Unit 1 Vocabulary:

What is transcendental belief about perfection?

The belief that we have a deep desire to know that which is perfect and unconditional.

What does the term 'transphysical soul' refer to?

The immortal soul.

What characterizes a numinous experience?

It is a surreal experience.

What occurs during a near-death experience?

A person's soul and body separate, allowing them to see deceased relatives or tunnels, before reuniting.

Define terminal lucidity.

A phenomenon where a person who has not recognized family for a long time suddenly remembers them.

What is conscience?

Our awareness of what is good or not.

What are the five transcendental desires? Name one.

1. Perfect Goodness/Justice: Perfect fairness.

What is perfect love in transcendental desires?

Willing the good for someone without limitations.

What does perfect truth symbolize in transcendental desires?

Perfect understanding of reality.

What does perfect beauty refer to?

Non-physical characteristics.

Explain perfect being/home in transcendental desires.

Perfect contentment with the world around you.

What is empirical evidence?

Things are known through experimentation or observation.

Define rational evidence.

Things are known through the use of reason and logic.

What is theological evidence?

A thing is known through faith.

What does agnosticism mean?

Lack of firm belief of whether God exists or not.

What is rationalism?

Rationalizing something away.

What does the Law of Non-Contradiction state?

Something cannot and can be somewhere at the same time and the same way.

How does the Big Bang Theory relate to God’s existence?

There must be an ultimate creator.

What is ontology?

The study of being.

What is the Unmoved Mover in Aquinas’s Proofs?

There has to be a mover that initiates motion.

What is the Uncaused Causer in Aquinas's Proofs?

There has to be an ultimate cause for everything.

Explain 'Necessary Being' in Aquinas’s Proofs.

Something must exist to cause the existence of everything else.

What does Gradation refer to in Aquinas’s Proofs?

There are varying degrees of perfection in the world.

What is the Argument from Design?

Order in the universe cannot be a product of chance.

List one reason why people wrestle with believing in God.

Experience of suffering.

How do faith and reason support each other?

They complement each other; reason leads to an understanding of faith.

Mention one proof of God’s existence found in contemporary science.

Near Death Experience.

What was Tacitus’s contribution to the authenticity of Jesus’ miracles?

Refers to the execution of 'Christus' under Pilate.

How did Josephus contribute to the historical authenticity of Jesus?

He referred to Jesus as a wise man who performed 'wondrous works'.

What criteria does the Church use to approve a Marian apparition?

Must align with Catholic teaching, credible and morally upright individuals, promote faith and prayer, and evidence of supernatural occurrences.

Describe the event of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Mary appeared to Juan Diego, asking for a shrine and providing roses as proof.

What was miraculous about the event at Lourdes?

Bernadette Soubirous witnessed Mary, who caused a spring to flow, leading to numerous recorded miracles.

What was the miracle at Fatima in 1917?

A dramatic solar phenomenon witnessed by 50,000 people.

Define a Eucharistic miracle.

Extraordinary interventions confirming faith in the real presence of the Lord's body and blood in the Eucharist.

What happened in the famous Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano?

A priest’s doubts turned into belief when the host turned into flesh and blood.

What are common patterns found in Eucharistic miracles?

Type AB blood, from a distressed heart.

What is the significance of the Shroud of Turin?

It is believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus.

How is science utilized to prove Eucharistic miracles?

Through blood samples, DNA testing, and thermal X-ray analysis.

Name one unique aspect of how Jesus changed religion.

His teachings on agape love – unconditional love.

How does the story of the Prodigal Son reflect God's love?

It demonstrates God's mercy and constant readiness to forgive.

What is a common misconception about God?

That God is mainly vengeful.