Religion Unit 1 Test Review

Flashcards covering key concepts related to literary genres, creation accounts, faith, and biblical exegesis to aid in preparing for the Religion Unit 1 Test.

Historical Account/Narrative

A story about people’s lives and deeds, often describing historical events.

Law

A set of rules of conduct or moral principles to guide one’s relationship with God and others.

Prophecy

The accounts and words of those called to be messengers of God's word, bringing God’s message to people.

Wisdom

Statements offering instruction, often given as short, to the point words of advice.

Poetry

Sacred poems or songs expressing relationship with God and others, often reflecting hopes and fears.

Letters

Specific communications describing events or offering guidance, usually written to a particular audience.

Gospel

Faith accounts of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; stories about Jesus and his sayings.

Parables

Stories based on ordinary life experiences, often with unexpected twists; used for instruction.

Apocalypse

A revealing or uncovering of new knowledge, often regarding God’s victory over evil.

Genesis 1

Emphasizes God's power and the order of creation, structured in a seven-day format.

Genesis 2

Focuses on human relationships, emphasizing the creation of Adam and Eve.

The Problem of Evil

The question of how an all-good, all-powerful God allows suffering.

Faith vs. Reason

The challenge of balancing spiritual belief with intellectual inquiry.

Scientific Challenges

Concepts like evolution and cosmology that challenge traditional beliefs about creation.

Religious Diversity

The presence of various religions offering different understandings of God.

Spiritual Doubt

Human uncertainty and skepticism about unseen realities.

Faith

Trusting in God and His promises without physical proof; involves commitment and belief.

Argument from Motion

Everything in motion is moved by something else; there must be a First Mover—God.

Argument from Efficient Cause

Nothing causes itself; there must be a First Cause to initiate existence—God.

Argument from Necessary Being

Since things can cease to exist, there must be something that always exists—God.

Argument from Gradation

Varying degrees of goodness in the world imply a Supreme Perfect Being—God.

Argument from Design

The universe's order and complexity suggest an intelligent designer—God.

Pascal’s Wager

Belief in God is a rational choice based on potential infinite outcomes.

Moses’ Mission

Called to liberate the Israelites from Egypt, communicating their covenant with God.

Covenant

A binding agreement between two parties; in a religious context, a sacred agreement with God.

Confrontation with God

Begins the call story, where the prophet encounters God and receives their mission.

Introductory Speech

God’s self-announcement and assurance at the heart of every prophet’s call.

Imparting A Mission

God’s directive to the prophet, often articulated as 'I send you.'

Objection by the Prophet

The prophet expresses hesitation or concern about their mission.

Reassurance by God

God reassures the prophet as they accept their mission.

The Sign

Different prophets receive unique signs from God related to their mission.

Characteristics of a prophet

Prophets speak God’s truth, call for repentance, and advocate for justice.

Exegesis

The critical interpretation of a biblical text, evaluating its original context and meaning.

Hermeneutics

The study of how to apply biblical texts to contemporary life.

Matthew’s Gospel

The first book of the New Testament, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.

Kingdom of Heaven

God’s reign of peace, love, and justice as depicted in Matthew's Gospel.

Beatitudes

Blessings pronounced by Jesus that outline attitudes aligning with God’s will.

Sermon on the Mount

A summary of Jesus' teachings emphasizing love, compassion, and selflessness.

The Golden Rule

Treat others as you wish to be treated, summarizing ethical teaching.

The Narrow Gate

Describes the challenging path to life compared to the broad path leading to destruction.

The Ethics of the Sermon on the Mount

Challenges believers to embrace higher moral standards emphasizing inner transformation.

Parousia

The second coming of Christ.

Grace

God’s undeserved love and gift of salvation.

Eschatological

Relating to end times or the final destiny of humanity.

Covenant with God

A sacred agreement reflecting a loving bond, outlining obligations.

Chosen People

Israel, selected by God to reveal His covenant.