Theology Test 1/13

Study Guide

Origen

Early Christian theologian from Alexandria (185–254 AD); brilliant Scripture scholar and Christian Platonist. Taught ideas like the preexistence of souls and universal salvation, making him both influential and controversial

Tertullian

Early Christian theologian from Carthage; first major Christian writer in Latin. Helped shape Western Christian theology and emphasized strict moral discipline.

St. Basil the Great

Fourth-century bishop and Cappadocian Father who helped develop Trinitarian theology and organized communal monastic life near cities, linking prayer, learning, and service.

St. Athanasius

Bishop of Alexandria (300–373 AD); fierce opponent of Arianism and defender of Christ’s full divinity. Author of Life of Antony, which popularized monasticism.

St. Antony of Egypt

Early Christian ascetic and hermit; most famous anchoritic (solitary) monk. Considered the father of monasticism and model of desert spirituality.

Pachomius

Founder of cenobitic (communal) monasticism. Established monasteries where monks lived together under a rule, modeled partly on military organization.

St. Benedict

Founder of Western monasticism and author of the Rule of Benedict. Emphasized balance of prayer and work (ora et labora) and founded Monte Cassino.

John Cassian

Transitional figure who brought Eastern monastic practices to the West. Wrote Institutes and Conferences describing Egyptian monastic life.

Pelagius

Theologian who taught that humans could choose good without divine grace. His views sparked the Pelagian controversy and were opposed by St. Augustine.

St. Monica

Mother of St. Augustine, remembered for her persistent prayer and faith. Her influence was crucial in Augustine’s conversion to Christianity.

St. Gregory of Nazianzus

Cappadocian Father known as a brilliant theologian and preacher. Helped define Trinitarian doctrine and the language used in Christological debates.

St. Gregory of Nyssa

Cappadocian Father and younger brother of Basil the Great. Known for mystical theology and teaching that the soul’s journey toward God is endless.

Adeodatus

Son of St. Augustine; recognized for his intellectual brilliance at a young age and participated in philosophical dialogues with his father.

Pelagianism

Taught that humans arent born with Orginal Sin and can choose good without divine grace.

Donatism

Believed sacraments were invalid if administered by clergy who had lapsed (betrayed faith) during Roman persecution.

Eastern monasticism

Focused on a life of prayer, asceticism, and solitude to achieve deification (union with God) by imitating Christ

Western Moasticism

Communal or solitary life dedicated to prayer, work, and spiritual discipline, centered around vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, heavily shaped by figures like St. Benedict, with monasteries serving as learning centers