Theology Midterm

Apostolic Succession

Transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles to popes and bishops

Arguments for God's existence

The First Way: Motion; The Second Way: Efficient Cause; The Third Way: Possibility and Necessity; The Fourth Way: Gradation; The Fifth Way: Design

Communion of Saints

The spiritual union of the members of the Christian Church, living and the dead, those in purgatory, those on earth, and the saints in heaven

Consubstantial/Homoousios

Jesus and God are one of the same, they are consubstantial with each other

Deposit of Faith

God's Revelation as expressed in Sacred Scripture, which is the inspired and written Word of God, and Sacred Tradition, which is the Word of God as taught and transmitted through the Church's teaching authority.

God's Transcendence

Transcendence of God means that God is outside of humanity's full experience, perception or grasp.

Hypostatic Union

The combination of divine and human natures in Christ

Incarnation

The mystery and doctrine that the Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity, became human while remaining fully divine. This is embodied in Jesus Christ, who is both true God and true man

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Catholic Church, consisting of the Pope and the bishops in communion with him. It is responsible for interpreting and preserving the truths of faith as revealed in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition

Marks of the Church

One: The Church is united in faith, worship, and leadership under the Pope as the successor of Peter. Holy: The Church is sanctified by Christ and called to lead its members to holiness. Catholic: The Church is universal, open to all people, and teaches the fullness of faith. Apostolic: The Church is founded on the apostles and continues their mission through apostolic succession.

Mary

Jesus mother

Assumption

At the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory.

Immaculate Conception

The doctrine that Mary was conceived without original sin

Theotokos

Affirms that Mary is truly the mother of Jesus, who is both fully God and fully human

Models of the Church

Institution, Mystical Communion, Sacrament, Herald, Servant, Community of Disciples

Paschal Mystery

The passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ

Orthodoxy

Adherence to the correct or accepted beliefs, teachings, and practices of the Christian faith,

Sacraments

Channels through which God communicates his grace to the faithful.

Number of Sacraments

There are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance (Reconciliation), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony.

Indelible Sacraments

Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders are considered indelible or permanent.

Efficacious

The sacrament is efficacious when the Sacrament causes what it represents.

Baptism

The sacrament where a person is cleansed of original sin.

Catechumen

A person who is in the process of preparation for receiving the sacrament of Baptism.

Common Priesthood

Role of all baptized Christians who, by their baptism, share in Christ's priestly mission.

Concupiscence

Tendency to sin.

Original Sin

Everyone is born with original sin, but through baptism you are cleansed of original sin.

Confirmation

The sacrament where a baptized person receives the Holy Spirit in a special way to strengthen their faith.

Connection to Pentecost

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the apostles, giving them power to share Jesus' message.

Eucharist

The sacrament where Catholics receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine.

Anamnesis

A word that means 'remembrance.' In the Eucharist, it means making present Jesus' death and resurrection.

Emmaus

The place where two disciples recognized Jesus when He broke the bread after His resurrection.

Real Presence

The belief that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, not just symbolically, but as His real Body and Blood.

Reception Requirement for Eucharist

Be Catholic. Be free from serious sin. Fast for one hour before receiving.

Transubstantiation

The belief that the bread and wine at Mass become the actual Body and Blood of Christ.

Reconciliation

The sacrament where Catholics confess their sins to a priest, receive forgiveness, and are reconciled with God and the Church.

Absolution

The forgiveness of sins given by the priest after confession.

Matter of the Sacrament (Reconciliation)

The act of confession (telling the priest your sins) and contrition (being sorry for them).

Reception Requirement for Reconciliation

Confess their sins to a priest. Be sorry for their sins (have contrition). Resolve to avoid sin in the future.

Penance

Do the penance given by the priest (e.g., prayers or good actions).

Sacramental Seal

The sacramental seal means that the priest must keep everything confessed in Reconciliation completely secret.

Mortal Sin

A serious sin that completely separates you from God's grace. It must be confessed in Reconciliation.

Personal Sin

Sins committed by an individual, affecting their relationship with God.

Social Sin

Sins that affect others or society, such as injustice or corruption, and require collective repentance or change.

Venial Sin

Less serious sins that weaken, but do not break, your relationship with God. They can be forgiven

Anointing of the Sick

A sacrament where a priest anoints a sick or dying person with oil, praying for healing, comfort, and forgiveness.

Theodicy

The question of why a good and powerful God allows suffering and evil in the world.

Jesus' Teaching on Suffering

Jesus teaches that suffering is a part of life, but it has meaning through His own suffering on the cross.

Who can receive Anointing of the Sick?

Anyone who is seriously ill, elderly, or near death can receive this sacrament.

Holy Orders

A sacrament that involves the ordination of deacons, priests, and bishops.

Deacon

Helps the priest, baptizes, and assists in Mass.

Priest

Celebrates Mass, forgives sins, and serves the Church.

Bishop

Leads a diocese, ordains priests and deacons.

In Persona Christi

It means that a priest acts as if he is Christ, especially when he celebrates sacraments like Mass.

Ministerial Priesthood

The special role given to deacons, priests, and bishops to serve the Church through teaching, preaching, and administering sacraments.

Chastity

No marriage, living a life dedicated to God.

Poverty

Giving up personal wealth, living simply.

Obedience

Following the guidance of their bishop or religious leaders.

Matrimony

The sacrament where a man and a woman make a lifelong commitment to each other, forming a family and a loving partnership under God's blessing.

Annulment

A declaration by the Church that a marriage was never truly valid, often due to a serious problem at the start of the marriage.

Covenant

A sacred promise between the couple to love and stay together forever.

Purposes of Matrimony

Unity: To bring the couple closer together. Procreation: To have and raise children. Sanctification: To help each other grow in holiness.

Vows in Matrimony

Faithfulness to each other. Unconditional love. Support each other for life. Be open to having children and raising them in the faith.

Minister of Matrimony

The couple themselves. The priest or deacon is a witness.

Lord's Prayer

A central Christian prayer taught by Jesus.

Types of Prayer

Different forms include blessing, petition, and intercession.

Blessing and Adoration

Expressions of reverence and worship towards God.

Visible Sign

Physical elements representing spiritual truths in sacraments.

Invisible Reality

Spiritual effects or grace conveyed through sacraments.

Vocal Prayer

Praying aloud, expressing thoughts and feelings verbally.

Meditation

Reflective prayer focused on God's presence and word.

Contemplation

Silent, deep reflection on divine mysteries.

Sacraments

Rituals conveying grace through visible signs.

Joy from Scripture

Scriptural teachings bring happiness and spiritual fulfillment.

God’s Immanence

The immanence of God means that he is knowable, perceivable or graspable

Institution

Emphasizes the Church as a visible, structured organization with defined roles, rules, and authority

Mystical Communion

Highlights the Church as a spiritual community of believers united in Christ and with one another.

Sacrament

Views the Church as a visible sign of God's grace and a means of bringing divine life to the world.

Herald

Describes the Church as a messenger of God's word

Servant

Portrays the Church as a servant to the world, working for justice, peace, and care for those in need.

Community of Disciples

Describes the Church as a group of Jesus followers living out His teachings and mission.