Untitled Flashcards Set

Theophanies

Manifestations of God.

Jacob's wrestling

A theophany in Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestles with a divine being before receiving the name Israel.

God's presence at Sinai

Described in Exodus 19 with thunder, lightning, and smoke as God gives the Law to Moses.

Transfiguration

An event in Luke 9 where Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John and Moses and Elijah appear.

Post-resurrection appearance

In Luke 24, Jesus reveals Himself to the disciples on the road to Emmaus through Scripture.

1 Corinthians

Paul's letter addressing church divisions, morality, spiritual gifts, and resurrection.

2 Corinthians

Paul's letter defending his apostleship, encouraging generosity, and discussing suffering for Christ.

Ignatius of Antioch

A church father from Syria who wrote letters on unity and hierarchy and died as a martyr around 108 AD.

Irenaeus of Lyon

A church father who wrote 'Against Heresies' to refute Gnosticism and define Christian doctrine; died around 202 AD.

Recapitulation Theory

The idea that Christ redoes humanity’s history and undoes Adam’s failure.

Origen of Alexandria

A church father known for his writings on biblical comparison and systematic theology; died circa 253 AD after torture.

Archē (ἀρχή)

A term meaning 'beginning' or 'principle'; Origen viewed Christ as this eternal Logos.

Council of Nicaea

The council that discussed Arianism and declared Christ as homoousian (of the same essence) as the Father.

Arius

A heretic who claimed that Christ was created by the Father and not co-eternal.

Ichthys

A Greek acronym for 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior,' used as a secret symbol among early Christians.

Bishop (Episkopos)

The supreme leader of the Church, responsible for its unity.

Presbyters (Elders/Priests)

Assist the bishop in teaching and shepherding the church.

Deacons

Servants of the community who administer charity and assist bishops and presbyters.

Patrologia Graeca (PG)

Collection of Greek writings from early Christian thinkers.

Patrologia Latina (PL)

Collection of Latin writings from early Christian authors, compiled in the 19th century.

Homoousian (ὁμοούσιον)

A term established at the Council of Nicaea to declare that Christ is of the same essence as the Father.

Theology

The study of the nature of God and religious belief.

Apostolic Fathers

Early Christian writers who are believed to have known the apostles or their close associates.

Gnosticism

An ancient belief system that posits gnosis, or secret knowledge, as the path to salvation.

Marcionism

A heretical belief system that rejected the Old Testament and presented a different version of Christianity.

Nicene Creed

A statement of Christian faith established at the Council of Nicaea that affirms the Trinity.

Ecumenical Council

Gathering of Christian leaders and theologians to discuss and settle questions of doctrine.

Sacraments

Rituals instituted by Christ, such as baptism and Eucharist, as means of grace.

Apocrypha

Books excluded from the canonical Bible, often due to questions of authenticity or authority.

Pneumatology

The study of the Holy Spirit and its role in the Christian faith.

Christology

The branch of theology relating to the person, nature, and role of Christ.