Theology Final Terms

Number 1000

Symbolizes a long period, particularly the "millennium" in which Christ reigns with his saints (Revelation 20:1-6).

Three Main Branches of Christianity

Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism, each with distinct beliefs and practices.

Four Marks of the Church

One (unity), Holy (set apart), Catholic (universal), Apostolic (continuity with apostles).

Five Patriarchs/Metropolitan Sees

Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, ancient centers of Christianity.

Acts of the Apostles

Fifth book of the New Testament detailing early Church history and apostolic missions.

Ananias and Sapphira

Couple in Acts 5 struck dead for lying about their donation to the apostles.

Anglicanism

Emerged from the English Reformation, balancing Protestant reforms and Catholic traditions.

Antioch

Early Christian center where the term "Christian" was first used (Acts 11:26).

Apostles

Twelve chief disciples of Jesus sent to preach the Gospel.

Apostolate

Mission or duties of apostles or evangelizing communities.

Arius/Arianism

Early heretic teaching Jesus was created, leading to the Arian controversy at the Council of Nicaea.

Ascension

Jesus rising into heaven 40 days after resurrection (Acts 1:9-11).

Assumption

Belief, especially in Catholicism, that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven.

Avignon Papacy

Period when Popes resided in Avignon, France, from 1309 to 1377.

Caesar

Title used by Roman emperors, referenced in the New Testament.

Calvinism

Protestant theology emphasizing predestination and God's sovereignty.

Catholic

Universal term referring to the global Christian Church.

Charism/Spirituality

Gifts from the Holy Spirit for the Church's benefit; diverse spiritual practices.

Charlemagne

Frankish king crowned Emperor in 800 AD, supporting Church and education.

Church

Community of Christian believers known as the Body of Christ.

Clergy

Ordained Church leaders like bishops, priests, and deacons.

Commissioning of Disciples

Sending forth of Jesus' followers to preach and baptize (Matthew 28:19-20).

Constantine

Roman Emperor who converted to Christianity and granted religious tolerance.

Constitutions

Authoritative Church documents often issued by councils.

Consubstantial/(Homoousios)

Term affirming Christ's divinity in the Nicene Creed.

Cornelius

Roman centurion's conversion in Acts 10, showing Gentile inclusion in the Church.

Council of Jerusalem

Early Christian council deciding Gentiles need not follow Jewish law.

Council of Nicea

First ecumenical council in 325 AD addressing Arianism and producing the Nicene Creed.

Council of Trent

Ecumenical council (1545-1563) clarifying Catholic doctrine.

Creed

Formal statement of Christian beliefs like the Nicene Creed.

Damascus

City where Paul converted to Christianity (Acts 9).

Deacon

Ordained minister assisting bishops and priests.

Destruction of the Temple

Second Temple's destruction in 70 AD, significant in Christian and Jewish history.

Deposit of Faith

Revealed truth in Scriptures and Tradition entrusted to the Church.

Diocese

District under a bishop's care in the Christian Church.

Disciple

Follower of Jesus, especially the twelve apostles.

Doctrine

Official Church teachings.

Dogmatic Constitutions

Authoritative documents defining doctrine from councils.

Donatism

Heresy linking sacraments' validity to clergy's moral character.

Eastern vs

Division influencing Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity.

Eastern Orthodox

Branch known for liturgy and theology, rooted in the Eastern Roman Empire.

Ecumenical Council

Assembly settling Church matters universally.

Edict of Milan

Constantine's 313 AD proclamation granting religious tolerance.

Edict of Thessalonica

380 AD decree making Christianity the state religion.

Edict of Toleration

Decrees granting religious freedom.

Encyclical

Papal letter addressing doctrinal or social issues.

Enlightenment

Movement valuing reason over tradition, impacting religion and society.

Essenes

Ascetic Jewish sect during the Second Temple period.

Eucharist

Sacrament commemorating the Last Supper.

Excommunication

Formal exclusion from Church sacraments.

Filioque

Addition to the Nicene Creed contributing