theology exam #1

Vocabulary flashcards defining theological terms, historical Church figures, and Doctors of the Church based on lecture notes.

Theology

A reasoning process about God and all He has made known to us through Divine Revelation, originating from the Greek 'theos' (God) and 'logos' (word, deed, or thought).

Divine Revelation

Gods self disclosure .

Economy

All the works by which God reveals himself and communicates his life.

Theology (Internal Mystery)

Refers to the mystery of God's inmost life within the Blessed Trinity, as distinguished from economy.

Normative Theologians

People who dedicate their lives to theology, whether they are members of the clergy, religious, or the laity.

Theology (St. Anselm's Definition)

Faith seeking understanding

Fathers of the Church

Church figures who lived within approximately the first eight centuries after Christ.

Doctor of the Church

Individuals who made significant contributions to the church through their profound understanding of the faith.

Four Women Doctors of the Church

Saint Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, Therese of Lisieux, and Hildegard of Bingen.

Four Great Doctors of the East

Athanasius, Basil, Gregory Nazianzus, and John Chrysostom.

Four Great Doctors of the West

Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, and Gregory the Great.

St. Ambrose

Archbishop of Milan who placed Faith over politics.

St. Jerome

Patron saint of biblical scholars who translated the bible into Latin and is famous for saying, "Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ."

St. Augustine

Former pagan whose mother is St. Monica, who wrote the story of his conversion in "Confessions," and wrote, "You have created us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."

St. Gregory the Great

Doctor known as "the Great" who gave the pope the title "servant of the servants of God" and is associated with "Chant."

St. Athanasius

Doctor of the East who was exiled 5 times.

St. Basil

Father of Eastern monasticism who called monks to live in community.

St. Gregory Nazianzus

Archbishop of Constantinople known as "the theologian" who taught that "what has not been assumed, has not been healed."

St. John Chrysostom

Doctor of the East whose name means "golden mouth" and who taught that "as Christ was so we can expect persecution."

What does the phrase, “What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem” mean?

The phrase asks what Athens (representing reason) had in common with Jerusalem (which represents faith).

Faith

A gift of God and human act by which we completely submit our intellect and will to God. 

Why is knowledge gained through faith more certain than that gained through scientific method?

Scientific data can be misinterpreted but there is no error when God discloses the truth to us. 

Does the church reject reason?

no

What is the evidence of God through contingency?

Humans are contingent beings that rely on a higher power for survival. The higher power that we are dependent on must be incapable of death itself. Therefore, this “higher power” is God. 

What is the evidence of God through design?

Beauty cannot be created from nothing and it can’t be created from chaos. This world and all the beautiful things in it are the product of supreme intelligence. There must be an intelligent, creative designer. God is this ultimate designer.

 What is the result of God being our ultimate end?

Our hearts are put to rest. Nothing truly satisfies the human heart other than communion with the infinite God. 

What is the role of moral conscience and is a sense of guilt good?

The role of moral conscience is to seek the good and avoid all evil. A sense of guilt is good because it makes us subconsciously aware that we broke communion with God, which we must work to restore. Ultimately, guilt helps an individual grow as a person.

Why is reason important to faith in God? 

Reason may tell us that God exists, but faith is needed to enter into communion with him.

According to John Paul II, why is it important not to separate faith and reason?

The separation of faith and reason can lead to superstition or futility in living for what is beneath the highest aspiration of the human heart. 

If God can be known through reason, what is the purpose of revelation?

The purpose of revelation is to lead humankind to salvation. 

How are scripture and tradition both the Word of God?

Scripture and tradition are both the word of God because they both derive from the same divine spirit. 

Who has the task of interpreting the Word of God?

The teaching office of the church is entrusted with the task of interpreting the word of God. 

Why are all biblical books sacred and canonical?

Biblical books are all sacred because they were all written with God in mind, making him the author.

How does the bible teach God’s truths?

The bible teaches God’s truths solidly, faithfully, and without error. 

What is the purpose of the Old Covenant?

The purpose of the old covenant was to prepare humankind for the coming of Christ.    

How are the Old and New Testaments related?

The Old and New Testaments are related because they are both inspired by God.

Why are the gospels the supreme writings of the scriptures?

The gospels are the supreme writings of the scriptures because they are a firsthand witness of the life of Jesus Christ. 

What does ignorance of scripture lead to?

Ignorance of Christ

What should accompany the reading of sacred scripture?  

Prayer

Which is the broader discipline?

Religious Studied

Who said, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."?

St. Jerome

Who are the normative theologians of the church?

The bishops in union with the pope

Who said, "You have created us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."?

St. Augustine

The word 'bible' comes from the Greek words ta biblia which means:

the books

The word "inspiration' comes from the Greek word theopneustos which means

God-Breathed

Which is one of the four women doctors of the church?

St. Catherine of Sienna

Which of the following is something that we cannot know by reason alone?

That there is a trinity

In the movie, The Passion of the Christ, during what Jewish feast does the movie take place?

Passover

Why is knowledge gained through faith more certain than that gained through scientific method?

Because God has revealed it

How many authors does each passage of scripture have? Who are they and what is their relationship?

2 authors. One is God, the other one is human. God is principle author and human is instrumental writer.