Religion Exam Notes PDF

Unit 1a: Gospel Overview 1.2 The Three Stages of the Gospel Formation: ​ Stage 1: Oral: -​ Passed on as stories by the apostles, has the help of the holy spirit during pentecost to help them them process and understand the events they experienced ​ Stage 2: Written: -​ All storie...

Unit 1a: Gospel Overview 1.2 The Three Stages of the Gospel Formation: ​ Stage 1: Oral: -​ Passed on as stories by the apostles, has the help of the holy spirit during pentecost to help them them process and understand the events they experienced ​ Stage 2: Written: -​ All stories were written down, and there was gospel writers (evangelist) ​ Stage3: Editing: -​ were edited to help readers understand the context in which events happened. 1.3 The Good News ​ What is the New Testament? ○​ The New Testament is a collection of writings about Jesus and the early Christian church. This is where Jesus is introduced and where we learn about his life, teaching, death and resurrection ○​ We learn about our new covenant with him ​ Who is St. Paul and What is His Conversion? ○​ St. Paul was originally Saul, a persecutor of Christians. He was converted after a vision of Jesus and became one of the greatest missionaries of the early church. ○​ Why did he change his name? - represented becoming a new person and devoting his life to Jesus 1.5 The Early Church ​ Pentecost ○​ Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, giving them the power to preach the Gospel in a language everyone could understand. This was given to them in the form of a burning tongue of fire ​ The Gifts of the Holy Spirit ○​ These include wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Unit 1b: Jesus 1.7 Who is Jesus? ​ Jesus’ Life ○​ Jesus was born in Bethlehem, lived in Nazareth, and spread a message of love and forgiveness. ​ Jesus’ Purpose ○​ To bring salvation to humanity through his teachings, death, and resurrection. ​ Jesus’ Death and Resurrection ○​ Jesus died on the cross to forgive sins and rose from the dead, proving his divine nature. 1.10 Parables ​ What is a Parable? 1.​ A simple story used by Jesus to teach spiritual lessons. -​ Always includes a: comparison, crisis, ending/resolution, and it's always about God’s way of acting among us ​ Why and How Jesus Taught Using Parables 1.​ He used parables to explain complex truths in a simple and relatable way. ​ The Four Main Themes Within Parables 1.​ Description of the King -​ deal primarily with God’s nature, qualities and attitudes in dealing with his people. 2.​ “Kingdom” Responses -​ how we should act if we hope to “enter the kingdom” 3.​ Relationship with neighbours -​ address people’s relationships with one another and the world at large 4.​ The fulfilment of the Kingdom -​ refer to the future coming of God’s kingdom in its fullness. 1.11 Miracles ​ What is a Miracle? ○​ A miracle is a supernatural event performed by Jesus that shows God’s power. ​ Four Types of Miracles ○​ Healing miracles ○​ Nature miracles ○​ Exorcisms ○​ Raising the dead ​ What Miracles Teach Us About the Kingdom of God ○​ Miracles show that God’s Kingdom is present and active on Earth. 1.12b The Paschal Mystery ​ What is the Paschal Mystery? ○​ The Paschal Mystery is the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. ​ Why Jesus is Considered to be the Lamb of God ○​ Jesus is called the Lamb of God because, like the lamb in the Passover, he sacrificed himself for the salvation of others. ​ How the Paschal Mystery Relates to the New Covenant ○​ The Paschal Mystery established the New Covenant between God and humanity, offering eternal life through Jesus. 1.13 Table Fellowship ​ Who is Welcome at Jesus’ Table? ○​ Jesus welcomed everyone, including sinners, outcasts, and the poor. ​ Jesus’ Great Commandment ○​ "Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself." DEFINITION? Unit 2: Justice 2.1 The Voice of Justice ​ What is Justice? ○​ Justice is the fair treatment of all people, ensuring that everyone gets what they deserve. ​ The Image of Justice ○​ Justice is often represented by scales, showing the balance of fairness. ​ The Importance of Justice ○​ Justice helps maintain peace and order in society and is a core value in Christianity. 2.3 Environmental Justice ​ Justice and Natural Law ○​ Justice involves caring for creation and respecting the natural world as part of God’s plan. ​ What Laudato Si is Mainly About ○​ Laudato Si is an encyclical by Pope Francis that calls for action on climate change and care for our common home. ​ Environmental Justice - Our Duty as Christians ○​ Christians are called to care for the environment and promote sustainability. 2.4 Justice in the Bible ​ Justice in the Bible ○​ The Bible teaches us that justice means acting fairly, protecting the poor and the oppressed, and seeking peace. 2.5 Catholic Social Teachings ​ Catholic Social Teachings ○​ Definitions and examples include: 1.​ Life and Dignity of the Human Person – Every human being is valuable. 2.​ Call to Family, Community, and Participation – Family is the foundation of society. 3.​ Rights and Responsibilities – Every person has rights that must be protected. 4.​ Option for the Poor and Vulnerable – We are called to help those in need. 5.​ The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers – Workers should be treated with respect. 6.​ Solidarity – We are one human family, regardless of differences. 7.​ Care for God’s Creation – Protect the environment. Unit 3: Profession of Faith 3.1 What is Faith? ​ Who is God and Why Do We Not Have Proof of Him? ○​ God is a spirit, and faith means trusting in Him, even without physical proof. ​ What is Faith? ○​ Faith is believing in God and trusting in His plan for us, even when we can’t see it. ​ Benefits of Faith ○​ Faith gives us hope, peace, and purpose in life. 3.3 The Nature of God ​ The Holy Trinity ○​ The Holy Trinity is the belief in one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three people all make up God. ​ The Dual Concept of Jesus ○​ Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. 3.5 Mary, the Mother of God ​ The Four Dogmas of Mary - explain these! ○​ Immaculate Conception ○​ Mother of God ○​ Perpetual Virginity ○​ Assumption​ When she died her soul and body went up too ​ Why and How We Honor Mary ○​ We honor Mary because she is the mother of Jesus and a model of faith. 3.7 Human Dignity ​ What is Human Dignity? ○​ Human dignity is the inherent value of every person, created in God's image. Unit 4: Prayer and Sacramental Life 4.1 Spirituality and Truth ​ What is Spirituality? ○​ Spirituality is the way we connect with God through prayer, worship, and living our faith. ​ Reflect on Your Own Spirituality ○​ Personal reflections on how you connect with God in your life. 4.3 Prayer ​ What is Prayer and Its Importance? 1.​ Prayer is talking to God. It is important because it strengthens our relationship with God. ​ Types of Prayer 1.​ Blessing/Adoration (The Gloria) -​ We praise God and acknowledge our dependance on him. 2.​ Petition (Our Father) -​ ask God for the things we need both spiritually and physically. 3.​ Thanksgiving (Grace Before Meals) -​ We thank God for the good things he has done for us in our lives. 4.​ Intersession -​ We make requests to God on behalf of other people. 5.​ Praise -​ We express our love for God, the source of all love. 4.4 Sacraments ​ What are Sacraments? ○​ Sacraments are visible signs of God’s grace, through which we receive spiritual benefits. ​ Different Types of Sacraments ○​ Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation ○​ Sacraments of Healing – Penance, Anointing of the Sick ○​ Sacraments of Service – Marriage, Holy Orders ​ Purpose, Ritual, and Ongoing Effect ○​ Each sacrament has a purpose, certain rituals, and continues to have effects in our lives. 4.5 Signs, Symbols, and Rituals ​ Examples of Symbols, Rituals, and Signs ○​ Symbols: Cross, bread and wine ○​ Rituals: Baptism, Eucharist ○​ Signs: The Holy Water font, candle during Easter Vigil Unit 5: Family Life 5.1 Christ-like Love ​ Different Types of Love in the Bible ○​ Agape: Selfless, unconditional love ○​ Eros: Romantic love ○​ Philia: Friendship love ○​ Storge: Familial love 5.5 Healthy Relationships ​ What It Means to Have a Healthy Relationship ○​ Healthy relationships are based on respect, communication, trust, and love.