Freshman Theology Review Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the major concepts, people, and doctrines of a freshman Catholic theology course as outlined in the review guide.

Pontius Pilate

Roman governor who sentenced Jesus to crucifixion.

The Great Schism

The split between Eastern and Western Christianity in 1054.

The Parting of the Ways

Gradual separation between Judaism and Christianity.

Pentecost

The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles after Jesus' Ascension; considered the "birthday of the Church."

King of the Jews

The title Roman soldiers used to mock Jesus, though Christians believe he truly is King and Messiah.

Passover

Meal commemorating God's liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Garden of Gethsemane

The place where Jesus prays before his arrest and accepts God's will.

Lamb of God

Title for Jesus that connects his sacrifice to the Passover lamb and salvation from sin.

Martyr

Someone who dies for their faith.

Heresy

Teaching that contradicts Church doctrine.

Blasphemy

Showing disrespect toward God or claiming God's authority improperly.

The Church

The community of believers founded by Christ that continues his mission in the world.

The Great Commission

Jesus' command to "go and make disciples of all nations."

Septuagint

Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures widely used by early Christians.

Tanakh

The Hebrew Bible and Sacred Scripture of Judaism.

Magisterium

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

Tradition (Capital T)

Teachings passed from the Apostles that are unchanging.

tradition (lowercase t)

Customs and practices like styles of prayer or music that can change.

Trinity

One God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Doctrine

Official Church teaching that provides guidance on faith and morals.

Sacraments

Visible signs of God's grace instituted by Christ.

Cardinal

Senior Church leader who advises the Pope and elects a new Pope.

Pope

Successor of St. Peter and leader of the Catholic Church.

Purgatory

State of purification after death before entering Heaven.

Communion of Saints

Spiritual unity of all believers—living, in purgatory, and in heaven.

Grace

Free gift of God's life and love.

Scripture

The inspired Word of God contained in the Bible.

Paul

Apostle who traveled extensively preaching the Gospel and helped spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

"Temple of the Holy Spirit"

St. Paul's description of the human body emphasizing human dignity.

Acts of the Apostles

Book describing the early Church after Jesus' Ascension and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Four Gospels

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; the primary sources about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Ritual

Repeated symbolic action expressing beliefs.

Fable

Story that teaches a moral lesson.

Faith and Reason

Concept that both work together; truth discovered by reason cannot contradict God.

Dogma

Essential truth revealed by God and taught by the Church which Catholics are required to believe.

Infallibility

Special protection from error when the Pope formally teaches on faith and morals under specific conditions.

Transubstantiation

The belief that bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ during the Eucharist.

Efficacious Sacraments

The principle that sacraments actually accomplish the grace they signify.

Paschal Mystery

The suffering, death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ.

Agape

Self-giving and sacrificial love modeled by Jesus' life and death.

Four Marks of the Church

One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

Sacraments of Healing

Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.

Sacraments of Service

Matrimony and Holy Orders.