Understanding the History and Theology of Scripture

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, figures, and concepts in the study of scripture, theology, and biblical history.

Revelation

The act whereby God moves outside of himself and reveals his salvific thinking and will.

Pentateuch

The first five books of the Old Testament, including Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

Tradition

The living transmission of God’s revelation, passed down orally before the New Testament; sacred scripture is a written tradition.

Covenant

An agreement between two parties where one offers obedience for protection from the other; it is relational.

Paul Tillich

Author of 'The Dynamics of Faith', who described faith as that which gives life meaning and value.

Myth

A sacred story that speaks truth but is neither true nor false.

Gospel

Good news that is meant to be shared and proclaimed.

Christ

The deliverer or new Moses; fulfillment of the Old Testament.

Abraham

The patriarch married to Sarah, father of Isaac and Ishmael; key figure in the genealogy of faith.

Theology

Faith seeking understanding.

Religion

An attempt to come into contact with God, or anything that helps a person reach God.

'Dei Verbum'

A document from Vatican Council II that discusses how to interpret and read scripture.

Parousia

Means the end of the world; a concept believed to occur during the writing of the Gospels.

Synoptic problem

The issue of understanding the relationships and differences among the synoptic gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Inerrancy

The belief that there is no flaw in Sacred Scripture.

Logos

The eternal word of God found in Christ Jesus, as discussed in the Gospel of John.

Divino Afflante Spiritu

A document urging the return to the original language and historical context for biblical interpretation.

Eucharist

A Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper by consecrating bread and wine.

Exodus event

The significant biblical event where Israelites fled slavery in Egypt, revealing God's character and relationship with His people.

Jeremiah

Known as the 'reluctant prophet' because he initially resisted God's call and felt unqualified to fulfill his prophetic duty.

Paul of Tarsus

Formerly Saul, a Pharisee and Roman citizen who became an apostle after encountering the risen Jesus.

Theology of the Kingdom of God

Central theme of Jesus’ message, crucial for interpreting His teachings and understanding His mission.

Letter of James

A biblical letter emphasizing that faith must be demonstrated through works and the importance of perseverance in trials.

Passion Prophecies

Jesus' predictions of His suffering and death found in the Gospel of Mark.