Comprehensive Christian Church and Apostles Study Guide

Salvation history

the biblical narrative of God's redemptive work within human history to save humanity from sin

Covenant

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

Martyr

A person who suffers death because of his or her beliefs. The Church has canonized many Christian martyrs as saints.

Gentile

A non-Jewish person. In Sacred Scripture, the Gentiles were the uncircumcised, those who did not honor the God of the Torah. Saint Paul and other evangelists reached out to the Gentiles, baptizing them into the family of God.

Charism

A special grace of the Holy Spirit given to an individual Christian or community, commonly for the benefit and building up of the entire church.

What are the three inseparable meanings behind the definition of "Church"? (p. 11)

People of God, Diocese, assembly.

Who establishes the Church at its' origin?

Jesus

What does the Greek term apostolos mean?

One who is sent

How many Apostles does Jesus choose as his closest followers?

12

How is the number of Apostles symbolic of God's chosen people in the Old Testament?

12 tribes of Israel (12 sons of Jacob)

What is significant about the kind of people Jesus chooses as his apostles? (p. 19)

Common or ordinary even flawed

What moment in the Crucifixion account in John's Gospel symbolizes the Church?

Water and blood flow from his pierced side

How are two sacraments symbolized in John's Crucifixion?

Baptism and Eucharist

Who is considered the "Apostle to the Apostles" for her role in the Resurrection? (p. 23)

Mary Magdalene

Which Gospel is referred to as the "Gospel of the Church"?

Matthew

What is the Greek word used by this Gospel (above) for meaning "church"?

ekklesia

What does Jesus say (Matthew 18

20) to indicate the essentially communal nature of the Church? : Where two or more are gathered in my name I am there

What event is considered the founding moment of the Church?

Pentecost

What are the two main symbols identifying the Holy Spirit in this account?

Fire and Wine

Who preaches the central message of Christ leading to 3,000 new members?

Peter

What does Jesus commission the Apostles to do at the end of the Gospels? (p. 36)

Go and baptize all nation

Who becomes the primary "Apostle to the Gentiles" in the Acts of the Apostles?

Paul (Saul of Tarsus)

What is so significant/surprising about the conversion of Saul?

He was a persecutor of the church

Who is the first martyr for the Christian faith according to Acts?

Stephen

What aspect of Jewish Law and identity is most at issue in the Council of Jerusalem?

Circumcision

What are prophecy, speaking in tongues, and teaching examples of according to Paul?

Charism (not on final)

What are wisdom, piety, and fear of the Lord in the Catholic Tradition examples of?

Gifts

What do we mean by the term "domestic church"?

The Family

What event marks the departure of Jesus from the Apostles after the Resurrection?

Ascension

What does Jesus promise to send to the Apostles after he is gone from their presence?

The Holy Spirit

What woman is mentioned in Acts as present with the Apostles when they are gathered?

Mary the Mother of Jesus

What business does Peter conduct in Acts 1?

Must Replace Judas

The ability of the Apostles to preach in every language is a reversal of what story from Genesis?

The Tower of Babel

After saying they are "cut to the heart" what does Peter instruct his listeners to do?

Repent and be baptized

Why do Ananias and Sapphira fall over and breath their last?

They lied to the Holy Spirit

What are the seven men called that the Apostles ordain to help serve the needs of the Church?

Deacons

What is the essential accusation Stephen makes that angers the mob so much?

They don't listen to the Holy Spirit (bad Jews)

In what manner is Stephen executed?

Stoned to death

What does Stephen say that mirrors Jesus's words from the cross?

Forgive them

Who is present and consenting to the martyrdom of Stephen?

Saul

What does Simon the Magician attempt to purchase that leads to a scolding from Peter?

Giving of the Holy Spirit

Who has great success in spreading the Gospel in Samaria?

Philip

What does the Ethiopian eunuch request after having Scripture explained to him?

Baptism

What does Jesus say to Saul on the road to Damascus?

Why are you persectuing me?

What affliction befalls Saul because of his encounter with Jesus?

Blinded

Who heals Saul and baptizes him?

Ananias

Who has a vision instructing him to seek out Simon Peter and listen to him?

Cornelius

What is the nature of Peter's own vision that convinces him to go see this man?

Clean and unclean food

Peter agrees to baptize the entire household after they experience what?

The Holy Spirit

In what city is the term "Christian" first used to describe followers of Jesus?

Antioch

Who is the first to speak at the Council of Jerusalem defending the position that gentiles should not be required to follow Jewish Law?

Paul

Who is the first to respond in favor of gentile baptism that does not require Jewish Law?

Peter

Trinity

The Christian belief that God is three persons in one being: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

Ecumenical Council

A meeting of church leaders from across the Christian world to discuss and decide important teachings and issues of the Church. One famous example is the First Council of Nicaea.

Heresy

Someone who rejects some aspect of Church doctrine or dogma.

Schism

A split or division within a religious group or church, often caused by disagreements in beliefs or leadership.

Apostasy

The abandonment or rejection of one's religious faith or beliefs.

Eastern Catholic Churches

The twenty-one Churches of the East, with their own liturgical and administrative traditions, which reflect the culture of Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Eastern Catholics are in union with the Universal Catholic Church and her head, the Bishop of Rome.

Dogma

Teachings recognized as central to Church teaching, defined by the Magisterium and considered definitive and authoritative.

Doctrine

An official belief, teaching, or set of principles held and taught by a religion, church, or organization.

Canonize

The act by which the Church officially recognizes a deceased Catholic as a saint.

Immaculate Conception

The Catholic belief that Mary was conceived without original sin.

Annunciation

The event when the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus.

Assumption

The Catholic belief that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.

Evangelization

The act of spreading the teachings and message of Christianity.

Where do the marks of the Church come from (what is their original source)?

Nine Creed

The Church maintains unity in faith through what two statements?

Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed

What metaphor for the Church does Paul use to explain diversity as a good and necessary source of unity?

Body of Christ

What is the most obvious way the Church promotes unity without demanding uniformity through worship?

Different rites (ie Eastern Catholics)

How does the Petrine Ministry further the mark of oneness or unity?

Pope provides unity

When did the first great schism occur in the Church and what is it called?

AD 1054 called the East West Schism

What is the most major breakdown in the unity of the Church called and when did it occur?

Protestant Reformation in the 16th century (1517)

What two key points were behind Protestant opposition to Catholic doctrine?

Sola sciptura and sola gratia (scripture alone and grace alone)

Who is the German priest who took the lead in breaking away from the Catholic faith?

Martin Luther

Who is considered the founder of the Reformed branch of the Protestantism?

John Calvin

How was the Anglican branch of Protestantism begun?

King Henry VIII demanded a divorce

What is the primary means by which the Church can claim to be holy?

The Holy Spirit guides and dwells within it (the Church is Divine)

What is the explanation for the presence of sin in the Church?

Church is human and therefore fallen

What is the origin of the word "saint"?

Sanctus meaning "holy"

Besides Jesus himself, who is our greatest model of holiness?

Mary, the Mother of God

clothing the naked, and assisting those who are sick and in prison?

Corporal Works of Mercy

What does the word katholikos or "catholic" mean?

Universal (inclusive of the whole)

What does inculturation suggest about diverse cultural expressions and the Gospel?

There is no culture where the gospel is not relevant

What does the word apostle mean?

One who is sent

Who are the Apostles and what is the origin of their authority?

Twelve men from galilee selected by Jesus to lead, teach, forgive, and heal in his name.

Who are considered the successors to the Apostles in the Church today?

Each and every bishop

What two major concepts are entrusted to them in their apostolic role?

Hand on the faith/ Tradition

What do the final words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew call the Apostles to do?

Spread the gospel

Celibacy

The state or condition of those who have chosen or taken vows to remain unmarried in order to devote themselves entirely to the service of the Church and the Kingdom of God.

Chastity

The virtue by which people are able to successfully and healthfully integrate their sexuality into their total person; recognized as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Also, one of the vows of religious life.

The belief that the pope is protected from error by the Holy Spirit when officially teaching on faith or morals.

Infallibility

The central governing authority of the Catholic Church, led by the pope in Vatican City.

Holy See

A local Catholic church community led by a priest.

Parish

A group of parishes overseen by a bishop.

Diocese

The system of leadership and authority within the Church, including deacons, priests, bishops, and the pope.

Hierarchy

To make holy or set apart for God's purpose.

Sanctify

The official teaching authority of the Catholic Church, made up of the pope and bishops.

Magisterium

Three ideals followed especially by religious communities

poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Conclave

A private meeting of cardinals to elect a new pope.

Conclave