Unit 1 and 2 Theology

Who is Jesus in Christian theology?

Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, the Son who reveals the Father.

What does it mean that Jesus is the "visible image of the invisible God"?

It means Jesus makes God known to humanity through His words, actions, and life.

What is the importance of the Incarnation?

The Incarnation shows God's love and makes salvation possible by God becoming human in Jesus.

How does Jesus reveal the Father?

Through His teachings, parables, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

What role does Jesus play as a teacher?

He teaches about love, forgiveness, truth, and the Kingdom of God through words and actions.

What is the significance of Jesus’ parables?

They are simple stories with deep spiritual meaning that teach moral and religious lessons.

What is the "Call to Discipleship"?

It is Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, live according to His teachings, and share in His mission.

How does discipleship demand a response?

It requires faith, repentance, and a commitment to live as Jesus taught.

What is a personal absolute in philosophy/theology?

That which is ultimate and non-negotiable in value; in Christianity, God is the personal absolute.

What does human dignity mean in Christian anthropology?

Every person has intrinsic worth because they are created in God’s image and likeness.

What does the hierarchy of values mean?

Values must be ordered properly: spiritual and moral values are higher than material ones.

How does St. Augustine define peace?

Peace is the tranquility of order.

How does Thomas Aquinas describe the good?

The good is that which all beings desire, and moral goodness comes from reason’s conformity to God’s law.

What does Emmanuel Levinas emphasize about the human face?

The face of the Other calls us to responsibility and ethical response.

What is conscience?

Conscience is the inner voice that helps a person discern right from wrong according to God’s law.

What does it mean that conscience must be "formed"?

It must be educated and developed according to truth and moral principles.

What is freedom in the Christian view?

Freedom is the capacity to choose the good in accordance with God’s will.

What is sin?

Sin is a free choice against God’s law of love, damaging relationships with God, self, and others.

What is mortal sin?

A grave offense against God, committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent, which destroys charity in the heart.

What is venial sin?

A lesser offense that weakens charity but does not completely separate the sinner from God.

What are moral acts?

Actions that are judged as good or evil depending on object, intention, and circumstances.

What are the three sources of morality?

Object (the act itself), Intention (the motive), Circumstances (context and consequences).

What is an impediment to freedom?

An obstacle that limits full consent, such as fear, ignorance, passion, or coercion.

What are the Beatitudes?

Teachings of Jesus that show the attitudes and values of the Kingdom of God.

What do the Beatitudes emphasize?

Humility, mercy, justice, purity, peace, and perseverance in faith.

What is the significance of the Ten Commandments in Christian morality?

They provide foundational moral laws rooted in God’s covenant with His people.

What does "love of God and neighbor" summarize?

It summarizes the entire moral law according to Jesus.

What is virtue?

A habitual disposition to do the good.

What are theological virtues?

Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love).

What are cardinal virtues?

Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.

What is prudence?

The virtue of making wise and practical moral decisions.

What is justice?

Giving each person their due and respecting the rights of others.

What is fortitude?

Courage to do good and endure difficulties for what is right.

What is temperance?

Moderation and self-control in desires and pleasures.

What is natural law?

Participation of human reason in God’s eternal law, guiding humans to know right from wrong.

What is the role of the Church in morality?

To teach, guide, and form the conscience of the faithful according to Christ’s teachings.

What is grace?

God’s free gift that strengthens and heals human nature, enabling holiness.

What is sanctifying grace?

A stable gift of God’s life that makes the soul holy.

What is actual grace?

Divine help given in particular moments to do good or avoid evil.

What is sacramental grace?

Specific graces received through each of the sacraments for particular purposes.

What is the ultimate end of human life according to Christianity?

Union with God in eternal happiness (heaven).

How is Jesus the revealer of God’s love?

By His life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.

Why is Jesus called the "Way, the Truth, and the Life"?

Because He is the path to the Father, the fullness of truth, and the giver of eternal life.

What is discipleship in daily life?

Living out faith through prayer, service, love, and moral choices in everyday situations.

How does following Jesus impact human freedom?

It liberates a person from sin and leads them to true fulfillment.

What is original sin?

The fallen state of human nature inherited from Adam and Eve.

What is baptism’s role in sin?

It cleanses original sin and incorporates a person into the Body of Christ.

What is conversion?

A turning of heart and mind away from sin toward God.

What is the role of forgiveness in Christian life?

It restores relationships and reflects God’s mercy.

Why is love the greatest commandment?

Because love fulfills the law and is the essence of God’s nature.

What is the relationship between faith and reason in morality?

They complement each other; reason helps discern natural law, faith reveals divine law.

What are the works of mercy?

Corporal and spiritual acts of love that respond to physical and spiritual needs.

What is the significance of human community in morality?

Morality is lived in relationship with others; humans are social beings.

What is the relationship between dignity and freedom?

True freedom respects human dignity and seeks the good of others.

Why is the Incarnation essential to Christian understanding of morality?

It shows God values human life and calls humanity to holiness through a human example.

How does conscience act as both a guide and a judge?

As a guide, it directs choices; as a judge, it evaluates actions after they are done.

Why is freedom not simply "doing what I want"?

Because authentic freedom must be directed toward the good, not selfishness or sin.

How do the Beatitudes challenge common worldly values?

They elevate humility, meekness, mercy, and sacrifice over power, wealth, and pride.

Why is intention not enough to make an act morally good?

Because the object (the act itself) and circumstances must also be good.

Why can fear reduce culpability for sin?

Because it limits the freedom of choice in the moral act.

How do virtues strengthen freedom?

By forming habits that incline the will toward the good.

Why is the dignity of the human person the foundation of morality?

Because all moral laws flow from the value of the human being made in God’s image.

How does Jesus’ teaching on love of enemy transform moral responsibility?

It calls people beyond justice into radical mercy and reconciliation.

What role does community play in shaping morality?

It provides support, correction, and shared values that guide individuals.

How can suffering be meaningful in Christian morality?

When united with Christ’s suffering, it can bring growth, compassion, and redemption.

Why is truth essential in moral decision-making?

Because falsehood undermines conscience and human dignity.

How does natural law connect to human reason?

It allows humans to discern right and wrong through rational reflection.

What does it mean that moral acts are "personal acts"?

They involve the person’s freedom and responsibility before God.

How does grace transform human moral capacity?

It strengthens the will, enlightens reason, and heals from sin to live virtuously.

What is the danger of relativism in morality?

It denies universal truth and leads to subjective standards of right and wrong.

How do the Ten Commandments protect human dignity?

By setting limits that safeguard life, truth, family, and community.

Why is justice essential in social life?

Because without justice, relationships and society break down.

How can the Beatitudes be applied in modern contexts (poverty, injustice)?

They call for humility, mercy, and peacemaking in addressing social problems.

Why is sanctifying grace necessary for holiness?

Because it is God’s life within the soul, elevating human nature to share in divine life.

How do impediments like ignorance or passion affect moral responsibility?

They lessen freedom and accountability for an action.

Why is Jesus considered the fullness of revelation?

Because in Him, God has completely revealed His love and plan for salvation.