved the world he gave his only son…”(John 3:6) • Jesus’ voluntary suffering shows that he is the son of God – the Centurion said when Jesus died “surely this man was the son of God” (Matthew 27:54). • Redemption and the suffering of Christ • "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."(Mark 10:45) • "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."(Isaiah 53: 5) • "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."(Ephesians 1:7) • "Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion."(Psalm 103: 2-4) • Parables which show Christian beliefs about life after death: • The parable of the Sheep and the goats show that Jesus will judge people on Judgement Day and those who have looked after the poor etc. will go to heaven & those who have not will be separated from God forever • The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus shows that the bad will be punished and will be separated from God forever • The parables of the Lost Son & the Lost Sheep shows that God is forgiving if someone truly repents • The Miracle when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead is when Jesus tells people that “"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” • ‘In my fathers house there are many rooms’ • The Funeral service shows Christian beliefs of life after death through: • Flowers – which show the beauty of heaven/after-life • The words “I am the resurrection and the life” showing those who follow Jesus will live again in heaven after death. These are said at the beginning of the ceremony. Jesus said them when he raised Lazarus from the dead. • The words “dust to dust” show that the earthly body returns to dust – God created Adam from dust. Sometimes people throw handfuls of dust onto the coffin as it is lowered into the ground. • The symbol of the empty Cross, which shows that Jesus has risen • The Eulogy is when people give speeches to celebrate the person’s life • Prayers are said to ask God to look after the person in heaven and to thank God for that person’s life. The smoke from the candles takes these prayers to heaven. • Readings from the Bible such as Revelation (the new heaven and earth) or the raising of Lazarus show the bereaved that their loved one is with God. • Balloons are sometimes released to show that the soul is going to heaven • They believe that to get to heaven they must: • Follow the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus; do good deeds • “Love Thy Neighbour” – look after the poor (Parable of the Sheep and the Goats) • Confess their sins and forgive others (the Lord’s Prayer). • Become a witness to Christianity – be baptised/confirmed. • Judgement • The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats(Matthew 25) • Repentance and Forgiveness • "As far as the east is from the west, so far he has removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion ..."(Psalm 103: 12-13) • "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."1 John 1:9) • "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life."(Romans 6:23) • "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death."(Romans 8: 12) Evidence Ghosts (Paranormal Activities) Evidence of an after life Description of Evidence People see the deceased, normally in a form, which allows the ghost to go against the rules of physics. The ghost can tell us things beyond the grave. Very often, the ghosts talk to their loved ones to talk about what happened and the afterlife. Past life Appeared to have knowledge from past lives, which memories/ is hard to explain. Very often this can be in the form Reincarnation of ‘Déjà Vu’. With reincarnation, you can sense the same character or personality a deceased being had, and you link it often with an animal or other object. Mediums Ouija boards give some people reasons to believe that the spirits, or souls, of the dead live on. (Séances) Mediums claim evidence for life after death by contacting people’s dead relatives and telling them things only their relatives could know. Give some people reasons to believe that the spirits, or souls, of the dead live on. Near Death When people claim to have near-death experiences Experiences when they are classed as clinically dead for a short period then revived. They often describe feelings of (NDEs) peace; out of body experiences; seeing a bright light; and even meeting deceased relatives. Flaws Witness is unreliable as they let their superstitions and imagination rule. Coincidence. People rarely claim to be an insignificant person. Mediums are con artists on the gullible who wish to believe they are in a ‘better place’. It is simply a creation of the mind ‘shutting down’ based on desire. Can be analysed to be hallucinations, and accounts of bright lights/tunnels = body closing down or effect of drugs. Belief in an afterlife • https://www.youtube.c • https://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=CltMPfC_F om/watch?v=sbRX43mr 1Q Tdw • The parable of the sheep and Goats • God made Humans in his own image – Genesis 1:26 • St Paul indicates that, upon death, the physical body is “perishable” and dies, whilst the spiritual body is “imperishable” and will live on. - 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 • “"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” • In my fathers house there are many rooms • The boy who lived before- extraordinary people series channel 4 • Ghost Adventures