Catholic Beliefs: Trinity, Creation, and Incarnation Lecture Notes

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary and key concepts from the lecture on the Trinity, the Genesis accounts of Creation, and the Incarnation of Jesus.

Trinity

The belief that God reveals himself in three different ways or natures (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) but is just one.

Nicene Creed

The statement of beliefs that serves as the source of authority regarding the nature of the Trinity and God.

Father Almighty

The description of God the Father in the Nicene Creed as the maker of heaven and earth.

Consubstantial

A term from the Nicene Creed meaning 'made of the same stuff' as the Father.

Begotten, not made

The belief that Jesus was not created through human reproductive acts but was born of the virgin birth.

Holy Spirit

The third part of the Trinity described in the Nicene Creed as the 'giver of life' who inspires and guides.

Baptism of Jesus

The biblical story where all three parts of the Trinity are present at once: the Son is baptized, the Father speaks, and the Holy Spirit appears as a dove.

Sign of the Cross

A simple gesture used in worship to begin prayer in the name of the Trinity.

Eucharistic Prayer

A point in the Mass where the Trinity is present because the priest speaks to the Father, the Holy Spirit is called to transubstantiate the bread, and the Son becomes present.

Transubstantiate

The process where the bread no longer remains just a wafer but becomes the actual presence of Jesus/God.

Stewardship

The human responsibility to care for the earth because it is a gift from God.

Dominion

The power and rule given to humans over the birds in the air, the fish in the sea, and the animals on dry land.

Imago Dei

A phrase meaning 'image of God,' based on the Genesis text stating mankind was made in God's image.

Free Will

The quality of being made in God's image that allows humans to have power and choice in their actions.

Rational

The human ability to make logical decisions and see beyond themselves, reflecting the image of God.

Literal Christian

A person who believes God made the world exactly as described in the Bible and may reject theories like the Big Bang or evolution.

Metaphorical/Liberal Interpretation

The belief that the creation account focuses on messages, such as the world being a gift, rather than a factual scientific report.

Incarnation

The belief that God became human in the person of Jesus; derived from 'the Word became flesh'.

Divinity

The status of Jesus as God, demonstrated through miracles and the resurrection.

Jesus wept

A source from the Bible often used to show the human nature and emotions of Jesus.