CHRISTIANITY BELIEFS

Beliefs and TeachingsIndividual Christians, and different Church denominations, have different beliefs, depending on how they interpret teachings and on which teachings they accept.

Key BeliefsThe Nature of God – God as Omnipotent, Loving and Just and the Problem of Evil and Suffering

The Nature of GodChristians believe that God is powerful. Many believe that he is all-powerful, or omnipotent. This is particularly shown in his creation of the world. Someone who is all-powerful can do anything.

Christians believe that God is loving, or benevolent, and many believe that he is all-loving, or omnibenevolent.

Christians also think that God is just; that he is fair, right and good. The Bible also teaches that he is fair in rewarding the good and punishing the bad.

The Problem of Evil and SufferingThe problem of evil and suffering is one issue which has faced Christians and their faith. It can be posed as a question:

‘If God is omnipotent, loving and just, then why does he allow evil and suffering?’

This raises the following problems:If he is omnipotent, then he could stop evil and suffering.If God is loving, he should not want humans to come to harm. If God is just, he should not allow good people to suffer.

How the Problem May Cause Believers to Question Their Faith or the Existence of God If God is omnipotent, loving and just, it does not make sense for him to allow evil and suffering, or

allow the innocent to suffer when the wicked often succeed.

Some believers wonder why they should trust in a God who allows bad things to happen to good people, so they question their faith and whether they should keep believing.

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Nature and Examples of Natural Suffering and Moral SufferingNatural suffering is suffering (pain) caused by natural events, such as natural disasters or disease. Examples include pain caused by earthquakes, HIV/AIDS and cancer.

Moral suffering is suffering (pain) caused by something a human being chooses to do, such as killing someone else. Examples of moral suffering include the pain caused by murder, theft, and harm of others.

Solutions Offered to the Problem of Evil and Suffering and an Omnipotent, Loving and Just God

EVIL IS THE RESULT OF FREE WILL Many Christians believe that people are able to do evil things because God gave humans free will.

Some Christians argue that it is more loving to allow people to make their own decisions. In order to have genuine choice, the consequence is that some people will make bad choices which hurt others This does not solve the problem of natural suffering.

GOD IS BEING JUST IN ALLOWING EVIL AND SUFFERING Humans deserve punishment for their sins, if they didn’t sin, then they wouldn’t suffer.

This does not explain why the innocent suffer such as babies and young children.

Quick Questions1. Which of these is a type of moral suffering? (1 mark)

a) Earthquake damage b) Death by murder c) HIV AIDS d) Drowning in a flood

2. Give two examples of solutions to the problem of evil. (2 marks)

Now Try This…3. Explain two Christian beliefs about the nature of God. Refer to scripture. (5 marks)

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Volcanoes cause natural suffering.

The Nature of God – The Oneness of God and the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy SpiritThe Trinity is a concept within Christianity which refers to the belief that the Christian God is both one being and three persons at the same time. The three persons are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. However, there is unity within God – there are not three separate gods. This seems rather confusing, and it has caused much controversy and debate within Christianity. Not all Christians believe in the Trinity, but most do.

Each of the Persons Individually

The FatherGod the Father is believed to be the creator of the world, and to have sent Jesus (the Son) to save humanity.

The SonJesus is believed to be the Son of God (and the same as God). He is believed to have existed before Creation, and to have come to Earth to save humanity.

The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit was sent to the disciples after Jesus’ death (this event is known and celebrated as Pentecost) so that God would be present with humanity. Some Christians say that he lives in their hearts.

Influence Today Most Christians believe in the Trinity.

Christians pray to Jesus as well as God the Father, and may pray to God the Father ‘in Jesus’ name’.

Quick Questions4. Which of these is not a Person of the Trinity? (1 mark)

a) Father b) Son c) Sister d) Spirit

5. Give two Christian beliefs about the Trinity. (2 marks

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God

Holy SpiritSon

Father

A flame – the Holy Spirit is often described as being like

a flame.

Different Christian Beliefs about CreationThe first book of the Bible, Genesis, gives two different accounts of Creation.

Genesis 1 and the start of Genesis 2:Before the creation of the world, there was nothing. But God’s Spirit moved, and God spoke, and things began to come into being. Over a period of six days God created the world and then gave it to humans to look after. He is pleased with his creation and rests on the seventh day.

Genesis 2:Man is commanded not to eat fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 3:The serpent tempts the woman to eat the forbidden fruit. God discovers that they have eaten the fruit, curses them, and casts them out of the Garden of Eden.

John 1: 1–18:Jesus is described as the Word of God because he brought God’s teaching (his word) to Earth – this is significant because if all Jesus’ teaching came from God, then it should be followed.

For the exam you specifically need to know about John 1:1-3 (see the first part of the quote above). So the main points are: The Word of God is God. The Word was present before creation. The Word played a part in creation.

Different Christians interpret the Creation story in different ways.

Some believe that it is literally true; that God did create the world within seven days, and that there were two original people called Adam and Eve.

Some believe that the Creation story is metaphorical; that God may be responsible for the Big Bang, and for starting the process of evolution, and that the Bible is not necessarily scientifically accurate.

Influence Today

Creation is important for many Christians because they believe that God gave the world to humans; they rule it, or have dominion over it. This means that Christians believe that dominion also comes with great responsibility. They believe that God has made them stewards of his creation; people who manage it and protect it. The story of creation reminds them that the world is God’s and they should care for it.

Quick Questions6. Which of these biblical books mentions Jesus’ involvement in creation? (1 mark)

a) Genesis b) Judges c) Matthew d) John

Now Try This…7. Explain two different Christian beliefs about creation. Refer to scripture. (5 marks)

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Different Christian Beliefs about the Afterlife and Their ImportanceChristians believe in an afterlife – that there will be another life after death. The afterlife has been very important within Christianity.

All Christians agree that there is an afterlife and that this is available to them because Jesus has saved them and God has the power to grant this.

Some Christians believe in resurrection of the body because Jesus was raised from the dead in some sort of bodily form.

Resurrection is important because: Christians believe that there will be life after death.

This can comfort them because they know death will not be the end. This can encourage them to live good lives because they know God will judge them when they die.

The existence of resurrection tells us things about the character of God. God is powerful enough to overcome death (demonstrated by Jesus’ resurrection, and others

brought back to life in the Bible). God is loving and forgiving – he wants humans to enjoy heaven with him.

Judgment is the event at the end of time and/or when each individual person dies when God evaluates people based on what they believed, and whether they lived a good or bad life. Christians believe that judgment results in people being sent to heaven, hell or purgatory.

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Heaven, Hell (and Purgatory)Most Christians believe in heaven, which is a place where people will be with God after they die.

Most Christians also believe in hell, somewhere outside of heaven and away from God.

Some Christians, believe in a place called purgatory, where Christians can go to do further penance for their sins before being allowed to enter heaven.

Importance and Influence TodayBecause Christians believe Jesus died so that they could have eternal life, most feel grateful to God. Those who feel that they are living lives pleasing to God may not fear death as much, as they believe that it is not the end.

The teachings of judgment in the New Testament also encourage Christians to live whatever they consider a ‘good’ life in order not to ‘go to hell’.

Because some Christians believe that they should focus on the afterlife, belief in the afterlife can be important in influencing them to isolate themselves from normal life – many Christian monks and nuns have felt that because they value the afterlife more than human life that they should try to avoid human desires, to focus on worshipping God and on the afterlife.

Quick Questions8. Give two examples of places which Christians may believe people enter after death. (2 marks)

Now Try This…9. Give two ways in which belief in the afterlife influences Christians today. (4 marks)

10. ‘Immediately after death, people go to heaven, hell, or purgatory.’ Evaluate this statement. (12 marks)Argue for and against this statement. You must refer to Christian teaching. Reach a conclusion which follows from your argument.

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Jesus Christ and SalvationBeliefs and Teachings about the Incarnation and Jesus as the Son of GodMost Christians have come to believe that Jesus is God, and so during his time on earth he was God incarnate; or God in the flesh

Nature of the Person of Jesus as the Incarnate Son of God Mainstream Christianity teaches that Jesus was fully human and fully

God – the incarnate Son of God.

Importance of the Person of Jesus as the Incarnate Son of God, Jesus being the incarnate Son of God / the Incarnation is important to Christians for a number of reasons: This shows God cared about Christians enough to become a human

and die for them, and is a loving God.

This shows that Jesus had God’s authority and taught his will, and so Christians know what to believe and practice for certain.

This shows that God has power – to become human, raise the dead, perform miracles… It also establishes that God has the power to grant life after death, meaning that Christians can look forward to the afterlife.

Quick Questions11. Give two reasons why the Jesus of the Gospels seems divine. (2 marks)

Now Try This…12. Explain two Christian beliefs about the person of Jesus. Refer to Scripture. (5 marks)

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Jesus’ ascension.

Beliefs and Teachings about the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the AscensionThe belief that Jesus died and was raised from the dead is of central importance to Christianity.

Before the Crucifixion:Jesus eats a last meal (the Last Supper) with his disciples, where he shares bread and wine, telling them that these are his body and blood given for them, and that they should share bread and wine in remembrance of him.

After this, Jesus is betrayed by his disciple Judas. Jesus is tried in front of the Jewish authorities; the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate; and in Luke’s account by King Herod. The Jewish authorities convince Pilate to kill Jesus.

Crucifixion:Jesus is beaten and mocked by soldiers before being led to be crucified. They put a crown of thorns on his head, and mock him as the King of the Jews.

Jesus is crucified between two other criminals, and the soldiers gamble for Jesus’ clothing. The plaque on the cross detailing his crime states that he is the King of the Jews. Jesus is mocked, taunted and told to save himself by the Jewish authorities, and also by the criminals/passers-by/soldiers in some accounts

Resurrection:Jesus died on the Friday, and the Sabbath (Saturday) the next day was kept as a day of rest. Consequently, the women who followed Jesus could not go to prepare his body until the Sunday morning.

In Matthew’s Gospel, an angel appears to the women and tells them that Jesus has been raised, and then Jesus appears to his disciples when the women have told them to come and see.

In Mark’s Gospel, a man (often presumed to be an angel) is sitting in the open tomb and tells the woman that Jesus has been raised. In the longer ending of this Gospel, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and then to his disciples.

Ascension:In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus blesses his disciples and ascends to heaven, and they worship him. Mark’s Gospel mentions that Jesus was taken up into heaven and seated next to God.

Importance of These Events and Their Influence TodayChristians believe that the purpose of Jesus’ life was so that he could teach God’s will, and then die as a sacrifice to save humans from their sin. Christians believe that Jesus’ life and death formed a new covenant, a promise between God and humankind. Jesus replaced the old covenant of the Jewish law, so that Christians no longer needed to follow this, but could instead be saved through Jesus.

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Aspect of Jesus’ last days Significance

Jesus died at the time of the Passover festival

For Christians, Jesus became the Passover lamb. The Jews had sacrificed a lamb at Passover to remember when they had marked their doors with lambs’ blood so that they were saved from the plague of death in Egypt, and God had delivered them from the Egyptians. Now, for Christians, Jesus was the sacrifice to God for their sins.

Jesus’ death, predicted at the Last Supper

Many Christian denominations remember Jesus’ sacrifice of his body and blood through the sacrament of the Eucharist; sharing bread and wine. It reminds them of Jesus giving his life to save them from their sin – Jesus is important to Christians because of his sacrifice.

Fulfilment of Old Testament prophesy

Many Christians believe that various aspects of Jesus’ death and resurrection correspond to Old Testament prophecy. If Jesus fulfilled prophecy, this shows that sending Jesus to redeem humankind had been part of God’s plan for a long time.

The Temple curtain tearing in two

The Temple curtain separated the Holy of Holies (the part of the Temple where God was supposed to dwell) from the rest of the Temple. The tearing of the curtain was seen to symbolise that Jesus’ death had removed the barrier between people and God. Christians today believe that anyone can come to God and have a relationship with him through Jesus.

Jesus rising from the dead

Christians believe that Jesus overcame sin and death, and brought them salvation. The religion of Christianity has continued due to belief in his resurrection, and which Christians celebrate at Easter time.

Jesus’ resurrection and ascension

These show Jesus’ divinity and remind Christians of his power and authority – he could overcome death and rise to heaven. As Jesus ascended to heaven, he is believed to be alive – able to help and watch over Christians.

Quick Questions13. Which of these do the Gospels report happening when Jesus died? (1 mark)

a) The Temple Curtain tore b) Soldiers flogged his body c) Peter cried d) Birds cried out

Now Try This…14. Explain two ways in which beliefs about the crucifixion of Jesus influence

Christians today. (4 marks)

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…

Beliefs and Teachings about Sin, Including Original SinThe term ‘sin’ often refers to acting against God’s will, but can also refer to a state of separation from God due to humans not matching up to God’s perfection. The consequences of sin are believed to be death and hell – if people act against God, they will be punished by dying and going to hell. Christians believe that if they confess their sins and ask God to forgive them, then he will do, and they will not go to hell, but will receive eternal life in heaven.

Original SinThis expresses that it was through the sin of humans taking and eating the forbidden fruit (Adam and Eve eating the apple from the tree of knowledge) that they fell from God’s grace. Humans cannot redeem themselves from this, and need saving; sin is part of the human condition.

Personal SinChristians who believe in original sin also believe in personal sin – things which individuals do wrong, against God’s will.

Jesus gave many teachings on sin, recorded in the New Testament. He taught that he had come to save sinners, to rescue people from the consequences of sin. He told many people that their sins were forgiven and preached that God would forgive the sins of those who were sorry.

Influence TodayChristians try not to sin, but believe that if they do God will forgive them, because he has shown them mercy in Jesus.

Quick Questions15. Give two types of sin Christians may believe in. (2 marks)

Now Try This…16. Explain two ways in which beliefs about sin may influence Christians today. (4 marks)

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Beliefs and Teachings about the Means of Salvation, Including Law, Grace and Spirit

Nature of SalvationSalvation refers to the view within Christianity that Christians have been saved by Jesus, through his death and resurrection, from sin and its consequences (death). This means Christians do not have to fear death, or punishment, and can have a new start, having faith that God loves and cares for them.

Grace and the Spirit: Christians believe that grace is a spiritual gift which God can give to people in order to save them. For example, Christians believe that sending Jesus to save humans was an extension of God’s grace.

The Holy Spirit, the third Person of God in the Trinity, is also believed to be a means through which God can send his grace; by sending Christians the Holy Spirit to help them in their lives and faith. Many Christians feel that they can also receive God’s grace through his teaching in the Bible and through sacraments; for example, reliving Jesus’ sacrifice in the Eucharist, or accepting a new spiritual life through baptism.

Quick Questions17. Which of these is not a means of salvation? (1 mark)

a) Grace b) Spirit c) Law d) Sin

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Beliefs and Teachings about the Role of Christ in Salvation Including the Idea of Atonement

The Role of Christ in SalvationJesus’ role in salvation is that he brought humans salvation – without him, they would not have the same chance at a relationship with God. Jesus explains that he has come from heaven, so that those who believe in him can have eternal life. He explains that those who believe will be saved, but those who do not believe will not be saved.

The Idea of AtonementAtonement refers to how Jesus achieved salvation, and how he redeemed humans; his dying made up for (or atoned for) their sins, so saved them from the consequences.

Atonement is a significant concept because it explains how it was possible for Jesus to achieve salvation; for God to pay humans’ debt himself and heal the rift between God and humanity. Without Jesus atoning for humans’ sins, he could not have brought them salvation.

The link between salvation and atonement: Salvation is what Christians believe Jesus brought them – he saved humanity. Atonement refers to how Christians believe he did it – by dying (as a sacrifice).

Now Try This…18. Explain two teachings about atonement within Christianity. Refer to scripture. (5 marks)

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Summary for Beliefs and TeachingsKey Beliefs The Christian God is believed to be omnipotent (all-powerful), loving, and just (good and fair). The

problem of evil and suffering exists because it is hard to explain why, if God is powerful, loving, and just, he allows evil and suffering to exist. Believers may question their faith, if they feel that their God should not allow natural suffering or moral suffering.

Many Christians believe in one God, in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is called the Trinity.

Christians believe that God created the world. Some Christians believe that these accounts are to be interpreted literally, while others think they should be interpreted metaphorically. Christians may take from accounts of Creation that they are special because they are created in God’s image, and that they should look after creation.

Christians have various understandings concerning the afterlife. Jesus taught that people would be judged after death and that they should be prepared for God’s Kingdom. Most Christians believe in heaven and hell and some believe in purgatory, a place to do penance before heaven.

Jesus Christ and Salvation Many Christians believe that Jesus was the incarnation of

God: God in the flesh, and also that he was the Son of God.

Christians believe that Jesus was crucified, buried, and then rose back to life. After being witnessed by his disciples and giving them instructions, he ascended to heaven.

Christians believe in sin – acting against God’s will / a separation from God. Some Christians believe that when Adam and Eve betrayed God in the Garden of Eden this was the Fall, and humans have been automatically sinful through original sin since then. All Christians believe in personal sin – personal acts which go against God’s will.

Christians believe that Jesus brought them salvation by dying for them. They believe that his death atoned (made up) for their sin.

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KEY WORDSOmnipotent All powerful

Omnibenevolent

All loving

Genesis Beginnings – this is the name of the book in the Bible that describes God creating the universe

Trinity The idea that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all part of the same thing

Purgatory A place where people go to wait to see if they deserve to get into Heaven

Incarnation The idea of God becoming human in the form of Jesus

Crucifixion A punishment that saw people being nailed or hanged to a cross until they died

Resurrection When Jesus rose from the dead

Ascension When Jesus went back up to Heaven

Sin Breaking a rule from God

Salvation Being saved from sin

Atonement An act that someone must perform to be saved from sin

Predestination The idea that God has already decided what will happen to people

Free Will The idea that humans can choose how they behave

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KEY QUOTESCreation ‘In the beginning, God created the Heavens and

the earth’

TrinityJohn 1

Incarnation

‘And the word became flesh’(The Word is God and this refers to Him becoming human in the form of Jesus)

Crucifixion ‘He was put to death physically, but made alive spiritually’

Resurrection Salvation

‘Whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.’

Ascension ‘I am only with you for a short time and then I am going to the one who sent me.’

Atonement ‘For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners,’

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INFLUENCE QUESTIONSBELIEF 1 - Believing that… 2 - Believing that…

The nature of God

God is all loving can make Christians think that he will look after and care for them.

God is just can make Christians think that he will judge them fairly when they die.

Trinity God became human can make Christians think that he loves them as he was willing to come to earth to help them (save from sin in the form of Jesus).

The holy Spirit is active in the world can make Christians think that they have something to help guide them in life.

Creation God created the universe can make Christians think that they should look after it (stewardship).

Humans were made in the image of God can make Christians feel as though they are special as they are like God.

Afterlife God will judge them can make Christians try to live a good life so that they will get into Heaven.

Be a source of comfort for those who suffer in this life as they will be rewarded for this in Heaven.

Incarnation God became human can make Christians think that he loves them as he came to earth to help them.

Jesus was the Son of God makes them think that they should follow his teachings.

Crucifixion Jesus died to save people from sin can make Christians think that God loves them because he was willing to sacrifice his son for them.

Jesus died to save people from sin can make Christians think that they can be forgiven for the sins that they commit in life as Jesus has already paid for them.

Resurrection Jesus was resurrected can make Christians think that Jesus really was the Son of God and that they should follow his teachings.

Jesus was resurrected can make Christians think that they will also be resurrected after they die.

Ascension Jesus ascended to Heaven and left his disciples to carry on his teachings can make Christians think that they should follow the teachings of his disciples as well as those of Jesus.

Jesus ascended to Heaven can make Christians think that Jesus really was the Son of God and that they should follow his teachings.

Sin Eve tempted Adam into disobeying God can cause some Christians to have a negative view of women.

Humans were once close to God, before they sinned by disobeying Him, can make Christians think that it is possible to regain this type of relationship with Him again

Salvation That they can be saved from sin can make Christians feel that they do not have to fear death, or punishment, and can have a new start, having faith that God loves and cares for them.

That they can be saved from sin can make Christians think that they should forgive others as they have faith that God is going to forgive them for their sins.

Atonement That Jesus suffered crucifixion to save them from sin can make Christians feel

That Jesus suffered crucifixion to save them from sin can make Christians think

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as though God loves them because he was willing to sacrifice his son for them.

that Jesus was the son of God because he was able to overcome death.

RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS QUESTIONS

BELIEF TEACHING 1The Bible teaches

that…

TEACHING 2The Bible teaches that…

USEFUL QUOTES

The nature of God

God is all powerful, for example he created the universe out of nothing.

God is just and that he will judge them fairly when they die.

‘The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power’

Trinity God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are three different parts of the same thing.

Each member of the Trinity has a different role to perform, God made the world, Jesus saved it from sin and the Holy Spirit guides it.

‘And the word became flesh’

Creation God created the universe out of nothing.

Humans were made in the image of God and put in charge of looking after the earth.

‘In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the earth’

Afterlife God will judge them to see if they can go to Heaven.

Belief in Jesus is important in deciding if a person will get into Heaven.

‘Whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.’

Incarnation Jesus was God in human form.

God became human to save the world from sin.

‘And the word became flesh’

Crucifixion That the purpose was for Jesus to atone for the sins of humans by dying himself to mend the relationship between humans and God.

That Jesus was brutally treated during his crucifixion, eg he was whipped and had a crown of thorns pushed into his head.

‘He was put to death physically, but made alive spiritually’

Resurrection

Jesus was resurrected three days after his death, this offers proof that he was the son of God.

Jesus prepared his disciples to continue his teachings after his resurrection in preparation for his ascension.

‘Whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.’

Ascension Jesus ascended to heaven to return to God.

Jesus had asked his disciples to continue his teachings after he had gone.

‘I am only with you for a short time and then I am going to the one who sent me.’

Salvation The sacrifice of Jesus means that everyone has the chance to be saved from sin.

That people should show forgiveness to others as ultimately they hope that God will forgive them.

‘Whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.’

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Atonement That Jesus paid the price for the sins of humans by being crucified.

That Jesus’ sacrifice defeated the devil, so that he could no longer control sinners.

‘For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners,’

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