Comprehensive Catholic Faith and Moral Teachings Overview

What is the Magisterium?

The teaching authority of the Church carried out by the Pope and the Bishops, able to teach or interpret the truths of the Faith infallibly.

What was the Vatican II council?

A council that modernized the Catholic Church by introducing vernacular languages in Mass, improving dialogue with other religions, and adapting Church practices for the modern world.

What is Exegesis?

The analysis of texts in their original context to discover the original intent of the author.

What is Hermeneutics?

A way of interpreting texts and events to understand their meaning for contemporary life.

What does Psalm 23 portray about God?

God is depicted as a shepherd who lovingly cares for, guides, and protects His people.

What are the major themes in the Bible?

1. God and Creation, 2. Sin and the Fall, 3. Covenant and Promise, 4. Law and Wisdom, 5. Prophecy and Justice, 6. Salvation and Redemption, 7. Jesus Christ, 8. Love, 9. Kingdom of God, 10. Hope, Resurrection, and New Creation.

What is the Evangelium Vitae?

Referred to as the 'Gospel of Life', it emphasizes the sacredness of human life and the importance of every human being.

How do Catholics interpret the Bible?

Through Literalism, which takes words at face value, and Contextualism, which considers surrounding text, historical background, and author's intent.

What is St. Thomas Aquinas' first argument for God's existence?

Motion/Change - God as the unmoved mover, where everything in motion must be moved by another.

What is St. Thomas Aquinas' second argument for God's existence?

Cause/Efficient Cause - God as the uncaused cause, where everything that is caused must have a first cause.

What is St. Thomas Aquinas' third argument for God's existence?

Contingency/Necessity - God as a non-contingent being, as not everything can be contingent.

What is St. Thomas Aquinas' fourth argument for God's existence?

Gradation - God as perfection, where we compare our goodness to the maximum of goodness.

What is St. Thomas Aquinas' fifth argument for God's existence?

Design/Order/Intelligence - God as an intelligent being, as the complexity of existence cannot be coincidental.

What is the Christian understanding of God's identity?

The Trinity - one God existing as three coeternal and distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

What is a counterargument to God's existence based on the Big Bang theory?

The universe began from a tiny hot point that expanded, which does not necessarily imply a divine creator.

What is a counterargument to God's existence based on suffering?

The existence of suffering and evil raises questions about a benevolent and omnipotent God.

What is the Paschal Mystery?

Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension through which salvation is accomplished.

What is the Theology of the Body?

A teaching by Saint John Paul II that explains how the human body reveals God's plan for love, dignity, and self-gift.

What is the Eucharist?

The sacrament in which bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.

What is the Incarnation?

The belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ.

What is the New Covenant?

The eternal relationship between God and humanity established through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

What are Heaven and Hell?

The eternal states of union with God or separation from God, based on human freedom and choice.

What does the Duality of Natures refer to?

The doctrine that teaches Jesus is fully human and fully divine at the same time.

What are miracles?

Extraordinary acts of God that reveal His power and compassion, often performed by Jesus.

What are parables?

Simple stories used by Jesus to teach moral and spiritual truths about God's Kingdom.

What is Christology?

The study of who Jesus Christ is and what He accomplished.

What is forgiveness of sins?

God's act of restoring a person's relationship with Him by removing guilt through grace.

What is the Protoevangelium?

Genesis 3:15, which states that the serpent will wound the offspring, but he will ultimately crush evil.

What does Genesis 12:3 signify?

The promise that in Abraham's offspring, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

What are the Four Marks of the Catholic Church?

One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic.

What does 'One' signify in the Four Marks?

Jesus established a single, unified Church, a visible sign of unity.

What does 'Holy' signify in the Four Marks?

The Church is holy because it is united with Christ, the source of all holiness.

What does 'Catholic' mean in the Four Marks?

It means universal, reflecting the Church's mission to bring the Gospel to all people.

What does 'Apostolic' signify in the Four Marks?

The Church was founded by Christ on the Apostles and passes down its teaching authority through bishops.

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Church?

The Holy Spirit is the living presence of God active in the Church and in the hearts of believers.

What does the Holy Spirit do as the Giver of life and holiness?

The Spirit sanctifies the Church and helps believers grow in holiness.

How does the Holy Spirit serve as Teacher and guide?

The Spirit leads the Church into truth and helps interpret Scripture and Tradition.

What is the significance of being a Child of God?

Through baptism, believers are adopted into God's family, sharing in His divine life.

What is the Christian understanding of happiness?

True fulfillment found in knowing, loving, and living in communion with God.

What are the consequences of Free Will?

Humans can choose good or evil, which makes sin and suffering possible.

What is the significance of Life and Human Dignity?

Every person is created in God's image, giving each inherent worth.

What does God's gift of Love and Relationship entail?

It enables deep relationships but requires sacrifice, forgiveness, and commitment.

What is the gift of Grace and Salvation?

Through Jesus, humans are offered forgiveness and eternal life, requiring faith and repentance.

What is the Christian understanding of the Holy Trinity?

One God who exists as the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

What is worship?

An expression of our adoration for God.

What is prayer?

Our direct line of communication with God.

What is the role of Mary and the Saints in prayer?

They pray for us and support us in our faith.

What is the Annunciation?

When the angel Gabriel visited Mary and told her she would become the mother of Jesus.

What is the Immaculate Conception?

The belief that Mary was born without original sin.

What are the four portraits of Mary in the Gospels?

Mary in Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John, each highlighting different aspects of her role.

What role does Mary play in Jesus's story?

Mary is adopted by the beloved disciple and by extension the Church.

How does Mary feature in Luke's nativity account?

Mary takes center stage, is visited by the angel Gabriel, and wrestles with the announcement of conception.

What is the significance of the title 'Mother of God'?

It shows Mary was the Mother of Jesus (God) and highlights her unique role.

What does the title 'Mediatrix' mean?

It explains that Mary listens to our prayers and takes them to God.

What does 'Theotokos' mean?

It is Greek for 'God-bearer', referring to Mary giving birth to Jesus.

List four characteristics that make Mary a good role model.

Faithful, Humble, Courageous, Loving.

What is the role of a prophet?

Prophets speak up against injustices, spread faith, and preach truth.

What is the role of a priest?

Priests care for people by mediating reconciliation between God and people.

What is the role of a king?

Kings order and advance God's rule among His people.

How did Jesus exemplify the role of a prophet?

He spoke God's truth clearly, challenged religious leaders, and called for repentance.

Provide a modern example of a prophet.

A person who speaks out against racism or bullying.

How did Jesus exemplify the role of a priest?

He brought people back to God through His sacrifice and offered forgiveness.

Provide a modern example of a priest.

A counselor or youth leader helping someone reconcile with God.

How did Jesus exemplify the role of a king?

He ruled through love and service, calling us to build God's kingdom.

Provide a modern example of a king.

A community leader who supports the poor.

What was the role of a prophet in the Old Testament?

God's messenger who speaks truth, calls back to God, warns against sin.

What was the role of a priest in the Old Testament?

Mediator who offers sacrifices and leads worship.

What was the role of a king in the Old Testament?

Leader responsible for justice and protection, ruling according to God's law.

What do the Beatitudes teach about the Kingdom of Heaven?

They reflect humility, mercy, and love, promising happiness and eternal life.

What is Heaven according to Catholic belief?

The eternal state of being with God, experiencing perfect happiness and love.

What is Hell according to Catholic belief?

A state of eternal separation from God, chosen through deliberate rejection.

What is Purgatory according to Catholic belief?

A temporary state of purification for those who die in God's friendship.

What does the Spiral of Violence illustrate?

One act of violence leads to revenge and a continuous cycle of conflict.

What causes injustice and poverty according to 'The End of Poverty'?

They result from centuries of exploitation, including colonialism and unfair trade.

Who was St. Frances Xavier Cabrini?

She was called by God to help poor Italian immigrants and founded schools and hospitals.

What is free will?

The ability to make choices independently without outside influence.

What is social sin?

Sin that becomes part of society through harmful systems and structures.

What is conscience?

The inner sense that helps judge whether an action is right or wrong.

What is bioethics?

The study of moral questions arising in medicine and biology.

What is the Church's position on abortion?

The Church opposes abortion at all stages; life begins at conception.

What is the Church's stance on abortion?

The Church opposes abortion at all stages; life begins at conception.

What is the Church's position on euthanasia and assisted suicide?

The Church opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide; natural death is allowed.

Why is embryonic stem cell research not allowed by the Church?

It destroys human embryos.

What is the Church's view on organ donation?

Allowed and encouraged if voluntary and does not harm the donor.

Why is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) not allowed by the Church?

It separates procreation from the marital act.

What are some arguments for abortion?

Bodily autonomy, women's rights, quality of life.

What are some counterarguments against abortion?

Right to life, potential personhood, society's duty.

What are some arguments for euthanasia and assisted suicide?

Right to die with dignity, reduce suffering.

What are some counterarguments against euthanasia and assisted suicide?

Sanctity of life, risk of abuse, medical ethics.

What are some arguments for the death penalty?

Deterrence, justice and closure, cost.

What are some counterarguments against the death penalty?

Wrongful convictions, moral corruption, minorities.

What is moral law?

The rules that guide what is right and wrong, based on God's teachings and human conscience.

What is divine law?

The laws given directly by God through Scripture and Church teachings.

What is natural law?

The idea that God's moral law is written in our hearts, allowing us to know what is right through reason.

What is civil law?

Laws created by governments to keep society safe and orderly.

What is human law?

Any law made by people, based on natural law and moral principles.

What is the purpose of Catholic Social Teachings?

To guide how we should treat others and build a fair, loving society.

How does one form their conscience?

By learning Church teachings, praying for guidance, using reason and reflection, seeking advice, and examining conscience regularly.

What is the origin of moral laws?

Moral laws come from God, based on His nature and what is good for humans.

What is Catholic moral development?

The process of growing in goodness and becoming more like Jesus.