Religious Concepts in Genesis, Salvation, and Jewish Traditions

Etiologies

The set of causes/origins used in Genesis to explain the consequences of sin.

Concupiscence

The tendency that all human beings will sin and are brought towards sin because of original sin.

Communal sin

When a group or society acts or attempts to create ways that break moral or divine laws.

Figurative language

One of the literary forms used in the first chapters of Genesis.

Source Criticism

The study of which written and oral traditions are incorporated into a larger work.

Form Criticism

Focuses on the smaller building blocks—genres or 'forms'—and traces how they were used in the community before being written down.

Redaction Criticism

The study of how authors modified or edited their sources in view of their own vested interest and concerns.

Biblical Exegesis

The explanation or critical interpretation of a passage or sacred Scripture.

Biblical Eisegesis

Occurs when a reader reads his/her interpretation into the text based on their culture, society, and traditions.

Fundamentalism

DANGEROUS.

Subsidiarity

Identifies how decisions in society need to be taken at the lowest competent level.

Covenant

A solemn agreement between human beings or between God and human beings in which mutual commitments are made.

Protoevangelium

Replacing the literal references with the symbolic meaning to reveal deeper truth.

Paschal Mystery

The work of salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ through his Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension.

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement; a purification ritual where the high priest atones for sins through the lifeblood of a sacrificed goat.

Scapegoat

Not blamed for sins, but takes on sins, symbolically releasing the community from guilt.

Agape

Unconditional love; care and concern for another's well-being; self-sacrificial, loving action.

Eros

Passionate love; intimacy; appreciation for the beauty of another.

Philia

Friendship love based on mutual trust, understanding, and enjoyment of one another.

Charity

Theological Virtue by which we love God above all things and, out of that love, love our neighbors as ourselves.

How was Abraham's plan to sacrifice Isaac similar to Jesus' Crucifixion?

Abraham was told to sacrifice his son to the lord just like God sacrificed Jesus for our salvation.

How do the synoptic Gospels portray the Last Supper differently than the Gospel of John?

In the Gospel of John, the Last Supper takes place before the Passover, whereas the others take place during the Passover.

What is Yom Kippur?

It means Day of Atonement; a holy day where Jewish people fast, pray, and repent.

Why does love require sacrifice?

Love is putting others' needs ahead of our own; you cannot do that without sacrifice.

How was the fate of the prophets similar to Jesus' fate?

They were mocked and murdered because of what they believed and taught, just like Jesus.

Why were the prophets and Jesus threatening to so many people?

Because of their popularity and teachings of a different kingdom, they were seen as a threat.