Biblical Interpretation, Ethics and Morality, Catholic Social Teaching, Vocations and Prayer Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards on Biblical Interpretation and Ethics

Biblical literalism

An approach to scripture that adheres to the strict meaning of the word or words without considering figurative or metaphorical senses.

Biblical Contextualism

An approach to scripture that emphasizes the context in which an action, utterance, or expression occurs.

Historical critical method

Trying to uncover the intention of the human authors of the biblical book and historical framework. By focusing on the human author and his intentions, it can miss the divine author and his intention

Exegesis

A tool that we use to help us better understand historical texts. The goal is to research the historical context of what was going on when the words were said or written so that you can understand it today the way they understood it back then.

Hermeneutics

Is the process of interpreting scripture for our time, which allows us to make judgments on how to operate in our daily lives.

Type

We use the term to identify the Old Testament even, person or institution.

Antitype

We use the term to refer to the corresponding event, person, or institution in the New Testament.

Teleological Ethics

Ethical theory that prioritizes happiness as the ultimate goal in life and emphasizes developing potential and cultivating virtues.

Eudaimonia

"human flourishing"; a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous

Deontology

The study of duty, which emphasizes that actions should be based on moral obligations and intentions rather than expected outcomes.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that determines the morality of an action based on its consequences, stating that the most ethical choice results in the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Principle of Double Effect

A moral reasoning principle in Catholic ethics, used to evaluate actions that have both good and bad consequences.

Natural law

The belief that ALL humans have an inherent sense of values, rights, and responsibilities (without culture, religion, or social norms)

Narcissism

self love to the exclusion of others.

Conscience

A voice that calls us to love and to do what Is good and to avoid evil

Lax Conscience

Knows good for evil, but chooses the most convenient

Legalistic Conscience

Knows good for evil, but is concerned with the law

Misinformed Conscience

Improperly instructed/educated on good for evil

Scrupulous Conscience

Belief of responsibility for actions they have not committed/are not faulted for

Informed Conscience

Knows what is good and what is evil and chooses to do good.

Agent

A person who acts freely and knowingly, who chooses to do or not do something

Evil according to St. Augustine

Absence of Good: a lack of order or harmony to God's creation. Evil cannot exist on its own; it is the privative nature of what should be.

Moral Evil

Caused by free human choices (e.g., lying, violence).

Physical Evil

The result of disorder in the natural world (e.g., natural disasters, illness). Not a result of human sin, but a consequence of the brokenness of creation

Paschal Mystery

Jesus passion, death, resurrection: shows us that suffering can have meaning and that evil does not have the final word – gods love and redemption do

Grace

Gods grace is his free and undeserved gift of help that allows us to know him, love him, and follow his will. Grace gives us the strength to resist sin, grow in holiness, and ultimately reach eternal life with God.

Concupiscence

he inclination toward evil, but through grace, we can resist this tendency and pursue true happiness

Human dignity

The belief that every human being has inherited worth

Accidental Qualities

Traits that vary between individuals but do not define dignity Examples: hair or skin color, size, cultural background

Prudence

how to reason well in moral decision-making

Temperance

how to remain moderate in the exercise of the emotions

Fortitude

how to be courageous in the face of life's difficulties

Justice

how to act well in relation to others

Faith

Belief in God and all He has taught (i.e. Church and Bible)

Hope

Hope in God and His promises; the belief in the promise of Heaven. The willingness to persevere with God's grace.

Charity

Love of God and our neighbor. To love without counting the cost

Vice

Things that tend to draw us away from God or what is good

Declarations of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II)

Official document that addresses specific issues and topics in the church, its teachings, or its relationship with the world

Nostra Aetate (1965)

Focuses on interreligious dialogue and forming positive relationships with people from different backgrounds and faiths. Condemns the mistreatment of others based on religion.

Apostolic Exhortations

Papal reflections of encouragements on specific moral or social issues, addressing the faithful and clergy

Evangelii Guadium

Emphasizes the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel in the world. Urges the Church to focus on the needs of all people, especially the poor and vulnerable

Encyclicals

A papal letter usually addressed to bishops to provide guidance on matters of faith, morals, or social issues. They are often extended to all faithful members of the Church

Fratelli Tutti

Emphasizes the importance of universal love and attention to build a better world. Addressed to everyone, not just Catholics

Laudato Si

Calls for urgent global action to address climate change and environmental degradation

Individualism

The habit of being independent or self-reliant

Materialism

The tendency to find fulfillment in material pos]sessions

Secularism

A way of life that rejects religion

Naturalism

The notion that humans are genetically predisposed

Relativism

The idea that morality and truth exist in relation to others, society, and history, and is not absolute

Social Determinism

Morality is determined by the behaviours and practices of those around you

Hedonism

The ethical theory that pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of human life

Social Sin

A from of collective sin which violates human dignity on a structural level

Subsidiarity

The principle that the lowest competent social order need not hand over its authority to a higher order

Life And Dignity Of Human Person

All human life is sacred. Humans and innately born with dignity that cannot be altered or taken away

Call to Family, Community and Participation

We are inherently social beings. Our capacity for individual growth is affected by how we organize our society (i.e. laws, institutions, etc.)

Rights and responsibilities

Every person has the right to life, to be protected, and to live in a healthy community. Every person has a duty to uphold these values

Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

We are instructed to put the needs of those who are most vulnerable in society first. The overall health of society is distinguished by how the poor and vulnerable are living

The Dignity of work and the Rights of Workers

The economy should serve people, not the other way around. Work should be a form of serving one another and participating with God's creations. We have the right to work in clean, safe, and fair environments

Solidarity

We should be concerned about the welfare of others. Our needs and successes are interconnected

Care for gods creations

All creation is good and sacred. We show appreciation for god by caring for his creations. We must preserve these gifts (people and the planet) for future generations

Personal Sin

Personal sin is a deliberate act or thought against God's law, committed with full knowledge and consent.

Social Sin

Social sin is a broader concept that refers to societal structures or practices that contribute to injustice and inequality.

Venial Sin

Venial sins are less serious offenses that weaken one's relationship with God but do not break it entirely.

Mortal Sin

Mortal sins are grave violations that cut off a person's relationship with God, resulting in a loss of sanctifying grace.

Vocation

God's call in your daily life is always changing. Our call to holiness (different form in every person)

Discernment

Putting very serious thought into where you will go. It involves a lot of prayer and reflection, open mindedness. Cannot force your path.

Covenant

A sacred promise made between two parties NOT a contract because a contract usually has a termination date… A covenant has no end

Annulment

Something essential for the marriage to be lifelong is missing. Something prevents the marriage from being considered a religious sacrament

Impediment

An obstacle or barrier was in the way, which prevents the marriage from being valid

Diaconate (Deacon)

Ministers ordained for tasks of service for the Church. Can read Gospels, deliver homily

Presbyter (Priest)

"Co-workers" of the bishops. Responsible to a single Parish

Episcopate (Bishop)

Successors of 12 Apostles. Primary duty = teaching and ruling. Oversee a diocese

Consecrated holy life

A permanent state of life recognized by the Church. To live 'without distraction'

Prayer

Coming to god in a position of humble trust, trusting our concerns and hopes, and a way to nurture relationship. Strength for faith

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Church. The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God whether in written form or in the form of tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the church alone.

Magisterium

The official teaching authority of the Church, constituted by the Pope and his Bishops in union with him. It is NOT superior to the word of God. It serves the Word of God.

Sunday Eucharist

Everything is oriented towards the Eucharist

Prayers of Intercession

Praying as Jesus did; on behalf of others. Praying not only to your own interests, but interests of others

Saints & Intercession

Saints intercede on our behalf; they help us by praying for us!

Paschal Mystery

Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection