Study Guide: Barron’s Catholicism & Aquinas’ Five Ways

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from Barron’s discussion of Catholicism and Aquinas’ philosophical arguments.

The 'Joke' of Christianity

Christianity centers on a humble figure, Jesus, who is unexpectedly central to human salvation.

Jesus' Authority

Jesus teaches with authority despite his humble origins; he is seen as the culmination of all religion. At Caesarea-Philipi, Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" This question highlights his divine authority and the recognition of his identity as the Messiah.

Messiah Roles in the Old Testament

Predicted roles for the Messiah include gathering the scattered tribes of Israel, cleansing the Temple, conquering enemies of Israel, and reigning as Lord of heaven and earth. Jesus fulfill these in an unexpected way, emphasizing spiritual rather than political victory

Beatitudes

Teachings of Jesus that redefine freedom and happiness through positive virtues and detachment from worldly values.

Nonviolence and Love

Central to Christian ethics, 'turn the other cheek' signifies occupying a different moral space.

The Prodigal Son

A parable illustrating God’s unconditional love.

The Argument from Contingency

The assertion that contingent existence demands a Necessary Being.

Ratzinger's Order of the Universe

Suggests that the logical order of the universe points to a superior mind.

Attributes of God

Key characteristics of God include infinity, immeasurably, eternity, immutability, omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience.

The Problem of Evil

Evil is considered a privation that ultimately allows for greater good; the Cross addresses the issue of suffering.

The Trinity

Describes God as Love: Father (Lover), Son (Beloved), Spirit (Fruit of Love).

Aquinas' Five Ways

Motion, Efficient Cause, Contingency, Gradation, Design.

Conclusion of Barron’s teachings

Christianity offers a radical understanding of God and salvation, with Jesus fulfilling prophecies in a spiritual manner.

What are the four positive virtues of the beattitudes?

Merciful (reflects God’s own mercy), pure in heart (focused on true desires), peacemakers (continuation of Christ’s mission), and hunger for righteousness (desire justice)

What are the four detachments from worldly views in the Beatitudes?

Poor in spirit (similar to Buddhist detachment), mourn (acceptance of suffering), meek (avoidance of power-seeking), and persecuted (freedom of the need for approval)

What does Matthew 25 say?

Service to the “least of these” is service to Christ

What does naming God mean?

God is both immanent and transcendent

What does motion mean in Aquina’s five ways?

Everything moved must be moved by another, there must be an unmoved mover (God)

What does efficient cause mean in Aquina’s five ways?

There must be a first cause that is not itself caused

What does contingency mean in Aquina’s five ways?

There must be a necessary being upon which all contingent things depend

What does gradation mean in Aquina’s five ways?

There must be an absolute standard of goodness and being (God)

What does design mean in Aquina’s five ways?

The order of nature suggests an intelligent designer