Theology Final

Hermeneutics

the study of interpretation theory, especially in relation to biblical texts

Apologetics

The theological discipline that defends the Catholic faith with rational argument and evidence.

Higher Criticism

a method of biblical analysis that investigates the historical, literary, and cultural contexts of Scripture to ascertain its meaning and origin

Eisegesis

the process of interpreting a text by introducing one's own subjective biases and opinions, often leading to a misinterpretation of the original meaning

Source Criticism

the analysis of biblical texts to evaluate their origins, authorship, and the historical context of their composition

Form Criticism

a method that examines the literary forms of biblical texts to understand their function and meaning within specific cultural settings

Rhetorical Criticism

the analysis of how rhetorical techniques and strategies are used in biblical texts to convey meaning and persuade audiences

Dei Verbum

the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, which emphasizes the importance of scripture and tradition in understanding the faith

Allegorical Sense of Scripture

a method of biblical interpretation that seeks to find deeper spiritual meanings and moral lessons beyond the literal sense of the text

Moral Sense of Scripture

a method of biblical interpretation that focuses on the ethical implications and moral teachings within the biblical text, guiding believers in their conduct

Anagogical Sense of Scripture

a method of biblical interpretation that focuses on the ultimate goal of human existence, emphasizing eschatological themes and eternal truths that lead believers toward the heavenly realm

Literal Sense of Scripture

a method of biblical interpretation that understands the text in its most direct and straightforward meaning, considering the historical and cultural context in which it was written

The “Great Commandment”

a biblical teaching that instructs individuals to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and to love their neighbor as themselves

The Synoptic Problem

refers to the challenge of explaining the similarities and differences among the first three Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, and Luke

The Q Source

is a hypothetical written collection of Jesus' sayings and teachings that is believed to have been used as a source for the Gospels of Matthew and Luke

The Historical Jesus

refers to the Jesus of history, as distinct from the theological interpretations of Christ, focusing on his life, ministry, and context in first-century Judea

The Four-Fold Gospel

is a term used to describe the four canonical Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, emphasizing their collective role in depicting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ

The Gospel of Matthew

is the first book of the New Testament, presenting the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, often highlighting his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

The Gospel of Mark

is the second book of the New Testament, focusing on the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, characterized by its emphasis on action and the urgency of Jesus' message

The Gospel of Luke

is the third book of the New Testament, detailing the life and ministry of Jesus Christ with a particular emphasis on his compassion for the marginalized and the role of women

The Gospel of John

is the fourth book of the New Testament, presenting a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his divine nature and the importance of belief in him as the Son of God

The Kingdom of God

is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, referring to God's reign over the hearts of individuals and the establishment of divine presence on Earth, characterized by justice, peace, and joy

The Sermon on the Mount

is a collection of teachings and sayings of Jesus, found in the Gospel of Matthew, that presents core ethical guidelines and principles of the Christian faith, including the Beatitudes

Diatribe

A Greco-Roman rhetorical form characterized by an extensive and vigorous discussion or critique, often utilized in philosophical or theological contexts.

Soteriology

is the study of salvation, exploring how individuals are saved from sin and its consequences through faith, grace, and the work of Christ

Kenosis

is a theological concept that refers to the 'emptying' of Christ's will and becoming human, emphasizing his humility and incarnation in the process of salvation

The Incarnation

is the doctrine that the second person of the Trinity, the Son of God, took on human flesh and became fully human while remaining fully divine, thus bringing salvation to humanity

Low Christology

is a theological perspective that emphasizes the humanity of Jesus Christ, focusing on his earthly life and experiences, often contrasting with High Christology, which emphasizes his divinity

High Christology

is a theological perspective that emphasizes the divinity of Jesus Christ, focusing on his pre-existence, divine nature, and role in salvation, often contrasting with Low Christology, which focuses on his humanity

The Word (Logos)

is a concept in Christian theology referring to Christ as the pre-existent divine reason or plan, through which all things were created and which became incarnate in Jesus

The Apostolic Age

is the period in early Christianity, roughly spanning from the resurrection of Jesus to the death of the last Apostle, characterized by the establishment of the Church and the spread of the Gospel

The Patristic Period

is the era in Christian history from the end of the Apostolic Age to the rise of the medieval Church, marked by the writings and teachings of the Church Fathers who shaped early Christian theology and doctrine

Supersessionism

is the theological belief that the Christian Church has replaced Israel in God's plan, asserting that the New Covenant in Christ supersedes the Old Covenant

Divine economy

refers to God's management of salvation history, encompassing the unfolding of God's redemptive purpose through creation, providence, and salvation

Pentecost

is the Christian feast celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, occurring fifty days after Easter, marking the birth of the Church

Gnosticism

is an ancient heretical belief system that emphasizes secret knowledge (gnosis) for salvation, often contrasting spiritual and material worlds

Marcionism

is a theological system founded by Marcion in the second century, which proposes a radical distinction between the Old Testament God and the New Testament God, emphasizing God's love and mercy in Christ over the judgment of the Creator God

Docetism

is an early heresy that claims Jesus Christ's physical body was an illusion, denying His true humanity and suffering

Transubstantiation

is the doctrine in Christian theology that the bread and wine used in the Eucharist become the actual body and blood of Christ during the rite of communion

Parousia

refers to the anticipated second coming of Christ, where He will return to judge the living and the dead at the end of the age.

Askesis

is a spiritual discipline or practice aimed at fostering self-control and spiritual growth, often involving asceticism

Martyr

is someone who is killed or suffers greatly for their religious beliefs or faith, often seen as a witness to their faith

Cenobitic Monasticism

a form of monastic life in which individuals live together in community, sharing resources and following a common rule

Christology

is the study of the nature, person, and works of Jesus Christ, particularly regarding his divinity and humanity

Pneumatology

is the study of the Holy Spirit, focusing on its nature, role, and work within the Christian faith

The Council of Nicaea

was a significant meeting of Christian leaders in 325 AD that addressed the nature of Christ and established the Nicene Creed, affirming the belief in the Trinity

Arianism

is a nontrinitarian belief that asserts that Jesus Christ is subordinate to God the Father and denies the co-eternity of the Son with the Father

Homoousios

is a theological term meaning "of the same substance," used in the Nicene Creed to affirm that Jesus Christ is of the same essence as God the Father

Nestorianism

is a Christological doctrine that emphasizes the distinctness of the two natures of Christ, fully divine and fully human, which can lead to the belief that they are separate persons

The Council of Chalcedon

was an ecumenical council held in 451 AD that defined the two natures of Christ, affirming that He is both fully divine and fully human in one person

The Hypostatic Union

is the theological concept that describes the union of Christ's two natures, divine and human, in one hypostasis or person

Theotokos

is a title for Mary, the mother of Jesus, meaning "God-bearer" or "birth giver of God," affirming her role in the incarnation of Christ

Paul

was an apostle and missionary who spread the teachings of Jesus and played a crucial role in the early Christian church, authoring many New Testament letters

Lazarus

was a man raised from the dead by Jesus, as described in the Gospel of John, illustrating Jesus' power over death and foreshadowing His own resurrection

Tertullian

was an early Christian writer and theologian from Carthage known for his apologetic works and for coining the term "Trinity." He significantly influenced the development of Western Christian thought

Justin Martyr

was an early Christian apologist and philosopher who defended Christianity against pagan critiques and contributed to the development of early Christian doctrine through his writings

Didache

is an early Christian text that provides instructions on Christian ethics, practices, and church organization, often viewed as a guide for aspiring Christians.

Anthony the Great

is considered the father of Christian monasticism, known for his life of asceticism and spiritual retreat in the Egyptian desert, inspiring many to follow his example

John Chrysostom

was an early Church Father known for his eloquent preaching and public speaking, serving as the Archbishop of Constantinople and advocating for the poor and social justice

Athanasius

was a significant early Church theologian and opponent of Arianism, known for his defense of the Nicene Creed and his work as the Bishop of Alexandria

Basil of Caesarea

was an influential early Christian bishop who played a key role in the development of monasticism and the Nicene faith, known for his theological writings and contributions to the formation of Christian doctrine

Gregory of Nazianzus

was an important early Church Father and theologian, known for his role in the development of the doctrine of the Trinity and his influential sermons and writings

Cyril of Alexandria

was a prominent early Church theologian and patriarch, known for his defense of the faith against Nestorianism and his contributions to the development of Christological doctrine

Psalm 22

a lament that expresses deep anguish and despair but ultimately shifts to a tone of hope and praise. It begins with a cry of abandonment ('My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?') and vividly describes suffering and ridicule. It progresses to proclaim God's faithfulness and ends with a declaration of praise and a promise to share God's goodness with future generations.

Matthew 1

provides the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing his lineage back to Abraham and highlighting key figures in Jewish history.

Matthew 5

contains the Beatitudes and teachings of Jesus, including the Sermon on the Mount, which addresses moral and ethical guidelines for living a righteous life.

Mark 16

describes the resurrection of Jesus, the discovery of the empty tomb by the women, and the commissioning of the disciples to spread the Gospel

Luke 2

details the birth of Jesus, including the announcement to the shepherds and the events surrounding His nativity

Luke 16

contains parables, including the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, emphasizing themes of wealth, judgment, and the afterlife

John 1

presents the theological foundation of Jesus as the Word (Logos), emphasizing His divinity and role in creation

Acts 2

describes the events of Pentecost, including the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian church with Peter's sermon

Romans 11

discusses God's faithfulness to Israel, the mystery of Israel's partial hardening, and the inclusion of the Gentiles in salvation

1 Corinthians 15

is a significant chapter that addresses the resurrection of Jesus Christ, highlighting its centrality to Christian faith and the future resurrection of believers

Philippians 2

is a key chapter emphasizing humility and servanthood, urging believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient to death

Revelation 4

describes a vivid vision of God's throne in heaven, highlighting His majesty, worship by heavenly beings, and the call to recognize His sovereignty