religion test unit 1

Bible

• The word Bible comes from the Greek “ta Biblia” meaning “the books”. 

• The Bible is a collection of many different writings by many different authors over hundreds of years that tell us about the covenant (agreement) between God and His people.

Christian Scriptures (NT)

Tells the story of the coming of Jesus, His birth, His teachings, His miracles, His death and resurrection. Also, beginnings of Christianity (the story of the early followers of Jesus). 27 books

Inerrancy

God is author of Sacred Scripture because he inspired its human authors; he acts in them and by means of them. 

Inspiration

The authors of the Bible were inspired by God

Literalist

Every word is taken to mean exactly what it says

Contextualist

Consider time, culture, place. Determine what the author is trying to say during that time

Prophecy

Any message from God directed to humankind through an intermediary (prophet), especially those messages that judge the present situation in light of future expectations for obedience to the will of God. 

Sermon

A serious and long religious speech.

Proverb

A short saying of wisdom that express a well-known practical truth or fact. 

Psalm

A sacred song or poem used to praise and thank God or to seek forgiveness or ask for some request from God. 

Hebrew Scriptures (OT)

Tells stories of God’s relationship with the Hebrew people; events that happened before the time of Jesus. Main purpose is to show God’s love for his people. 46 books

Gospels

When the word gospel appears in the New Testament, it is referring to the proclamation of faith: the "good news" of Jesus Christ.

Good News

The mysteries of God are revealed through the reality of His son, Jesus Christ.

Paschal Mysteries

• Refers to the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus as an event that conveys the salvation of humanity. The Paschal Mystery is closely linked to redemption and salvation

• It refers the process that Jesus went through to save humanity from sin.

Covenant

An agreement/promise between God and Israel – a relationship based on promises and exchange of responsibilities with rights and privileges.

New Covenant

• Completion of the Old Testament that God made with the Jews; now it’s an eternal covenant whose fulfillment is destined for heaven. 

• Agreement between God and followers of Christ. 

Passion

the suffering and death of Jesus.

Crucifixion

Jesus is given a crown of thorns and dressed in a purple robe. Jesus carries his cross to the place of crucifixion, helped by Simon of Cyrene. The crucifixion takes place at Calvary or Golgotha.

Death

Jesus was hung between two convicted thieves around 3:00pm (Mark). Soldiers affixed a sign to the top of the cross stating “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” which, according to John, was written in three languages: Hebrew, Latin and Greek 

Burial

refers to the burial of the body of Jesus after crucifixion. Jesus’ body was wrapped in a linen cloth and laid in a tomb. The tomb was closed (a stone rolling across the entrance) and guards placed

Resurrection

God raised Jesus on the third day after his crucifixion

Ascension

the ascent of Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40th day after his resurrection. Jesus physically departed from Earth by rising into Heaven.

Parables

• A parable is a story that compares something we don’t know with something that we do know

• A parable often has a surprise twist that helps us to see things in a new way

• Jesus used parables to help us understand the kingdom of God

Synoptic

• The first three canonical Gospels share many of the:

  • same stories

  • same language

  • most of the same ordering 

Stages of Gospel Development

• Oral:

  • Stories told, songs sung, events recounted

  • Different Versions of the same stories passed person to person and from generation to generation

  • The basic religious truths stayed the same

• Written:

  • As people became more educated stories were written down

  • Events were recorded

• Edited:

  • Best stories saved, refined, and passed on

Acts of the Apostles

The Acts of the Apostles recounts the stories of the spread of the Christian faith from Christ’s disciples in Jerusalem, to most of the ancient world.

Epistles (Letters)

1. The library of the Catholic Bible contains 21 letters; most of which are attributed to St. Paul or his followers. 

2. These letters were written to early Christians and Christian communities. 

3. Letters were written to encourage faith, to teach the meaning of Jesus, and sometimes to correct misunderstanding. 

Revelation

Last book of the Bible

Exegesis

Careful investigation of the original meaning of texts in their historical and literary contexts

Golden Rule

Treat others the way you want to be treated

Inclusion

Treat everyone with respect; everyone has dignity

Disciple

• The word disciple comes from the word discipline

• To be a disciple means to follow someone or some ideal.

• Being a disciple is a Christian vocation (a calling)

• It is when one follows the example and teachings of Jesus  

Discipleship

• Christianity is a lifestyle

• It demands knowledge and behaviour

• We know what is right, and as a result we try to do what is right 

Miracles

An event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work/power of God

Church

The term ‘church’ did not refer to the brick building for worship we know today, but rather the body (or group) of committed believers of Jesus Christ

Apostolic

The early Christians were focused on spreading the good news of Jesus

Catholic

The early Christians were open to all people – not just the Jewish people, but Gentiles as well (the word “catholic” comes from the Latin meaning “universal”)

Holy

The early Christians remained faithful to the teachings of the apostles, and often gathered to pray and “break bread” (Acts 2:42)

mission

to be salt of the earth and light of the world 

law

to love as Christ loved

4 themes of parables

• Description of the king: These deal primarily with God’s nature, qualities, and attitude in dealing with people

• “Kingdom” Responses: How we should act if we hope to "enter the Kingdom”.

• Relationship with our Neighbours: address people's relationship with one another and the world at large.

• The fulfillment of the Kingdom: refer to the future coming of God's Kingdom in its fullness.

4 types of miracles

• Healing - Jesus relieves people’s physical sufferings

• Exorcisms (expulsion) - Jesus drives out evil spirits

• Restoration of Life - Jesus restores people to life after their death

• Nature Miracles – Jesus demonstrates control over the forces of nature

Explain the Golden Rule and what Jesus teaches us through his interactions with people of other cultures.

The Golden Rule is to treat others the way you want to be treated. This rule encourages us to be kind to everyone. Jesus teaches us this rule by treating everyone with kindness and respect despite their cultures and/or status

How can you apply the Golden Rule to your life?

I can apply the Golden Rule to my life by treating everyone with kindness and respect. As well, I can put myself into other peoples’ shoes and imagine how I’d want to be treated. I can ask “what would Jesus do?”

traits of discipleship

• True disciples are ready to answer the call of Jesus (God)

• True disciples gladly gather around Jesus and listen to his words

• True disciples open their hearts to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

• True disciples are willing to go forth and spread the message of Jesus

• True disciples take up their cross each day and follow Jesus

Who is a modern day example of discipleship?

Mother Teresa

Explain how the Apostles ministry was a continuation of Jesus’ mission. In what ways can you continue in the Apostolic tradition of the church in today’s culture? Give examples. (Which of Jesus’ teachings would be of importance for you to spread/preach in today’s world?)

• They continued to spread the word of God and to bring people to salvation; they would baptize, heal, and preach to people.

• I can post about it on social media to spread God’s word.

• Love one another, be kind

What does the Paschal mystery teach us about human Suffering?

• It teaches us that suffering is only temporary

• It teaches Catholics that living, dying and rising are a part of their experience as Christians

• It reminds us that there may be times when we struggle and are in pain

• However, if we follow Jesus' teachings and have faith, we will be in Heaven.