Key Concepts in Biblical Studies and Theology

Sacrificial Ban

God's command to destroy everything in a conquered city as an offering to Him.

Judge's formula

1. Israel turns from God, 2. God allows oppression, 3. Israel cries out, 4. God sends a judge, 5. Judge delivers them.

Sinai Covenant

The covenant that established Israel as a nation dedicated to God.

Respect

"To see again" and recognize the dignity of others.

6th Commandment

That we must not harm innocent life.

Possessions and reputation

Extensions of the person, requiring respect.

Besieging a city

Surrounding and cutting it off from supplies or aid.

Deborah's leader

Barak.

Rahab

Who hid the Israelite spies.

Jael

Who killed Sisera.

Reasons Israel wanted a king

Samuel's sons were corrupt, and they wanted to be like other nations.

Saul's fatal flaw

His pride and jealousy.

David's role with Saul

Harp player and later armor-bearer.

David's refusal to Saul

Kill him, because Saul was God's anointed.

Saul's death

He committed suicide on Mount Gilboa.

Messiah

The Anointed One.

SHUB

A Hebrew term meaning a change of heart.

Metanoia

A Greek word meaning a change in mind and perception.

Kerygma

The core apostolic teaching: we are saved through Jesus' death and resurrection.

At hand

The kingdom is now and requires effort to align with God's will.

Rabboni

Teacher.

Jesus forgiving the paralyzed man

To show He had the authority to forgive sins.

Do not cling to me

Let go of the idea of Jesus being dead—He is alive.

Mary recognizing Jesus

He called her by name.

Doctrine and dogma

Doctrine is community-held belief; dogma is official teaching that must be believed.

Foundational dogma of the Church

The Trinity.

Trinity

One God in three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

Grace

God's love poured into creation to help fulfill His will.

Incarnation

Jesus is fully God and fully human.

Hypostatic union

Jesus is 100% divine and 100% human in one person.

Latria

Worship owed to God alone.

Dulia

Honor given to saints.

Hyperdulia

Special honor reserved for Mary.

Immaculate Conception

Mary was conceived without Original Sin.

Assumption

Mary was taken body and soul into heaven.

Perpetual Virginity of Mary

Mary remained a virgin her entire life.

Communion of Saints

All Christians united in Christ on earth and in heaven.

Particular Judgment

Individual judgment at the moment of death.

General Judgment

Judgment of all creation at the end of time.

Heaven

Eternal participation in communion with God and the saints.

Hell

Eternal separation from God.

Purgatory

A temporary state of purification before entering heaven.

Can you enter heaven 'on a lie'?

No. One must be fully cleansed of anything that kept them from love.

Is purgatory a second chance?

No. All in purgatory are going to heaven.

Crucifixion

A Roman execution method for rebels and slaves.

Scourge

A whip with tips of metal or bone used to tear flesh.

Why did victims have to carry their crossbeam?

As part of the humiliation and punishment.

Why were nails placed in the wrists?

To hold the body securely on the cross.

Beloved Disciple's response at the tomb

He saw and believed.

First to enter the empty tomb

Peter.

Folded burial cloths

Jesus' body was not stolen.

Peter's violent act

It contradicts Jesus' message of peace.

What does Jesus do after the resurrection?

He forgives and commissions the apostles.

First person to see the risen Jesus

Mary Magdalene.

Source in the Trinity

The Father.

Role of the Holy Spirit

The love uniting Father and Son.

Purpose of the gifts of the Holy Spirit

To build up the Church in love.

Marian apparitions

Appearances of Mary (e.g., Guadalupe, Fatima).

Are Marian apparitions required belief?

No.

Synagogue

A Jewish place of worship and study.

Diaspora

The scattering of Jews outside of Israel.

Title 'Mary, Mother of God'

Affirms Jesus is truly God and man.

Paschal Mystery

Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection.

Doctrine

Teachings of the Church that guide faith.

Evangelical Period

Time when the Gospels were written.

Apostolic Period

Time when apostles preached Jesus.

Septuagint

Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures.

Hellenization

Spread of Greek culture.

Pax Romana

Roman peace that allowed Christian message to spread.

Primary value in Roman culture

Honor.

Book of Deuteronomy

Moses' farewell speech to Israel.

Captain of the Lord's Host

The angel who instructed Joshua.

King of the Amalekites

Agag.

Ninth Commandment

Do not bear false witness.

Eighth Commandment

Do not steal.

Seventh Commandment

Do not commit adultery.

Who led after Moses?

Joshua.

Five themes of the prophets

Social justice, Judgment Day, Heaven and Hell, the Messiah, and return to the desert.

Definition of the Gospel

The Good News of salvation through Jesus.