Explain two beliefs expressed in the Creation of Adam. (4)
Michelangelo s Creation of Adam On the ceiling in the Sistine chapel, Rome. Shows humans are dependent on God and they are made in the image of God. Beliefs shown: Adam is perfect creation is perfect Adam lifelessly reaches for God dependent, God breathes life into us, relationship between God and humans God is old, muscled powerful and ancient God is in the air carried by angels transcendent God reaches to Adam humans have a special place in creation God and Adam mirrored made in the image of God Controversy Genesis 2 Adam made from dust Genesis 2 God breathes life into Adam s nostrils Michelangelo paints them a similar size (equal?) God is an old man
Other art depicting the creation Variety of art forms: stained glass, mosaics, statues, paintings, etchings, etc. A mosaic by Hildreth Meiere in a church in New York. Belgian artist Jean-Baptiste Capronnier during the second half of the nineteenth century. It is in the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula in Brussels. One of many computer generated images of creation
Explain two Catholic beliefs about the nature of God. (5)
Genesis 1 nature of God God as Transcendent Genesis 1 poem describing creation. God creates the universe and everything in it with the words Let there be.. He requires nothing but his voice to create God is completely beyond the created world - transcendent God as omnipotent Omnipotent = all powerful He creates things from nothing (ex nihlo) Everything he makes is good/ perfect
Explain how the creation accounts in Genesis show the life is sacred. (5)
Explain how the creation accounts in Genesis show the life is sacred (Sanctity of Life). (5)
Significance of creation stories Stewardship Creation is God s gift to us need to look after it All parts of creation must be valued/cherished God commands for us to subdue and have dominion over the earth Each generation must protect it for the next Dignity of human beings We are made in the image and likeness of God All equal and all loved No person should be mistreated dignity shown to all Human relationships are also important sex should be valued Humans are given freewill this means we have a responsibility for our actions Sanctity of life All creation is holy as it has been blessed by God saw it was good Human life is especially sacred Sanctity of life respect life as it is a gift from God All stages of life should be protected (from conception) Creation stories may not be seen as literally true by Catholics (outdated, ancient) but they contain UNCHANGABLE or ETERNAL TRUTHS about the nature and dignity of humans.
The Bible is not relevant for today s society.
What is the Bible? Bible = book 73 books Old and New Testament Old Testament Law where people of \god are from, God s laws, guidance History God guide the people, often they refuse to listen Wisdom prayers, psalms, advice, poems use our talents to do good Prophets inspired figures, God active in the world, faithfulness New Testament Gospels actions and teachings of Jesus Acts of the Apostles events in the early Church (up to 60ad) Epistles (letters) explain how to live by Jesus example Revelation apocalyptic, mystical visions, possibly the end of the world
The Bible as the word of God God speaks through the Bible Word of God Stirrings in the heart, esp. when reading from scripture Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the Bible It also inspire us to accept God s message The history contained in it helps us learn from past mistakes Prophets encourage faith Gospels Jesus is God speaking directly to the people Epistles early witnesses to Jesus, help us apply his principles to life The Bible of the Magisterium Holy Spirit helped the Church to decide the books of the New Testament The Church had authority to do this as successors of the apostles. This is known as the Magisterium when they gather as a teaching office They can interpret the true message fo the Bible
Interpretations of Genesis Catholic Genesis creation stories seen as myths, a story which tries to convey a complex truth Genesis 2 (approx. 950bc) and Genesis 1 (450bc) Both show God creates all, all creation is good, humans are the highpoint of creation Not literal should carefully investigate what meaning the sacred writers really intended Dei Accept evolution / Big Bang but God guided it Fundamentalist Believe that the Bible is the Word of God (accurate in all aspects) God would not mislead us and we have no right/authority to second guess His word The earth is a few thousand years old, created in 6 days Verbum
Catholics and science Natural law As part of God s creation humans find fulfilment by living as God intends, harmoniously following the natural law Basic natural law = do good and avoid evil Imago dei we have an inherent/ natural instinct to be good We intuitively know what is right, shouldn t need rules The church and science Famous Catholic Scientists: St Albert the Great patron saint of science Jean Baptiste Lamarck evolution Friar Gregor Mendel genetics George Lemaitre Big Bang SVC science and religion need to be mutually supportive, help our understanding of God s creation. Science (how) and religion (why).
Catholics and the environment Teachings Laudato Si- the word creation has a much wider meaning than just nature, for it has to do with God s loving plan in which every creature has its own value and significance Laudato Si- the world is a gift which we have received freely and must share with others Mark 12- love God with all your heart love your neighbour as yourself All creation is a gift, it should all be protected Value what God has created Take care of limited natural resources for the next generation Practical solutions Love shown by caring for the environment in which others live Use less finite resources - solar panels in the Vatican?
Explain two ways in which Catholics could live out stewardship. (4)
Stewardship LOCAL Reduce unnecessary rubbish Recycle Use public transport, walk, cycle Help local projects, campaigns, etc. NATIONAL Pressure on politicians to protect the earth Support and but products from environmentally friendly companies GLOBAL Pressure governments in to supporting global agreements 9Paris climate accord) Boycott multinational companies which threaten the environment Laudato Si- Everyone s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God s creation Interdependence = relying or depending on each other, as a change to one thing affects the other thing as well (trees humans) Catechism 340 no creature is self-sufficient. Creatures only exist in dependence on each other
Explain two ways in which CAFOD encourage people to live sustainably. (5)
CAFOD and sustainability Sustainability = only using natural resources at a rate at which they can be replaced Projects want to: Reverse environmental damage Reduce poverty (balance) Reduce world tension/conflict CAFOD Encourage the UK to live simply Support and set up sustainability / environmental projects Work with international organisations to ensure sustainability Helping to found the Beyond 20165 campaign goal 2030 Working with farmers arounfd the world to use sustainable farming techniques Pope Francis has called for a bottom up approach put the poor first He also suggests if we listen to each other and share / look after each other's resources and sustainable techniques.