UNIT 1 THEO VOCAB

The Fall

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

Church

The assembly of the People of God called together from all ends of the earth, including both the earthly institution and the heavenly communion of saints and angels.

Salvation History

The story of God’s love and mercy revealed throughout human history, culminating in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.

Old Testament

46 books of the Bible documenting the history of salvation from creation through the Old Covenant with Israel.

New Testament

27 books of the Bible that share the teachings and works of Jesus and the early Church.

Chosen People

The title given to the Israelites, God's people, led out of slavery in Egypt during the Exodus.

Covenant

A sacred bond of family relationship, involving agreements God made with His people throughout salvation history.

Image of God

Describes how humans are created in God's likeness, possessing intellect, free will, and a capacity for love.

Trinity

The central mystery of Christian faith that defines God as three Persons in one essence: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

New Covenant

The everlasting covenant established by Christ’s Paschal Mystery, fulfilling God's promises for the forgiveness of sins.

Messiah

Hebrew term meaning 'anointed one,' referring to the savior promised by God to the Israelites.

Kingdom of God

God’s reign over all, initiated through the Church on earth and fulfilled in heaven.

New Law

The Law of the New Covenant established by Jesus, which emphasizes love as its core tenet.

Hierarchical Gifts

The leadership structure of the Catholic Church, recognizing varied roles including Pope, bishops, priests, and deacons.

Charismatic Gifts

Graces given by the Holy Spirit to church members for the common good of the Church and the world.

Canon Law

The body of universal rules governing the Roman Catholic Church.

Popes

Successors to St. Peter, who act as the bishop of Rome and the supreme leader of the Catholic Church.

Infallibility

The charism granted to the Pope, which ensures he cannot err in matters of faith and morals.

Transubstantiation

The process by which bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ during Eucharist.

Sacred Tradition

The living transmission of the Gospel message in the Church.

Sacred Scripture

The written record of God’s revelation contained in the Old and New Testaments.

Gospels

The Good News of salvation demonstrated through Jesus’ life, Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

Apostolic Succession

The unbroken transmission of spiritual authority from the apostles to their successors, the bishops.

Councils

Formal gatherings of bishops convened to address significant issues within the Church.

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Church, composed of the Pope and bishops.

Pentecost

The day 50 days after the resurrection when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, marking the Church's birthday.